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November 1 Blessed All Saints Day “It Is Now That God Favors What You do”

Go eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do. ~Ecclesiastes 9:7


To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to others: “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.” For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He has a demon.” The son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, “Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and …sinners…” But wisdom is proved right by her actions.” ~Matthew 11:16-19

There’s just no pleasing some people. Some people think that Christians should always be happy, shouting lots of “Praise the Lords,” and “Hallelujahs!” Others believe that if you’re are not somber and contemplative, you’re not taking your faith seriously enough. So much of how we experience our relationship with God is dependent on how He made us. There is no right way or wrong way. Probably the best way is a little mix of all of it.

That’s another good reason for worshiping in a body. You may pick me up and I may bring you down, just a bit anyway. He designed and made it all. All of it, when it is focused on Him, is worship. “It is now that God favors what you do.” The important thing is that we do it now. Worship is a now thing. Worshiping God should never be put on hold. You don’t know your future. This moment may be your last time on this earth to tell the Lord how wonderful He is and bring Him glory by saying so.

It’s Sunday. It’s all Saints day. It’s the day we remember those who have gone before, whose voices are silent for now, on this earth. Yes, I’m sure that they are praising God in glory, but to us, it is unheard. It’s also the day that we reflect on our persecuted brothers and sisters who are also silenced, by force. They would love to enjoy worshiping together with their friends and family, in their church body, but aren’t allowed to do so.

“It is now that God favors what we do.” Now, while we have opportunity, let us bring our gratitude with us to worship and worship Him in Spirit and in truth on behalf of all of those who, for now are silent, because we can.

Prayer: I will praise and worship You my Lord and my Savior! God bless the ones who worship You in near secret to hide from persecution. Their meetings are small and quiet. But they are brave to meet at all. They prove the importance of fellowship. We need each other. Help them Lord. May their enemies repent and love You too. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Song: A Mighty Fortress



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