Devotions by Pastor Dave Timm: Friday – September 4, 2020

By March 18, 2022 Uncategorized

You may not have ever thought about it, but it can be complicated for a pastor to worship at a church service. Oh sure, we lead worship! But that is different from getting lost in worshiping the Lord. We value those moments when we are not “upfront” leading but instead are being led by another pastor, worship leader, or musician.

I am able to worship like that occasionally at another church like FaithWalk church. To be fed like you are at Royal Redeemer.

I was blessed for many years by going to a pastor’s conference in Pheonix every February. It was a great time for me to “be fed” and to recharge my spiritual batteries. I can remember being lost in the Love of God through music, prayer, messages, and the joy of worshiping with 1000 other pastors and church leaders. I can remember one specific moment that touched me. It was around the year 2000. The worship music was led by Fernando Ortega. He led us in singing “Give Me Jesus”. I encourage you to check it out online. The words are simple and yet life-changing and his voice is incredible!

In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise, give me Jesus

Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
But give me Jesus 

And when I am alone
Oh, and when I am alone
And when I am alone, give me Jesus

Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
But give me Jesus

And when I come to die
Oh, and when I come to die
And when I come to die, give me Jesus

Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
You can have all this world
You can have all this world
But give me Jesus

Let’s look at these words.

First of all, it tells of total love and trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord, Savior, provider, and Redeemer. He is the only place to put your faith. “You can have all this world But give me Jesus.” This is counter-cultural. We are taught by culture, media, and other people that it’s all about what you have. “he who dies with the most toys wins” “have it your way” “grab all the gusto you can get” “eat drink and be merry” “watch out for number one.” And yet we are warned in Romans 1:25  They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. What do you tend to worship and value the most? Maybe your job, car, golf game? The real question is if Jesus is your Lord? Does your day planner/calendar show that to be true? Does your checkbook/bank account show that to be true? Would your friends know that your goal and passion is to be closer to and more like Jesus? Colossians 3:17  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

The song looks at 3 times that can enhance your relationship with Jesus:

  • In the morning, when I rise… …This is key to me. Make time to get off on the right foot. First thing when you get up, talk to God. Thank Him for safe night sleep. Ask for Him to walk alongside you throughout the day…better yet, follow Him every day. Get into His Word first thing. Read a section of scripture or a devotional book. (see me if you need ideas). Have some quiet time getting a game plan for the day. Jesus did! Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
  • And when I am alone… The best part of your relationship with the Lord is that you have 24/ 7 access to Him. Thank Him when things are going well (just a short prayer of thanks). Call out to Him when life is tough. (ask Him to calm the storm, to calm your anxiety, to guide your words and actions). And then quietly “listen” for Him to speak to you…maybe in shouts…maybe in whispers. John 10:27-28… My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. The best part is that He will answer you! Jeremiah 33:3… Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’
  • And when I come to die…So, the stark reality is that as sinners we will all die. Romans 6:23 The wages of sin is death. And yet death should not cause fear because of what is waiting for us (through faith in Jesus) at that time. Romans 6:23 continues But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus as Lord. Some feel that death is the end nothing more just rotting in the ground. Perhaps they are not singing our song above because they do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

So…now what?

  • Reflect on the words of the song. Make it your prayer each day.
  • Start each day saying “give me Jesus.”
  • Throughout the day stop and say “give me Jesus.”
  • Know that when you die…you will see Jesus.
  • Who do you know that does not know Jesus? 1 Peter 3:15… But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, Imagine the joy you will find when they can sing give me Jesus along with you. Wait for the right moment, pray for God to work through you, do it gently.

*Bonus thought for the day!*

Want to live a great, meaningful, and God-pleasing life? (source unknown)

TEN RULES FOR A HAPPY LIFE

  1. Give something away (no strings attached)
  2. Do an act of kindness (with no expectations in return)
  3. Spend a few minutes with the aged (their experience is a priceless guidance)
  4. Look intently into the face of a baby (and marvel)
  5. Laugh often (it’s life’s lubricant)
  6. Give thanks (a thousand times a day is not enough)
  7. Pray (or you will lose the way)
  8. Work (with vim and vigor)
  9. Plan as though you’ll live forever (because you will)
  10. Live as though you’ll die tomorrow (because you will on some tomorrow)