Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1204344
20 | WheelsOfGrace.com | Issue 49 It was another Sunday so it seemed but it all changed when we were joined in our morning worship service by two groups of men who are being delivered from drug and alcohol addiction. Our normal demographic changed that Sunday morning and some of us were even forced to sit in another pew. (GASP!) Most of the men who gathered with us didn't look like us, talk like us, live like us, or even worship like us. Surely, I wasn't the only one who noticed a difference in their approach to worshipping our Father. There was a sweetness to their worship that I haven't witnessed in some time. There was an eager anticipation and a reverent dependence on God that blessed my soul. As I watched these men covered in tattoos and leather pour out their hearts in praise to Jesus, I couldn't help but notice the contrast between their worship and the "church" people surrounding them. I found myself confused by the situation, so I decided to talk with God about it. Right in the middle of worship, I found myself in deep dialogue with my Father about the situation that was unfolding before me and the Holy Spirit brought a scripture to mind. In Ephesians 2:12-13 Paul writes, "Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenant of promise having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." As I watched these men covered in tattoos and leather pour out their hearts in praise to Jesus, I couldn't help but notice the contrast between their worship and the "church" people surrounding them. So why the difference in worship? It's simple. We have forgotten from what and where God has delivered us. These men are completely dependent on Jesus and we have become self dependent. The problem is not music style or song choice, the problem is that we have bought into the illusion of control. The man who's drowning and the man standing on the dock see a boat differently. It's hard to worship someone that you don't need, isn't it? Father forgive us. God Is Good, Bro. Derek Salem Heights Baptist Church 5850 US-84, Laurel, MS 39443 "Remember"