Building Altars

Altars. That's a word we don't hear or use much in today's common vernacular. Last night, our community group was talking about God's faithfulness in our lives and how he has overwhelmingly answered so many of our prayers in the last few weeks. That lead us to discuss the importance finding ways to worship God and remember his goodness and faithfulness, so the times when we are troubled and God seems far away we can look back and be reminded of His promises.

In the Old Testament, when they wanted to praise God and remember what He did for them, they would build an altar. When God saved Noah and his family from the flood, the first thing they did when they landed on ground was build an altar (Gen. 8:20). When Moses and the people of Israel defeated the Amalekites, Moses built and named an altar for the Lord (Exodus 17:15). We see all of the Old Testament characters - Gideon, Saul, David - repeating this act of worship. Not only did they signify their thankfulness by doing this, but they also had their priorities in line. They built their altars immediately after God answered their prayers or delivered them.

This makes me wonder why we don't do the same thing more often? Well, I do understand why we don't physically construct altars out of building materials, but why don't I make an effort to incorporate worship and devotion into more places of my every day life. I heard a story of a family writing verses on the foundation of a newly built house, and I've heard of people taking pictures and attaching verses to them of answered prayers. I believe in the importance and significance behind building altars, and I hope to find ways to incorporate that into more of my everyday life.

That being said, what do you do or what ideas do you have for making altars to God?

Desert Song

We sang this song, "Desert Song," at church last week, and I loved the lyrics. It really reminded me of God's faithfulness and how much we have to be thankful for "in every season." Happy Wednesday:

This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger in me
My God is a God who provides

And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain

I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

And this is my prayer in the battle
And triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be empited again
The seed I've recieved I will sow