On another occasion Jesus went to the synagogue. A man was there with a shrivelled hand. Jesus asked him to stand in front of everyone and then spoke to the assembled congregation and then gave the man a command:

‘I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?’ He looked around at them all and then said to the man ‘Stretch our your hand’. He did so and his hand was completely restored. Luke 6:9-10

Today you are invited to consider how much doctrine and ritual guide your faith. How do you feel when you see someone doing or hear them saying different things to those to which you are accustomed in times of worship? How do you feel about following a written liturgy (if you do not) or not following one (if you do)? How do you feel about ‘modern’ worship, new songs, spontaneous prayer – or how do you feel about the playing of an organ, traditional hymns, and written prayers in a hymn book? Where do such differences affect the way you worship God? How do you think God feels? Ask Him? Does His response alter your thoughts and beliefs on how worship should be done?

May God bless you today as you explore new/different ways to worship Him.