Spiritual 'Kodak Moments' by Ann-Louise Gremminger
Do you remember the 'Kodak Moment' commercials? The theme of those ads was that we should preserve our precious memories for a lifetime (using Kodak products, of course).
One morning in church, I was very blessed to witness a spiritual 'Kodak Moment.' When we stood to sing, the man seated in front of us, who appeared to be very ill, remained seated. His wife rose to her feet, then turned and smiled as she grasped his hand. Both raised their free hand in worship while their faces radiated joy, love for one another, and love for their God. It didn't matter to the dear lady that her husband was not at the same level she was (vertically). He was not put out by the fact that his wife was standing above him while he remained in the pew. There was a simple unity and peace between them.
I pray that spiritual 'Kodak Moment' will be preserved in my memory throughout my lifetime. It caused me to think about how God desires all within the body of Messiah to be united in an act of praise to His holy Name. Some time ago, I had the privilege of attending 'United in Praise,' which is an annual praise concert held in my area. It is a wonderful time of worship brought together by members of worship teams from churches of several denominations. There are some differences between the churches that participate that might prevent cooperation in other ministry areas, yet for the two days of 'United in Praise,' those differences are set aside, while we come together to lift up the Name of the Lord, exemplifying the title of the event. 'United in Praise' certainly qualifies as another spiritual 'Kodak Moment.'
We were all created for one purpose - to glorify God. So, why then do we, as believers, allow so many things to divide us? Often, those things are of little importance in light of eternity. One believer uses translation A while another uses translation B, and another uses translation C. Why allow that to destroy the unity we are commanded to have as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ? Does our choice of English translation of the Holy Scriptures REALLY matter in light of eternity? I like the Complete Jewish Bible for a variety of reasons. I encourage others to at least try it, yet would never insist that others must use it. Some say we must all use their translation of choice only. Why? Why should it matter? Is the Holy Spirit limited by our choices? Can't He speak to us through the living Word of God, regardless of whether the language used in translation has Jewish/Hebrew, Shakespearean or modern influences?
The Bible we carry is only one example of the many things we allow to divide us. We must remember what God says about those who seek to divide and cause division and take it very seriously. In Proverbs 6, we are told there are six things the Lord hates. The last item in that list is "him who sows strife among brothers."
How many more spiritual 'Kodak Moments' could be seen if we would simply obey the Word of God?
Therefore I, the prisoner united with the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called. Always be humble, gentle and patient, bearing with one another in love, and making every effort to preserve the unity the Spirit gives through the binding power of shalom.There is one body and one Spirit, just as when you were called you were called to one hope. And there is one Lord, one trust, one immersion, and one God, the Father of all, who rules over all, works through all and is in all. -Ephesians 4:1-6 CJB
May we all remember "how good, how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in harmony. "-Psalm 133:1 CJB
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I pray that spiritual 'Kodak Moment' will be preserved in my memory throughout my lifetime. It caused me to think about how God desires all within the body of Messiah to be united in an act of praise to His holy Name. Some time ago, I had the privilege of attending 'United in Praise,' which is an annual praise concert held in my area. It is a wonderful time of worship brought together by members of worship teams from churches of several denominations. There are some differences between the churches that participate that might prevent cooperation in other ministry areas, yet for the two days of 'United in Praise,' those differences are set aside, while we come together to lift up the Name of the Lord, exemplifying the title of the event. 'United in Praise' certainly qualifies as another spiritual 'Kodak Moment.'
We were all created for one purpose - to glorify God. So, why then do we, as believers, allow so many things to divide us? Often, those things are of little importance in light of eternity. One believer uses translation A while another uses translation B, and another uses translation C. Why allow that to destroy the unity we are commanded to have as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ? Does our choice of English translation of the Holy Scriptures REALLY matter in light of eternity? I like the Complete Jewish Bible for a variety of reasons. I encourage others to at least try it, yet would never insist that others must use it. Some say we must all use their translation of choice only. Why? Why should it matter? Is the Holy Spirit limited by our choices? Can't He speak to us through the living Word of God, regardless of whether the language used in translation has Jewish/Hebrew, Shakespearean or modern influences?
The Bible we carry is only one example of the many things we allow to divide us. We must remember what God says about those who seek to divide and cause division and take it very seriously. In Proverbs 6, we are told there are six things the Lord hates. The last item in that list is "him who sows strife among brothers."
How many more spiritual 'Kodak Moments' could be seen if we would simply obey the Word of God?
Therefore I, the prisoner united with the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called. Always be humble, gentle and patient, bearing with one another in love, and making every effort to preserve the unity the Spirit gives through the binding power of shalom.There is one body and one Spirit, just as when you were called you were called to one hope. And there is one Lord, one trust, one immersion, and one God, the Father of all, who rules over all, works through all and is in all. -Ephesians 4:1-6 CJB
May we all remember "how good, how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in harmony. "-Psalm 133:1 CJB
Back to LOVE Home page
