K, Stop the Press, For That Was Amazing!
One of the many goofy things about blogs is to know how and when to publish things, and in which order. I have at least a dozen things I want to post, with probably the potential of a few hundred more in the back of my mind. Then there's the occasional straggler that I should have written about six months ago and completely forgot. So the author has to choose: should I write them in chronological order, write about the ones I'm passionate about now? Hmmmm...
Skip the 12 and however many else for now. I want to write about this evening, while it is fresh. I just went to one of the most amazing church services in recent history, if not all time. Church is always good in some way or another, but today was simply awesome. Now, the normal list of things that are often recounted as making a service "good" or "bad" really bothers me. I'm not talking here about the sermon was really "good" or the music was really "good", and then I felt free to leave because everything was "good" in my eyes. Sometimes that seems so trivial.
At the same time, I don't know how else to say it. Those sentences would be accurate, but inadequate and trite. Let's just say the Lord was present in power and authority, and the forces of darkness ain't gonna like what God is doing in His church... yet they cannot prevail against it! The poignant power of the Word was present in dynamo ridiculous force. No holds barred, we need a kick in the pants, and I believe God will shake us and prepare us for the storms that come our way. He is so merciful and gracious to us to prepare us, so that we will not simply be tossed to and fro, hopeless to the wiles of darkness and gloom, discouragement and what seems to be short supply.
I want to see that sermon online somewhere so I can link to it. Naturally, the Spirit was speaking specifically to our body at Ethnos, but I feel it was pretty amazing... and it has a wider message for the church out there as well. Of course, who has time to sit down and listen to sermons. I know, I don't really like to do it either. Not that I don't think I'll benefit, but it's a big investment, and we certainly cannot listen to all the sermons of every church in our area, much less the world. So I pray God speak through preachers everywhere in powerful ways in this age.
Of course, as usual, Dave's amazing sermon so directly related to what I've been thinking about this past week, that I felt the need to crumble in awe at the unlimited power and wisdom of our God, who is able to provide all things for us at just the right moment. If I end up getting a recorded version of the sermon, perhaps I'll be able to share some more specific thoughts and reflections.
Dude, the whole thing was crazy this evening. I sensed everyone was more sensitive to the Spirit, and it was almost too much to witness! Yet I pray and boldly beg for more of this! We have so much need for the Father's hand in our lives. We cannot survive in this world without our head, which is Jesus Christ. The one who has a sword in His mouth, bright shining eyes and appears as a lamb slain... this is the One who has command over all, and He loves us sincerely. Nothing escapes His notice, and He's not too busy to intervene on our behalf. He is mighty to save, mighty to save!
Paul, Meredith, worship team: you were amazing tonight. I couldn't help but notice each component of the music and smile at seeing how worshipful you all were, even while just "warming up" and "practicing". I enjoyed it so much I cannot describe. The worship service was inspiring, not in a feel-good way, but in an equipping, empowering way. The Lord will provide for you, the Rameys somehow. I hope faith isn't lost in the meantime. He's sovereign though, and if He called you - which He did - then He will be faithful to provide. If He tests you or disciplines... boy, that hurts, but consider the payoff in the end. Please Father, encourage these precious servants by Your vast provision. I've seen You do this so many times, even in my own life. You've never stopped providing and sustaining throughout time, or we'd all become dust or vapors.