"For you are great, and do wonderous things;
You alone are God." Psalm 86.10
I am amazed at how Jesus continues to fill my life to replace things that are lost or stolen. Friends come and go. Seasons change. But the Lord is the same always.
Recently I've been attending a church that challenges me on many levels, but the depth of relationship and genuine caring is having a profound affect in our worship. There is freedom to come as you are, with the baggage of the week, and have that dusted off... there is freedom to laugh, freedom to cry, freedom to speak to the Lord, and freedom to share about how the Lord has touched your heart.
'Fire pour down' became the chorus yesterday. It came from a Misty Edwards song about how Jesus won't relent until he has all of us. It was overwhelming to watch four generations worship in unison...tears in the eyes of most of the people in the room... three churches gathered, simply to say 'thank you Lord, that you won't relent until you have all of me'.
I watched for a bit... and was thankful to do so. But, as is generally the case these days, in seeing and feeling the genuine cry of his people, my heart melted, and I too joined in the chorus of worshippers... surrounded by many friends.
The service which started around 10 am, didn't end until shortly after 4. The 'crowd' just didn't want to move. The sermon was roughly 40 minutes somewhere in between. The congregation was feeling the press of the season changing. Many will be leaving soon and heading back to the countries and cities from which they come. The school they've been attending has finished, and the friendships, though deeply treasured, will morph into something new.... or fade into memory. Either way, there was a deep fellowship, and profound healing yesterday.
Next week, there is a potluck dinner. We all laughed at the announcement because someone wanted to know when it would start. The response from the pastor was 'we don't know...Let's just say about 1/2 hour after the service ends'.
It was a great day. And today, I'm still singing the praises of my saviour, and remembering new and old friends. "Fire pour down on us we pray".
May the Holy, Purifying fire of the Holy Spirit rest on you today, wherever you are...
Blessings.
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4 comments:
mmm... glad for this.
A church service that went for 6 hours? Reminds me of something you'd hear about going on in Africa. I love it!!!
just found this blog through Cityscapes. and WOW wonder of Wonders, a church service after God's own heart...oh how I wish such a church and service were here in London, Ontario...THIS is GOD's family worshipping and fellowshiping with HIM INTIMATELY. Lord, birth this all over our nation of Canada I pray. Sandra
Hi Sandra! I know of a few services in London Ontario too :)
We share a heart to see intimate worship and fellowship all over Canada!
Thanks for the encouragement, and for prompting me to write again.
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