"holy spirit, you are welcome here, come flood this place and fill the atmosphere" were the first words that came into my head this morning, as I stood in the front of the church, practicing music for today's service. little did I know, it was about to come true. it was so amazing to see a small Mennonite congregation, in a white church, some singing songs that they had never heard in their life, but at the same time, you knew. you knew that God was there too, singing those songs from the bottom of his heart, loving every minute of worship and seeing his people.
but in that moment, I learned something. seeing fellow believers worshiping right along with me made me realize that worship isn't just about the songs that you sing. it's not about how good or how meaningful the sermon was on any given Sunday. it's not about whether or not the service went as planned. it's about who the worship and praise is going to. I think sometimes we forget that church is a time to worship and to give praise, and instead we get caught up in the other side of things... business and maintenance. but, in reality, you can worship anywhere. just like Jesus did, because he didn't always have a church. he praised God and worshiped on the mountains, in the streets, and even in the homes of tax collectors. I think that's what we should do too.
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many of us don't know the power that we hold. the power of a compliment, the power of a smile, the power of going out of your way to help someone around you. it's amazing. we also have the power to change the world... or at least the familiar world around you. many of us don't know what we're truly capable of, and have many times been doubted by others.
take David, for example. at first glance, Saul thought that all he was capable of was being a shepherd. because, that's all that Saul knew him as. David's brothers thought he would get himself killed. "Go, and God be with you." Saul said to David in 1 Samuel 17 when he was finally convinced that David could successfully fight Goliath. David knew that he could do it, because David believed. if we believe that "With God, all things are possible" (Matt. 19:26), then we will be able to do much more than we could ever imagine on our own. When Peter asked Jesus what he would receive in return for being a follower, probably expecting a monetary gift or a material gift, Jesus' answer most likely blew Peter away. Everlasting life, Jesus said. Not a house, not a phone, nothing immediate. Eternal life. As a follower, we too have the best gift of all to look forward to.
I imagine getting to Heaven, arriving at the gates, and Jesus welcoming me with open arms, telling me how much he loves me and cares for me. Getting to talk to him, ask him as many questions as my mind can think of, and forever. That's the best gift a follower can ask for. |
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