I sat down at the computer to
share some of our week with you, but, honestly, it all seems very
shallow at the moment. I sat contemplating what to write, and I
couldn't make myself write about going to vote and making valentines.
I'm sure I'll share some of those things soon, but tonight my heart is
burdened for the presence of the Lord. I've mentioned a couple of times
here that our church is praying and seeking real revival. I don't mean
once a year revival meetings, where everyone gets their emotions
stirred and are on fire for the Lord for a couple of weeks. I mean
God's presence come down on the church. Life changing revival.
I've watched the changes start
coming over the last few months~more people on their knees, raising
their hands in praise and worship, singing and praising from the depths
of their souls. You can truly sense the Lord in those times of
worship. He's there, but you know there's more.
This morning, in a very
moderate size, conservative Southern Baptist Church, we got only a
glimpse of God~a shadow of what's to come. It was an amazing morning.
During the midst of our worship, as the minister of music began to pray,
a man from the choir stepped forward and began to pray. This is a very
quiet man; reserved and soft spoken. This would be out of character of
anyone to do in our church, but especially someone like him. He began
to pray~to pray very strongly, and you could sense the spirit, and
through that prayer, God called the church to repentence. People began
pouring to the alter, praying, crying, and praising God, quietly, but
audibly. The man continued to pray aloud as God spoke through him for
several minutes.
Some people have questioned
our pastor today, and were upset about what happened~ "This is not what
we do". Tonight our pastor (whom I trust and know to be so sensitive to
the spirit) said that he believes without a doubt that none of that was
from the flesh, and if he had had *any* thought that it was, he would
have put a stop to it immediately. He believes that it was a message
from the Lord, that the church better be paying attention, and that this
is only a small glimpse of what is to come. He said He knows this man
well, and he knows this was not him talking, but the Lord. I believe
that, too, because the result was too powerful.
I can't describe to you my
heart on this. I feel blessed, I feel awed, and I feel a burden. This
afternoon my mind went to the Bible stories I have been reading to
Marissa and Daniella the last few months. We read about the Israelites,
and how they could not stand to be in the presence of the Lord. They
were too afraid, and asked Moses to go do it for them and deliver His
message. Will we be too afraid? Will we truly repent, and give
ourselves completely and openly to the Lord. Will we be able to stand
in His presence without fear, or will people be too afraid to do things
differently? Will they be too afraid to open their hearts for a life
changing encounter, and throw their hands up in praise?
I want to be ready.
Revival begins in each heart.
Of course, as we go through each day, we are seeking God and praising
Him; searching for Him in all situations, giving ourselves to Him. I
just don't think that most of us realize what God really wants to give
us. Our family has already had glimpses of God changing us, but I want
all God wants to bless us with.
I want to be ready.
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