God's Presence

On Valentines Day, God did something special in our services...that took us all by surprise. About halfway through our singing, our worship leader stopped the services and called us to press in to God, that halfheartedness wasn't enough! Then, a few minutes later, another member piped up prophetically and asked if we could open the altar for people to come forward to seek the face of God.

As the front of the church filled, I went to my knees and asked God what I should do. After all, I had a well written sermon that I was certain that came from God. God answered me with love and firmness, "they aren't here to hear you..they are here to meet Me." That was enough for me, and I set aside my agenda and we called the body to intimacy and prayer. One member proclaimed that we are Jesus' valentine...He loved us to make us HIS. That cut us to our hearts. Weeping. Then others called out for laying down our lives and agendas. More weeping. Prayers were offered, some introspective, others in adoration of God and His Suprising Move!

Then I shared how just this week I had read in the Didache how the early church proclaimed the Word first and worship followed ...because the purpose of the Word is to point us to encounter/revelation with God.

Subdued but peaceful, we parted. One lady called us on the way home to say "I feel free, and light as a bird" and she was giddy! Another couple who brought their unsaved daughter said, "this is what she needed!" (an encounter, not a sermon).

We look forward to learning how to encounter God and not tell God what to do!