I miss what is typically known as "worship" time at church. When i was a "young" Christian i remember being swept away during our times of singing. Time, life changes, and my own sin issues have all dulled the edge. I am not proud of this, as a matter of fact i lament that this has happened to me. I still enjoy singing to my lord and Savior, but for now at least, it feels like i am lacking somewhat, and it has been this way for a while now. But the time of worship is not limited to when the congregation belts out a few songs (be they contemporary or old-time hymns). The time of instruction from the Pulpit and the receipt of said schooling is also a part of the worship of Christ.Yesterday during the preaching/teaching portion of the service it was like the waters were flowing again. This has not been limited to just yesterday at our new church, which makes me very glad. 8) The series we are going through of late is titled "Crazy love". While i am not a big fan of "gimicky" sermon series', the content has been refreshingly God centered, and not man centered. 
Although God has not using every part of every sermon in my life, He has been speaking to me about several things and i spend some time jotting down notes - which really helps me retain what He is showing me so much more. Anyway, i approached our new Pastor (whom i have known almost as long as i have known my Beloved) to share somethings that i believe God has been leading me to do. He advised that he would share that with the Elders and we could go from there. Although i am actually nervous about taking such a step, i am grateful that even if what i think God is leading me towards never manifests itself as i think it should, it is a step forward. Just as a ship on the ocean cannot be steered unless it is moving, so it is with me.
Although God has not using every part of every sermon in my life, He has been speaking to me about several things and i spend some time jotting down notes - which really helps me retain what He is showing me so much more. Anyway, i approached our new Pastor (whom i have known almost as long as i have known my Beloved) to share somethings that i believe God has been leading me to do. He advised that he would share that with the Elders and we could go from there. Although i am actually nervous about taking such a step, i am grateful that even if what i think God is leading me towards never manifests itself as i think it should, it is a step forward. Just as a ship on the ocean cannot be steered unless it is moving, so it is with me.While none of the songs sung during service "struck me" to use today, an "oldie", but a "goodie" came to mind...
Take Me In
Petra Praise: The Rock Cries Out - 1989
Words and music by Dave Browning
Take me past the outer courts
Into the Holy place
Past the brazen altar
Lord I want to see Your face
Pass me by the crowds of people
The priests who sing Your praise
I hunger and thirst for Your righteousness
And it's only found one place
Take me in to the Holy of Holies
Take me in by the blood of the Lamb
Take me in to the Holy of Holies
Take the coal, cleanse my lips, here I am
Take the coal, cleanse my lips, here I am
If one is on a path to where ever God is leading them... there is no better place than to be in His presence.
2 comments:
I find it so hard when you can directly point to times of total fulfillment in our lives. Then when the current pales in comparison...it's difficult. Our pastor has quoted someone several times (I forget who said it)..but the quote is a good one; "People don't often say lies in church, they just sing them." I try and remember that when I'm worshiping.
As for "Crazy Love"...I am reading a book by this title right now that is moving me beyond belief. It's by Francis Chan. Any chance that's what your pastor is using?
Blessings to you!
Susan
Hi Susan,
Yes, i am 99.5% sure that is the book. the verse Isaiah 1:12-15 comes to mind;
“When you come to appear before me,
who has required of you
this trampling of my courts?
Bring no more vain offerings;
incense is an abomination to me.
New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations—
I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly.
Your new moons and your appointed feasts
my soul hates;
they have become a burden to me;
I am weary of bearing them.
When you spread out your hands,
I will hide my eyes from you;
even though you make many prayers,
I will not listen;
your hands are full of blood. (from the ESV)
God sees the heart, and it by this He deems it worthy or not. And this is something i fear... is His praise not from my heart? Why has my joy been diminished? I fear it has... 8(
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