Thoughts while Traveling

Ok, so we went to CHURCH yesterday. And I emphasize the word CHURCH, because this is the word I have always used to define the space I have occupied on Sunday mornings, evenings, and various other days of the week for the majority of my 24 years. This word has been lightly used by me at times...it has at intervals in my life been just that. A word, and a hollow one at that. Isn't that sad, that word which embodies corporate worship of our Savior. I suppose I just took it for granted, sometimes went selfishly, etc. etc...

Yesterday was incredible. It was CHURCH. the Spirit of God was the conductor of this awesome symphony of worshippers, and led with such grace and ease...it was amazing. For some reason, I didn't close my eyes at any point during the service. I didn't want to miss one thing from any of my senses. Sitting, waiting for the worship to begin, I felt the "Spirit of heaviness", not only from my own weary Spirit, but those around me. The woman in front of me. The baby she was holding. And then the music began...and the wind of the Spirit started blowing through the place. Not in a freaky sense...for anyone who may think I have gone overboard pentecostal...haha. It was like statues coming to life, and freedom waving from the hands reaching toward heaven. And then we took communion...now that is something I do NOT take for granted, for it is still a fresh and new experience...there really is an amazing awareness that comes from physically taking the elements in rememberance of Christ. Awesome. And then Pastor Michelle (who I had never heard speak before) delivered the message about PRAISE...and she spoke of putting on the "garment of praise for the Spirit of heaviness", and it all made sense. She spoke of how we long to hear from God His will...and yet we miss the point. His ultimate will for His children is for them to praise Him. The rest is HIS, right? Look at Paul and Silas...and what happened as a result of their praises in the midst of conflict. Freedom, Opportunity, souls coming to Christ, all as a result of praise. I needed to hear this.

Then we were speaking to a friend outside and she mentioned how the intensity of worship has changed dramatically since people have been
going to see "The Passion". It's true, but how could it not? Seeing what I saw, how can I, as a follower of Jesus Christ, not be affected..and brought literally to my knees? I was, and, I am.