I have been a part of wonderful spiritually high and holy experiences in my years as a preacher of the gospel, but last Sunday was the most amazing I can remember. It has taken me since Sunday to try and digest the blessings of it all. I have tried to break the morning down into pieces and give God praise and thanksgiving for each part. Let me share just a few of the points for which God and I have had some time in conversation this week:
Opening the Door – At around 6:30 AM, I opened the door to the church in its new location to pray and put my hands on every table and chair asking God to bless our day.
Getting Dressed – At around 8:00 AM, I returned home to take a shower and dress for the day. Getting ready for church is always such a blessing, especially last Sunday morning.
Arrival – Pulling up in the parking lot, our men were busy preparing for the task of parking every car safely. A couple of our young people directed our car to its spot set aside for Robbie and me. It is a blessing to park cars for Jesus.
Greeting – Walking around the facilities beautifully prepared shaking hands and hugging the necks of as many as I could in the name of Jesus. WHAT A BLESSING!
Listening – The Praise Team was rehearsing, the people were rejoicing, the chairs were being stirred, the building that was still and quiet at 6:30 became alive as the crowd grew. There is a glorious sound when the people of God gather to worship Him.
Worshiping – The voices of praise and the thrill of preaching on a day when God filled His people with joy and His holy presence is an unparalleled thrill. The glory of the Lord my heart over.
Eating – I watched the people share around the table. I do not believe the joy of the Lord was any better displayed on the day Jesus fed the 5 thousand than it was this past Sunday morning as we shared together around the table—especially the desserts.
Testimonies – To introduce our Benefactor, Mr. James Walters and hear him tell us about his passion to be a good steward for Jesus thrilled me. Then our Architect, Mr. Steve Hill told us how God spoke to Him during the service to say, “You are clean in Jesus.” God spoke to these two good men and gave them a vision for the future of our church. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Was Moses any more blessed at the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:2) than our church family was this past Lord’s day?
Was Isaiah any closer to God when he saw the Lord “high and Lifted up, sitting upon His throne” (Isaiah 6:1) in the temple than we were just 7 days ago?
Were the hearts of the disciples any more shaken by the power of the Holy Spirit that came to them in the “…rush of a mighty wind” (Acts 2:2) on the Day of Pentecost, than were we, lifting our voices and hearts to raise Him with songs of joy and praise?
The answer is NO! Last Sunday was worship in Biblical proportions. We came close to the throne room of God and I am still in awe. Last Sunday was bigger and better than being GREAT at GRACE. It was Glory. It was Hallelujah. It was Jesus, high and lifted up. I will never be the same.