So this past weekend, what an amazing experience! It all started with getting with the guys and jamming; we wrote soo much music, good stuff too. We were all filled with soo much passion and it transcended through our playing, such an incredible outlet.
Saturday morning I woke up and went and helped with Rebuilding Communities Together. I found myself scraping paint off of a porch for the first part of the day, followed by much painting. It was just a great feeling being able to get back into service, being a servant to others. The lady was so very appreciative of all that we did, but it wasn't appreciation of our work that satisfied with me, it was me answering a call from Christ to go and serve. There is no greater feeling than setting yourself aside for a Saturday to be a servant to someone else, no greater feeling.
Then came the concert. Caleb Chapman opened, such an amazing artist. He passionately played a short set of "Captain Turn This Ship Around", "Kingdom of Me", and a few others. http://calebmusic.com/
"Kingdom of Me" really spoke to me. Spoke to me about how my hurts and selfishness have led me to fortify myself, not letting anyone in, but once you get outside of the walls and you look back, you see nothing but emptiness. Its a great song, I would post the lyrics but I can't find them online.
"Turn This Ship Around"
"Love came out to play today, left my heart in disarray. I'll pretend it's all okay, still my heart knows something's missing. I don't know the reason why, hope has colored in the lines. Captain turn this ship around, I've got to find my way back home. Down to words I cannot keep, caught in this endless game of hide and seek. I failed you once and I'll fail you again so why does it feel like there's still hope here? I don't know the reason why, hope has colored in the lines. Captain turn this ship around, I've got to find my way back home. When darkness fell into cold of my heart I found hope. When the sky lost its color to the rain, I found hope Find me waking up to say I don't know the reason why, hope has colored in the lines. Captain turn this ship around, I've got to find my way back home, my way back home, my way back home."
Out comes Tenth Avenue North..... pulling tears from me on nearly every song. They helped me so much when I was going through my divorce, their words were empathetic and validated my feelings. Today, they continue to do that and made it such an incredible experience for me.
Casting Crowns truly led a night of worship! I don't think I hardly laid eyes on the band because there focus wasn't on them, it was on uplifting Christ and bringing our hearts to true worship. I was at first sad that I went to the concert by myself, not having Jessica there with me. But, looking back, it allowed me to truly just worship, it wasn't about the company I shared with someone, it was about connecting to God in such a true and incredible way that words can't even explain or attempt to capture the essence of that experience. I KNOW that I have been forgiven of my sins and they are as far as the East is from the West. Satan has no hold on me and I am not defined by my past mistakes or failures! This is where the true healing begins, where I know I have a destiny to fulfill.
Sunday morning I went to the Imitators class at Thomas Road. Such an incredible class, such an incredible group of believers that seem to truly have a heart for God. I truly believe that God brought me to that class to get connected with the awesome group of people there, especially the men in that class. They appear to be very active and do lots of different community based things. Every Wednesday too they get together at the Prayer Chapel, go through a short study and PRAY. They are very dedicated to prayer, praying for one another, our community, our country. I'm smiling and getting excited just writing about this stuff, ha!
So God has shown me to no longer be empathetic, or consumed with apathy. I refuse to be indifferent and I will stand up for Christ in love. In Sunday school we talked of Stephen, who was stoned. Many in the class said it would be easier to stand for Christ when facing certain death than it is to stand for him in the every day events of the world. Don't be deceived my friend! You will do what you practice and if you let moments slip by where you are apathetic towards your faith and sin, then Satan will bombard your mind with your short comings when or if you are called to stand for Christ, and you will crumble! It's interesting, God has been speaking to me about many different messages, perhaps some things that I need to start writing down and organizing for myself.
It is my prayer for everyone that they are able to experience the true joy of the Lord that only comes from him. During our trials and struggles, he strengthens, fortifies, perfects..... and settles us!! He will place on a foundation that is so strong. That my friend is something to be joyful about! He promises us that!
Also, if you are down and depressed, stop listening to people and music that makes you feel like you are justified and validated in your emotions! Satan can use Christian music to bring a man down to! Instead, actively worship Christ, recognize who he is, and when you come to an understanding of who he is, you will be in the presence of him, a presence that shall bring you joy that is unspeakable, that is more than sufficient for us to persevere through this life!
God Bless!
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