We had an amazing service at Grace Community Church today. Worship was wonderful. There was an undeniable presence of the Holy Spirit all through the building. I experienced two really intense moments with the Lord. The first was my introduction to an encounter of holy laughter and the second was a vision that accompanied Pastor Harry’s message. I’ll apologize in advance for being scripture heavy with this.
I’ve always enjoyed worshiping the Lord. I’m moved so deeply by the presence of the Holy Spirit in some of these experiences. I have to admit that it’s hard not to always look across the room and compare your experience with the experiences of those around you. The enemy will often times put doubt in my mind regarding my walk with the Lord. My attacks are usually in some variety of me not being on the same level as those around me, or me looking crazy to those around me. I notice some of the other people in worship, they seem to be touched so incredibly by the Lord. I’ll think of how wonderful that feels, and just say to the Lord, I want that experience. My flesh wants to covet that experience but my heart knows it’s only in His timing. I’ve seen people on many occasions become overwhelmed with this undeniable joy and laughter. I’m amazed by it. I keep asking the Lord to let me experience that laughter. The Lord, each time, had replied to me with the sound of crickets chirping. He’s funny like that. This past worship night, I had asked the again, “could you please let me experience that laughter, Lord?” For the first time, I didn’t hear the crickets, I just heard silence. Little did I know.
It’s funny how the Lord finds ways to surprise me.
Two days later, in my home church, as worship commenced this morning, the presence of the Holy Spirit filled the room in a cloud of glory. I had my arms up in praise and suddenly I was hit with what felt like a giant water ballon filled with joy. This thing felt as if it burst right over my head, soaking my entire body. I was laughing and smiling in Holy laughter for the first time. The joy I felt was consuming, freeing, comforting, conquering and exciting. It was amazing. I’m having a hard time finding the words to do it justice. There was such a beautiful presence there today. It was powerful! We were also rewarded with a wonderful interpretation that was provided by a very anointed lady in our church. The Spirit was moving so strongly that I was moved me to tears. It was heavenly. I’m so blessed to experience this love of the Lord.
Job 8:21 (NIV)
21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.
21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.
Psalm 126:2 (NKJV)
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
Psalm 37:13 (NIV)
13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.
13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.
Colossians 3:16 (NIV)
16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
The Bible study message was one that brought a comfortable conviction. Knowing the way Lord convicts those He loves, brings me comfort. It encourages me to improve while also reminding me that I am loved by the Lord throughout this crazy process. The Lord will frequently convict us in order to to condition us, treating us as if we are the iron in the fire.
Titus 1:9 (NKJV)
9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.
9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.
Acts 24:16 (NKJV)
16 This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.
16 This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.
Pastor Harry’s message pertained to us as Christians, no matter where we are on our walk, all being instructed to the great commission. It’s our mission to go and make disciples. We have our mission, but, we have a problem. The problem is that our flesh doesn’t like people. We struggle with things like jealousy, short temperament, pride, anger, resentment, we stress worrying what others will think of us, we are constantly being held back by fear, etc. These negative thoughts can find a way to slip into our minds, often keeping us from advancing the kingdom of the Lord and sharing it with the people around us. These things also reveal to us areas where improvement can be made. If we rely on how we feel, or what mood we are in, we may never show the Lord to others. We could simply say things like I don’t feel like it today or I’m having a bad day. That’s not what we are called to do. We are called to show the world what a true Christian is. We are called to set aside offense, to set aside our fleshy resentments and we are called to be at peace with one another. We are called to a higher level. I may be missing it, my short term memory isn’t the greatest, but I hope I did it some justice.
Matthew 28:18-20
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)
14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Romans 14:19 (NIV)
19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
1 Peter 3:11 (NIV)
11 They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.
11 They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.
Seek and pursue...both require action on our part. Peace won’t fall in our laps effortlessly. It takes a conscious effort to obtain peace and remain in it. It’s up to us to choose to live in peace.
Pastor Harry’s message for the service was on point. It was geared toward Phineas and his zealotry for the Lord. It was a challenge to step forward and to be boldly zealous for the Lord, Jesus Christ our Savior, and the Holy Spirit. It was a call to be passionate and all consumed by the fire of the Lord that burns from within. He spoke in a way that commanded marching orders. Orders to let the fire loose, to conquer fear, and to take steps forward in the direction that you are led by the Holy Spirit. Orders to advance the kingdom of heaven here on earth. To be honest, I missed some of his words because I was enthralled with what I saw.
Titus 2:14 (NKJV)
14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
Jeremiah 20:9
9 But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
9 But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
Psalms 104:4 - Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire
As Pastor Harry was preaching, the intensity of the presence of the Lord increased. Then I saw them. Soldiers, in full suits of armor, shields drawn and swords brandished in their hands. They filled the church. There were many kneeled at the altar, others stood lining the walls, rows and rows of them were lined down the entire isle. It was as if Pastor Harry’s message was a message of marching orders meant to equip the army of the Lord. Each soldier was attentive, alert, and fully dedicated to hearing this message. It felt as if they had been patiently waiting for these instructions for a very long time. I was overcome with emotion, excitement, and at the same time, an inner knowing that I myself was a soldier. Each and every one of us are. It’s time to stand firm in the Lord. It’s time to conquer enemy territory. The devil has had his way on this earth for far too long. It’s time to take a stand, any way you are able, and to be blessed with the holy boldness the Lord has designed us to live in.
2 Timothy 2:4 (KJV)
4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
Romans 13:4 (NIV)
4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Ephesians 6:19 - And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel
Ephesians 6:11-12 (NIV)
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
There’s an army rising up! We should be as excited for our salvation, as we are to watch championship games, or as we are when planning our vacations. We should be more excited at the idea of spending eternity in heaven than we are when our employers let us go home early! Jesus is offering an eternity of vacation days in the kingdom of Heaven. How can anyone pass that up? The whole on earth as it is in heaven thing means that we can have that vacation now. We can have peace, joy, laughter, self control, patience, virtue. It’s all been made readily available to those who seek and pursue their relationship with a Jesus. It’s time to be zealous for the things that matter most! Take a step!
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