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Monday, August 9, 2010

He showed up....

Don't you just love it when God moves in our midst? When He just shows up and shows out and you feel His presence on your skin like fire? Oh, yeah. There is nothing better than a face-to-face, all-consuming, glorious encounter with our Lord. Nothing.

Last night at church we had THE most awesome worship service. My husband felt God leading him in a new direction and so last night after our song service, he told the church that we were going to worship a little differently that night. He said that we were all going to have a few minutes of silent meditation and then we were to let God lead us into worship, however that may be.

We had several minutes of just silence. Amazing, loud silence. The kind of silence that just speaks. I, then headed straight to the altar and got face down. I just felt God calling me there and I have grown to love my time at the altar. I think I could sleep there and be completely at peace.

One by one, our people began to worship. Someone stood and read a passage of scripture. Someone else stood up and gave a short testimony. Another person recited their favorite memory verse. It was peaceful. It was so reverent. It was a Holy moment in time.

You could hear pages turning in bibles, as people were letting God speak through His Word. You could hear the muted sobs of His people feeling His spectacular power moving about the sanctuary.

A sweet voice began to sing, "I love you Lord. And I lift my voice..." One by one the whole church joined in and we sang in unity and love to our God.

Over the next hour, many scriptures were read. Many praises given to our Lord. Testimonies were shared. Numerous choruses rang out from our lips. Hearts were opened and love was poured out. The Holy Spirit was all over the place! His Presence was abounding in each crack and crevice. The air was so thick with with the sweet aroma of Christ,  it was hard to breathe.

Slowly the voices grew quiet. The pages in the bibles became still. Our spirits were once again silent as we enjoyed the peace that overflowed from our time of communion with Him.

We had met with Jesus. He had shown up and He had shown out. We surely encountered our Lord in the sanctuary and we walked out of the church different than when we walked in.

We had been in the mighty presence of the sovereign King and His glory was beheld by all.

Oh, yes. We had church last night. And it was good..

"Glory ye in His holy name; let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
Seek the LORD, and His strength: seek His face evermore."
(Psalm 105:3,4)


14 comments:

Heart2Heart said...

Beth,

Thank you for sharing this with us even though I wasn't present, even just reading your words, you can feel the power of the Spirit of God in them.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Jeanette Levellie said...

Wow. I wish our church was open to the leading of the Lord like yours is. This is how I believe God means worship to be; like it was in the book of Acts.

Love
Jen

Kathy C. said...

Oh Beth, just reading that made me feel like I was there! What a fantastic, beautiful time of worship that must have been for you all.
Blessings sweet friend and thank you for sharing, because even though I wasn't there, my heart was warmed and spirit renewed by just the words.

NanaNor's said...

Hi sweet Beth, Oh what joy to hear of this time in communion with our Lord. I do miss a fellowship that is able to be spontaneous and let the Spirit work and move as He wants.
Hugs to you today dear sister.
Noreen

Barbara said...

Oh I just love it when the Holy Spirit pours out his blessing upon the church, how wonderful, we have had that happening often these days too, I am so happy to be in the midst. Hugs and blessings, Barbara

Beth E. said...

When we allow God the freedom to move in our midst, we receive such a blessing.

Thank you for sharing about your worship service. It was a blessing to me.

Nana Jul said...

How Beautiful, and the way you described it, feels like we were right there with you! I love when the Holy Spirit takes over - like you said, That's Church!!
Thanks for inviting us in!
Love,
Julie

Unknown said...

I have tears steaming down my face! How absolutely wonderful! I love when God shows up like that! It must have been amazing!!!!

Greg C said...

What an awesome story Beth. I bet it was breathtaking.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Yes and Amen!!! I hope we never grow tired of Him showing up...or that I never stop acknowledging Him when I am quiet enough to hear Him...well I should say, He is always here...it is I who seem to miss Him

I have to say I haven't experienced that in a church setting in years...but I so remember it

Toia said...

Beautiful!! In His presence thats where we belong and are strong...Thanks for sharing...I love hearing about how someone's been bless by being in HIS presence!!

ElissaM said...

Hey beth~ I accidently click on a button that brought me to your blog from someone elses...what an amazing blog you have. The love for the Lord is shining through your page! You have a beautiful family too...love those little one's faces:-) I would love to follow you since you have such encouraging words, thanks for sharing and keep it up! if you want check out what God is doing for our military family:-) http://melafamilyblog.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

LOVE IT! Yes I had to SHOUT IT! Because I LOVE JESUS! And He allowed this to fill my soul...as I felt a little wind of spirit blow through my soul while reading of your service.

Thank you for sharing...Love ya
Tess

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

In some small way, it seems as if I was there with you while reading this post.

In Spirit and truth... true worship.

Sounds like you had some. Praise the Lord!

peace~elaine