Monday, May 30, 2011
A thought...
When we go to church, what do we look for? Are there certain things that are required and some things that need to be left out? Are there certain aspects of church that we with our incredibly small reasoning are not “God pleasing?” I encourage you all to consider the many different ways people may worship God. We have brothers and sisters all over the world worshipping the same God that sent His son Jesus to die for us.
Do you ever have that feeling that you are exactly where you need to be at the exact time that you are there? Is there an overwhelming sense of peace and tranquility that all you can do is smile and be thankful? Almost as if there was something out there specifically placing you where you are and nothing can take you away. Today I stood inside of a small church in South Africa declaring that the Lord is mighty and thanking Him for directing my path to a simple black picnic chair. A chair that has been awaiting my arrival, knowing that when I sit I would feel as if it was made for me and me only.
The church that we went to today was beautiful in so many ways. God was in that sanctuary of worship and the Holy Spirit moved in and out through the air in between, behind, and in front of desperate, needy disciples. It is only when you see in the physical world that the structure of the building, the dirty floor, and the dusty curtains are not beautiful. But once again, I ask you, what do you require of a church before you are able to seek God in it? Would the imperfections of that building motivate you to walk back out the door?
If you were to stick around you would start to see beyond the physical structure of what was in front of you but feel the beauty of a God so pleased with his children crying out to him. Today, God reminded me that fancy equipment, projectors, bulletins, comfortable chairs, and clean carpets are not needed in order for his presence to be welcomed. When all you have is close to nothing, your dependence on God is more severe. I saw that today during the entire 4 hours of service. I saw people on their knees crying to their Savior. They were in need of a few blessings to get them through the next week in order to be back on their knees again. During the offering I saw the faces of nervous people relying on nothing but their faith of the hope for a financial blessing to come their way. They walked to the front of the altar in faith and placed what they had to give in the small basket on the stage.
I thank God for the church that I went to today. I am learning that the simplest things in the world can be the most beautiful, if you look past seeing everything with just your eyes. I can honestly say that today was the best church experience I have had in that past 3 years.
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