Is it really already Friday? Zoom!! There that week went! It was a total blast though. Our church had a guest speaker come in for revival services. His name is Jim Bond and he is retired but agreed to speak for us since he felt God had a message to share with us. I have been so thirsty to hear from God lately too, so I was so excited when I heard my church would have childcare!
It was not what I expected, but I came thirsty and God met my need!
See, I grew up in charismatic churches. My mom loved raising her hands and singing with all her heart to God. At teen camp they stressed the need for you to accept the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. I am not going to give my theological opinion on all that but at the time God used that church to keep me close to Him. I will say that as with anything, moderation is key. No one can live a life always full of emotional highs and with my young faith in high school and freshman year in college I was always looking for “feeling” close to God. I did not know how to deal with the day-to-day life, the boring parts and especially the times I felt “far away” from God.
The church is smaller, the worship team is smaller. It was different and I learned how to praise the Lord from my heart apart from the song choice and type of worship band. Revival in my previous church usually meant a long worship service, with contemporary praise songs. With this one we sang from hymnals and had just a piano as the accompaniment. But have you read a hymnal? They are so passionate!
God met my need. I needed him to remind me that even though I am far from perfect and always take control of my life out of his hands, he still will take control and meet my needs! Out of all 5 sermons I listened too only 2 things really stood out to me. God really wanted me to learn this I guess!
- We need to be holy as God is holy
- When we take control back from God simply give it back and say, “Here God, I don’t know what I am doing with this – it is yours!”
I used to beat myself up over constantly taking control away from God. He doesn’t mind always taking it back! So I will keep giving it to him, every time! And holiness? That is another post entirely. Suffice it to say I know that I am not perfect and no one is, but that is not a license to sin. I need to strive to live as holy as possible.
I know they say only to bring up religion and politics if you want a fight. Well my faith in God is part of who I am and I was incredibly changed this week. I could not help but share it on my blog! Plus, I know all my readers. I have brought up politics before and even Goodmama Diapers (lol) and everyone has kept it civil. So I trust that if you disagree with something you will please refrain from saying hurtful things and keep it polite. (I didn’t really say that to my normal readers, but for the ones that might be first time readers and have a passionate dislike for something I said. )
Thank you so much!
Thanks for having the courage to share that! It isn’t easy to put yourself out there like that. I’m so glad to hear God met your need this week. It is refreshing to hear that.
-Sarah
http://www.minnesotamamasmusthaves.com
Annie I am so glad to read this. I am so glad the Lord blessed you this week and you are so right. We are to be holy and give control to God. I hear you on how difficult that can be. Trust me, I was dealing with just this thing today as we continue to wait on the Lord to provide DH a job. Your post encouraged me tonight and I needed to read every word.
~Christine
Well said Annie. People on the blogs have a right to their opinion, and so do you. Regardless of what anyone thinks, they cannot take from you what you experience with God. Stand firm in your faith. Thank you so much for your post.
Yay! I’m glad you had a great experience at revival this week. I am always amazed that God can use perfectly ordinary people to speak so profoundly to us, as individuals. Oh – and I LOVE the old hymns. I enjoy the new stuff – but I find a lot more substance in the hymns most of the time. Our family favorite right now is “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” There’s nothing sweeter than hearing a 3-year-old sing those words. Miss you, girl!
–J
My mantra when times get especially tough is “I trust in you, Lord.” Not always easy to do but when you say it enough times the load does become lighter.
Thanks for sharing your journey with us!
Just curious? Was the pastor you spoke of, James Bond, also known as JB from Oklahoma?