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| Seriously... Yesterday was awesome! |
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Seriously... Yesterday was awesome!! Those are not words that I always say, but cannot help to say on this Monday morning!
Seriously!! You would have had to been there. But, for me, it was an awesome day for so many reasons. Perhaps that is part of what made it so amazing. There were so many examples of changed lives throughout the crowd. The excitement and joy was palpable and the presence of God was powerful!
The Big Idea was "I Love The Lord Because..." The worship service was opened with a challenge to prepare hearts and minds to answer the question or make the statement, "I Love The Lord Because...".
As the worship continued, the song Amazing Grace (MY Chains are gone) began. I watched from the sound board as hands began to rise toward heaven in love and appreciation of the emancipation that Christ has brought to them. I watched as strong men wept in thankfulness. Seriously! At the end of the song, I led the crowd in a time of testimony as we collectively shared our own reasons that we love the Lord. Obviously, I said, "We love the Lord because He first loved us. But what about YOU!?"
One stood and told about how God had brought him from a very dark place in his life and Today, because of Jesus, his life is SPECTACULAR! (emphasis his) ;)
Another shared how that she loved the Lord that in the midst of the storms of her life and the loss of her husband to cancer, God has been a faithful friend. She shared how that she has found strength to thank God for the storms, because she has been brought closer to God because of them and there is no other place she would rather be.
Another spoke of her love for God in the way that her entire family has been changed because of her husband finding Christ.
Another spoke of how after many years of feeling lost and not knowing the answer, he finally has realized that his purpose for living is to serve his Creator and he is excited about the future. I am too!!
Obviously, I was very touched as I heard about the growing grace and love that Christ has placed in their lives and the salvation, joy, peace and hope they are living. But, there was also another message I was deeply touched to hear.
Repeatedly, we heard the testimony of those who thank God for New Hope!
"I FINALLY feel like I have found a home." "I feel so much love and grace." "This place is awesome" "It really is true... no matter what you have done or where you have come from, these people really love you and want to help you find God!"
For me, this is a shot in the arm! A reminder that God is building His church and we are incredibly privileged to be a part of His glorious, SPECTACULAR, kingdom.
My prayer for me and everyone at New Hope is that we always keep Him and His love and grace front and center of all that we do. May His love inspire our service and enable us to reach others with the same love, grace and acceptance we have been blessed to discover ourselves. May we always Keep It Real and may the "IT" always be JESUS!!
Nathan
