Monday Morning Musings ...

Wow and ouch! That is a simple description of yesterday. God showed up in a powerful way and several people responded by making commitments, releasing burdens and seeking forgiveness at the altar. We ran out of room around the altar, how cool is that? There were teenagers, senior citizens and few in between. There were a few who came forward and when I saw them respond I just said, "Wow!". There was a pretty good spirit throughout the service. The children who regularly attend our Sunday morning children's church sang a special song during worship. That is always a highlight. Seeing some of them belt out the song with enthusiasm and some stand there like deer caught in headlights was a great. Nearly half of the children were not attending our church at this time last year.

The message was from Matthew 16:13-20, it was last week and will be again this Sunday as well. Last week dealt with the questions that need to be answered, this week focused on the right answer and the results it produces. When asked "Who do you say I am?", Peter answered "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." This answer provides an intimacy with God, He is not aloof but knows you by name and knows your needs. It provides a renewed identity, if you have accepted this answer personally. You can be who God created you to be and do what He created you to do. Not limited by your past, but renewed in this relationship. You will have all the power you need to do His will. You will have the power to rescue those who are still captives. Hell is afraid of active believers who are working in the harvest. The right answer gives you the keys to build His church. The church is not supposed to be weak. The church is not supposed to be stagnant. The church is supposed to be alive, growing spiritually and numerically. Why are we so willing to be satisfied when we and our church are weak, or stagnant or not growing? We need to move beyond having the form of the church and make sure we are functioning as His church.

The ouch was the realization of how many people seem to be just watching the show. The ouch is also from realizing that as God moves things get messy, but I would rather be in the the mess created from working in the harvest than the mess created by sitting still. There will be a mess, which one will you choose?