The Electric Was Off, But the Spirit was ON

Dear Worshipers,

“I have been here a long time, and that was the most powerful service we have ever had.” “I could really sense God’s presence in the quietness and darkness.” “We lost the power, but the Spirit still moved.” I heard a lot of comments like that after our Engage service on Sunday, and I hope you hung around long enough to hear some as well, or have heard some since then. Indeed, the electricity was off, but the real Source of power, the Holy Spirit, was definitely ON!

If you were there, you know what I am talking about. There was a palpable sense of expectancy that settled on us, after we realized we could still have church without the lights screens and sound system. The Lord stripped all the trappings away on a morning when we were focusing on the role of music in our pursuit of God. Interesting.

I have to share with you one little layer of the Spirit’s leading, make that two. I told someone during the second service that though I was aware of Pastor Myron’s passage for Sunday weeks ago, I was not aware of the specific points or the way he would exegete or unpack that passage. That being said, you have to understand that I marvel at the way the Lord led me to select that anthem for Sunday, Favorite Song of All.

But what astounded me even more was the way He led regarding the placement of it in that powerless, power-filled second service Sunday. Choir members will attest to the fact that I sensed God’s leading to still share the anthem, but to move it to a spot just before the message, which I informed them of during the greeting time.

As we sang the song just before that, I felt the Spirit leading me to sit the song aside. I was disappointed by this, because I really wanted to share it and felt like it would tie in so well with the message Pastor Myron was about to preach. I obeyed, and am I glad I did.

We went through the message and I sensed the congregation being especially focused due to the unusual circumstances. Just as Pastor Myron was about to finish the power came back on. Shortly after that, he called for me and the choir to close with the song we had cut. I was concerned that some of the musicians and most of the choir would have left. The musicians were still there, but most of the choir was gone.

We proceeded to sing it anyway, and the Lord used it to encourage the praise of His people. It turned out to be a great close to the service where the power of the Spirit was so evident. It just goes to show you, even when the electric is off, the Spirit is still on.

Jesus, thank You for being on, even when the electric goes out. Thank you for being our real power source.

In Christ,

Pastor Timothy

Pursuing God’s Heart

Dear Worshipers,

Fall is upon us. And with it comes a plethora of new things. School, football, colorful trees, cooler weather, and a new sermon series, to name just a few. This is a series that I am particularly excited about for a myriad of reasons.

I like the title. Isn’t that really what life is all about? Pursuing God’s heart. If we are walking one step behind Jesus then that is indeed the journey we are taking, a journey toward God’s heart.

I like the graphic that we will be using to promote the series, and a whole host of other similar graphics that capture the heart of one pursuing God’s heart. You can see the primary image at the beginning and end of this video. I tend to be demonstrative in my worship so that probably comes as no surprise. I am sure that is part of why…

I like David. He is a fascinating character to put it mildly. He can teach us a thing or two about how to approach God. Looking into his life over these next few months is going to be an enriching experience for us all. Especially because it is going to encourage us to go after God’s heart.

How do I know that? Because he is the one the Lord describes as “a man after his own heart”. WOW! I would like for others to describe me like that. But I would really like it if the Lord could describe me like that. You see, I might be able to fool some people, but I can not fool God.

I want to encourage you to be praying for Pastor Myron and me as we prepare for this Sunday and the Sundays to follow. We desire for our Sunday morning gatherings to be a place where people can meet with God and be transformed. We pray that for ourselves. We pray it for you. We pray it for those who have not yet come, but will.

Join us, won’t you? For a series designed to help us all in…Pursuing God’s Heart!

Jesus, we want to pursue the Father’s heart. We want to be ever going after it. Strengthen our resolve to follow You into the grandest pursuit on earth. Help us walk on step behind You.

In Christ,

Pastor Timothy