David's Reflections
This past Sunday's worship was one of the special services. Could you sense it?
Maybe it was the anticipation of the Lord's Supper. Maybe it was because we had all the instrumentalists there and playing. Maybe the number of people in the congregation had something to do with it. Prehaps there was some residual effects held over from the Saturday Night Youth Worship.
Or maybe, just maybe, we were ready to see God!
In our staff meetings recently, we have had much discussion about worship, and more specifically what can we as a staff do to enable more freedom in worship. These discussions have provided for some interesting dialogue and reflection.
Sunday morning, it hit me. All we can do is come prepared to see God! Nothing more, nothing less. It helps when the music is uplifting and exciting. It helps that the people are singing and the choir is harmonizing. It helps that the message is inspiring. It helps that Terry Richards' can belt it out in a strong solo. But ultimately it comes down to me. Me wanting to see and experience God in all His splendor and glory. But even that can be a scary prospect.
There was a moment in the middle of the choir number, where I was transported to that place. That place where time and space stand still. That place where you are only aware of yourself and the presence of God. And in that moment, my song became the song that Terry and the choir were singing, "Lord, Have Mercy."
Do you remember the story of the prophet Isaiah when he stood before the Lord. You might want to refresh your memory of the story as I have this week. It's found in Isaiah 6. After the prophet had stood before the Lord, he had witnessed the angels, he had heard the "Holy, holy, holies." All he could say was "Lord, have mercy on me!" And God's response was "It is granted!" O, how He loves you and me!
I walked away from the service Sunday, somehow different. How about you?
Upcoming Events
All of our choirs will meet at their regular times this week.
We will begin taking reservations for the 2006 Christmas Dinner Theater this week.
The Tennessee Baptist Chorale will present their pre-convention concert on Sunday Night, November 12th at 7:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Humboldt. Listen for announcements about transportation for those wishing to go.
Ripley First Baptist Church will host the Community Thanksgiving Service on Sunday Night, November 19th at 7:00 p.m. Bro. Randy Cooper, Pastor of the First United Methodist Church will be the speaker. There will be a community choir that will meet at 6:00 p.m.
God Bless!
Maybe it was the anticipation of the Lord's Supper. Maybe it was because we had all the instrumentalists there and playing. Maybe the number of people in the congregation had something to do with it. Prehaps there was some residual effects held over from the Saturday Night Youth Worship.
Or maybe, just maybe, we were ready to see God!
In our staff meetings recently, we have had much discussion about worship, and more specifically what can we as a staff do to enable more freedom in worship. These discussions have provided for some interesting dialogue and reflection.
Sunday morning, it hit me. All we can do is come prepared to see God! Nothing more, nothing less. It helps when the music is uplifting and exciting. It helps that the people are singing and the choir is harmonizing. It helps that the message is inspiring. It helps that Terry Richards' can belt it out in a strong solo. But ultimately it comes down to me. Me wanting to see and experience God in all His splendor and glory. But even that can be a scary prospect.
There was a moment in the middle of the choir number, where I was transported to that place. That place where time and space stand still. That place where you are only aware of yourself and the presence of God. And in that moment, my song became the song that Terry and the choir were singing, "Lord, Have Mercy."
Do you remember the story of the prophet Isaiah when he stood before the Lord. You might want to refresh your memory of the story as I have this week. It's found in Isaiah 6. After the prophet had stood before the Lord, he had witnessed the angels, he had heard the "Holy, holy, holies." All he could say was "Lord, have mercy on me!" And God's response was "It is granted!" O, how He loves you and me!
I walked away from the service Sunday, somehow different. How about you?
Upcoming Events
All of our choirs will meet at their regular times this week.
We will begin taking reservations for the 2006 Christmas Dinner Theater this week.
The Tennessee Baptist Chorale will present their pre-convention concert on Sunday Night, November 12th at 7:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Humboldt. Listen for announcements about transportation for those wishing to go.
Ripley First Baptist Church will host the Community Thanksgiving Service on Sunday Night, November 19th at 7:00 p.m. Bro. Randy Cooper, Pastor of the First United Methodist Church will be the speaker. There will be a community choir that will meet at 6:00 p.m.
God Bless!
posted by David @ 10:57 AM
2 Comments:
At 10:40 AM,
Anonymous said…
Terry Richards voice is fabulous. I had no idea he had such a rich sound. What a blessing!
At 8:48 AM,
Chrisie said…
I've never noticed this section of the site before until today, a year later. Funny how God puts things in our paths just when we need them. I remember that staff meeting vividly. I will go to my new church tonight and I won't dwell on not being at my old church or what what you guys are doing. I now feel I have peace with moving on. Instead I will attend with an expecting heart. Thank you David. Yet again YOU had the words I needed to hear from God. He uses you so often to speak to me. I miss you all. I am very thankful for my new church home.
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