Jesus Our Light
I believe one of the most beautiful aspects of the presence of God is that it is both predictable and unpredictable. Predictable in the sense of the characteristics of God – His faithfulness, goodness, compassion, power, and grace to name a few. Yet, unpredictable because although His characteristics are unchanging, how He displays them are different in nearly encounter with Him.
Enter today. We gathered as a church and met God who showed His kindness, mercies, faithfulness, peace, and power, yet each person received them in a way unique for what they needed, and we all experienced them in a different way than the week before.
The volunteer set up team is getting really good. Like scary good. Not only was everyone on time, but most were early and like a well-oiled machine, we went to work and set up our tabernacle for the Lord. It was swift, people were full of joy and laughter, recounting Christmas stories from a few days before, and before we knew it, it was time to gather together for prayer.
After that intimate time with Him and each other, the line at the coffee area lined up quickly, some stepping outside to bask in the sun and get some fresh air. You could overhear different things outside and throughout the building, such as testimonies being shared, kids laughing, words of encouragement and training for the greeting team, and don’t forget the catching up and stories of vacation from the past couple of weeks.
From the get-go in worship, the Lord had our hearts, and we knew He was with us in a mighty way. It’s always a sign of a good Sunday with the Lord when the tears are streaming after the first song. We transitioned into some great upcoming event announcements, including a young adults and women’s nights coming up. I took time to go over the Bible in a Year reading plan (get info here), and we dove into God’s Word.
I have to say, this past week, God uniquely designed the sermon for me. It was a combo that started with teaching the new mission statement of the church, adding in the parable of the 10 virgins, then one more addition of the formalities of a Jewish betrothal and wedding feast. It all connected together, and you could feel the excitement of everyone and the way God was moving in the room. You can listen to the sermon here.
We capped off the time together in a tender, yet awesomely powerful time in worship. We fell before Jesus, honoring not only with our lips, but our hearts knit to His, growing deeper in the everlasting love He offers us. I could think of no better way to end 2024 and we are so looking forward to all the God is offering for us in the new year ahead.
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Matthew 25:1-13
I Peter 3:8
I Corinthians 1:10
Hebrews 10:24-25
Exodus 35:1
I Kings 8:10-11
Isaiah 64:1-2
Hebrews 12:28-29
Romans 8:29
II Timothy 2:21
Philippians 2:14-16
Ephesians 5:8
Mark 16:15-16
Romans 10:13-15
