Faithfulness verse Faithlessness

Today my dear friend Michael Baber and I went on another journey of seeking out Holy Spirit sightings. 

Is the Holy Spirit alive and well in NWA?  Are we apart of a greater body of believers than the small, intimate church we attend?  Is there a greater movement going on around our community?  What lessons are being taught in other churches?  Are we part of the problem within the spiritual community or are we part of the solution?  Where do we as a church(we-Michael and myself as well as you) fit into todays society? 

These are some of the questions that I ask myself often. There is no simple answer to any of them, but I have found that sitting in the same pew, week after week, listening to a wonderful man preach will not provide me with the answers I seek.  It is up to me along with the help of the HOLY SPIRIT to seek and find those answers.  I must look to other believers, other preachers, teachers and avenues to learn more. 

However, in saying that is also important to maintain a home base so to speak.  A place where everybody knows your name.  A place of support in times of gladness and sadness.  So when you are seeking your answers, always remember to hold your home close to your heart and protect it and it's family.  Cherish it, love it and pray for it in your absence.  You do not make it successful, it supports you, and with time can be very difficult to replace...With that said...let me tell you a little about today.

The first place we attended, we immediately felt the Spirit was there, lots of people praising and worshipping GOD.  They were happy to be there in that place, in that moment.  A very active congregation, very motivate and very involved.  Lots of music, much of which I did not know. 

There is something said for new wave music, but I still believe you can have new as well as the good old hymns together.  The music was beautiful and they were praising GOD....it wasn't about me soooooo I digress....The young man who began preaching was a definite teacher, a Bible scholar.  Must say that I learned a lot in the time that we were there.  His style of teaching, preaching was refreshing and different.  The congregation was supportive because he was a young man who had been raised within that church.  The teaching of the word was completely different than any view of this particular scripture than I had ever heard so I learned something new.

We left before the end to attend church at another service in Rogers.  Immediately upon entering we felt GOD !!!!! It was amazing the difference between the two places.  Don't know what it was, but it was probably us.  It was a palpable effect, HIS pulse was on this place.  Again with the music, it was great ! but no old hymns.  I really feel like people are missing out when they just ignore so much of the history.  But again, I digress...

Let me tell you this minister not only preaches but he ministers.  He preached on my favorite book of the Bible Revelation and my favorite verse "Let everyone who can hear, listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches; Everyone who is victorious shall eat of the hidden manna, the secret nourishment from heaven; and I will give to each a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one else knows except the one receiving it."

Do you believe that the HOLY SPIRIT directed our path today?  I do...there was a reason for Michael and I to be at this church at this particular time today  Manna means "WHAT IS IT?"  I don't know what HIS purpose is, but I know that GOD wins, I know that HE is in charge and I know that listening to the lesson today, experiencing a church that was vibrant, alive and full of the HOLY SPIRIT was invigorating.

This minister reached out to his flock that were in pain, suffering and happy.  Everyone made us feel welcome and the atmosphere was inviting.  I watched a group of strangers become brothers and sisters in CHRIST learn to worship and praise in new ways all because they wanted to please ABBA.  From young to old, the change took place right before Michael and my eyes.  Just with a little encouragement, praise and guidance....ABBA remained the focus and praise changed to routine standing and singing to arms uplifted and voiced raised high. 

I was glad to be a part of something new and wonderful for GOD.  We are called to be on GOD's Mission..to Stay True to JESUS !  It is a difficult journey, but visiting other churches, getting an infusion of blood of the LAMB by fellow believers, and knowing without a doubt GOD WINS THE WAR makes everyday a beautiful journey no matter what satan throws at your door.

Remember with GOD someday soon you get that white stone and new name - you get to join that special elite group that only you and JESUS have the password to...isn't that exciting....HE picks you first every time.

Shalom