Sunday morning I was sensing the need for spiritual renewal--and for a new brokenness, and a fresh filling of the life of God. The Lord convinced me of my need in the following ways.
The service began with the Lord's Table. Tim made an appeal to "walk worthy of the Gospel." While reminding us to thank God that, by His grace, we are not "what we could be," Tim pointed out that it is also right to consider, "are we where we should be?"
Brothers and sisters, what I am about to confess showed me that I am not where I should be. It shames me to tell this, but this blog is a good place for honesty. In the celebration of the Lord's Table, when the bread was distributed, there was a brief moment of silence. It was very peaceful... too peaceful. I suddenly woke to the realization that the congregation had just eaten the matzo. I then lifted my bread and also partook... a couple of seonds late. The Apostle Peter was gently rebuked by our Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane because he was unable to watch with the Master for 1 hour... and here I was, not able to stay alert for just a few moments! I need "more of God."
The morning scripture texts were from the life of Abraham. In Genesis 15:1 the Lord declares to Abram: "I am your shield, and your exceeding great reward." "But Abram said, O Lord God, what will you give me...?" Am I not like Abram? God offers Himself to me... Himself, the great gift. Why do I not simply take Him, enjoy Him, love Him? He is the supreme gift. Why do I allow myself in countless ways to be distracted from Him? I need "more of God."
After the service, a dear brother began to talk with me about what was being planned in the way of summer evangelism. There were to be a few Saturday car washes, and Friday night Boardwalk Evangelism was also being planned. Once again my conscience was pricked. As I listened I realized that it's been a long time since I've considered spending my Fridays and Saturdays in this way. I was reminded that, before these kinds of Kingdom activities are going to be a joy to me, (as they are for the brother who was sharing these opportunities with me), I will need "more of God."
How about you? Is there anything in your experience telling you that you need more of God? Let's come to this Friday evening "More of God" service with expectancy, humility, and hope!
Peter--thank you for your transparent post my friend. It is time for many of us--indeed all of us to acknowledge our need for more of God.
ReplyDeleteThere is no greater need in the church today than for the church to recognize that it is in great need; great need to break loose from the complacency and the profound spiritual lukewarmness that our busy, earth-bound lives seem to have produced.
May this week's preparation for our More of God fast/prayer be a time in which many of us see the need within like never before.
Tim
I certainly need more of God, without question------- and also without question I need for Him to have more of me. These are burning needs I pray the awareness of will never leave me, nor the desire for weaken as long as I have breath. Yet for my part I need to intentionally and repeatedly set my affections on these things or they will surely fade from my life into self sufficiency, complacency, and nauseous vomit provoking lukewarmness.
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