Two weeks ago, I woke up at 4:45a on a Sunday morning so that I could meet the other pastors of Element Church for an early breakfast at 5:30a. Once we were done, it was too late to go home, so I got to the church quite a bit earlier than usual, around 6:40. That's when I started to pray. I had the opportunity to pray, praise, worship, and "warm up" until about 8 when people started showing up for first service.
My expectations were high.
I usually wait until 3rd service to 'attend' church, but my anticipation was off the charts. Jeff and Adam did not disappoint! The worship and message was SPOT ON! Great start to the day!
Second service was my chance to pray some more, and that's when I started getting rocked. I walked into the prayer room and suddenly I felt like I couldn't speak. The presence of God was thick. If you've felt THAT presence, you know what I mean. I ended up on my knees... still no words. About 5 minutes later I felt released to start praying. I prayed for Jeff and for those that would hear his words that morning... and then it was time for the 2nd altar call.
I found my place at the altar to pray for anyone that needed to respond. Praise God I had my chance! I prayed for a young man with tears in his eyes as he asked God to cleanse him from his sin. When he was done praying and walked away, I lost it. Tears pooled in my eyes as I realized the freedom that had just taken place at that altar. It was overwhelming!
Once I got myself composed, I exchanged pleasantries in the Lobby as I waited expectantly for the last service to begin.
Almost from the first note, I was on cloud nine. I felt like God's presence from the 2nd service was still lingering and I just couldn't wait to get some more. The tears flowed freely this time, unhindered by any embarrassment or pretense. It was as if God had come down specifically to meet me in the Northwest corner of the worship center! I was so absorbed, I almost forgot I needed to put Jeff's pulpit on the platform!
The altar call after 3rd service was similarly spectacular... and again, His presence was unmistakable.
Throughout the next week, I had some time to think about my experience. I went over the whole thing repeatedly in my mind... looking for something to attribute it to so that I could duplicate it again in the future. I discovered 2 things.
1. Experiences with God CANNOT be duplicated! Each one is special in its own way and the idea of reducing experiences with God to a 3-step formula is almost laughable.
2. A spiritual "warm up" is like BEGGING the Holy Spirit to reveal Himself to you! Although not a formula, "warming up" is like preparing to hunt a lion... except you're hoping to encounter the Lion of the Tribe of Judah! The preparation is crucial! We prayed for the XXXPOSED series weeks before it started, we sought God corporately the Friday before the first sermon, we got up early to break bread and meet God on Sunday morning, we prayed for/with others in pursuit of God's freedom and power. And then... it happened!
I pray that I will take the time to warm up regularly so that when God decides to reveal Himself, I won't be on my way to buy more oil! (Matthew 25:1-13)
Warming up,
Curtis
Friday, August 14, 2009
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