I have had a wonderful SABBATICAL experience so far. The churches that we have visited has been an incredible learning experience.
The first church we visited while in Angel Fire was what my kids called, “A Dead Church.” The music was dull and drab, but it was the message that really caught their attention. All three of my kids immediately recognized that “JESUS” was strangely missing in the sermon. The experience reminded my of what Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:5 when he describes a church that has a form of godliness… but DENIES it’s power.
I loved and appreciated the BIBLICAL teaching, but it was the WORSHIP that got me. One of the songs that really helped us to worship was Hillsong’s “The Stand.” It was truly a “Holy Moment,” for me when I looked over at my family and saw them REALLY worship and give themselves to the Lord through that song. We have been singing it every night for our family devotions ever since.
Here are the Lyrics:
Verse 1
You stood before creation
Eternity within Your hand
You spoke the earth into motion
My soul now to standVerse 2
You stood before my failure
Carried the Cross for my shame
My sin weighed upon Your shoulders
My soul now to standCHORUS
So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to YouVerse 3
So I’ll walk upon salvation
Your Spirit alive in me
This life to declare Your promise
My soul now to standBRIDGE
So I’ll stand
With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One who gave it allSo I’ll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered
All I am is Yours
My prayer for all of us that we will not only have a HUNGER for God’s Word, but to LOVE and WORSHIP Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and being.