Every now and then you get those moments. The ones you weren’t expecting. In fact I find that those moments come most often when you expect the opposite. You walk into church frustrated that everyone exists and is anywhere near you and you look for a seat on the edge so you can duck out after you have spent enough time with these other human beings who are nothing like you. Your face shows what your guts are feeling: there is no way I’m going to have a connection with the Almighty this morning; God probably isn’t even up at this ungodly hour. That’s why they call it ungodly. Then with out any type of warning and quietly, like a fish in a stream, you catch a glimpse. You feel a heartbeat.
Well tonight wasn’t that extreme as far as attitudes go, but… you know… it was close. I mean I’m totally loving this conference, but you know… I’m also working. Its not bad, its not painful, its just part of my job (I know cry me a river Mr. Magazine editor, working at a worship conference). Anyway. I went out to take pictures of the Gateway worship team, and within seconds was caught up in the flow of worship that was just emanating from the body of people. And let me say this now, worship leaders know how to worship in music. It is a beautiful experience even to sit to the side and watch so many people responding in song with such force and abandon.
Then after the amazing experience with Gateway, Don Moen, who is such a leader for all of us in this industry, returns to the stage (he hosted the night) to apologize for a comment he made about Chris Tomlin previously (something about singing in the key of “C”). Of course Tomlin was in the congregation to hear the quip (he taught a songwriting class today). But they settled their differences in front of everyone =) and the night transitioned to Lincoln Brewster’s set with Don, Chris and Lincoln leading “How Great Is Our God.”
No blogging video tonight, no MP3s, just a little note saying that sometimes God’s biggest miracle is when he decides to snap us out of a poor mood and remind us who truly is powerful.
-jeremy
I know what you mean, Jeremy-- I went to this conference wondering why I'd spent the money and made the commitment months before, and now just didn't have the desire. I felt sure I was supposed to be in Cedar Rapids, IA, serving with disaster recovery (I live just outside Austin, and I know how awful traffic can be to get to Riverbend! It was gonna feel like work). But, I heard from God-- over and over throughout the conference-- that my cup needed to be refilled before I attmept to pour out any more anything to anyone. And He gave me a few special messages about the condition of my heart and some of my church relationships, and He had me in tears of awe every day. I am so refreshed. Thanks to you and the rest of the team for the most useful and joyous weeks of my life.
Posted by: Sue | July 25, 2008 at 01:36 PM
I'm with ya, bro. I feel that way all too often, having to remind myself that I "have to" or "should do" something because it's the right thing to do, or because it's expected of me, even though I'd rather not. But then I get there and I do it and I feel great and God reminds me that this is what He made me for and when I do what He made me for, I'm worshiping Him. Thanks for the reminder! John!
Posted by: King John | July 29, 2008 at 10:13 AM