WORSHIP THOUGHTS

17/03/07 - Life changing experiences

Just recently Ruth and I visited the Airport Fellowship Church in Toronto alongwith the other Elders from Leicester and we all had life changing experiences. One of the things that we came away with for us all and for the church in Leicester is the need to soak in God's presence. To give time just to be in a place where God can minister to us without us rushing around doing stuff that can wait! We have read a lot and heard a lot about being under the shadow of his wings, close to him, daily dwelling, residing closer to him than we have ever been before. And it is so apparent that as we give time to him he shows up.

After every meeting in Toronto they had times of soaking, where you could find a place on the floor, or on your chair to rest in his presence. Noel Richards song, "To be in your presence" tells of times like this, when we come and don't rush away. Cherishing each moment and finding that as we draw near to him he draws near to us. To that end at our National Worship Conference last weekend we had a session where we jsut soaked in the presence. For some it may have been new, but for all who were there is was a tremendous time of refreshing.

Psalm 27 v 4-5 reads, "One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock." Verses that we have read, quoted and meditated on many times. Yet again God is coming and rekindling a fresh desire in our hearts to dwell again even closer than ever before. Spending time gazing upon his beauty. Allowing God, our father to woo us and love us afresh.

Some people soak in silence and some us music. Kelley Warren who was the worship leader at Toronto during our visit has some wonderful CD's to soak to. Also poeple have using my new CD, "Living under the Shadow of his Wing" to soak to. Whatever we use, we must pursue this practice and never get too busy to spen time with God. Take time this week to soak and to rest in God's presence and draw near to him.