1 Tesalonicenses 5:17 “Orad sin cesar”
As we drove to the church this morning with Greg and Hannah Brown, I was excited to be back at the church again...for several reasons. When we walk into the church, the local church family greats us with hugs and kisses and they have the most sincere smiles. As worship begins, God’s spirit fills the place, and how AWESOME it is! Even though the songs are in a different language, I enjoy it oh so much. Without knowing the words, it gets my mind focused in a way that is impossible in the states. Without knowing the words, I am not distracted by the insecurity of my voice or the people around me. I am focused on the God who created the world. The God who is in control of all of us. The God who put us here together to accomplish His work this week. The God who gives us so much when we deserve nothing. This morning’s worship was so powerful for the fact that we were singing together (trying our best anyways)….in a completely different language, and the experience is truly like a glimpse of heaven. All of us praising together...I can’t wait for the day when there is no language barrier and we are all together in Heaven on our faces praising our sovereign God!
As the summer continues, I am realizing more and more the true power of prayer. God has really opened my eyes the past few days to how much of a lack there is of that..prayer. True and sincere prayer. What would happen if we as a body prayed together on a regular basis? What if we gathered together in true biblical community, not just on the field, but at home, and prayed together? Paul tells us to pray without ceasing! Rejoice always!
Tomorrow we begin our work out in the communities. Please be in prayer that the Holy Spirit would move and that our hearts would be sensitive to its’ guidance. As we have mentioned, not our plans..but God’s! In chapter 2 of 1 Thessalonians, Paul is speaking about his ministry to the people there. In verse 8 he says, “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” We must give everything! As Greg and JT have been sharing with the team, we have to leave it all here. If we pour out everything we have, God will then fill us up again. However, we have to pour it ALL out before HE can refresh us again!
-Lindsey Clayton
