Thursday, September 17, 2009

"I can feel His mighty power"

Today's Reading: Acts 6:7-10 (NIV)

7So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

8Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. 9Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, 10but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.

“Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place, I can fell His mighty power and his grace” are beautiful words from a worship song written in 1977 and now resides in the United Methodist Hymnal. If you are familiar with the melody, sing the sentence again and soak in the fact that the Lord is present with you right now where ever you are.

Lord, I thank you for your presence in my life this evening, it was evident your spirit was present with the praise team at practice. May we worship you always and share with others what you have done in our lives. Amen

I am in awe of how God weaves in and out of every aspect of life. His spirit is like fog in one sense. As you look out into a foggy river valley, notice how the moisture of the fog penetrates every space possible, it encompasses all of space. The Lord’s presence is that way too, He is everywhere before us, with us and behind us, just as He was with Stephen. The church in Jerusalem was growing daily, miracles were being performed and signs and wonders of God’s power displayed right before their eyes. Jerusalem was and still is a volatile place, but peace was there and will be there again.

Tonight at praise team practice, I saw and heard voices and instruments blending in the spirit of worship. As I move the screens to the songs lyrics, I watch and listen alone up in the balcony and a peace overcomes me. I know during that time frame each of us are where we should be, preparing our hearts for worship and to lead others in worship. It is humbling to know God allows me to assist in the worship experience in such a small way. I am humbled and grateful.

You see, nothing is small to God, because everything we are and everything we do is his work; eternal work for the kingdom! Just as God grew the church through Stephen and the apostles, God will continue to shows us miracles. We should be awaking everyday expecting miracles.

Monday, Deb will be awaking before daybreak - expecting a miracle, as her surgery is that morning at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis where she will undergo neurosurgery on her upper spine. Humans will be repairing discs, fusing her spine, inserting hardware and removing bone fragments, all with God’s power. As we each recognize from this scripture that all wisdom is from God, all works are of God – we hold within us the knowledge that nothing will stand against Deb as she faces this ordeal. Deb, Jeff and your children and grandchildren, stay obedient to your faith as you face these next several months.

Dorothy Brucks
Aldersgate UMC
Nixa, MO.

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