New Beginnings

Wyoming Valley Church
1/6/2013

Today was the first time in a long time I enjoyed church. I looked forward to it. I broke down during worship and most of the service. Most importantly I could feel the Spirit of God truly moving in the midst. And it wasn't only because of the pure intentions of the worship team, or being under Pastor Jamie's leadership, but it was the first time in almost a year that our entire congregation of believers, of brothers and sisters came together in one accord and one purpose with hearts of humility and righteousness supporting one another. The people brought the Spirit of God. Because His Spirit is IN us. So for the first time in a long time, I felt the congregation enjoyed church. I felt them looking forward to it. I heard many of them breaking down and pouring out during worship and the service. And most importantly, I could feel them feeling the Spirit of God in the midst as well. Today we were as one body. Which is how the church, filled with the Spirit of God should be, always.

God,Today is proof of your promise. Its the fruition of our prayers. But of course really didn't see it happening quite like this. We asked and prayed for a pastor who knows the Word, knows the people, cares about the people, one who believes and values the ministries, but doesn't allow the ministry to define the church over the purpose of the church itself. God we prayed for someone who would allow them self to be sensitive to the Spirit. One who isn't afraid to put the clock away and preach until you are finished speaking. We prayed for a man who is humble, a man with one wife, a man who has his family in order; but most of all a man who mirrors you. Because we want YOU leading our church. And God, you have honored humility and have answer our prayers in a way no one saw coming. And out of our hurt, tears, desperation, and needs, you showed us love, grace, mercy allowing us to rise from the ashes.Why?Because you love us. Because you never let us go.Because your Word and promises are true.God, you are good. God, you reign. God, thank you.

I've learned and noticed most, if not all, the great leaders in the Bible claimed to be inadequate when God initially called them. He reassured them and said, "Trust me!" He promised to be the leader as long as they continued to just trust Him. These leaders were by no means perfect. But they all had one common quality. They loved the Lord through good and bad, doing right and wrong, in the midst of the Spirit and in a personal recession. Why did they remember to love Him?

Because He first loved them. He never failed to make that clear. This was their reassurance that all feeling of inadequacy should be thrown out the window and all hope was in Him. 

.::A Far Off Britt::.

Todays notes:

James 1:

If He hasn't created unity in one place, He's probably doing something big.

Acts 15

We must balance our understanding of mercy.

Leviticus 23:4-8

How many times did He show us mercy? No less than 7 times.