Sunday, October 16, 2005 - week 2

The privilege of serving God is given to each and every one of us in our everyday lives in our everyday jobs. It is not what you do in life that is so important, but rather it is WHO you do it for. Everything we do - every job we do (that doesn't violate the Bible of course) - can be an act of worship to God when we do it for Him. This week, people at The Journey have a new boss - Jesus Christ Himself.

This past Sunday's services were significant on so many levels:
1) I have never been more excited to deliver the Word because of the practical implications it has for each and every person (see the opening comments).
2) The level of excitement and spiritual intensity is clearly seen in the time of corporate worship and expression of almost all present at The Journey.
3) The time of worship in song was pleasing to God, specifically because it poured out of the overflow of people's weeks as they were in the Word and in small groups.
4) We had several visitors who are searching out this whole "God" thing and how The Journey celebrates the Lord. I am always intrigued as I watch people's faces who are new to our church as they take in what is happening.
5) We had our highest attendance ever at 129!

The spiritual environment of the church continues to move forward as people understand that this isn't about religion but is all about a relationship with Jesus Christ. What we do on Sundays is meant to prepare us for Monday through Saturday, so everything we see, hear, talk about (or sing about) needs to be able to make a difference beyond the church walls. If these things do not, than all that we do is a gigantic waste our time.

But if the praise and worship times last throughout the week bringing victory; if the Word of God permeates our lives and speaks into our day to day actions and thoughts; if the fellowship with each other goes beyond a smile and "How are you?" at church; if we continue to grow through personal Bible reading and prayer, beyond what we hear at church - if these things happen, than God and His Word will continue to manifest through us, and people will see that Christianity is real because it is real in US.

May the Lord give us many more Sundays like today at The Journey.