Random Notes (#41)

Today (Sunday) I woke up and went with a small group from church to another church service over in the colonial park area. To my knowledge we are getting guidance and help in beginning our own contemporary service and they have been quite helpful. I was not overcome by the setting as we walked in, but I admit even being in a gym it was not uncomfortable. Something in the air. We sat down and I took the time to look around at things, drinking it in, studying it. I liked it. It seemed to cover all the basics and was welcoming enough.

After it all started the music came on and people were buzzing, we began to sing a bit and it really moved me. More than traditional hymns do. I found that at moments in certain songs (we sang several) my eyes swelled to bursting and my lips trembled a bit. I had to stop momentarily to gather myself. Just kept clapping along in the interim. It dawned on me, as before, that as much as I like to speak and sing of God, I am either deeply in love or deeply broken inside. Why else would a man be moved to weep by these things. The songs were not about me or related to me, but were of praise. Likewise, speaking of God in a group or intimate setting often takes me down a peg or two, forcing me to pause and collect myself.

Even though I spent the whole time taking mental notes on the setting I still carried much out of the sermon. It was presented much like I would present a topic to someone online. A topic, anger, was presented and to make the point scripture verses were brought out and explained that would teach a biblical lesson on it, a God view. It was well done. Anger is something I had long struggled with, especially in my high school years. I think of how quick I used to get upset and how aggressive I would be in my tone to others or my action when behind closed doors. It was not healthy that I allowed such things and of the many deep down changes God has enforced on me I am quite glad for that one. Peace is no stranger these days, though I do still lose sight of it in worry over things I do or did not do. Anyway, for those out there who might find the topic of interest I have listed the verses so you can do a little reading.

Psalm 37:8
Proverbs 30:33
Proverbs 22:24
Colossians 3:8
Ephesians 4:26-27
Romans 8:12-13
Philippians 4:12-13

So, afterwards we were introduced to the worship leaders and a few of the band members there and they were a nice bunch of people. We helped put the chairs away and then went to lunch to talk about the event. It was a good time and I'm glad I went.