In one of the glitziest cities in the world, we can’t compete. The “Empire State of Mind” is true, “big lights will inspire you.” But there’s something else, and it goes like this:
One time, I was feeling inadequate as I prepared to speak at another church in Manhattan. That’s how I feel whenever I consider the impossible task of changing peoples’ hearts. So I prayed, simply and honestly, that God would speak to people. In that talk, I made a point from Scripture to the effect of, “People sometimes think they have a problem with worry or with their marriage or how they manage their money, when in actuality it’s a foundation issue.” That’s a simple Truth– not much glitz there.
After the service, a man came up to me trembling, with tears in his eyes, and said, “I don’t know if I should hug you or punch you.”
“You know what, why don’t hug me,” I suggested.
He seemed rattled. Slowly shaking his head, he explained, “On the train on the way over here, I just asked my wife, ‘Could this be a foundation issue?'” Only God can make a moment like that happen. That guy probably doesn’t remember my name, but I doubt he’ll forget what God said to him.
I’m in favor of hard work and excellence, but I also think that the time our worship team spends praying is more important than the time they spend practicing.
“because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:5).
Post by: Chris Travis