overflow last night

i am continually amazed how God is so faithful to meet us every time we seek after him. last night was our third overflow, and i have to say, i was pretty discouraged toward the beginning of the night...only a couple people there and things were already so far from what i had planned. yet, as the night wore on, God took the plans that i had made for the night and turned them on their head. things didn't go according to the schedule, but, instead of me leading the night, the Spirit began to lead - which is always incredible.

people talk about hearing God's voice, and for the longest time when i was younger i didn't know what that meant. was it an audible voice? was it some distinct voice in my head? a verse? yet, during these long nights of intercession, i think i'm beginning to understand what God's voice sounds like. it's strong and gentle - soft and full of love, and at the same time powerful and authoritative.

i believe God spoke to us last night through his Spirit. first, i'm convinced that we're broken vessels that are privileged to have a chance to be used by God. God is leading those who are in love with him to deeper things - to sacrifice, service, love, and deep commitment. if Salem is to be awakened from its apathy, then lovers of God are going to have to do the things that no one else is doing, a level of love and commitment that this city hasn't seen before. i'm convinced that God's calling us to be more radical in loving, giving, and serving than anything the church in Salem has ever seen.

second, it is by God's wisdom and his leading that the church in Salem will rise up and reach out to the unreached within its own borders. he will lead us. all we have to do is obey, which can be frightening and uncomfortable at times. but we must remember that it is God's power for God's work.

last, i'm certain God is just dying to pour out is love to us in its fulness. he did die for us, and he wants us to experience more of the abundant, full, eternal life that he has called us to. this life costs us everything - but its more than worth it.


Lord, thanks for your faithfulness to always meeting us when we seek you.