Uprising Update

Hey Everyone,

Just thought I'd pop in and let you know how the Uprising Conference went. Our worship team played in the Prayer Room at the Conference for an hour or two, I don't really remember. I lost track of time. It was such an amazing time! The attendees at the conference had the option to come in and out as they pleased, so many people took part in worship throughout the afternoon. I was so amazed by the presence of the Holy Spirit in that room. As we played and sang antiphonally (each singer took a turn singing what the Holy Spirit put in his or her heart), we built upon each chorus sung out. The topic ended up being the presence and the glory of God and our pursuit and desire to see the Lord high and lifted up. The Lord stirred each of us deeply. At one point, our electric guitarist, Rob, had to lay down his instrument and just weep before the Lord for a while in awe of His beauty. I found that my expression was in singing as I have never before sung. And, while I thought I already knew this, the Lord spoke deeply to my heart that He gave me a voice to praise Him. And the emphasis, here, makes a very big difference in meaning. So let me explain. He didn't give me a voice so that I could worship (hang with me here, I'm not a heretic. He did give me a voice for that purpose. But it's much bigger than that!) The Lord God gave me a voice of worship. What do I mean by this? I mean, My voice is given me for the sole purpose of worshiping the only One who is uncreated. It's true, voices are useful for communicating. But even in the everyday, I must be communicating the truth (all truth is worship unto God, when yoked with love). If I am not voicing the worship of the Almighty, what is the point of speaking or singing?

Some might say that this is a little extreme (or a lot). I mean, I shouldn't be "so heavenly-minded that I'm of no earthly good," right? I don't believe this to be the case (and I say this lovingly). Let me share why this is wrong. The simple reason is this: people weren't made to live on the earth. We were made to live with God. The Lord has been challenging my earthly mindsets. If I live for the here and now, my gratification will come in this life. However, this life is only a preparation for the life to come. Clinging to the things of this world only creates in me a fear of losing what I possess. However, choosing to gaze of Jesus and follow His commands not only feeds my spirit, but it creates in me the ability to trust Him, the Almighty with all my heart. it allows me to let go of this earth and fear the fear of loss. And when i am not walking in fear, I am living in joy, able to love the Lord able to love people, able to walk in the freedom of knowing to whom i belong. I am far from perfect. But I am experiencing the difference of a life lived for the age to come. The faithfulness of the Lord never ceases.