The following section was from 2014 (a Face Book status). Still timely for me. Churches are still into Live Big, Love Long, You’re Blessed, Friendship Avenue, Unity Forever, We’re the Loudest. And especially “You gotta love yourself first!”
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Oh, dear, tomorrow is the second Sunday of January and nobody has asked my advice for a 2014 theme for their church. I so much wanted to be consulted! I was all ready to say – let’s blaze new trails and go to something like “repent and be baptized” or “trust and obey” or “stand up and walk straight” or “confess your sins and make restoration.”
Well, there’s always next year. But if any of you know a church that has leanin’s toward the above suggestions, please let me know. There are probably lots of sinners who would love a place like that. Brings me to another suggestion, “come in and be made clean.” (Maybe I should hold this until after my birthday – they say eighty year olds can get by with anything!) Happy 2014 to all!
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Now it’s 2020 and I’m 12 days from eighty-six. I still have longings – longings to know a church where one can go and not have to compete with the clock. One where there is singing, praying, testimonies, specials songs, preaching, altar calls, sitting in the presence of Jesus with his power washing over your soul. The tears begin and someone might even jump with an enthusiastic shout of joy. Or someone begins a song: Sweep over my soul, sweep over my soul, Sweet Spirit, sweep over my soul. My joy is complete, while I sit at your feet, Sweet Spirit, sweep over my soul.
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Yesterday right here in this chair where I’m sitting now, That Holy Spirit fell upon me. The peace and joy were overwhelming. It was so wonderful. But I so wanted to share that moment with someone else.
This morning I read several scriptures in the Psalms (somewhere about chapters 25-30) where David talks about praising God in the tabernacle. I have such a longing to praise Him with others who are willing to sit in silence past 12:00 Sunday morning. Or even on Sunday nights, even past eight o’clock….
Not many remember what worship was Pre-TV – Pre-Sunday Night Football – Pre-Sunday Night Movie – back when churches had Sunday Night Church.
Sweet aroma 
It wasn’t our tradition (Methodist) to have Sunday evening services, but every Sunday evening was set aside for MYF — Methodist Youth Fellowship. It was something we always looked forward to. There were activities, of course. We were kids, after all. But there were lessons, and singing, and always some treats, and we never would have thought of missing it for a television program!
My friends and relatives in my church made up my social group. Besides we were taught that the Lord cared whether or not we were there. I don’t know when having two services on Sunday began. It certainly was not the convenient thing to do in our farm country. The places we lived required twenty or thirty miles a round trip twice a day. Methodists were great revival people. I guess going to church in the evening was necessary for people to go to church on weekdays.
“come in and be made clean.” – would have taken you up on this free bath invitation but I take bath daily😀. So nice and clean always.
Eighty six, wow. Stay healthy Oneta.
I have many more years to reach there but no intention. Hope the call comes soon. Till then hope to remain healthy, both in body and spirit (and pray for a multi million dollar lottery win).
We believe in dunking. So with an acknowledgement of Christ as your Savior, you could be made clean – body and soul. I’ve been worried that you have not sharpened your sword. Don’t be anxious for the “call” particularly if you are not ready for eternal life with me and mine. 😀 Seriously it is good to hear from you. I’ve been concerned.
Ah, now I know why we spur. I like shower and you like dunking. Dunking implies that one already lost his or her independence 😀. I still value mine, so will keep showering. Now about eternal life with you and yours, don’t worry. All games ultimately lead to super bowl and the old bearded guy assured me that I am in the right path for the final destination. Now only if the numbers to a winning multi million dollar lottery would have been revealed to me in time! I could even have donated a few bucks to his favourite charity.
Actually my idea wasn’t too good since that would only require one dunking, at least if one behaves himself. I am very Bible oriented, Pranab, so I can’t agree on the “all roads” philosophy. I’m Jesus only Way. If I believe that and don’t tell you that, I wouldn’t care much for you, would I? Just me, Jesus, —- and President Trump. 😀 That will make you howl! He is sure pulling off some good stuff, isn’t he?
I believe in unity in diversity, you seem to believe in homogeneity 😀.
By the way, the old bearded guy told me that I was given a brain so that he (or she) need not think for me, I can think for myself. And I was told to stay away from bad company like POTUS 😀
And Oneta, thanks for your concern. I always wonder how will our blogosphere friends know when one is finally called.
I’ll give a whistle on the way up. Seriously, I plan to give my daughter-in-law, ReNee, access to my blog before I go. Obviously I’m in no hurry. I’m feeling pretty good. Eighty-six? Not too bad. I have to do eighty-six before I can do ninety-six.
Praise God for folks like you and for all the faithful and ‘longing’ believers from all around the world. Indeed it is not our denomination, not our tradition, it is only the Saviour Jesus Christ who saves us. As we get older and all the ‘trappings’ tend to be less important it is only HIM. Then, in prayer and absolute commitment God the Holy Spirit will indeed be with us in FULLNESS , COMFORT AND POWER. You are an encouragement to folks like me who journey into their later 70’s who know the slowing down is indeed bringing greater Presence of God because He is indeed with all who have accepted and believe. THE GLORIOUS CHURCH is PEOPLE. His Holy Bride to come into the KINGDOM. Ready to face Him (covered by the blood of the Lamb). .
Future secure in the hands of the Creator, welcomed their by the Son. Thanks for the comment. Faye.
I experience the same longing at times myself.
It is a surprise to see you here. Welcome to my blog. Are you blogging? Or came through Face Book? I saw Christmas pictures of you with a couple other guys and a slew of beauties. Back to my longing. So many folks have bought into not needing a church to serve the Lord. That’s like not needing icing on a cake. I want to be with other saints who are feeling a jiggle in their giggle just thinking about sitting at Jesus’ feet. Thank, Ken, for all you have done for me. I hope Joyce is continuing to improve. Give her a hello from me.