There’s a song that came out last fall that has been resonating with me ever since. I’ve listened to it over and over again and the words convict and inspire me every time. It’s a song called “Reign” by Chris Quilala. Here’s the first verse and chorus…
Before anybody takes a stage Let them feel You moving
Before anybody sings a word Let them feel You working
Let it be more than just, what my eyes can see
Let it be obvious, Kingdom come in me
King Jesus, Take the highest place
Reign, reign
Here in me, Heaven on display
Reign, reign
As I plan services and sermons and spend time with seeking God in preparation for the fall this expresses my heart for our church. It’s my heart for anyone who serves in or attends services that all of us rely on Jesus and not the next service to keep us going. That we spend time with Jesus throughout the week to hear from Him, be transformed by Him, and be empowered by the Spirit. I want it to be obvious in our lives and services that Jesus is at work and that He is in control. I want more than just attendance in my life and the lives of my brothers and sisters in my church family. I want His kingdom come and will be done here on earth as it would be in heaven.
May our walk with God and our gatherings be full of life, where God is speaking and we are listening, where we are seeking and He is moving – before we ever step into a gathering to serve or participate. My heart is a pastor is that everyone connected with Country Hills Church would know Jesus intimately, and that He would reign in our hearts and lives and not just our gatherings.
Philippians 2:9–11 (The Message)
Because of that obedience, God lifted him (Jesus) high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.