Elemental

There was a moment, this weekend, that was just beautiful! At the 10:30 Encounter, we waited with expectancy to worship as a collective. Ian launched the encounter by sharing a bit about Elemental Weekend (a student intensive weekend in which they pursued a love for God - heart, soul, mind, & strength). As Ian talked, 150 students & leaders encircled us. They lined the sidewall... the middle... across the front.... and there were many in the foyer leaning into our worship encounter. The Grace Campus Ministry (Auburn U) played the song Marvelous Light and the place was just electric with the presence of and the hope we share in Christ. To stand in the front of the room and watch generations worship together... to watch our students pour out a weekend of passion in the middle of that room.... to recognize that we were sitting in the middle of a 'spiritual marker'..... it was just a remarkable moment!

So, the students leave the room (150+ students, leaders, hosts/co-hosts leaving is a HUGE void of energy!!). I am thinking to myself, 'self, where do we go from here?' The moment that we just shared was pretty intense and here we all with all of us 'old people'. God smiled. Then, He answered and He took all of us on a journey. As we ventured through our worship and landed in a moment singing (shouting with our hearts... releasing deep passion) "Hallelujah, Our God Reigns!", I felt like God smiled, waved at us, and said "Here I AM in Spirit and in Power!" It was a moment to remember. It was an encounter with the living God that was ripe with His presence and His desire to deepen us in Him. I can gain 'Traction' in moments like that! God is good... so good to share a tangible, powerful expression of His presence.

Our current conversation is about traction. It's about gaining our first foothold as being in a love relationship with Jesus Christ. That is the starting point. Beyond that, we build our lives on His words... His truth.... and we will constantly transform into His image. Traction = strong foundation on the journey after Christ.

It's a significant week. We will delve a bit more deeply into Luke 6 and a a life built upon solid foundation. The Emmanuel family has launched a 40 Day Journey that holds long-term hope through the life of Emmanuel. We are still reveling in the repercussions of D-Now weekend. And, on a personal note, Susan and I will be burying her father. This truly is a journey.... and the trajectory leads 'home' - in Christ, by Christ, for Christ, and ultimately, to Christ.

Feel free to add to the commentary by clicking on comments. I love you guys!

For the Glory,

Mark