battery low

The last days of the outreach. It's different from a youth camp. Especially for me, coz this year I worked during this week instead of joining. So I missed a lot of what happened. Still, God has a plan like always and He had to remind me again of my stupidity. How is it I always complain and put the fault on others? why isn't it easier to first look into our own hearts instead of walking around it? I admit, I was tired. Already for couple of months now. I tried a cry out to our youth... wasn't I clear enough?
My expectations were too high and I was looking into the wrong direction, but God is awesome. He helps us to walk into the right way. And He helped me again in just showing me a mirror.
Thursday and friday evening we had a great worshipservice. And the Word that was shared was right to the point. Though it's late (11pm37) and I don't want to look too deep in my had what the message was about, just let me tell you this. what make it really clear is that we don't have to wait untill God will answer our prayers. Like pastor Josh said it so clearly. God isn't like the government. When something needs to be happening, we don't just sit down and do nothing except waiting untill someone else will react. NO, we need to make that step, that step of faith for our own lives, our own expectanties.

God showed me this really clearly, I even told Donnelle how I reacted during worship. I said to God: "You and I, God, we have unfinished bussiness." He is not finished with me and I am definitly not finished with me. I told Him: " I signed a contract when I accepted Jesus Christ into my life and it's a life-time contract. One that cannot be broken". What needs to be done, shall be done. But it needs to be starting with us. Basics are still the same to apply between God and us: prayer and medidating on to His Word. Sounds easy, but we all know it is much harder than it seems. Why? Because we are too much occupied with this world, it drains the strength out of our bodies, out of our souls and when that happens, Satan is drawing us further from God.

Ben's testimony is wonderfull to hear when we are in such trouble or empty minded. He never gave up, he kept on going and stayed faithfull to the very end. How he did that? With God's unconditional love in his heart. He knew God was there at his side all the way and it made me see that He helps us if we let Him.

Friday, during worship, the battery of my soul was recharged, but like all batteries, they need to keep on recharging all the time and that is what I forgot to do. I got disconnected from God and putted all my strength and energy into my wordly doings. But instead of gaining strength out of all the things I was doing to order my life, it made me even more tired than ever. My thoughts about it was I am tired fysically and mentally, but none of this was true. The tiredness came from deeper within, it was my soul that lacked the strength to keep me running for God. Worshipping Him was the answer and connecting to Him the solution in finding the power for my soul. Ben knew this and even in all the pain he had to go through, he never gave up. Like his dad said, he never complained, never was depressed, coz he found the POWER OF GOD.

God's Word shall help me to find this truth. It shall help me to fully understand what it means to wear the full armor of God. Don't rely on your own strength, but rely on God and on Him alone.

Now physically tiredness is shouting my eyes and I just pray that I will continue to talk more about Him this way. A way I can share the world about His Love. But I pray as well my friends who joined the outreach can teach me another way. To evangelise on the street and start sharing in Brussels about God's Word. Praising, worshipping Him with all of my heart and show people what a difference our lives can be with Him in it. Creator of all, Giver, Bringer of joy and peace. Building up relationships, making friends and shining light into this world. Are we ready for revival? Me, not quite yet but I am getting there. God will reguide me to where I need to go and He will show me what my purpose will hold. Thank You Lord, for sharing , for opening my heart to You and for sending me this team of friends from the States to help me see Your Truth.
God bless you all. Amen

Powerful Worship

Another wednesday service of the youth?! Nope, it was a bit different.

Sometimes it seem all the same, we start worshipping, someone comes to share, one or more announcements, and than it's time to go home. And how fast the sanctuary is empty... But understand some people come by public transport so they need to catch their bus.

Wednesday 27th of june 2007, a day of a new encounter I pray. Service starts at 7pm and I saw a lot of new faces. Didn't recognize most of the people who where there and for the first time my cousin joined us. I'm glad she feels joy with our youth group and pray it will have impact on her view of things, most of all, why we are raising our hands to the One and Only, Our Creator, Our Maker.

And I also hope next time there will be more of our CCA youth group present.

What was so different about this service? James was back :) and when he plays the drums, the worship is already more powerful. No, that wasn't it.

At first I felt tired. Didn't feel like worshipping. Why I was there than. Coz I have a committement to our Lord and I have to put my own feelings aside, so that's why I was there.
And I praise Him I was there. Coz it had again a big impact on my spiritual life. The fire in my soul is burning again and that's why we need to keep on going to services, to be involved in His Work, being involved in Ministry.

It supports us, it reminds us, it encourages us, it feeds us,...

For me anyway. And having the youth in my life is a blessing. It gives more purpose in my life to guide them. But doubt strikes when I have weak moments, when I know I sinned, when I feel insecure, unsure. That's the time faith is weak in me and I call out for help.

That night He answered!

He was present in that sanctuary and I wasn't the only one who noticed. And once more: one man CAN make a difference. Lord, bless my brother Maldo, he is so committed to you and I am glad he is our youth leader (pastor). He shouts for joy as he starts sharing to us and he has our attention. And like always when Your Spirit guides men, they will say the right words.

The end of school is in sight. Vacation is going to start and this service is called the last of the season. But for me, it is a start of committing my time for serving Our Lord. Many projects are planned for this summer and I want to be part of it. Not for serving the people alone, but most of all for serving Him. Difference this time, I AM part of it. Every year I was talking about it, sharing to others, encouraging THEM to be part of serving and be part of missions. But realizing I didn't took part of it myself, how can you lead people this way.

Ok, getting of track here. Wednesday evening. What can I say more? The Holy Spirit was there and I felt It. I heared It. The vision that Maldo once shared, appeared before my eyes once more. Happened to me before. A big torch in the middle with a big flame, representing Jesus. And all of us, youth, standing around it. Some close to the fire, having also torches in their hands that are shining bright, others standing further. And the further you are from that fire, the less bright the torch is shining. But everyone who is holding a torch guides the ones without one to the Torch in the middle. In darkness, the light is always winning. And if we raise up our lights all together in faith, there will be no more darkness, only light.

It's a message of hope we are sending to this nation. And through the many projects we CAN make a difference, starting here in Brussels. Bringing hope to people, shining our lights on the dark streets of this city. Bringing peace and joy. Giving the people a reason to smile. :-)
And with the strength God is giving us, with His Presence always protecting us, we can move forward in faith.

God bless you. Hope you will add comments and I'll ask to encourage each other. Don't be just a youth group, but be brothers and sisters who will stand firm together in Christ.