FILLED WITH AWE. TOGETHER.
Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.
Acts 2:43 (NIV)
One sign of a community being brought together by God's hand is that it witnesses and celebrates together God's character and work. Worship was never meant to be reduced to singing songs. Worship was meant to be a way of life where we witness miraculous God moments and are overcome with awe and wonder. Together.
I remember the first time I saw fireworks. The people in our neighborhood spent a lot of time together. This was back when people gathered for block parties, cookouts and parades. People got to know each other and celebrated holidays and big life events together. One of those celebrations was always the Fourth of July. One of our neighbors had a horse farm. Lots of land. Plenty of places to run and play, which was great for me and my sister, especially at a young age. But we couldn’t wait for the sun to go down. We grabbed lawn chairs and blankets, sat, and watched the most beautiful fireworks we’d ever seen (yes, with Lee Greenwood and Neil Diamond songs blaring from the speakers, but that’s another story!).
God designed us to be filled with awe and wonder. Being in God’s presence is the sheer definition of awe and wonder. The closer we get to God, the more we’re overwhelmed at His greatness, power and majesty. As Scripture tells us, He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)
APPLICATION: When was the last time you were filled with awe and wonder? Get together with friends and
- Share the miraculous things you’ve seen God do, and
- Go somewhere beautiful – a lake, a beach or watch a sunrise or sunset. Sharing in the wonder of God helps us grow stronger together.
PRAYER: God, I know You have made me for beauty and wonder. You’re doing miracles all around me, but I often miss what You’re up to. I pray You’d help me, my friends and family experience the wonder of who You are together. Help us see You at work and marvel at how awesome You are. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?