I had the privilege of visiting Gospel of Grace Fellowship this morning, and as the first song began I was overwhelmed with thankfulness to our great and mighty God who has brought about this new church. As I stood there and saw kids serving the body, people rejoicing in their Savior, and the joy of the Lord shining on their faces I couldn't stop the tears of joy."To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified." (Isaiah 61:3)
In the last two and half years my brothers and sisters in Christ have been through the fall and repentance of their pastor and then a church split. And yet God has preserved and protected them, and brought out of these fiery trials a beautiful new church....beauty from ashes.
My sweet friend Sherry happened to have her camera out as I turned to my Mom in tears, and she captured the moment so well.
They congregation was singing Hosanna, and it was just so perfect.
"Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highestThis was a group of people who truly did have "hearts full of praise" and it was such a beautiful reminder that whatever our circumstances are, God is sovereign over them and is working all things for our good and His glory.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest
Lord we lift up Your name
With hearts full of praise
Be exalted oh Lord our God
Hosanna in the highest"
"Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due His name:
worship Yahweh in the splendor of His holiness...
The Lord gives His people strength;
the Lord blesses His people with peace."
(Psalm 29:2,11)
Rejoicing with you all from over here. Love you Jessica!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diane! Love you too!
DeleteJessica, your reaction was so beautiful and God glorifying and so is what you've shared here. To have you there, sharing in our immense joy, awe, and gratitude for all the Lord has brought about was absolutely wonderful! I love this photo - seeing it when Sherry posted it and seeing it again with what you've written just brings tears of pure joy to my eyes!
ReplyDeleteIt was also beautiful to witness the love and joy on your parents faces each time they saw you today and to hear it in their voices. They just glowed and so did you! It just touched my heart immensely to see the love shared between you and to know it's made all the sweeter by the love you share in Christ.
Thank you, Ruth. It was such an honor to be there and to see the way the body has come together as one to rejoice in the gospel and share one another burdens. ((Hugs))
DeleteGiving thanks with you, sister! <3
ReplyDeleteLove you Becky!
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