This Made Me Smile Big

Celebrating. Rejoicing. And really, just being happy about things is not a natural thing for me. I do get happy, but for some reason it doesn’t last that long. I am not exactly sure why, but it is true. I think that the sadness that has happened in my life has caused me to distrust happiness. When I really start to rejoice and be happy I somehow feel like I am letting my guard down, and I'm not bracing myself for sadness which can strike at any time. 

I often find that this attitude within me is not at all what the Bible prescribes. The Bible clearly prescribes celebrating, rejoicing and being happy about things: 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. — Philippians 4:4
 
Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.  — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

The God who made us and all that we are (and all that we have capacity for), desires and commands us to be a people who celebrate. And after seeing all the people showing up excited to engage in society's pain last night at the Urban Kinetic kick-off, all I can say is…

You know you make me wanna (Shout!)
Kick my heels up and (Shout!)
Throw my hands up and (Shout!)
Throw my head back and (Shout!)
Come on now (Shout!)

It is beautiful and uncommon to see a whole gymnasium full of people gathered for one purpose: to serve the needs of others. One of the ministry organizations' representatives said about the people and atmosphere last night, “I was not expecting it to be so energetic.” This made me smile big. 

Whether you were able to make it or not, will you pray these outcomes with us for the next 5 weeks?

We want to see our attempts at exquisite mutuality and extraordinary kinship put a bright smile on the face of God.

We want to see each of the established ministries we are working with feel the weight of our collective shoulders under the burden God has asked them to bear.

We want to see each ministry team bond together like a true band of brothers and sisters going on a mission together. 

We want to see the places where the darkness of hurt and shame usually reign be infiltrated and overwhelmed by the supernatural light of Christ’s healing and hope. 

We want to see people warmed with the love and tenderness of Christ and awakened to the identity that Jesus has been whispering over them from the moment they came into being.

We want to see the powerful Bride of Christ on the move, bringing the beauty that comes from Jesus’ love, and the cleansing that comes from Jesus’ words.

See you Sunday, 

David