Whenever I get back from the riverside, Carole asks: “Was He there?” She is asking me if Jesus was there in a dimension that I experienced Him.” She never asks that question when I return from my office. She should have today! This day of refreshing has strengthened me. While I was on the treadmill, in my office, living room and next to the mighty Mississippi. Usually, these are personal times, but today I want to share this one with you to join me in worship. I list my Order of Worship:
- Call to Worship—Carola
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aci9bu7PVLg
- The Word— Mark Rutland.
- Offering
- Worship with song—Carola—”My Tribute” (Note her bio at bottom of screen.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbOn6JNaGZ0&list=RDnbOn6JNaGZ0&start_radio=1
- The Word—Prophet Dutch Sheets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vhhhwtbQ1Y
I can’t remember how I got to the song “No Matter What.” I had never heard it and it is @25 years old. This song is the first time I had heard Carola or heard about her. Although I am glad she chose not to wear that dress to church, I was stunned by the harmony, voice placements and presentation. I thought it was one of the prettiest songs I’ve heard. I was captured by the rhythm and track. Then I listened and read the words. These are the words of a young teen in love, or a person who doesn’t give a rip who teaches, preaches, or knows what—no matter what! The lyrics of people who cannot be taught and refuse to consider other results or consequences.
But I like the track and positivity of the chords. What if it is the heart of the person who has heard God’s call, the inheritance and God saying—It’s yours, go for it. Invest in it, stretch your faith. I give it, you receive as a steward.
Who are they? What are they trying to steal or to convince you just to settle? Is there a hint in the phrase—“Then God will tell us….”
Okay. Check out the dress and listen to this song. “No Matter What”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28Y9zdOqh4U
- Altar Call
After playing the songs for Carole, I went to the river parking to consider what I just experienced and to read a chapter in the book about the 2023 Asbury Revival. One quote called me to embrace God’s touch and message.
In front of Hughes Auditorium is a semi-circle drive and large lawn. Thousands were in rooms and make-shift auditoriums. The Semi-Circle was filled with seekers watching screens. Asbury Seminary Old Testament Professor Lawson Stone wrote on Facebook:
“For those coming, don’t worry about not getting into Hughes. The semicircle is about as saturated with the Spirit as any place I’ve ever seen.” (Taken By Surprise, Mark R. Elliott)
“Saturated!” When was the most recent time when I witnessed or experienced Saturated with the Spirit? Am I presenting myself to Him no matter what? Can you imagine saturation?
©2024 D. Dean Benton—Wonderer, Ponderer, Presenter, Meanderer
Benton Quest House 