Why We Do What We Do

Our first outdoor Anthem service was a crazy success. Seriously, sometimes there are nights where you walk away completely refreshed and reminded of the power and the heart of our amazing God; you're changed, and you didn't even realize it was happening when you first pulled in for "another Wednesday night" service.

There are times when God delivers an inspired word that breaks us out of the routine of what we become used to; truly, it happens when we least expect it. I know there had to be reservations about moving the service outdoors, but it really shouldn't be surprising that God can turn something nerve-wracking and chaotic into something life-altering.

We watched three guys from the Military walk into the roundabout around 6:30pm; they had overheard about our Anthem service while getting haircuts. And what is more amazing than the simple power of "word-of-mouth", is the fact that God moved in them so much before we even realized; to come out together on a Wednesday night at 6pm to some church they'd never been to before, in a state that they don't even call home. They didn't know that, tonight, we would be outside for the first time all summer. They didn't know it started at 8pm; they got there at 6pm just hoping that they could at least find the correct location, or someone to point them in the right direction.

Not only did Pastor Brandon's message lead them to a recommitment to Jesus later in the evening, but even past that, they helped us tear down and clean up and were connecting with our team leaders as the night ended. I've said it before: when God finds passionate people determined to walk by faith, he doesn't waste a moment of time.

Brandon delivered a great word to us on WORSHIP: why we do what we do. The bottom line is that everyone worships SOMETHING... worship simply means that you place value on something; defining it as what truly matters to you.

What do you worship? Is it a car? MONEY? A relationship? Success?

We were made to Worship our Creator. And we CAN worship, because of His unfailing grace. Brandon asked us to seriously consider where we would be without his grace, without our salvation... what if WE had to carry the burden of our sin nature? What if, at the end of the day, we had to receive the penalty for our sins? Aren't you thankful that He took care of that for us, 2,000 years ago? True worship begins with our acknowledgement and realization of what Jesus Christ truly did for us.

Worship carries us through all seasons of life. It is so easy to praise God from the mountaintops, but how do you treat Him when you're in the valley? Are you too ashamed to speak to Him when you've made a terrible mistake? Out of sheer respect for Him, do you hide from a moment of prayer because you believe you're failed Him? The truth is, it is during our lowest moment that our worship means the most. What makes us think that when we're at the best time in our life, that we're more worthy of Him then? Just an example... a man received news of terminal, aggressive cancer... and that same day, walked into his studio, pressed record... and "Healer" was born. Do you truly give it all to God, during all the seasons of your life?

Lastly, there is nothing God loves more than us all coming together. We are a family in Christ. As Christians, we are His body... and the church should be our Home Base. Our lives should be centered around Him. Everything we are, everything we aspire to be... should be OF Him.

The night ended when I got the chance to personally work with two people that received Salvation; one, I learned, was for the very first time. Her husband went up to the front with her, and ended up recommitting his life as well. But, she had never stepped foot into a church and had no idea who God was; Brandon's message spoke directly to her, and absolutely changed every aspect of her life.

All of a sudden... a marriage that, earlier, had provoked a specific prayer request of our leaders, was strengthened under a common commitment to God. They welcomed Him into their lives, and it was apparent that everything had changed.

Don't you just love nights like that?