Hosting Him

We live within about an hour drive of Asbury University, the site of the recent outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We've visited there several times these past two weeks. It has been a precious and sacred time for me personally and for our family. There are some experiences in this life for which words are simply lacking. This has been one of them for me. But here are some words that have frequently come to mind.

Peace. Healing. Beauty. Wisdom. Joy. Restoration. Truth. Rest. Deliverance. Sovereignty. Goodness. Grace. Unity. Love.

There have been so many questions surrounding this event. What is it? Why there? Is this revival? Among whom? And how do we steward such a thing?

But I find myself honed in on a couple of other questions.

The first is this: Am I ready? Are we, the Church, ready?

No, I'm not about to launch into a hell fire and brimstone message. But I do think it's time for us to take the fear of the Lord very seriously. I'm aware that "fear" can be a trigger word for many, due to past struggle and/or trauma. I've lived those things, too. So, let's consider another phrase. How about holy reverence?

Am I living my life in holy reverence to the One who knit me together in my mother's womb? To the only One who can actually satisfy my seemingly endless needs and desires? Am I choosing, by grace, to prepare myself, as a bride does for her most beloved bridegroom?

I believe the next question is the necessary counterbalance to the one above.

Do I truly believe that within the holy Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - there is a love to be found to which none other compares? Is this the primary relationship grounding my life and defining my identity? It is only through daily, or better still, moment by moment communion with God that we will be stirred toward readying our hearts and minds for Him. It is His grace and His Presence that will further move and compel us to prepare ourselves for our coming Bridegroom. But we must make space for Him.

The name of our organization, When Love Finds Love, is based on 2 Chronicles 16:9: "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose hearts are fully committed to Him."

When the Lord finds hearts that are fully committed to Him, those who are genuinely willing to be living sacrifices of love, the most amazing things can and will happen.

I believe this is happening right now.

For those of us who have walked with Jesus for many years, it is time to ask the Lord how we might better mother and father those who are newer to this wonderful journey. But as we offer ourselves to the Lord and to them, may we do so with the utmost humility and childlike faith, ready to embrace this new movement of the Spirit. We have much to learn from these incredible young voices, many of whom who are crying out in this very hour with deep desperation and hunger for God.

This is the very heart and essence of The Table, the discipleship school we're launching this summer. It is no accident that the Lord saw fit for us to extend this invitation at this moment in history. If you (or your youth) are between the ages of 12-22 and are interested in joining us on this amazing summer adventure with Jesus, in community with others, please reach out to us! Applications for both students and summer interns are available now. We currently plan to accept applications through April 15th, and space is limited. Our hope is to have our summer group determined by May 1st, so that we can then begin to collectively prepare our hearts and minds for all that God has in store!

Grace and peace to you, friends.