I'm Asking Him To Change His Ways
And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself, And Then Make A Change
-Man in the Mirror, lyrics by Michael Jackson
I experienced another awesome worship service at my church today. The music absolutely rocked my socks off again. We had a guest violinist who played beautifully. We began singing what I grew up singing every week as the Doxology: Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow. There were verses I had not sung before and it was an amazing way to begin worship as the people of God.
For the offertory, the band did Man in the Mirror. I must say that I think this is the first time I've ever heard a Michael Jackson song in worship but it completely fit with the theme of the service. The pastor challenged us in his sermon to look examine our lives and our priorities. He shared with us stories about how the human heart has a deep need for sharing with others. He reminded us that we need to stop walking around with clenched fists of greed and instead open our hands for service and the very healing of the world.
As I left the auditorium in the high school where we are meeting, I realized that next week will probably be my last Sunday in worship with this church for quite a while. I do want to try to join them for worship when I visit Knoxville in the future. However, once I move to Cincinnati, I will find a new church home and a new community in which to serve and grow in my relationship with Christ.
I thank God that I was led to Cokesbury Church. They have helped me to find community. They helped me to heal and to experience grace beyond my wildest dreams. They challenged me to serve in new ways. The pastors spoke Truth into my life. The musicians helped me to come into the presence of God when all I felt like I had to give God was an ugly broken messed up failure of a life. The church provided a Bible study that allowed me to connect with other Christians. They helped me to find hope and life after parish ministry.
So, tonight, I'm giving God thanks and praise for Cokesbury United Methodist Church. They helped me to experience once again the amazing grace of God in my life. The man I look at in the mirror today is one who has been transformed by this incredible community of faith.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
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