Out of the Mouths of Babes

We are in Australia getting acquainted with our third grandchild, Kaiden, who was born in January, and of course enjoying the two older siblings.  Our son Cory is pastor of youth and university students at a church in downtown Sydney, called Wesley International Congregation.

We arrived in Sydney on the heels of an inter-generational camp for which Cory was the point person. Camps are Cory's strong point and his favorite part of ministry. (The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.) This was a first for WIC; a gathering for all ages together at one camp. Everyone wondered if it would work. The young wondered if the “old people” like their folks would get the worship. Parents of the high school and University students wondered if the children would “get” anything out of the worship. Cory stood firm that this camp was about all generations coming together to Encounter God; and in the end, one of those committed to making sure this kind of interaction continues was a “70 something” young woman.

While physically and mentally drained Cory was still riding the high of what God had done over the weekend. There were as many as 450 people who took part in at least one day of the weekend experience. About 350 participated in the bulk of it. And IT WORKED! God was encountered by so many in powerful ageless ways.

On Friday evening Cory was introducing the worship and reminded the group that the children were going to be a part of the worship services. Children will be children, so he warned them that it might be noisier than they were accustomed to...they might interrupt...but that would be okay. Much of the music was geared to engage the children, but when the adults saw the children worshiping they too were drawn in.

Cory was preaching that evening. As he preached suddenly his 2 year old, Luka, stood up and said, “Daddy, Daddy! Jesus is knocking on the door!” Cory acknowledge what he had said and tried to be sensitive to what he had said as he continued preaching. A little bit later Luka stood up again, “Daddy, Daddy! If we open the door the Fire will come in.” And Cory knew that for this sermon Luka had been anointed for the preaching of the Word. God Encounter number 1 of many that weekend.

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come in and eat with them and they with me.

Remember...Jesus didn't say this to non-believers. These are Jesus' words to the church! We are the ones who need to listen for His voice and open the door anew. We need to let Jesus...the fire bringer into our lives! Jesus, who sends the Holy Spirit to ignite us with power and passion, is calling.

Enough said, Luka preached it.

I wonder how you will encounter God in new and fresh ways...

I wonder who God will speak through to get our attention.....

I wonder what doors need to be opened to allow the Fire to come in.....

I wonder if we are ready for Fire...