What It's All About

I received a note from one of my friends about the wake and funeral for 17 year old, Bailey Shrader. “My heart is just exploding with emotion as a result of Bailey's passing. I know that I am not alone. What has struck me to the core is the outpouring of love that was demonstrated during these past few days. The fact that Bailey's wake and funeral were held at Parkview (what funeral home could have accommodated that many people?) and the beautiful and encouraging words spoken at her funeral - the love of Parkview was evident. Where else could we have gone for such comfort? I can't think of another place. My daughter and I felt that we were at home, where we needed to be in order to grieve this loss. I can only imagine that if we had these feelings, how comforting it was for Bailey's mom, sister, and brother to be in a place where they were so surrounded by love - a place where they feel at home."

Bette Midler sang that God is watching us from a distance. That’s really unfortunate theology. I need God to be with me RIGHT HERE. I re-realized this week why I do what I do. Being in England – with those unbelievably pure and good people who aren’t sure of truth yet. Touring Winchester Abby and seeing all of those marvelous cathedrals that are full of dead kings and seemingly void of the movement of the Holy Spirit. And losing Bailey at such a young and tragic age – has energized me in a way that is hard to measure 

Let me make this clear. I am not running a popularity contest here. If we are the 75th fastest growing church in the country because I’m a fun guy – then you all need to get out of here and never come back. I don’t think that this church is growing because I’m fun – or the band rocks – or the facility is impressive. This place is growing because the HS of God is in this place and you know it!  And we all need the Holy Spirit of God living in us every day.  He’s alive and He is working. I don’t need God at a distance. I need him HERE. 

And Bailey reminded me that I need him forever. Romans 8:11 is true, that "if the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead, will also give life to your mortal bodies through the Spirit who lives in you." Romans 8:11 

Be here this weekend – I’m fired up. 

Tim

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