Last night I was volunteering at a drop in centre that I attend weekly. I usually go and sing and play with guitar with a couple other ladies who have beautiful voices and hearts.

A lot of these people who come to the drop in centre have struggles that seem to be a little more forefront than people I come across on a daily basis. I always sense the need for some serious spiritual protection and awareness when I come; almost as if I’m entering a battle zone. Last night was no different. I didn’t bring my guitar, and decided to start off by just sitting down and chatting with some guests. The very first conversation was with a woman who very strongly opposed religion and had a lot to say about the faults of churches and Christians in general. It can be really easy to get caught up in trying to defend what you believe, but I have never found these conversations lead anywhere beneficial. And furthermore, God doesn’t need a defence. Romans 1:18-20 says:

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

Usually people with such strong opinions are not open in any way to hearing another point of view. I found it challenging and even frustrating as I sat there, as I realized that this conversation was completely dominated by this woman. I almost felt helpless as I sat there.

Thank God for my friend Kat who brought in her guitar and immediately started playing and singing. When she was done a song or two, she stopped and began talking about how much the Lord touched her heart on Sunday, how she was overwhelmed by His great love for her, and how she just wants more of Him. She described her experience as so intimate that it was like something from Song of Solomon. 🙂 Something broke in that thick atmosphere of darkness as she began expressing her love for the Lord and His love for her! It was a wonderful reminder to me that people’s lives are rarely changed by intellectual conversations about theology, but people’s lives are changed by the Spirit of the living God, whose LOVE captures us! It is truly the relationship that changes us; not any mental exercises or arguments.

I came across this hymn today that I’ve never heard before. Sometimes during my time with the Lord in the morning, I like to open up the hymn book and either sing a hymn or just read the words out loud. Hymns are so rich lyrically, and can help draw you into the presence of the Almighty God.

Man, I’m so in love this morning! God is so good! I feel overwhelmed this morning with His great love for me. How undeserving I am, and yet how deep and rich is the love of God in Christ Jesus! Knowing that I am fully accepted by Him, and will never be rejected, is a beautiful truth that just delights my heart inside out! And when you know Jesus Christ in this way, you just want to pass it along! There is an invitation to all who are thirsty…God is waiting for you.

Here are the words to this beautiful song:

At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow,
Every tongue confess Him King of glory now;
‘Tis the Father’s pleasure we should call Him Lord,
Who from the beginning was the mighty Word.

At His voice creation sprang at once to sight,
All the angel faces, all the hosts of light,
Thrones and dominations, stars upon their way,
All the heavenly orders in their great array.

Humbled for a season, to receive a name
From the lips of sinners, unto whom He came;
He is God the Saviour, He is Christ the Lord,
Even to be worshipped, trusted and adored.

In your hearts enthrone Him: there let Him subdue
All that is not holy, all that is not true;
Crown Him as your captain in temptation’s hour,
Let His will enfold you in its light and power.

Brothers, this Lord Jesus shall return again,
With His Father’s glory, with His angel train;
For all wreaths of empire meet upon His brow,
And our hearts confess Him King of glory now.

Blessings to you,

Lindsey