February 28, 2005
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Wonderful Sabbath
John Ortberg delivered another powerful sermon this morning. “Jesus lets anyone who wants to get into His lane.” I am always so touched by how passionate Ortberg is with what he is preaching. His desire for us (his congregation) to really “get it” is so powerful to me. I haven’t heard him preach once without hearing him “almost about to cry” in some part of his message.
Driving away, I felt so lonely though. How do you have church without community. A good message almost feels meaningless without someone to share it with. I feel it more strongly especially post-wonderful-community-of-WCC.
Spent the rest of the afternoon with Colleen reading and journaling. I also tried to draw an image that has been coming to my mind a lot lately while praying, but my artistic abilities are quite limited. Finally, I gave up and wrote a stanza of poetry right in the middle of my drawing. I guess a writer should stick to writing instead of attempting to draw. Here’s my stanza:
freedom and victory
darkness to light
this is reality
the gift of true sight.
This is my reality. My reality is freedom and victory and true sight! Amazing.
In the evening, I went with Colleen & Bernard to GrX’s church plant “Acts II.” Bernard was preaching tonight. The passage made me think of… and sing… with awed tears…
Jesus, friend of sinners
Lord of grace.
I am falling in love with You.
I have fallen in love with You. (thank you, Jesus, for loving a sinner like me. i can’t believe You’ve chosen to be my friend.)
Comments (2)
awww mree.. yesterday the pastor preaching at the river quoted John Ortberg and my ears perked up. i soo get what you mean about his passion. ahh please do share with me what his message was about! :0) tis tough. i do love Ortberg’s preaching but i love the unrushed feeling of worshiping God at the River with my own small community. And so for now, with my last Sunday coming up b4 I leave, I’ll stick to the River. We’ll have to see about next year tho.. we really will.
aw man, i’m so jealous. When I read Ortberg’s stuff, I’m so moved by his honesty and how he lives out Phil 3:12-14. I get this deep sense that he doesn’t feel like he has obtained it or have already been made perfect.. but he strives.. WOW!
Wish I could be part of your church family again : /