Friday, April 15, 2011

SEEKING the JOY of the KINGDOM

Seeking God… for Joy in Extravagant Worship.

Have you ever experienced worship so joy-filling that you never wanted to stop, or leave the Holy ground where you were?  Have you ever had an experience that focused so deeply on Who God is as our Creator, our Sustainer, our Redeemer, and Friend that you just didn’t know what else to do or express, but allowed the Spirit to fill you with sounds of praise?  

When I was in college, I had the unique experience of attending the conference Urbana ’93 in Illinois.  There, 25,000 plus college-aged students from different areas of the US, and from around the world gathered for an experience of worship.   What an experience it was to be in the presence of other believers lifting their voices in joy and praise to our Heavenly Father!  I remember thinking to myself, “What a taste of heaven!”  People of all races and all walks of life, giving praise and glory to God for what He has done, continues to do, and will still do for us!  

That memory remains in my heart as I continue to fix my heart on who God is, and as I allow Him to fill my heart with joy each day.   That experience has been a continual reminder of the glory which comes in knowing The Savior and experiencing life here on earth with Him, in anticipation of the complete fullness of life to come in Glory.

Psalm 89:1-2, “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations!”

Father, let us not quickly forget your grace, love, and mercy in our lives each and every day. May we forever bring praises to your name so that others will realize Who you are, and be drawn to You because of your amazing grace.  

God's richest blessings,

Kristina Sjogren

Lieutenant
Corps Officer
The Salvation Army – Cedar Rapids, IA