MiXperience

Prayer And Praise Intensive

There was quite a lot of preparation leading up to this weekend. As a member of the band, I had to prepare my keyboard parts for all the songs on the two new albums. The week before the prayer and praise intensive I worked closely with Pastor Garth in order to secure our parts. I was also involved with uploading the albums and it required quite a bit of my attention. I knew that this was yet another big surge and that surges always add pressure. I felt like I had no time for the people around me and that I was “missing out” on important moments. When I drove home with Bernice in the car she would tell me everything that happened in the office and I felt left out. Sometimes the enemy tries to steal your joy even by plating a silly thought like that in your head.

By the time the weekend arrived, I was feeling much more at ease and musically prepared. I also just had a realisation that I had been building relationships during this time, just not ones that I expected. I spent loads of time with Pastor Garth and Matt and Denholm. And honestly I am truly grateful to have them in my life. It’s not every day that you get to spend time with wonderful, young men of God. They may not know it, but their kindness and patience towards me has made this journey such a joy for me. They have been remarkable friends to me.

 

Serving in the music ministry over the weekend was such a breeze. I wasn’t nervous or self-conscious. I really enjoyed playing my instrument and Denholm’s angry (but not really) looks from the other side of the stage. The only pressure I really felt was from home. The fact that I had to leave earlier for rehearsals and eat lunch with the band created a bit of an atmosphere between me and my parents. I know that their reaction is a little misplaced but it comes from a place of love. As parents they miss me and because I am a very dedicated person, it causes them to feel like I don’t want to spend time with them. I did, however, talk to them and we resolved the issue.

As far as spiritual preparation went, I put aside extra time to meditate on my expectations for the weekend. I was HUNGRY for an encounter with God. I wanted to experience the Love of God. I wanted to experience Joy unspeakable and full of glory. God’s Word says, blessed are those who hunger and thirst, for they will be filled. And glory be to God, I was filled to overflowing. On Friday evening I experienced the Love of the Father like I have never experienced Him corporately. There was so much joy in that place that it was contagious. What a glorious evening. God is faithful to do what He has promised.

The messages that Pastor Sharon brought were quite loaded yet they were simple. God’s Word is always simple: Simply believe! I would really like to marinate in those messages and go through them again. That being said, I know that my spirit-man heard everything it needed to hear. The enemy tried to steal the Word from my heart more than once, first by attacking my emotions and then by attacking my physical body. Satan can only operate in the physical realm but praise God the spiritual realm is much more powerful. With the help and support of my blood-bought family, I stood my ground and I didn’t allow the devil to steal ANYTHING from me. My health was speedily restored as I pleaded the blood of Jesus and I just laughed at the enemy for trying to steal something that is already lodged in my heart. God’s Word is incorruptible seed. It was an unforgettable weekend and I cannot wait to see what God has got for us next.