I just returned from Overland, Kansas in the "heartland" of America. I was blessed to attend the All About Worship Retreat. Having survived the "twister" like whirling winds of
Satan's evil ways this past year I needed some time to relax, recharge and refocus. As I wandered into Grace Church [our retreat host] and our first general session I couldn't help think "I have a feeling I'm not in Pennsylvania anymore"
My first introduction was to the the "
Strawman" who's sang, “I'd unravel every riddle, for every individual, in trouble or in pain.” This was someone I immediately could relate to. From the platform every Sunday I gaze upon the congregation and see a church in trouble and in pain. So I pray for wisdom, wisdom to speak and sing the right words, wisdom to lead them to a place of healing.
As I entered our gathering room I stumbled upon the "Tin-Man." A man who had become hollow inside, a vessel that had run dry. The world had beaten him down and he wanted to find passion again. To find his heart for worship. The heartless Tin-Man carried an “axe,” a Martin acoustic. This was the medium he used in the Kingdom. In the words of the Tin-Man, as he expressed relief after we prayed “I've used this to lift His name up for ages.”
The "Lion," a mighty man, a fearless man, had lost his courage. The bellowing tenor had lost his voice. He explained how the voice that had led him had become quite. This silence was deafening to him and was driving him to doubt his calling... and we prayed.
What I remembered was to find our God, we have to follow not, "the yellow-brick road” but the road to heaven's gates. A road that is covered not in yellow paint, but with the blood of Jesus. A road created not of bricks, but out of unconditional love.
The poppy-drugs [Satan's words of hate and jealousy] work on those who are lost and following the wrong vision, but not on those who keep their eyes on the prize. When we cry out for help, our God — the Good God — answers our prayers with a still small voice. What can wash us pure as snow? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. It nullifies the narcotic effect of the poppies.
As we gathered to sing I could hear the Saints singing the glories of God's Creation: “Stay out of the woods, Stay out of the dark, Stay out of the night. Step into the Son, Step into the light, Keep straight ahead for the most glorious place above the the earth and the stars!”
So now, relaxed, recharged and refocused, I hit the road again not in Red Ruby Slippers, but Red Canvas Chucks!
Blessings to Wisdom, Ben and all my new Brother and Sisters in Christ.
Pray on,
Eddy
