Week 4

We’ve just rounded our fourth week this summer of “The Gathering”, a ministry dedicated to uniting college students from all over the Roanoke area. These four weeks have flown by, because you know what they say, “time flies when you’re havin’ fun!” …and that’s exactly what has happened. We’ve encountered many experiences together so far including bowling nights, a movie night, a sick bonfire, a hike up to Sharptop to take part in the world’s greatest golfing range, dance parties, games, small groups, incredible speakers and teachers (Todd Meyer, Josh Goodman, and Susan Fast), and authentic worship.

This week’s service was stripped down to an acoustic set, a great word from the Lord, and small group discussions based on Susan’s teaching. For me, her message about the story of the prodigal son hit me pretty hard. The whole idea was that the two sons (the younger one who asked for his inheritance and ran off to a world of self-centeredness, and the older one who stayed and focused on works and earning favor) completely missed the importance of having a relationship with the Father for who he was, not what he could give.
How many times do we focus on what blessings God can give us rather than worshiping Him for who he is? Of course, He wants the best for us, but that doesn’t mean that we get whatever we want. Worshiping anything or anyone except God is idolatry. In the bridge of a song called, “Clear the Stage” by Ross King says…

Anything I put before my God is an idol.
Anything I want with all my heart is an idol.
Anything I can't stop thinking of is an idol.
Anything that I give all my love is an idol.
We must not worship something that's not even worth it.
Clear the stage and make some space for the one who deserves it.

Susan posed four questions for us:

1. Do you relate more with the older or younger son?
2. Has something in your life become an ultimate love for you (something you are constantly seeking)?
3. Is Jesus your goal or just a means to your end?
4. What is the most beautiful thing about God to you?

Take this week to re-evaluate your walk with the Lord. What is your focus? Where are you fixing your eyes? “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3

We’re all from different areas. Some of us are in college. Some of us are just graduating high school. Some of us are out of college, or not in college. We may live in Roanoke, or are just here for the summer. All in all, we gather together as one body to put aside our differences and worship the true God, Son, and Spirit.

I can’t wait to see all of you @ Church of the Holy Spirit next Sunday evening @ 8pm! Invite your friends and anyone you know. Let’s continue to be encouraged this summer by being a part of “The Gathering”.