Sunday Words of Encouragement September 19, 2010

This morning we celebrated communion and sang some powerful praise and worship songs. Our pastor's message was titled "Friends or Just Friendly?". He pointed out that our lifestyles have changed from the days when a small community might sit out on their front porches, wave as you go by and stop to visit, share food and fellowship/friendship. (One friend in front of us sent us a note that said: nowadays the porches are built on the backs of the houses to discourage people from dropping by.) Pastor pointed out that because we (as Christians or followers of Christ) are loved much, we can love much.  The overall point was summarized in   this Verse for today:  John 13: 35 (NIV):

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Our choir song this morning was "Cry Holy". It is very awesome and
we have a great soloist who made it that much more powerful.
I couldn't find a video with words so they are printed below
this choral presentation which is quite wonderful.

CRY HOLY by Salvador

We come this far,

by light of day,

through deserts of loneliness,

to the sacred place,

well you know my life,

and all I've been through,

the sin in my heart,

has kept me from you,

but Father your grace,

is greater then sin,

your mercy rains down,

and heals me again.

All I can do is fall down on my knees and cry, holy, holy, holy.

All I can do is fall down on my knees and cry, and cry holy, holy, holy

You are holy

When I'm on my face,

in my darkest night,

I cry for a way,

to your shining light,

and Father your grace,

is greater then sin,

shines down on me,

it heals me again.

All I can do is fall down on my knees and cry holy, holy, holy.

All I can do is fall down on my knees and cry holy, holy, holy.

You are holy.

You are holy.

oohh you are holy, holy, holy

And Father your grace,

is greater then sin,

it shines down on me,

and heals me again.

All I can do is fall down on my knees and cry, holy, holy, holy.

All I can do is fall down on my knees and cry, and cry holy, holy, holy.

You are holy, holy

You are holy, holy, holy

All I can do is fall down on my knees and cry,

cry holy, all I can do, is cry out for you, all I can do is cry, holy.

I recognize the dilemma of being friendly v. being a friend. As I blog hop and visit many sites it is really an act of being friendly. But I especially cherish those friends I have made in the blogging community who I know I can trust to be honest with me and I know that they will be there if I need help or comfort and I am here for them if they need help or comfort at their end.  I prayed today that God would grow and strengthen those friendships that he wants to build around me and my work, locally and in the Internet world.