Holy Spirit surprises

I never ceased to be amazed at the way that the Holy Spirit moves - Holy Spirit "surprises."

Last night was a case in point.

While we have an overall "game plan" as to how we expect and desire God to move (as a pastoral staff), we always, always leave room for God to do his "thing".

We began as normal last night, a few worship choruses, the excellent DVD from Francis Chan (Encountering the Holy Spirit), and David and Hank shared some thoughts about God's love.

We then began to worship again, and bam (!) God moved - but in a quiet and gentle way. 

Some began to weep, others knelt around the altar.  We stayed until around 9:00 P.M.  It seemed like no one wanted to leave.  Choruses were sung a capella.  Old choruses.

I was reminded of the chorus we sang decades ago, "there's a sweet, sweet spirit in this place - and I know that it is the spirit of the Lord."

Sometimes God moves in our worship times with almost a warrior like ferociousness.  Other times he moves like a lamb.

Last night was one of those times.

Lesson?  Let's always be open to the way that we experience God as we come together in corporate worship.

Just a thought for a Wednesday.