Our God Reigns!

Today has been a wonderful and peaceful day as I have been able to sit in the presence of God. Tonight I find myself worshiping and reading prayers in AHOP (Asbury House of Prayer). I keep finding myself coming back to this one prayer that is really incredible. So here it is from an anonymous child of God.

"This world is dirty, fallen, sick. This world is beautiful, a taste of of what is to come. We are sinners. We are made in his image. We live in a constant battle. He brings us peace. He is God Most High, the Holy of Holies, the Alpha and Omega, King of Kings. He comes to us poor, born in a feeding trough. The Kingdom of God is Near. The Kingdom of God is Here. We are always seeking, always searching, yet He is always waiting to be found. More, He seeks us. God is the lion. God is the Lamb. God is the Father. God is the Son. God did not create robots to fulfill some predestined plan we have no say in, yet God is not the boy watching the ants play either. Ever present yet not oppressive He loves us enough to die for us, but also so much that He never forces Himself on us. Dark. Light. Day. Night. Through it all our God Reigns!"

On top of this prayer is the phrase "Our God Reigns!" while the prayer is in the background. It reminds me so much of how our God does reign. How he has spread his extravagant love upon so many that I know. How I was so broken and wretched yet in searching I found Him. Our God Reigns! Our God Reigns!

O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing!

Today in Chapel President Kalas brought the Word as we worshiped and sang O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing! Here are a few of the 17/18 verses:

O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer's Praise
The glories of my God and King
The triumphs of His grace!

My gracious Master and my God
Assist me to proclaim
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of Thy Name.

Jesus! the Name that charms our fears
That bids our sorrows cease
'Tis music in the sinner's ear
'Tis life, and health, and peace.

He breaks the power of the canceled sin.
He sets the prisoner free
His blood can make the foulest clean
His blood availed for me.

O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer's praise
The glories of my God and King
The triumphs of His grace!
-Charles Wesley

As I read a little about this hymn the other day, I learned that Wesley wrote this for his one year anniversary of becoming a transformed heart of accepting Christ Jesus. It brings me great joy to sing this song speculating upon the mysteries of a thousand tongues of mine singing together a majestic poetic psalm.

After experiencing such a great week of hardship as I prepared for my Greek midterm it brings me such humility to sing this psalm knowing that only reason I was able to accomplish that exam was because of my great Redeemer's help. Not only that assignment but also the assignments for other classes.

I find myself often getting lost in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ as he continues to break me completely. Yet I know that He alone is remolding a piece of clay into such a new whole creation that delves ever so delicately into the folds of His heart.

I must admit that on this afternoon as I sit in AHOP extolling my Lord, I find renewed joy that brings strength to continue walking on this planet waiting for my day to go home!