Tonight was a special night for our church. Our worship leader, Charles Ciepiel was honored for his dedication to the LORD, and for the love and amazing service he has given not only during his daily work duties, but every day in every way.
It was an wonderful outpouring for Charles and his wonderful wife Jenny. It also got me to thinking; As Christians why do we have to wait until a major event occurs to have an outpouring for those who serve GOD so diligently?
We have pastors, worship leaders, youth volunteers, administrators, teachers, cooks, and so on and so forth. All serving and striving for the LORD.
1 Corinthians 16:18: says"
For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition."
Now this passage was speaking specifically of two men, but it also remind us that that all men and women like them should be recognized. Remember this as you see those who serve daily, and recognize them, in small ways or big.
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Tonight was an amazing and truly humbling experience. We will never forget it. Only God could have put that together and pulled it off. I'm so thankful for the folks at Bethel. I agree Lloyd - we should walk in "blessing mode" always speaking up and encouraging, blessing those who bless us. I think you live this bro! I still have the voice mail you left me saved on my phone. Thanks.
I got back to my house at 5:30, just finished loading the rest of the ug gear in the truck that was miraculously provided at 2 am; have to be at Isaacs to do yard work by 9 am. My eyes are bleeding, but I just took a shower and am gonna go nap in his driveway for about 2 hours. My point? I'm really tired and not thinking completely straight BUT I felt the need to respond to this post (as long as my word verification passes).
The phrase, "You don't know what you have until you lose it." comes to mind. I think we inherently overlook, underestimate, and under praise people until it's almost too late? I know I do...
That's one of the things I've learned most from Charles. Everyday is a good day to encourage, to build up, to challenge. We always quote 2 Tim 3:16 but the truth is, that's the best reason EVER for us to live in the Word, to eat it like you do, like Charles does (constantly meditating on Psalm 119, etc). I like to think I've been gaining such habits from the example of those close to me.
I've never been a verbal person, almost wanted to be, but feared it. The beautiful thing about being so consumed and challenged by Scriptures like 1 Cor 16:18 is you almost NEED to find everyday ways to release it. Like Jeremiah while ranting to God that he had been tricked by Him and he would no longer speak in His Name. Yet, three sentences later he says, "Oh! But even if I refuse to speak your word... I HAVE to... it's fire in my bones!"
We are those being consumed with zeal for His Father's House - the Spiritual Temple - The Church, and thus, we are consumed with this duty, this privilege, this holy honor.
When it comes down to it, we were all sought out by a loving God to be used, like Moses, to answer the agony filled cries of those enslaved. The beautiful, constantly humbling revelation that we, and our gifting, are but the answer to others prayers. It's hard to have a small self-esteem with this truth burned in your heart.
You're a gift bro. I'm glad you started this. And that encouragement you gave me tonight, as you were leaving, still makes me teary eyed...
Humbly Yours.
Myk
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