Deliberate People

I went to Atlanta fest last June with my family. We're worldly and listen to contemporary music lol. We were in a terrible terrible place spiritually. It was two millions degrees, Georgia in June is like the third ring of hell seriously its bad. I'm from Florida and its still too hot for us. Not only is it hot but the entire state is uphill..no joke. Needless to say I was grouchy. I was seeing a judgemental spirit in myself about some standards stuff and I didn't like it. Judgey isn't something that I usually would consider myself at all. I'm all about you be you and I'll be me. I was shocked, and am still shocked at what some of our christian ladies call modest. I was just in a place of grumbling in my spirit. I was determined to make the most of it and to get whatever God was after me to get out of this experience. I felt called to be there or I would have canceled the trip. I felt compelled,yet resentful of it. Anyways, one day in the middle of the beating heat we hiked ourselves up all these hills. BTW its a ton of walking to get anywhere there. I was feeling very very through with all this junk by the time I got sat down. We were seated pretty far back from the stage but they put everything up on these big mega screens. Phil Joel was already starting to speak. I vaguely knew who he was from the Newsboys. There is something about him that is very relatable. Like you just wanna have him over for dinner and see what he thinks about things. What he had to say was very simple,and it was like CPR to my spirit. I felt something start to stir around, the Holy Spirit in me took a tenative breath, I think we were both relieved when I didn't quench the Spirit. I was totally absorbed in every word this man said because I desperately needed to hear this very very simple message. "have a relationship of your own with God." You know, I started there. Everybody starts there, seeking God. Church, Preachers, routine and other relationships get in the way of that. What started out as an honest desire to please God because clouded with the junk of religiousity. This Brothers main message was about getting in the word. That is the first sign to me that I'm not "right" with God, when I neglect the Word. You know that Voice you hear in your head? The one that says "THIS IS GOD..DO I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION NOW?" I heard that Voice, in a crowd of thousands at this big ol "worldly, contemporary" concert. He said "Could this man speak at your church?" Wow! This beautiful man, who obviously has such a heart for God and what he has to say is so important. He couldn't speak in my UPC church, he has long hair. Jewerly on, uh oh are those short sleeves I see? I was mulling this over more than listening to him now. I turned to tell my husband, and my husband had his face in his lap and was in earnest prayer. That touched my heart, I can't even explain it to you. We were in such a dry place. Then I heard that Voice again and he said, "Could I speak at your church?" That blew my mind! We wouldn't let Jesus take our pulpits because of a beard, because he was different and totally non conformist. That was the first step I took away from our church. How can I sit every week being berated for this or that usually and KNOW that these people wouldn't let Jesus himself take their platform cause he couldn't sign a standards contract. We heard and saw some really impacting people and music. Casting Crowns was awesome, Kutless, Steller Kart it was a fantastic time for our family. But that simple message from Phil Joel was what the trip was about for me. We came home refreshed and unified and ready to take this mess on.

Job 4:4 Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees.

www.deliberatepeople.com Check him out. The Deliberate People Album is some great music