Some thoughts from today at Coast.

I am still digesting all that God did at Coast today... so I thought I would post a few thoughts.

• I'm having fun playing guitar with the worship band again.  It has been awhile... and I am slowly but surely getting my calluses back.  I am having to get used to taking off the guitar player hat... and then put the pastor hat back on... I used to do it all the time so I am sure I will get there.
• The rest of the worship team, led by Niccki Napie, knocked it out of the park.  We introduced a new Hillsong song today called "In Jesus Name."  Loved it.
• The first service message was a struggle for me.  I was stumbing over my words... and I had a really tough time getting my rhythm.  I was talking about how love is forgiving and it was almost like someone didn't want the message getting out.
• Despite the struggle, 2 people gave their life to Christ in the first service and I prayed with a couple of different families who have been through extreme situations and were really seeking to walk in God's forgiveness.  God moved anyway.
• Between services I had several people pray for me... and the second service  was powerful
• In the second service, the ushers were working to find seats for people... it was packed out.
• We had to ask some of the people in the second service to consider making the jump to the first to free up chairs in the second service.  That's a good problem to have.
• There was a night and day difference in the anointing of the second service.  God touched so many people and at the close of the service, we opened up the altar and it was filled with people on their knees working through forgiveness issues with God.
• God has really used this series, "When our love becomes real."  Next week is the last in our series, I will be talking about how loves speaks the truth.
• I have been overwhelmed by the response of peope bringing pajama's and tights for the Ukrainian Orphans.  Our people really step up to the plate when it comes to the poor and hurting.
• I love our church... It was a good day, and I am ready for a good afternoon nap.