| So this weekend was the Salvation Army's youth camp for kids in the greater Chicago area called Youth Councils. It was a weekend full of amazing Truth, worship, calling, and fellowship. I can only tell you about what I experienced. I'm sure those of you who were a part of this wonderful time have your own perspective on what took place, but I would like to share a little of what I personally saw and heard.
I honestly didn't really know what to expect this year, going in to this camp. I knew the theme was I AM (LOVED), which I thought kind of witty, but it was not until the Friday night meeting that I understood what the full aim for this weekend was to be: that I AM (as God revealed himself to Moses in the Old Law) LOVED. Not that I am loved, but that I AM has loved me and you.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the special guest was one William (Ambush) Wallace- a highly energetic Texan who had been to our camp a number of years ago. His words on the subject of love and how the Father has loved us and continues to love us were fantastic. Scripture abounded, and thus Truth abounded.
However, it was when I went to the "Special Ops" meeting later in the night- an optional, after-hours worship time with more music and more worship and more teaching- that God really began to show me what I needed to see: I saw a small group of dedicated Christian youth come to a small, dark, rank room, who were willing to sacrifice games or sleep or whatever for a chance to continue in a state of outward worship! (How was that for a sentence?!) We stayed in that room until 1:00 AM Saturday morning praying together, singing together, and offering what little we could to the One who has loved us so very much.
The next evening, after going through a fun, event filled day, I was ready to experience the same kind of worship I had the previous night. Now, in order to understand the point I am about to make, you must understand some things about me. I tend to sit (or stand) in the front in a worship service. I am a front sitter, as I like to say. It was that way Saturday night- I was in the front of the room. Also, when singing worship songs, I am not reserved. It might annoy people that I am so vocal some times, but that's just how I am; that is how I worship through song. So as Jonathan played, I sang from my soul, as I do. After the first song or two, though, God spoke to me and said to me, "Close your eyes, (they were already, but OK) shut your mouth, (what?) stand still and listen." So I did.
What I heard I will not try to describe to you. I can not. But it was the most beautiful thing ever. You can not understand unless you have heard it. And I wonder if you have? I heard the voices of the people of God MINGLED with the voices of angles! I heard the very throng of Heaven joining in with our songs to the King! It brought me to my knees.
I sat for a long time. I don't know how long, but it was a long time. My eyes closed and my mouth shut. Listening. Then God spoke again, "Turn around and open your eyes. Look onto their faces." This was something I don't normally do, either- turn around during a song and stare at the people around me as they sing?! Seriously?! But I listened. I spun around, still sitting, and opened my eyes. Again, I can not describe unless you have seen it. I pray you have.
I saw the faces of children of every race, the faces of young adults and not-so-young-adults glowing with the reflection of YHWH. I AM. Truth. They had His name written on their faces. What could I do but weep with joy at the sight??? I ask you that- at the sight of God and the chorus of angels, what could ANY man do but weep?
Such a beautiful display...
Truly, truly...
I AM LOVED.
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