As everyone knows, our nation is currently experiencing a significant economic crisis. It has impacted us all – businesses, ministries, employment, investments, resources. Our recent CCLI church survey confirmed that church budgets have also definitely been impacted by this economic crisis. Church income is down an average of 10 – 15%, with many churches experiencing an income downturn as high as 50%.
Additionally, this current economic crisis has specifically impacted church music departments – transitioning music responsibilities from full-time to part-time staff, and even to a voluntary basis with staff cutbacks.
Understandably, church budgeting necessitates stricter financial stewardship regarding “discretionary spending” – including conference attendance.
During this “season”, I was reminded of the passage of scripture found in Psalms 73:28,
“But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all Your works.”
Another way to say this is:
There is benefit, betterment, favor and pleasantness when we approach and get close to His exceeding Supremacy and Majesty. For we have appointed and applied our hope, our shelter and our refuge in His Allness and His Awesomeness. And, we can inscribe, enumerate, recount and celebrate His ministry, His assets and His productivity.
Wow!!!
Although the Psalmist Asaph was tempted to question, and to possibly doubt, God’s goodness and provision in times of uncertainty, he discovered a “secret” about surviving and even thriving – he must get closer to God!!!
The prophet Habakkuk also went through similar anguish of thought when he uttered these words in Habbakuk 3:17-19:
“Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls -- Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.”
In spite of the circumstances, the pain and the hardship, Habbakuk expressed joyful exuberance because he knew the “secret” – he must get to the place of His Presence (the “high hills”).
In spite of our natural inclination to withdraw and cut back during this economic crisis (and rightfully so), I’m wondering if we should actually consider sowing a seed to our survival and our wellness – to attend a worship conference - where we can do just what His Word encourages us to do – Draw near to God. If you are of the same persuasion, and if something is stirring in your heart about this, I would strongly recommend that you consider sowing such a seed by attending the Heartland Worship Institute Conference, being held in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on July 7th – 9th. This is a conference that is dedicated to encountering, experiencing and embracing the Presence of God in a real way. Pastor Gary & Rose Brothers along with Brent & Sharon Anderson are hosting this conference at Cape First Church. I know these people, as well as the other speakers and worship leaders, are passionate about God’s Presence.
For more information, please go to: www.capefirst.org/heartland or call (573) 334-4421.
I’m going to be there. I desperately need to encounter, experience and embrace the Presence of God during this season…I hope you can join me.
Together, during this economic crisis, let us “Draw near to God”.