By Ashley Kinney
Encounter. Conviction. Cleansing. Commission. Last Thursday night, our community gathered for a powerful 5-hour extended worship session, and God used these words through the first eight verses of Isaiah 6 to lead it.
As a few key leaders prayed into the planning of this worship session, God spoke to them to follow the lead of Isaiah. We began with the first four verses as they highlight who God is, and as a base encountered God:
Through this first portion of the night, we were led in worship by Melissa with songs like “Holy is the Lord” and “Oh, Lord, You’re Beautiful”. It is an incredible principle to begin worship simply gazing at the face of God and who He is!
After this first portion of the night, we continued reading through Isaiah, as Natalie led us in worship and in a time of receiving conviction from the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit was so evident in the room that night as various staff and students sought one another out to receive forgiveness for different areas of conviction. Conviction requires a moderate dose of humility, and in my experience, humility always brings incredible unity. This time was such a great time of unity for our base!
We continued in Isaiah as we entered the third portion of the night – cleansing. Reflecting on the beautiful redemptive power of the Cross, we were led in worship by Jeff with songs like “Nothing but the Blood” and “Mighty to Save”.
As the final portion of our night began, we read verse eight and commissioned various outreach teams, departments and future ministries.
Jaso led us through songs like “God of Justice” and “Hosanna” as we came together declaring the call of God to go into the world for His name. We finished the night by praying for the various outreach teams that are heading out in a couple weeks as well as all of our departments on base.
As a whole, the night was so powerful. What was planned to be a 3-hour worship session continued into a 5-hour worship session that probably could have lasted even longer. It is amazing how God works when we are available and unified as a body of Christ! I am so thankful to live and serve with such incredible people for a God I love!
