His Steadfast Love

 

Last night and this morning I went to the women's conference at the Village. It was a really great time of fellowship, worship, and awesome teaching. I was unsure at first of how good the teaching would be. Lauren Chandler is ALL girl, with a super soft voice, and she definitely fits the typical female vocalist mold. So, I felt like she was teaching  just because she was Matt's wife, but not really because she was particularly gifted in that area. Last night she told us that she would feel much more comfortable behind a mic singing than teaching up front as Matt does. She went on to explain how God had asked her to speak this weekend and said that He would enable her to do it. He definitely did! I was impressed, though skeptical at first. Her first talk was good, but today she brought it. The teaching was centered on Psalm 107, reflecting on God's steadfast love according to that chapter.

"Sometimes He wrings the worship from our hearts" was the statement that Lauren started off with on Friday. She then preceded to go through the different ways in Ps 107 that we come to know God's steadfast love in a deeper way: the desert, prison, folly, and the storm. Lauren talked about how we get to each of those places and how God rescues us out of them. My favorite thing about her teaching was that she constantly cross-referenced to other parts of the Scripture. The whole teaching was saturated with the Word.





Jourdan Burks led worship, Jeff Johnson's fiance, and it was incredible. Look her up on itunes because she is so talented. When Lauren finished teaching today, she led us with Jourdan in a time of worship. It was a really special moment for me because I have a terrible cough, and I was not able to sing the whole time. I sang this time, though, and it felt so great to be able to! We sang some of my favorite songs, and after hearing the profound teaching, there was so much to respond to God with in worship. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to go to this conference, the great girls I got to go with (Gina&Paige), and the awesome privilege of meeting and talking with Lauren Chandler. Whenever I have heroes in the faith, I always want to express to them how they have affected my walk with Christ. The Chandlers have affected my faith and life more than they will ever know, but today I was able to express that to Lauren and encourage her by it. She kind of teared up. It was a special moment. I told her that they had been amazing examples to me and to Jeremy and that I was thankful for their transparency. I am. They are great leaders, and I couldn't ask for a better church. God is showing me His steadfast love through that church, and I am excited for all that He will continue to do and work in me there. Give Thanks to Him for His Steadfast Love.



All of us with Lauren Chandler

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
And He brought them out of their distresses.
He caused the storm to be still,
So that the waves of the sea were hushed.
Then they were glad because they were quiet,
So He guided them to their desired haven.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for His steadfast love,
And for His wonders to the sons of men!

-Ps 107:28-31