Clay in the Hands

Romania is a very unique country – full of history and beauty.  This morning, after breakfast, the students moved into their first small group Bible studies.  I had the chance to listen in on one of those for a few minutes.  I am not sure if it was the intimidation factor of having an American leading the group or if it was just that they loved listening to Kimberely’s southern accent or a combination of both, but they listened intently as the discussion was begun about worship.

After the small group time, we all loaded up and drove a few miles away to tour Peles Castle.  It was an amazing display of craftsmanship and history.  I learned that Romania was ruled by a monarchy for a brief time – from the late 1800’s to the mid-1900’s.  This castle was built by the first king of Romania.

As we toured through the rooms, looking at all the ornate woodworking and attention to detail of just about every aspect of the structure, I thought about all the people it must have taken to construct such a masterpiece.  What commitment!  It took somewhere between 300 and 400 people nearly 30 years to finish – to make it a home worthy of the king.

Now, the property is leased by the state and stands as an historical reminder of a day when Romania was different.

All of this made me think about why we are here in this place this week.  We are here to lead students to a new understanding of worship.  It took nearly 30 years of unfailing commitment to complete the Peles Castle.  All to honor a king with an impressive summer home.  How much more should we be committed to brining honor to Christ?

That is the heart of worship – giving of ourselves to please and honor God!  Have you worshipped today?

As I write this, the group is spending the afternoon on the slopes of one of the most popular ski areas in the country.  I am still not feeling well, so I decided staying in might be the wiser thing to do.  But after dinner tonight, the group will meet again to continue thinking about worship.  Jeff Scott will be speaking through an interpreter about what worship must have looked like in Jesus’ time.  Pray for God to speak through him this evening.  Pray that the hearts of the students will be open to what God has to say.

Pray for a movement of God to begin here in this country through these students!