THE ROCK

Sometimes we hear Bible teachers telling us to "Practice the Presence of Christ", or "Practice God's Presence."
Scripture says:

19. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen". Matt 28:19-20 KJV

After all, Jesus said this and I believe Him, but there is a time when God's Presence is so strong that there is no need to practice, you just fall down and worship.

This happened in Grimsby during the early 1980's. It was when, many (if not all) of the different local congregations came together in one place as 'The Church of Grimsby and Cleethorpes'. We had invited a BIG speaker to come and I suppose we all went to hear what he had to say. However, he did not say very much, other than quoting scripture and praying. He talked briefly about the nations being as dust on the scales in God's sight and then he prayed on his knees asking the Father for people to "come to Him."

Well at some point during the evening, there was a spontaneous outburst of praise to the King of Kings which began at the back of the hall and rippled to the front, mainly in tongues but it seemed that everyone there was just praising God. I remember thinking that amongst the voices raised in praise, it was as if bells were ringing. It was so beautiful.

And then.. starting at the front of the hall amongst the congregation, people just fell down on their knees and some on their faces, weeping and seeking God. Even those who had not believed in Him. I also noticed that elderly people, little old ladies who were wearing hats and seemed to move so stiffly, looking for a place to kneel.

Even as I write this I can feel some of the awesomeness I felt then. Our God is not a 'big softy'. No! He - is - so - awe some!

It had taken me some time to persuade a nurse I worked with to attend the meeting and she had in fact attended with her friend. I couldn't wait to return to work and ask her how she felt, as she was certain to have completely repented and been born again. Had she? Do you know what she said to me. "It was amazing Sharon, that man at the front had us all eating out of his hands."!!!!!??????!!!!!

To this day I still don't know how two people can have the same experience, see and hear the same thing and have two different testimonies. How does God do it? This poor woman was filled with unbelief even though she too had been down on her knees, worshipping the Living God. Did she really believe that it was all down to a man? (If anyone has any thoughts on this please I should be grateful if you let me know).

Let me go on. Around about a year or two before the above, a similar event was organised and this time it was held in one of the local Methodist churches. It was another 'big name' although I cannot remember at all who, but on this occasion the man had sprained his ankle and was unable to travel. At the last minute someone invited a woman to speak who was practically unknown, at least in this area. She was reluctant, but when she prayed, Jesus popped a verse into her mind for the Grimsby Church and she then knew she must obey.

This occasion was also about God's Holiness and Rosemary spoke to the congregation during the service in her own matter of fact way. This time there was not a great fuss in worship, a few hymns accompanied by the organ. However, when she had finished speaking, although she had never done so before, people were invited to go forward for prayer and about ninety percent moved into the aisles. As Rosemary prayed for people in pairs, where there was space many fell to their knees and many were weeping. I also moved into the aisle for prayer and as this dear sister put both her hands lightly on my head and prayed, I felt my knees going and my face sank further and further to the floor.

(Please note that Rosemary's hands never left my head even though she had to get down so low with me and yet she never pushed or leant on me. This was God at work and although others were weeping, I felt a surge of great joy that people were realising the greatness of God. Not a single person fell backwards but all were touched by a Holy God.)

I believe that this night should be remembered in Grimsby. You are wondering what the verse was which the Lord gave to Rosemary and it was:

Joel 3:14
14 Multitudes, multitudes,
in the valley of decision!
For the day of the LORD is near
in the valley of decision. RSV
This meeting, was the first evidence I saw of the revival we had in Grimsby then, believers across the congregations seeking His face together.

Ps 133 1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brothers to dwell together in unity!
2 It is like the precious oil upon the head,
Coming down upon the beard,
Even Aaron's beard,
Coming down upon the edge of his robes.
3 It is like the dew of Hermon
Coming down upon the mountains of Zion;
For there the LORD commanded the blessing -- life forever. NASU

AMEN

Write to Sharon
Return to Sharon's Page