Chapel Service

 

Sonoma Raceway Special Edition 2015

 

“A Little Nostalgia For You…”

 

www.BeyondCheckeredFlags.com

 

Bob Butcher

 

I gave my heart and life to Jesus on October 22, 1978 and got to thinking about that this weekend when I was listening to Mercy Me sing “I Can Only Imagine.”  For the record it was first played as a single track on their 1999 album “The Worship Project.” It broke big in 2001 after being re-recorded on their Album “Almost There.”

 

From that October day in 1978 I became part of our church’s College & Career Group (C&C) and got to thinking about our C&C Leaders Randy & Marcia Cobb one day not to far from that day asking me to share the week’s message.  We met every Friday night and usually Randy brought the message or assigned one of the group to speak.

 

So there I was… astounded at Randy’s trust but also wondering what in the world to speak about.  Hey, …I was a raw recruit, hated public speaking (still don’t think I am much good at it today) and I would probably make a complete fool out of myself.

 

If my memory serves me right; and due to my terror over speaking and still young and scared in the Lord …His Glory, His Righteousness, Perfection, & His Power… and more was overwhelming me.

 

Back in that day the Christian churches were focusing on the “Last Days” and Christ’s return even more than today it seems.  As I remember I began thinking how I would respond if Christ returned and out of that came my message:  “how would we respond if we were suddenly in the presence of God and Jesus?”

 

Without the song writer type of poetic style wording, I ask our C& C group and myself the questions in this song today:

 

So today, I ask you the same question.  How do you think you would respond to suddenly being in God’s presence?

 

Check the red boxes in the song’s lyrics below that fit your response and then ponder the question in the time that you have to spend with God and Jesus in the days ahead.

 

“I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me

 

I Can Only Imagine
What it will be like
When I walk by Your side

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When Your face
Is before me…
I can only imagine

Chorus:
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel?
〈 〉 Will I dance for you Jesus?

〈 〉 …or in awe of you be still?
〈 〉 Will I stand in your presence?

〈 〉 …or to my knees will I fall?
〈 〉 Will I sing hallelujah?

〈 〉 …or will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son

I can only imagine
When all I will do is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine

 

Have you ever thought about that question before?

 

I have been pondering my answer now, today, as compared to how I answered it back in 1978,

 

I think my answer in 1978 still stands the same today.

 

Question:  How do you answer that? 

Hint: …There is no wrong answer.

 

 

Kathy & I pray for you to have a safe and prosperous race today!