Where: Christian Faith Centre, Seattle, WA
When: Monday, October 26, 2015
A week ago today, I spent the evening in glorious worship and praise with other Christians at the Christian Faith Centre. The Hillsong Nights Tour made a Seattle stop and of course, I had to go! There was no question about it. Seattle is one of my favourite cities, and the tickets for this event cost about $45 which is nothing! Peanuts. And the price of the ticket also included a free copy of Pastor Brian Houston’s book titled Live Love Lead: Your Best Is Yet To Come! But the reason I really wanted to go was because over the past few years, I have been growing in my faith and the more I seek Him, the more I feel Him and am at peace.
As someone who had never attended a Hillsong Worship event, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but all I knew was that it would be amazing and uplifting (having seen pictures and videos of previous events on various social media platforms). And it did not disappoint. The feeling I experienced being in that room and sitting with the rest of the audience while listening to Pastor Brian Houston speak and worshipping … something changed in me. Whether it was a combination of his sermon that evening, along with the accompaniment of the music – Oceans, Open Heaven (River Child), Cornerstone, Mighty To Save, O Praise The Name (Anástasis) – I cannot pinpoint the exact moment it happened, I do not know. But something happened. All I knew then, and know now, as I walked out after the last song, was that something had happened in me. It was a feeling of warmth, freedom, love and happiness.
The key takeaways for me are below, and I also included the link to the sermon given by Brian Houston that touches on the points noted below. He goes into more depth so I recommend you to watch it.
What happens equates to happiness. What is happening in your life directly affects your happiness.
Live Outwardly
In order to be happy, one must live outwardly. To live one’s life generously. Generous with one’s words, time, encouragement; eyes off yourself and on others. Live from the inside out and be generous because the riches and blessings are far greater than what we can imagine. Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)
The pursuit of happiness is greater than material objects. Greater than earthly possessions. Those who don’t have will covet the things that others have. Money. Belongings. There is nothing – no happiness in that. Don’t be selfish and have the pursuit of money on the mind or be your focus. People will be your “friend” and will help you spend it but what happiness is there in that? Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 (NIV)
Live Worshipfully
Live Peacefully
To hold onto bitterness is like drinking poison and hoping that the other person will die. This doesn’t make one happy; it brings heaviness to the soul and burdens one’s being. It is not worth the feeling of a heavy heart because while you are busy cussing them out, they are not even thinking about you. They are living their lives! Therefore, abandon those feelings and words of ugly. Use your tongue for good. Live peacefully. 1 Peter 3:10-11 (NLT)
Live Gratefully
Wake up and smell the roses. There is so much to be grateful for!! Something about gratitude opens doors for you. Keep that wild child-like wonder in life and the things we hold dear and near. Look how far you have come, and be excited for what is to come. Appreciate these moments; be grateful. Proverbs 8:31 (KJV)
Disclaimer: The video is courtesy of Hillsong Worship.
... S. xo