I'm a social kinda gal

Something happened one night when we were in Kansas City recording the album.

Each day, we'd take time to go into the 24/7 house of prayer. On Thurs, Fri, Sat nights they have a large gathering called "Encounter God". (For those of you who aren't familiar with the House of Prayer...it's like a modern-type church service (but only music) of continual worship and prayer. It's quite cool.

Anyway, at the EG nights, there is always a time of preaching. Let me say that Mike Bickle, and the guys down there are amazing teachers. They are knowledgeable, educated, dynamic....you name it!

But for some reason....I just can't pay attention. I've had this problem most of my adult life. Maybe it's slight A.D.D or something...but I just can't keep my mind focused. It doesn't matter how interesting the person is....I fade quickly. I suppose it's my social nature. I do well in an interactive situation...but quietly sitting....I just don't learn that way. I need interaction!

Anyway, it was so frustrating for me, that I'd choose not to even go some nights. I felt like a loser. Like a large retarded child who didn't have the mental capacity to sit for 45 minutes (or an hour). I felt un-spiritual. Was I that uninterested? Why didn't I care? I'm a leader in the church! I should care!

One night when I DID attend...something happened. Before the speaker came up, they brought their prophetic team to the front. (Okay...the word "prophetic" scares some, but it just means "to hear"). These were people who had a history of accuracy when hearing from God.

They began to pick people out of the crowd of 800, and as we like to say..."Read their mail". They'd tell someone about their life....name a name....give an encouragement about what God was doing in them...it was all very accurate. This went on for ONE WHOLE HOUR. (they didn't have any additional speaking that night at all!)

And do you know what? I was literally on the edge of my chair the whole time. I looked down at my body posture...and it was evident that I was totally engrossed. I was perched on the edge of my chair, my eyes excitedly darting around the room. I didn't move a muscle. I didn't miss a nuance. Not a word. In fact, each time they'd call someone out, I'd get excited! Something in my Spirit agreed wholeheartedly with what was being said to these total strangers...and I was having a great time!

I stopped.

"God....why is it that when there is preaching...I can't concentrate? But when THIS happens....I'm completely there!"

Then I heard this...as clear as day:

"Because, Yvonne.....you are social! You enjoy interaction! You learn by conversation! You get life being in a social atmosphere. And right now, Yvonne... I AM being SOCIAL with my Bride!"

It hit me! The Prophetic is more than encouraging words. It's more than watching a guy say "thus saith the Lord!" (who says that anyhow?) The Prophetic is God coming nose to nose with us. Sure, he's speaking to John Doe....and Mr Doe is a really keen 'hear-er'. John Doe is obedient, and shares what he hears. But that's the long way around. God is speaking HIS heart directly to us. He's interacting! He's socializing! We're praying...we're asking, He's answering, He's speaking, He's revealing, we're asking for clarification, He's specifying...we're talking back.

It gave me freedom that night. Sitting in a chair (pew) listening to someone talk to a crowd isn't how I learn. It's not bad...it's just not my best environment.

I learned alot about myself. I think that's why I love Worship! It's interaction. It's us singing/talking/sharing our hearts with God...and its Him sharing his Love for us right back. It's why I love the prophetic. It's why I LOVE when the Holy Spirit is clearly in a room. It's why I want to scream "HE'S HERE! THERE'S MORE FOR YOU! Don't let this moment pass without grabbing it! The God of the Universe wants to get nose-to-nose with YOU!"

I guess this is what happens when you turn 30. You begin to learn more about yourself. You learn that you just may be "okay"...and perhaps God knew what He was doing when He made you.




(p.s....I still wish He had given me the gift of "enjoying cooking" tho! hee hee)