The Presence of Jesus
Church Search
Phoenix, AZ, KXEG 1280 AM Christian radio is my companion driving to and from work. I listen to many Christian preachers who challenge me to go deeper in my walk with the Lord.
Jesus Christ is spiritual power. I know what he has done for me. He set me free from a demon possession. He taught me how to fight a spiritual battle in the beginning of my Christian walk with Him.
The questions were in my heart in the beginning of my new life in Christ. I approached the Gifts of the Holy Spirit through a few Charismatic Christian groups. Yes, I trusted the Lord and was able to speak in tongues. That was as far as I searched. Eventually, I was scared away by the appearance of emotionalism and instability of some Charismatic Christians. I believed the Christians who told me that the Gifts of the Holy Spirit were used to establish the Church and have now passed away.
All the questions have returned twenty-seven years later. These questions are burning inside of me: questions about the spiritual expression of praise and worship, questions about healing, questions about tithing and prosperity, questions about signs and wonders and questions about the operation of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. If there is the operation of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit--I want my Gift or Gifts.
For now, all I can do is listen to Christian radio. Listen to the preachers that tell me the answers to the questions. How do I know that what they preach is the truth? How do I know that their experiences are real?
A voice of yet another preacher was speaking over the radio. "Desert Rose--Where The River Flows. A New Generation" Pastor Brian Alton was saying," Are you hungry? Are you cracked and dry? Do you want more of Jesus? Some of you are so cracked and dry. You want more."
Pastor Alton continued "I don't care about programs. I don't care about time. I don't care about money. I only want more of Him."
The church is in Phoenix--ten minutes from my home. I thought I would check it out. I was very careful. First, I drove past the church on a Saturday. Kind of a small church but we would visit it anyway. My husband and I attended the church at 10:30 A.M. on Sunday. I sensed the presence of the Lord the minute I was inside the doors. The praise and worship was like a refreshing of my spirit. Oh, how I missed the presence of the Lord. There were times in the praise and worship that I had to sit instead of stand because the presence of the Lord was so strong. I will return next Sunday.
Ever attended church alone? One Sunday I attended this church alone. A church is seems different when you are sitting alone. I looked around-- most of these people are with their families. They all know each other. I felt like an odd one. No husband or children next to me. Familiar thoughts came into my mind. "Why am I here? I don't fit into their structure. Blah, Blah, Blah..."
In the middle of the building is a large cross made up of windows. The outside light eliminates the cross. I looked at the cross and remembered the reason why I attended. The Lord's presence is in this church. The people love the Lord and hunger after Him. This church might know the answers to my questions. I think I will stay awhile.
My questions for now are unanswered. The answers can take time and effort. Jesus said "Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find, knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." Matt 7:7-8
If you have a great church in your area, please share the name and location of the church. Many people who read these web pages might want seek answers to their questions in your church.
Phoenix, AZ
