He looked to the heavens and spoke directly to God

This weekend has been an amazing time in the life of our church.  I was so glad to be a part of something so special.  A couple of years ago we stepped into a big commitment to build a Family Life Center.  (AND BIG, IT IS)  This weekend we held a special service to dedicate the building and the work that will take place in it , to the Lord Jesus Christ.  To be honest, I didn't go there with the intent to worship the Lord. I went to eat fish.. and yea, maybe participate in a prayer of dedication.  But, I left having been filled with tears and praise for our amazing Provider.   Mr. Rodney Baxter presented facts about the building .. the many ways God intervened and provided for us during the building process.  He thanked so many people who had been a part of the big endeavor.   By the time he finished I found my own heart being so thankful for all of the people involved, too.  Bro. Kim Calloway led us in a time of praise when we sang "My Tribute", how appropriate to say the words..  "how can I say thanks for the things you have done for me... To God Be The Glory!" Then, our pastor, Bro. Timothy Davis, brought a message from the Lord.  Building dedications go back a long way.  He presented passages from the Bible when Solomon dedicated the temple to God.  Bro. Timothy left us with a reminder "the eyes of God will always be upon this place".  We all stood together on the floor of a building that 'alone' has no significant value but on this day took on a whole new meaning.  In unison we spoke words of our commitment to use that facility to bring Glory to a Risen Savior.  To God.. that same God that Solomon built the Temple for. 
Mr. Ben Hall said our dedication prayer.   But before he did ... I saw this man of God do something that I have never witnessed before.  He looked to the heavens and spoke directly to God.   We had not entered into prayer yet, we had not bowed our heads and closed our eyes.  But there stood a man ... let me say that again... there stood a man.... daring enough to speak to God, in first person, calling out to him. Saying... will YOU bless this house, OH GOD?  This was an intense moment for me!  I have read the Bible and know that God requires complete reverence ... I also know that we as Christians, through the blood of Jesus have access to the throne of God.  But this was different!  (yes, the same, but different)  On our behalf... a man... dared... to stand... and speak directly... to the Creator of the Universe.... and ask for His blessing.  Do you know what God could have done???  He could have struck him down!  He could have struck us all down!  I had "spirit bumps" rise up all over me! The hair on my arms and neck were straight up.  I looked up... thinking any minute.. we could all die!  Let me tell you.... the spirit of God was there!  God was there... in our midst ... and the fact that we are still standing and breathing today, tells me that He found favor in that man .. that dared to stand .. and ask Him for His blessing.  
and the fish.... I can't leave out the significance of a fish dinner!!!  it was delicious, yes... but can there even have meaning in what we eat.   My brother in law, Holt Floyd, helped me realize many years ago... that EVERYTHING has spiritual value! Everything??? Yes, everything!  Not long ago, I started taking Omega 3 Fish Oil Capsules... I read that they are good for the overall health of your heart.   So fish is good for your heart... hmm.... Could it be that even in the meal that we had that evening God was preparing in us a healthy heart?  A heart for Him?  A heart ready to accept that blessing that Mr. Ben so bravely asked for?  We must never take for granted anything that we do there... the ministries we set out to do, the attitude we have about it,  the commitment we put it into ... take nothing for granted. "The eyes of God are always upon that place."