We visited the Biltmore Estate in Asheville yesterday. The short story is that George Vanderbilt had this house built in the 1890's to be his bachelor pad. It is the largest private residence in the United States with more than 200 rooms. The inside of the house measures 4 acres and it originally sat on more than 125,000 acres of land. A few years later he married. He and his wife had one child. Then fourteen years into their lives together George died of post-operative complications having had an appendectomy. I walked through the house (takes a full 2 hours to view just the 60 rooms open to the public) and thought about opulence. Stark contrast to my friends in Namibia who need nothing more than the warmth of love to make any house a home.
This morning I've awakened to the splendor of my God. There is a light rain falling over the lake in front of me and the birds seem to be singing all the more - they must love the overcast morning. From where I sit, I've watched a young family - father, mother and toddler son - sit down to breakfast and begin by thanking the Lord. These are the sights and sounds that make up our God's dwelling - the hearts of believers.
As we prepare to worship in the morning, I'm planning to take my family on an hour long drive to Hickory, NC. There, a friend of ours is the organist for a wonderful gathering of believers called Corinth Reformed Church. It is a treat to worship with these dear folks. After church we will likely enjoy a Backyard Burger lunch with our friends (isn't God good?).
As you prepare to gather at Christ's Church, Jesse and the music team have a great set of songs ready to lead you all into the Lord's presence and Scott Field has a message to share from the word.
I look forward to joining with you to worship in spirit tomorrow morning - as we bring the body of Christ into the different locations where we gather. Blessings!
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