In the blink of an eye it comes and goes. Just like a baby is born and then it seems like the next day you are watching her get married or sending him off to college. As is everything in life. Somehow it seems the good times go faster than the hard times do. Go figure. What's that you ask? Oh, yeah, I do have a point. Some of you know, but for those of you who don't, I'll start at the beginning.
In October of 2004, I felt that God had given me an idea. I had the notion to start a Saturday night fellowship/coffee & dessert/worship/non-religious kick back and relax and unwind with God and friends casual kind of meeting thingamajigger. Anyway, we started the first Saturday in November of '04. I must say that for me, these were some of the most incredible times I have ever experienced. We saw healing, deliverance, outpouring of the spirit, and kinship building. I could give you stories, but that's another blog for another day. We would meet every week at the church at seven o'clock. Normally we would spend at least half an hour in fellowship time and then worship collectively. Sometimes we would fellowship more or less, sometimes not even have music. There were nights when there were three of us, and nights when there were twenty. Almost every week there was a different group of people. And no matter what we did or who was there, it seemed that every week God would come and do something incredible for someone.
Well, this went on for over a year. It seems as though it were only a few weeks. However, about three or four weeks ago, I started to feel uncomfortable. I could tell something was happening. Something was changing. I'm about as sharp as a bowling ball, so you can imagine how I wrestled with my mind trying to figure it out. Then, this past Saturday, I was at the church with my guitar. I was playing a little and then I realized it was 7:00 and no one was there. Then, at 7:30 and again at 8:00, I found myself still alone. So I kept playing and praying. Then finally, I felt the Lord with me.
I asked Him to let me in on what was going on with Saturday night. Where was it headed and what was His plan?
I even went so far as to ask that He give me a word or sign that I could understand and that it be clear and simple so I could get it. After a little while of praying and talking with God, I had an overwhelming peace about me. Well, I figured He would fill me in later. So I grabbed my gear and locked the doors. Then as I turned to get in my truck, the largest bus I have ever seen turned onto Broad Street and rolled right in front of me. It was a big grey bus and on it were the words:
Now in the natural, we all know what that means. However, I really felt that was God's response to my request. An answer to my prayer. So I immediately thanked Him for His faithfulness and then went back inside to collect myself. I then realized what was happening and began to panic. I didn't want to see this end. It seemed as though it had become part of me. I knew in my heart that God was moving on, though. I could tell that the grace was no longer there. So I talked to my wife and to my pastors, and then laid it to rest.
So I say goodbye now to another season of my life. I will take the experiences and build on them, and hold fast to the memories and stories that have evolved. I will embrace the next thing that God set before me with hope and faith, knowing that He is God.
In October of 2004, I felt that God had given me an idea. I had the notion to start a Saturday night fellowship/coffee & dessert/worship/non-religious kick back and relax and unwind with God and friends casual kind of meeting thingamajigger. Anyway, we started the first Saturday in November of '04. I must say that for me, these were some of the most incredible times I have ever experienced. We saw healing, deliverance, outpouring of the spirit, and kinship building. I could give you stories, but that's another blog for another day. We would meet every week at the church at seven o'clock. Normally we would spend at least half an hour in fellowship time and then worship collectively. Sometimes we would fellowship more or less, sometimes not even have music. There were nights when there were three of us, and nights when there were twenty. Almost every week there was a different group of people. And no matter what we did or who was there, it seemed that every week God would come and do something incredible for someone.
Well, this went on for over a year. It seems as though it were only a few weeks. However, about three or four weeks ago, I started to feel uncomfortable. I could tell something was happening. Something was changing. I'm about as sharp as a bowling ball, so you can imagine how I wrestled with my mind trying to figure it out. Then, this past Saturday, I was at the church with my guitar. I was playing a little and then I realized it was 7:00 and no one was there. Then, at 7:30 and again at 8:00, I found myself still alone. So I kept playing and praying. Then finally, I felt the Lord with me.
I asked Him to let me in on what was going on with Saturday night. Where was it headed and what was His plan?
I even went so far as to ask that He give me a word or sign that I could understand and that it be clear and simple so I could get it. After a little while of praying and talking with God, I had an overwhelming peace about me. Well, I figured He would fill me in later. So I grabbed my gear and locked the doors. Then as I turned to get in my truck, the largest bus I have ever seen turned onto Broad Street and rolled right in front of me. It was a big grey bus and on it were the words:
NEW DIRECTION CHARTER.
Now in the natural, we all know what that means. However, I really felt that was God's response to my request. An answer to my prayer. So I immediately thanked Him for His faithfulness and then went back inside to collect myself. I then realized what was happening and began to panic. I didn't want to see this end. It seemed as though it had become part of me. I knew in my heart that God was moving on, though. I could tell that the grace was no longer there. So I talked to my wife and to my pastors, and then laid it to rest.
So I say goodbye now to another season of my life. I will take the experiences and build on them, and hold fast to the memories and stories that have evolved. I will embrace the next thing that God set before me with hope and faith, knowing that He is God.
- Todd Bagley
5 comments:
You have served well. I am grateful and thankful that our fellowship has someone like you and Nola who are willing to do "whatever".
Rest and recoop! Then saddle up and see what else is out there.
mbb
That explains that sense of peace all over you on Wednesday night. I sensed it as soon as I saw you. I think I even commented that you looked like you had found some peace this week. Good for you. Good for God who is doing a new thing.
Thank you for Saturday night,for allowing me to be a small part,for your faithfulness and its price, and for your obedience.
I thank God for you.
Keep listening to the Father! I'm sorry that I was only able to visit once.
Wow! You told your story so clearly. I heard that one of the downtown business owners expressed their observation about Gadsden Vineyard: "They're not just a church. They're a lifestyle." That describes Todd and LeNola Bagley completely. Jesus said, "Who is my mother and brothers?" (Jesus answered: "He who does the will of my Father."
Post a Comment