Back in 1993, I attended the Urbana Missionary Conference at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Urbana is a national Missionary Conference sponsored by Intervarsity. Back then and still today, i believe in the need to spread the gospel to all the world. However, during that conference week in 93, my heart was not fully engaged in missionary work. something else was preoccupying my life.
I was battling my own demons and had serious doubts about my own salvation. I decided to attend the conference mainly because my registration was already paid for months in advanced and the flights were already booked. I pray feverously for spiritual guidance in my own personal walk with god during that week.
The Conference was eventful and provided much information about the current status and atmosphere of Missionary life here and abroad. But the one thing (which helped in my daily prayers) was the spiritual gathering of the masses in the large auditorium - in one united voice to Praise God!
Such simplicity in having fellow brothers and sisters in one large room - praising God was the cure and answer to my own existance.
The one song we repeatedly sang to uplift our hearts, our minds and our souls: Shine Jesus Shine
Shine on me! And He did.
The words were so inspirational and I felt God's comfort and presence - releasing the doubts and struggles I was battling that week.
This wasn't just spiritual - it was emotional and factual. The knowledge of his physical existence and reign over heaven and earth empowered me.
The demons were defeated.
From that day on, I stood in awe at his mightly glory!
Join me and shout "Shine Jesus Shine"!
"The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all."
Psalm 103:19 (NIV)