word AND power

The past two nights I went to a revival of sorts nearby.  The first night was awesome.  I truly felt the presence and power of the Lord in ways I've never experienced before.  I felt the Lord.  I received the gift of laughter.  I watched countless people be healed.  It was a strange, yet awesome experience.

Yet one thing bothered me.  There was little teaching from this pastor.  I love a testimony and am encouraged and challenged by them.  But, I want to hear the word of God as well.  I need that.

Last night, I worshiped the Lord in raw delight during praise and worship.  This isn't natural for me to do so it was a blessing.  Yet after that, I didn't meet with the Lord at all.  In my opinion, the evening was about blessings rather then the One blessing.  A few Bible verses were read, but again: no real teaching.

I'm reminded of the great need to couple the Word with the power of the Holy Spirit.  In Matthew 22:29, Jesus rebukes the pharisees by saying, "You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God."  Jesus says we need both the Scripture and the power of God.  Over the past few months, I've been learning how important it is to have the power of the Lord.  Yet, last night I was reminded how important the Word is.  It isn't one or the other; it's both/and.