A Church with a Heart for our Community

March 14th Thursday

Greetings in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ – THE Risen Saviour! Another late winter morning and it seems like our sunshine went on March Break with the school children.  Perhaps the rain that is beginning will wash away some of winter’s dust. Yes, of course, this is still a day that God has skilfully created for us to enjoy and give thanks for. Today I will be praying for you, asking Father to release a measure of healing and wholeness to you.

Last night was our first Bible study gathering for five or six weeks…it seems like every winter storm arrived on Wednesday – but yesterday was spared! The topic last night was one of God’s hope-filled promises…”You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. — Acts 1:8. What a great promise to think about! We considered the Holy Spirit’s role in “PUSH-ing” us – giving Power, Unity, Supervision, Holiness. We were challenged to think that many believers know so little about the Holy Spirit.

However, one of the points that struck me was that it was possible and probable that many a Christian may have experienced salvation and not be full of Holy Spirit. The idea is clearly presented in Scripture and leads us to a quote by the teacher – ‘we can have the Spirit but not let the Spirit have us- – Max Lucado. I have pondering that in light of two commands by the Apostle Paul – “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit” and “Do not quench the Holy Spirit’s fire” – Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-20. I have paying attention to Paul’s advice – ‘keep in step with the Spirit’ – Galatians 5:25.

Interestingly enough, for the past twelve plus years there have been intercessors gathering on a weekly basis – Monday noon hours – to pray for a spiritual revival for our city churches. I have a sense that almost every one of our 37 churches would say that they have the Holy Spirit….but the question is really – does the Holy Spirit have each congregation?

Perhaps, more to the point – are you and I filled with the Holy Spirit? Are we stirring the Holy Spirit’s flame? Are we bringing delight to the Holy Spirit?  — something to ponder…be blessed!