Sunday Words of Encouragement April 26, 2020

We continue to meet online for our church. While preparing for service this morning I gave thanks that we have the ability, the technology, to meet online during a pandemic. This would not have been available in years past, even in 1918 or even the 1968 flu pandemics. And, not all societies may have the same ability to share together online as we do. So I am thankful.

Pastor continued the series titled VIRAL. He directed us to the book of Acts. In Chapter 1, Jesus was taken up into Heaven and the angels asked the followers: “Why do you stand looking into the sky?” The followers were reminded they had a job to do. But they had been advised to wait for the helper Jesus would send. They were not to do it alone.

They gathered together in unity and prayed. Then, as they met together in prayer, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the believers. They were given this special gift so they could go out and share. In Acts Chapter 2 Peter shared a prophecy from Joel 2: 28-32 stating that “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people ….. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Acts 2:16-21.

But it isn’t enough just to ask for the Holy Spirit to come into your life. You must open and receive it. We each need an encounter with the Holy Spirit.

The Point: God is still filling His people with that same power today, and sending us out to spread the gospel and make disciples.

The Challenges: Will you meet God right where you are? Will you ask Him for AND receive a fresh outpouring of His Holy Spirit? Will you ask Him to fill you with Power for the purpose of spreading the Gospel? Will you ask Him to send you to hard places where you can spread His Message?

This song speaks to Spirit Revival.

Verses for Today:
Acts 2:17-21 (NIV)
17 “‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
19 I will show wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
20 The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21 And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

Lord, Thank You for the Holy Spirit to dwell in me and help me to spread Your Good News.
on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

 

Sunday Words of Encouragement June 30, 2013

Our Pastor has been suffering with some health issues. He had a surgery this week which went well but he still needs healing. We are praying for you Pastor.

This morning Pastor’s son-in-law, Vince, a Pastor in a nearby county, shared a message and we had a wonderful word from the Spirit.

The central verse for the Sermon was Acts 2:2, focusing on the word “Suddenly.” Jesus told his disciples to ‘go and wait’ for the Spirit. They didn’t know what was coming but they had to step out in faith and obedience. In our lives we need to exercise faith and obedience. We need to learn not to complain about our circumstances but rather look for opportunities for God to work. God is a God of process. He reserves the right to interrupt our plans if we are moving on without his guiding hand.

When Christ’s followers gathered they heard a sound like a violent wind. Violent wind can be like a roar of waves. When God speaks his breath blows. Do not get frightened or distracted by the roar. Do not stop praying or stop your good works as the roar signifies heaven opening up, waters coming.

A ‘roar’ can also mean rumors--something about to happen. God lets news leak from heaven. Keep on and prepare yourself. Your answer is coming, the answer is on the way. Don't give up. The ‘suddenly’ is coming.

This is a message for someone. No doubt someone in our congregation this morning but maybe for someone who reads this post too.  The message shared: God has already answered your prayer in healing, deliverance and empowerment. Suddenly it will be there for you. Set your ear to hear God’s word, open your heart and prepare for your Suddenly!

I know it is July 4th week and we did sing some patriotic songs this morning. 

But none fit for this message. 

Instead I was led to this video song - Spirit Break Out

A Verse for today:
Acts 2:2 (NIV)
2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.

I am excited to anticipate a 'suddenly' event in my life. Meanwhile, I pray for my county and ask God to Bless America.