On Sunday I encouraged you to pray daily the prayer that Eli taught Samuel: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9). Have you heard God speak yet this week? Have you sensed a leading or prompting of the Holy Spirit? Have you been guided in tangible ways? Tell me about it. Let’s share our stories of how we are discerning the voice of God.
This Sunday, we continue our sermon series on the Holy Spirit, but we do so one hour earlier due to the start of Daylight Savings Time. Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour before you go to bed Saturday night. Then join us Sunday morning at 8:00; 9:30; or 11:00 a.m.
Hundreds of Ward attendees are reading the book Forgotten God, by Francis Chan, over this Lenten season to help us reexamine what the Bible actually says about the Holy Spirit. Angie and I have enjoyed discussing this book in our small group and with our kids. If you would like to check out another book on the Holy Spirit, consider of these top picks:
- The Holy Spirit: Activating God’s Power in Your Life, by Billy Graham.
- The Counselor: Straight Talk About the Holy Spirit, by A.W. Tozer.
- Empowered Evangelicals: Bringing Together the Best of the Evangelical and Charismatic Worlds, by Rich Nathan and Ken Wilson.
Thanks for your willingness to dig deep into the things of God!
Yours,
Scott
6 Comments
Our granddaughter has recently been diagnosed with juvenile arthritis, at only 13 years old. This past Sunday before attending church, I thought I should buy her a bouquet of flowers to take over to her to cheer her up. My only hesitation was that she is a busy young lady, and I wasn’t sure if I should interrupt her day with a flower delivery. After hearing Sunday’s sermon, I realized that it was silly to not act on my original thought, that maybe God was telling me to do something to cheer my granddaughter up. So I followed through on my plan. She loved the flowers and she smiled BIG and hugged me. It was such the right move. Thank you, God.
Wow, where do I begin? Just in the past 3 days, I’ve experienced examples both large and small. From the Holy Spirit’s guidance as to whom to share my cannoli with, to a deep “Ah-ha!” moment regarding how to empower women who’ve come through their midlife storms, something I’ve been wrestling with for a while. I’m beginning to see the world through new eyes. Thank you, Pastor Scott, for this very empowering, enlivening and invigorating teaching. You have so turbo-charged my walk that I have become airborne. Thank you.
I am glad to receive your message tonight because it reminds me of the worship that I experienced on Sunday– I long for Sunday worship. It helps me get through the week. Tonight after being confronted by some of the secrets that my teenager was hiding from me, I had to address them. Normally, I would have reacted in an angry way, but I had a sense of peace and my husband and I were able to calmly discuss the problems with our teenager. I didn’t notice it at the time, but looking back I can see that it was the peace of the Spirit that gave me what I need for that moment. It is not easy raising teenagers and I need the indwelling of the Holy Spirit at every turn. God, please continue to help me.
I was having a terrible nightmare Tuesday morning. Low and behold it awoke me. The moment I was awake, the nightmare ceased and I heard, what would basically be, a similiar message from 2 Sam. 12:1-7. I then went to my computer and typed out the nightmare and the conviction I sensed from the Holy Spirit. After I finished typing my experience, I logged on to do my online Bible study and the study was on “Motivation to repent” and I learned all about what true repentance is biblically. God met me in my sleep and explained it’s meening to me through His Word. It was a sweet, scary moment with Him and I am dumbfounded and humbled.
This past Saturday, I was involved in an auto accident. Not serious. No one hurt. Both cars were driven home. (praise the Lord) I drove my wounded car to church on Sunday, but Monday I had to take it in to be repaired. Of course my insurance company did not include a rental car and I had a few commitments with Potters Wheel this week.I prayed on this, mentioning to the Lord, that if wanted me to continue to serve Him, he would have to provide me with transportation.( a rental car was not in my budget) Monday when I took the car in, I asked the car dealer (prompted by the Holy Spirit) if, by chance there was a loaner car I could use. They said YES, and at no additional charge. AND the Lord, knowing my financial situation, had the insurance company waive my deductable . The Holy Spirit is working in my life every day. This is one tangible example. Thank you Pastor Scott for opening my heart and ears
This week has been an exciting time of listening and responding to the Spirit’s voice. As I’ve asked the Spirit to “show me” those in need of blessing or a word of encouragement, my eyes (and mouth) have been opened to: several work colleagues whom I’ve encouraged and prayed for (with them, via email, or on my own) as they’ve been going through difficult times (loss of job, illness, tons of stress, wondering what’s “important”).
Tonight Pam and I will have a great opportunity to connect with the lives of many of our neighbors and we’re seeking the Spirit’s guidance to know just what to say – many of these folks we only see once a week (or less) as “life” tugs us in too many insane directions. We’re excited to think about what He will do next and we are growing in our love of Him and living life more on the “Spiritual-edge” than ever. I’m heading now to my local gym to see who the Spirit would have me speak to there.
Blessings and keep proclaiming His work boldly Scott!