On this Pentecostal Sunday as we celebrate the mighty coming of the Holy Spirit to that small band of 120 followers let us remember that God is still in dwelling His followers with that same sweet spirit! Although we at Fernwood are few in number, we, too, can change our world, our community for Christ as did those 120 followers in that upper room. Because they allowed themselves to be filled and waited for God’s plan, then acted upon that plan, we are here today worshipping that same God! As we pray together today, let our prayer be that we will openly receive the power of God’s Spirit and Boldly go where He leads us! He has, after all, given us the key to the kingdom! Let’s pray.
Oh Lord, giver of all power, anoint us anew with your Spirit. Help us to boldly share you with our community. Help us to take seriously the responsibility you gave that first church to “After the Spirit comes upon you , and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Lord, let Fernwood be your witnesses in our Jerusalem, our Judea and Samaria, and to all the peoples you put in our path! Help us to be bold in our witness and bolder in our acceptance!
As we begin a new chapter in our church history, with a new interim shepherd, help us to seek your guidance, catch your vision, and act on that vision.
We entreat you to touch the lives of those among us who are hurting, physically, emotionally, spiritually , or financially. Help us to be church to them.
Be especially with the families affected by the school shooting in Santa Fe. Help us to love like Bishop Curry proclaimed in his royal wedding message because...
Love is not selfish and self-centered.
Love can be sacrificial.
Love can change this world...
When love is the way, then no child will go to bed hungry in this world ever again...
When love is the way, we will lay down our swords and shields ...and our guns...
when love is the way, we actually treat each other like we are actually family.
Now may your blessings and your power be on all who go forth from this place and let love be the way for Fernwood.
Amen
I picked up my 52 Words... book today, and the word is Fight. It has taken me almost 3 years to understand that the events of Aug., 2015, were the work of the Devil at my former church home of 38 years. Finally I realize that it was God who delivered us from the Devil's work in that church, and brought us to Fernwood. All I can say is "Thank you, God" for working in our lives in a painful way to bring us to a better place.
ReplyDeleteI think "Fight" might be my word from this whole study. It has affected me the most so far. After struggling for almost 3 years with what I thought of as a personal battle, I now realize that I have been engaged in a spiritual battle. God is my commanding General. and I am His soldier. The forces of darkness surrounded me, and God was fighting for me, even when I did not realize He was there. I am very grateful for this revelation and insight into how He has been working in my life to save me from these evil forces. It was and is a painful struggle, but I feel I am making progress in my spiritual journey , and understand better how God works in our lives.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this, Nancy. I am sorry you had to struggle and feel so hurt by people you had walked along in church life...but God can take something that People meant for harm and turn it into something wonderful!
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