Word from the Pastor
June 23, 2010
Dear Friends,
A few Sundays ago, May 23, we celebrated Pentecost-the birthday of the church. We are in the Pentecost season. It’s a part of our celebration on into the Fall of the year.
The story of Pentecost is recorded in Acts 2:1-2!. Before His crucifixion, Jesus had told the disciples to remain in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came upon them, They had no idea what he was talking about, but they were obedient. During a tine of prayer, the Holy Spirit came upon them. “Suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability (Acts 2:2-4).
That could happen here at Whitefield. I am not certain how we would handle it, if it did. Nevertheless the same Spirit is available to us today. There is a story about a very dignified pastor who was visiting a lady in a nursing home who was confined to a wheel chair. As he stood to leave the lady asked him to have a word of prayer. He gently took her hand and prayed that God would be with her to bring her comfort, strength and healing. When he finished praying her face began to glow. She said softly, Pastor, would you help me to my feet.” Not knowing what else to do, he helped her up. At first she took a few uncertain steps. Then she began to jump up and down, then to dance and shout and cry with happiness until the whole nursing home was aroused. After she was quieted the solemn pastor hurried out to his car, closed the door, grabbed hold of the steering wheel and prayed a little prayer, ‘Lord don’t you ever do that to me again!”
We expect so little out of God. We could hear a sound like a mighty wind. Tongues of fire could rest on each of us. Our church could become a vital and dynamic instrument of God’s power and purpose in our city. It could happen. Indeed it is God’s will that it happen. Keep praying.
Come to church Sunday. Invite someone.
Grover
