Holy Spirit Hurricane
Last fall I wrote a blog called, “Saved On The Front Porch” which was about a Wilmington lady who had no idea who Franklin Graham was or that he was in town. Seeing all of the commotions across the street at Legion Stadium, she felt compelled to sit on her front porch and listen. She said she could not explain it but she heard a voice in her head say, “Go sit on that porch.” She shared, “I'm standing up on my porch, crying like a baby, saying the prayer (salvation) out loud. Since then, I cannot explain the peace that has come over me. I found every excuse not to go to church, but God brought the church to my front yard."
I could not help thinking about that the first Sunday we gathered together outside at Pine Valley United Methodist Church. My daughter told me to look up at one of the apartments. Standing on their balcony, the person seemed to be seeing what all of the commotions were about. It brought tears to my eyes thinking back to God bringing the church to that lady's porch. Maybe today He was bringing it to someone’s balcony. I began to pray for that person. I prayed again this Sunday for them - that they may hear what they needed to hear. God is so good that He can use a pandemic to bring things like this to pass. Someone who never intended on going to church or watch it online or on television might be having it brought to them.
This was a very emotional week and most came to church with heavy hearts needing to feel the Holy Spirit on this Pentecost Sunday! The songs were just what I needed starting with Bethel Music’s, “Stand In Your Love.” “When darkness tries to roll over my bones, When sorrow comes to steal the joy I own, When brokenness and pain are all I know, I won't be shaken, no, I won't be shaken.” Next, we sang “Lord, I Need You” by Matt Maher. “Lord, I come, I confess, Bowing here I find my rest, Without You, I fall apart, You're the One that guides my heart. Lord, I need You, oh, I need You.” After this tough week, we all need rest. And there is only one place to find that rest and that is with God. Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Pastor Tim brought God’s message to us in a powerful way! He talked about how the disciples had to wait after Jesus died. They were to pray while they waited. Acts 1:14, “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” While things are tough, we can pray! He said we need to pray for the Holy Spirit to come on us like a hurricane! We need some Holy Spirit strong winds around here! I will have to say we had a cool breeze during that sermon! I believe it was the movement of God’s Spirit, like the wind, blind to the eye, but always accomplishing His intended purpose.
If you are struggling right now, remember how great our God is. He reached the lady who did not even attend the crusade. He is reaching those who do not go to church or turn on their television. Luke 1:37, “For nothing will be impossible with God.” Ask God to give you joy and let Him help you find your way in His way. Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
As we ended our service Sunday, we sang Zach Williams, “Chain Breaker”. “If you’ve been walking the same old road for miles and miles, if you’ve been hearing the same old voice tell the same old lies, If you’re trying to fill the same old holes inside, There’s a better life, there’s a better life!” If you do not have a relationship with Jesus, it is time to cry out to Him. Ask Jesus to come into your heart as your Lord and Savior. Ask Him to forgive your sins and turn away from them. It will be the best decision you ever made. John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." There is a better life!
Pentecost is just starting! Let’s pray for a Holy Spirit hurricane to come over us!