The Power of the Holy Spirit

Jesus said in Acts 1:8 - "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the world." The believer in Jesus is privileged to receive the Holy Spirit of God to indwell and empower. We become conduits of the love and grace of God to the world in which we live. The more we die to self the more that God's Presence can have His way and will in us and through us.

This week I was privileged to see the power of the Holy Spirit in a different way. I participated in two ordination services with our bishop, Frank Lyons - one at Light of Christ Anglican Church in Marietta and one at our church. Scott Hammond was ordained to the priesthood at Light of Christ. At Holy Cross we also held an ordination service in which three folks were ordained to the priesthood, to serve as presbyters in the Church of God. David Charney, Edward Milligan, and John Tomlinson received the laying on hands and anointing asking the Holy Spirit to empower them for this new work. It was one of those nights in which the unction of God was VERY STRONG. His power and Presence was manifest and many were touched by God.

I was personally reminded of my own ordination many years ago, and the vows I made before the Lord. Throughout these many years, His anointing has remained and His guidance never failing. His Word (the Bible) continues to speak and teach me His will for my life. But I could never have made it this far without the Presence of the Holy Spirit, and the empowering prayers of God's people. I hope you know the power of the Holy Spirit in your life.

Doing the Difficult Thing

As a leader there are times that I am called upon to do things or make decisions which are very difficult and may cause difficulty to others. If ever there is a time to rely upon the Lord, it is at these times.

Our church, like most other churches and ministries, have seen our contributions decrease as the effects of the recession continue to take its toll on people jobs and income. We have had numerous folks who have lost their jobs or whose business has completely dried up because of the economic climate. A person cannot tithe on what they do not make.

As a result I have had to let some folks go and our staff has had to take salary cuts. I have to say that while having to be the bearer of bad news to folks, I have been blessed by their grace, understanding and their trust and faith in the Lord. They have shown me that God is bigger than all of this and that He is still Lord. Amen. Hallelujah!

I am reminded of Proverbs 3:5,6 -- "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."