Since I last wrote, our nation has endured a barrage of catastrophic weather, including tornado-force winds and torrential rainfall, leaving behind devastating debris and flood damage. Our own area was drenched in historic amounts of rainfall, receiving in a few days what we would typically get in a month, and the rains continue! In South Florida, it’s part of our summer rhythm to prepare and try to be ready for such weather systems. It is also our practice to offer our prayers and efforts to assist in recovery for others who have been hit.
But I’m not writing to talk about the weather. I’m writing to invite you to join me in praying for a fresh and powerful release of the Spirit of the Living God upon us. In the Bible, the images of wind and water also refer to the work of God’s Spirit moving in power among people.
Jesus said, “Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'” (John 7:38 NLT) RIVERS can also be translated TORRENT! Jesus is speaking of the Spirit in power flowing from within people.
In Acts 2, the day of Pentecost witnessed “a sound like the blowing of a violent wind,” and those gathered said, “the wind filled the whole house where they were sitting.” The word VIOLENT means FORCIBLY MIGHTY. Wind and water, rushing and rolling, from and among people trusting and following Jesus. Yet, instead of bringing ruin and devastation, this fresh outpouring of Spirit power results in new hope, love, and life!
We are in a season of prayer that began in June and will continue until Thanksgiving this year. We are launching several initiatives we believe God has inspired and intended for us to engage in at this time: the Sunset Drive construction project, Future Beckons spiritual maturity and generosity focus, MiamiLead relaunch for our business/marketplace, staff search efforts, our upcoming church 100th Anniversary, our church strategic focus on Gospel Reach and Leadership Development, and advancing the Kingdom even in the face of spiritual adversity.
Let us continue to pray daily: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:9-13 NIV).
Expectantly,
Pastor Bill
