May and June are the Months of the Feast of the Holy Ghost
Late Spring is always the Feast of Pentecost, when we focus on the wonderful work of God’s Spirit in our lives.
Experiencing the Friendship of God’s Spirit
Hannah Whitall Smith was a Quaker who was born in the USA in the mid-1800s , became a Methodist and in the early 1900s travelled England preaching about the Holy Ghost. These are her words….
“Inner stillness is an absolute necessity to truly knowing God. I remember learning this during a time of great crisis in my life. My entire being seemed to throb with anxiety, and the sense of need for immediate and powerful action was overwhelming. Yet the circumstances were such that I could do nothing, and the person who could have helped would not move.
For a time it seemed as if I would fall to pieces due to my inner turmoil. Then suddenly “a still small voice” whispered in the depths of my soul, “Be still, and know that I am God”. The words were spoken with power, and I obeyed. I composed myself, bringing my body to complete stillness, and forced my troubled spirit into quietness.
Only then, while looking up and waiting, did I know that it was the Spirit of God who had spoken. He was in the midst of my crisis and my helplessness, and I rested in Him. This was an experience I would not have missed for anything. I would also say it was from the stillness that the power seemed to arise to deal with the crisis, and that very quickly brought it to a successful resolution. It was during this crisis I effectively learned that my “strength is to sit still.”
Who is the Holy Ghost?
In the Church of England the Spirit has become a vague, shadowy figure lingering in the background. Like the Father and the Son, He is a person, He is everywhere, He has unlimited power, He knows and understands everything about us, and He is all-loving.
The Gospel of John describes him as the Paraclete – a word which means encourager and comforter, the book of Acts shows us that He gives us power, and revitalizes us. Genesis shows us that He can bring into being in us, things that don’t exist. Paul calls the Spirit the “first instalment” of the glory that is still to come.
Loveliest of all for me, Corinthians says we have His fellowship – His intimate friendship – He sensitively moves in our lives.
When the Spirit comes…..He will tell you about the Future (John 16.13)
Currently, we are looking to the Holy Ghost to help us think about the future of our Team Mission – what should a church really be like? What should our goals be? Can we set ourselves stepping stones towards our future vision? Here’s one vision and goals that has been suggested:
The Lowton & Golborne Team Ministry is a family — a place you can call home. It’s where you can find hope, healing, and purpose. Over the years, this family has grown and changed, but one thing will always stay the same: our love for Jesus and for each other. No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, you can be confident that you’re more than welcome in our churches – you’re wanted…..
- To share the wonderful Good News of Jesus the Messiah
- To help people to find hope, healing, and purpose.
- To create a safe place where all people feel loved and valued
- To form a place where all can worship and enjoy the love of God
- To draw others into all that the Good News offers.
Can the Spirit come and live in me?
How would you answer Paul’s question? In these days of hard times at home, and sad stories from distant shores, we cannot continue to be disciples of Jesus without His Spirit.
In this season of Whitsuntide, let Him come to fill you with renewed vision for our future, and refreshed joy and strength to serve our wonderful community of Lowton & Golborne!
Holy Spirit, sent by the Father, ignite in us your holy fire; strengthen your children with the gift of faith, revive your Church with the breath of love, and renew the face of the earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. Amen. Amen.