Point of Personal Privilege

This morning I am introducing a new “label” for my postings. In blogs labeled “Point of Personal Privilege,” I share matters concerning my ministry and family. I hope you will enjoy them.

I preached last week at Sciotoville Church of the Nazarene (Ohio) and will return there this week. I am going there as “pulpit supply.” I think that’s a technical term meaning – “We couldn’t find anybody else so will you do it?”!

I don't want this to be just two weeks of fill-in for Sciotoville and for Pastor Scott. I want supernatural results because we have trusted and we have obeyed God. I believe that God made this appointment between preacher and people. My excitement about this Sunday’s service is growing. God is ready to do something! I can hardly wait to see what it is!

Join me in fasting a meal today or tomorrow or Saturday. Encourage others that you know to pray for the service. Pray for the people of that church to be Spirit-empowered to invite their unchurched family and friends. Pray that unbelievers will respond to these invitations. Pray that God moves powerfully on the hearts of these invited people leading up to and in the service. Pray that the presence of God moves everyone in the service. Pray that I and the Christians there will be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit. And especially pray this for those who will come to the altar to pray with people. I believe these folks are hungry for a move of God. The Holy Spirit reminded me yesterday that they “have said yes to God and want to go forward.”

“Pray also for me that I may fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly as I should” (Ephesians 6.19-20). “Pray for me, too, that God may open a door for my message, so that I may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should” Colossians 4.3-4).

I am reminded of what one preacher said to me: “God didn’t call me to preach to pews!” So, I’m praying for a packed house this week. I want – for God’s glory and their good – God’s house to be full. It’s amazing how exciting this prayer is when I am not in a position to do anything about it or to receive anything from it. May God pour out revival on his church in this day! I would be humbled to witness his hand of grace and his heart of love moving at the Nazarene Church in Sciotoville, Ohio.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’"

“Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping carrying seed to sow will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him!”

“So is my word that goes out from my mouth; it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace. The mountains and the hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thorn bush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briars the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign which will not be destroyed.”

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.”

“And afterward I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days… And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!”

Why am I feeling this way about this Sunday's service? Our God is moving in my soul! As I said above, I believe God has appointed these two services together for his purposes and glory. I feel as if God has been just waiting to do something wonderful in my life and in that church in these two weeks. I have a sense of anticipation and the confirmation of faith that God will do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine.

Ask largely, my friends! Ask largely!