A Praise Report That Blew Me Away

Just as we were beginning to start Sunday School yesterday a member of the class got up -interrupting the class - and gave the following narrative:

"I saw David Pitts Wednesday and I asked him how he was doing.  I hadn't seen him since we buried his father October 30th.  He said he was fine and then told me that his grandson went to the doctor for more tests the day before.  He has a blood problem like hemophelia.  Well, he said that the doctor asked his parents what was going on...this is the best test ever!  The father said that he knew what happened.  When they were at the eating after the funeral the pastor there asked if he could pray for the boy.  He prayed for him and since then he hasn't even had one bruise!  The doctor said that he'll be happy with medicine and miracles wherever they come from.  

Folks, he said that that boy doesn't take to strangers well.  He said that at the visitation he was fascinated with Brother Marty.  He went up to him and wanted to be held by him.  Brother Marty told the proud grandpaw that his little grandson will make a great running back somewhere, someday.  When he said that David told him...that ain't gonna happen with this boy...you see...he was born with a blood disorder.  He can't play like other kids.  He bruises easily and cuts don't heal well at all.  Then the next day after the funeral Brother Marty asked his mom and dad if he could pray over the boy...he told them that it certainly couldn't hurt...so they said okay.  Brothers and sisters...God is not out of the miracle business...and Brother Marty.....what can I say....them folks are moving to the area in about a month and I know where they're going to go to church.  God bless you, Brother Marty."

The very moment he told this to the class (half of the congregation) I was overwhelmed and started trying to stop the tears of joy that were streaming down my face.  All I could do is sit there saying "Praise God, Praise God, Praise God."  A woman from a few pews back came up and gave me a paper towel - with tears flowing down her cheeks.  I looked around and there wasn't a dry eye in the room.  They started with the lesson but I couldn't focus on anything other than praising God...so I left for my office to try to regain my composure for the service that would begin 45 minutes later.  

I get personal praise reports from individual whom I pray for from time to time.  But this one came from right field.  Like it says in the title of this blog, we need to shout it from the highest peaks that God is not out of the miracle business.

Christian Healing: Why Do I Share These Things?

I often resist posting about a healing session because I believe that there are those who believe and those who don't...and nothing I say can change those perspectives.  But the occasional email I get from someone who has a testimony about God's healing power motivates me afresh to share.  To those who don't believe God answers prayers in a powerful way, I must say I disagree.  To those who say that if God uses someone for healing then why don't they go to the local hospital and pray away everything that ails the patients...I must say...you don't understand.  God decides who He will heal including when and where.  Those called to provide healing prayer do so as led by God to do.

I don't put up a sign inviting people to come for healing.  I have in the past - on the church sign - and only a few outsiders came.  It's like the Gospel account of the woman with the issue of blood...she sought out Jesus.  When people seek to find healing in the name of Jesus, they are drawn to people who believe that Jesus will heal them...if only they ask with everything that is in them.  Read through this blog to find examples of what I'm talking about.  If that is too time consuming, then let me tell you about this past weekend.

After a Saturday morning of running around to the hardware stores and Walmart, I came home and checked the phone for messages.  I had two messages at my office and one at home all saying that a church member was in need of Christian counseling.  I went to her house with her brother and she was a mess.  She has cancer in her thorax and was for the first time confronted with fear that she won't survive the treatments.  Fear was gripping her every expression.  I said, "I'm here...do you want me to pray for you?"  She said she wanted prayer...and wanted to have faith again that she will make it.  We prayed.   I put my hand on her head and prayed away the agent of Satan: Fear.  I put my hand on her upper chest and prayed that the cancer cells be washed away by the power of the Holy Spirit.  She, her brother and I were all shaking uncontrollably in the presence of the Holy Spirit filling her body with a washing of everything bad inside of her.  When God said stop, we stopped.  Tears of joy were streaming down her face.  Her brother was crying and I was spent.  I could hardly hold my head up, the drain was so intense.  

She had not been able to get out of bed for the past week as a result of the chemo treatments.  We talked more then I anointed her head and chest with oil then prayed for the staying power of the anoitment.  She got up and walked us to the door.  I had to regain my composure before trying to drive the 20 miles home.  That was Saturday.

Sunday morning, who is in church with her non-churchgoing husband?  She was.  I greeted her and she asked if I was ok.  I asked her why she thought I wouldn't be and she said that whatever had a hold of her left and she hoped that it hadn't got a hold of me!  I assured her that I had prayed away anything that may have come from her to me (which I did before driving home).  We both looked into each other's eyes and smiled.  BUT...it doesn't end there.  That night was the church Christmas program.  Again, she and her husband were there!  

I call that God's healing.  I don't know yet if the cancer is gone (but if it is it wouldn't be the first time) but I do know that Satan's grip on her is gone.  I know that she has no room in her life for fear.  And without that fear she has a renewed vigor.  All I can do is praise God.

This past weekend tells the story of Christian healing.  Like the woman with the issue of blood, she sought Christ's comfort and healing.  When the calls were made to me to come pray with her, I believed that I was the hands and heart of Jesus brought to her.  I certainly didn't plan on it as I had already planned a full day with no healing prayer anywhere on the agenda.  But when God calls I dare not refuse.  

I never ask for money.  If we have a healing service at church we never take an offering.  It isn't about money.  It isn't about ego.  It isn't about religion.  It isn't about anything other than learning to love our God with all our hearts, minds, bodies and souls AND loving our neighbors as ourselves.  If God gives you the tools to build something...Build It!  If He gives you a gift for singing, then sing.  If he gives you a gift for administration, then administer.  And if he gives you a gift for healing...heal.  

What a Wonderful God We Serve

A member of the local United Methodist church where I attended prior to becoming a pastor at another UMC church was suffering from a punctured colon after gastric bypass surgery.  What should have been a routine procedure was anything but.  Last Thursday morning I got word over the phone that she was in critical condition and that the doctors couldn't find the source of the puncture.  They were considering another operation if her condition didn't improve.  That was early Thursday morning.  At work I got the morning deposit together and walked to the bank, a mere half block away.  I stopped in a botique along the way.  It is owned by a fellow church member and in the shop was another member.  We talked about the person in the hospital and as we talked we were drawn to pray for her.  We prayed powerfully and thanked God for the healing He was providing.  That was Thursday.

Sunday I was in Birmingham (Alabama) where the church member had been hospitalized.  I mentioned to my wife that we should stop in and visit the woman who had the problems.  She told me that she had been released last Thursday afternoon.  WOW!  Yesterday I stopped in the botique and the same two women were there.  We spoke briefly when one of them said, "Isn't it awesome how God answers prayers?"  We looked at each other silently for a moment and all said "Praise God".  

I stay constantly awed by the wonders of Our God.  When we turn to Him and pray with boldness, He answers boldly.  May we continually acknowledge His riegn.

More on the Power of Love

I was asked to explain more about the power of love and healing.  I don't know that I have the wisdom to accurately relate how love enters into healing more than I've said in my previous post...but I will try.  I'll try because in the past week I've been brought into some situations where God revealed things to me that I hadn't considered before.  Isn't it marvelous how Our Lord gives us just enough...then when we think we have it He gives just enough more to challenge what we thought we understood?  With that said....

The love that brings about healing isn't the love we have for those in need.  It is God's love, brought into the situation through us.  Let's try that again to make sure it is clear:  It isn't our love...it's God's love, that heals.  Those of us in the healing ministry recognize how love heals, but we often believe that it is OUR love that heals.  No!  It is God's love that heals.  We simply facilitate the actions of God's love.  

With that statement made, let me confess shortcomings of healers' facilitation of God's love.  We're human.  We're who we are with all the baggage that comes with anybody struggling through life.  But in spite of ourselves, we can, at times, be conduits for the love of God to work miraculously where our love falls short.  That's the essence of it all.  Being willing to be used by God.  I'm utterly humbled that God uses me.  I'm a sinner-supreme...while at the same time a servant-supreme.  I take a back stage to what God wants and merely be the mouth, the hands, and the mind of Christ.  When that happens, miracles happen.  Don't get me wrong; I often stand on the sidelines of God's love.  But if my mouth can say what God wants said, and my hands can be the hands of God, I succumb and say..."Lord, use me"!

No ego trip here, rather, a confession that I'm not worthy.  But I'm willing.  In that state of unworthiness God manifests Himself extradorinally time and time again.  Were I to give any advice to someone wanting to see a miraculous healing, I would say, let God work through you.  Let God burn in your heart until you feel the same pain as those to whom you would minister to.  Let God be the one who makes it happen, not you.  Let go...and let God.  

Not an easy notion to entertain, but one that we must not only entertain, but make a reality.  Let God be the fountain of love that enters into a situation, and let go of anything that is about oneself in order to be a channel for the love that is beyond explanation.  Again...I'm not worthy...but willing. Can you be willing to let God work through you?  If there is love in your heart, He will heal.  If, no matter what you feel about the afflicted one, your desire is to be about God's business FIRST...the things of this world, including illness, pain, suffering, and disease, will all go away.  Our Lord wants nothing to stand in the way of us giving Him all our praise.  He will heal!

The Power of Love

Love incarnate.  That is Jesus Christ.  When he told us that we could do all that he did and more through the Holy Spirit, many did not know what that meant or how it could be.  Of late, I've had my eyes opened to what that meant and how it could be.  Live Love.  

Love the terrorists who vie for our demise.

Love the racists who see through hate-filled eyes.

Love the rulers who yield power more that care.

Love the loveless, close to home and everywhere.

When love rules our lives, Christ resides within us, empowering us to be His hands, feet, heart and soul.  But it's so hard to love sometimes...and some people.  In spite of how our "of this world" minds react to negativity, we must force ourselves to look at all that happens through the eyes of love, not the way we would see things.  When that happens, the power of love is revealed.

Laying hands on someone and praying for them is meaningless without a genuine love for the very soul of that person.  When we pray for healing we're actually praying for wholeness such that the love of Christ literally dwells within our midst. When our spirits are no longer at a dis-ease with love, then disease, pain, broken hearts and all that ails us is washed away.  It has happened to me and to those with whom I've prayed.  It has also failed to happen when that deep, Christlike, compassionate love was not mutually felt and embraced.  

I pray that when someone prays for healing that it first stem from a desire to love more; that it comes from a desire to be utterly filled with Christ's love.  In that prayer, in that state, God heals.

Healings all around us

It has been a long while since I last posted.  In that while, there have been numerous healing services.  A woman with problems with back and leg pain has been healed. A woman with back pain has been healed.  One with bone cancer has been healed.  One with blood cancer has been healed. Dear Lord...what a wonderful manifestation of your love has been realized here in our little neck of the woods.  I stand in wonder of your healings.  I stand in wonder of your willingness to minister to our little flock.  I'm in wonder!

Please, Lord, keep on keeping on.  We're ready and willing.  I'm awed by Your Presence and Your willingness to minister to us.   To those who don't have healing services...please do so.  You'll be marvelled by the love of Our Lord.  Awesome!

What of When the Healer Needs Healing?

Sunday night was a wonderful night for me. I have a hip problem and it has plagued me since June. I threw out my hip at Vacation Bible School when I was prompted to participate in a kickball competition. I kicked the ball like there was no tomorrow. I kicked it out of the park a few times and was on top of the world. Since then, my right hip has been giving me sheer hell.

After a few months of waking up in the night screaming in pain, my wife said that I should have the people of the church I pastor to pray for me. It was humbling. I asked for them to pray for me, and lay hands upon me in the name of Christ. The love was overwhelming.

That night and the day after I had no symptoms of the ailment that had afflicted me. The next day, Tuesday, I was in pain. I asked God to take me to that place where the love was so strong and fervent..and the pain went away. It was miraculous. So I continue in that same way, to recapture the love that was shown to me that night, and at every attempt to recapture it...the pain goes away.

How powerful is the love of Christ? We challenge it and refrain from it...but the power of Christ's love is a mountain that cannot be moved. When we go to Him, in humility, He washes away our pains and sufferings, and makes us new creatures in Him. I'm a new creature in Him, today!

Healing Revival Tonight in a Rural Alabama Methodist Church

Tonight was the culmination of a 4 night revival for the church I pastor. I've been there since late May and they've been told via my sermons and prayer meetings that I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit, specifically, as it relates to the sign-gift of healing. Sunday through Tuesday was all about the power of the Holy Spirit, specifically, being baptized in the Holy Spirit. Tonight, it was the final night and the Holy Spirit was present....INDEED! Eight people (from an attendance of about 40) came for healing. More powerfully, I asked everyone to close their eyes and be in prayer for everyone there, and I asked who wanted healing prayer without having to come publicly - to receive it where they sat. Three quarters of those there raised their hands. What an awesome God we serve.

First things first...of those who came for healing we prayed for suicidal tendencies, demonic possession, as well as diabetes, arthritis, lung disorder, addiction to alcohol, cancer and other maladies. The expressions of those for whom prayer was administered moved the entire congregation. More specifically, each one prayed for felt the overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit. I was so totally drained from the prayer that the prayer team sat me down in the prayer seat and prayed over me until I was able to continue the service. (I didn't realize that it was so obvious that I was drained and depleted...but their prayers worked wonderfully and I continued.) Then came the most challenging, demanding, prayerful experience I've ever had in the healing ministry.

A young husband came to the alter for prayer. He had just recently lost his mother (a week ago) and was in a terribly difficult situation with his step father about everything. He was forbidden to attend his own mother's funeral. He was distraught. When I looked him in the eyes and asked what he wanted prayer for, his eyes became bloodshot and he said...."I want to leave my wife. I want to leave my child to be. I want to leave this world. I don't want anything good." At once I realized that I was talking with a young man who was possessed. Rather than anoint him one time with the sign of the cross with oil, it was put on my heart to anoint him three times. I looked him in the eyes and asked if he wanted deliverance. He shrugged. I asked again...he shrugged. Then I called him by name twice and he said yes.

I've only once before been called upon by Our Lord to cast out demons and I was weak in faith at that time...but I couldn't resist the word of God as it pertained to this young man. I tried to sit him down but he resisted. I tried again and he resisted again. I said..."In the name of Jesus accept His love". He sat down. He looked at me with piercing, bloodshot eyes and I asked him if he was ready for healing prayer. He didn't say anything. I told him I was going to pray for him whether he wanted it or not. I complimented him on beating down the resistance to make his way to the alter. So we prayed. There were 5 prayer warriors plus me praying for him. And we prayed. Without knowing the names of the demons in him (and not wanting to know their names) I prayed over him saying that Jesus knew who was trying to control his life and in the name of Jesus they are to be bound and cast from him. I was moved to bind and cast out 3 different demons in this young man in the name of Jesus Christ.

At once, his bloodshot eyes became clear. He proclaimed Christ as the ruler of his life. His countenance became one of calm and peace. But we didn't stop there. We continued to pray over him for strength and perseverance in Christ for the moments, days and weeks ahead. Oh what a glorious time it was in the service of our risen Lord.

We closed the service by praying for those who lifted their hands earlier that didn't want to be publicly brought into the love of The Lord. My friends, it was a powerful ending to a wonderful 4 nights of revival. Indeed, revival happened in our rural church in Alabama. It happened in ME!

In Christ....

We're Leading Up To Healing Revival, Wednesday

The theme of the revival this year at our little rural church is Baptism In The Holy Spirit. I've been talking about how the gifts of the Holy Spirit are not limited to those early Apostles, rather, for all believers who succumb to and totally submit to the presence of the Holy Spirit in themselves. It is an awesome thing to let Christ live through us today. When reflecting upon John 17: 20-22, it is apparent that we are here now, to be Christ for the world.

As Christ healed...we heal. Period. I've witnessed everything from freedom from terminal cancer to beyond...and it is awesome to behold. Are we worthy? The question I would ask is are we willing? I am willing. Are YOU?

The last thing I seek is to make hippocrates of anyone in the healing ministry. Rather, may we be subject to His will? I make myself subject to His will in these regards while I'm unworthy, yet willing. In a back-handed way I ask, can we all? Let us be subject to His will and create new persons in Christ, through the mystery and majesty of His presence. I'm awed by His presence. Aren't we all? In His name I pray...Amen.

Revival Preaching Night Two

Tonight I was able to use some of the material I had worked on so hard to be a part of the sermon. I say "some" because of the 5 typewritten pages of material, I used 2 illustrations and 2 sermon passages. The rest was not what I had planned, rather, what God wanted to be said. And powerful it was! With attendance of about 40 people, a father and his very young son came to the alter. A stalwart of the church that most would perceive as being one who wouldn't do such a thing, came to the alter for prayer. A woman whom most would think had it all together, came to the alter for prayer.

When the service was over, one man who I thought slept through the service shook my hand so vigorously that I thought he was going to take it home with him. His wife fell into my arms and thanked me for letting God talk with her. WOW! I could give 20 more inspirational anecdotes but the thing that really got to me was when the church was almost empty, and we were ready to turn off the lights and head home, 3 came back into the church for prayer. A half hour later we were working on a plan to bring the spouse of one who came back to grow to yearn to have Christ in his heart. What an honor and privilege to be approached for prayer like that. I was moved in the Spirit, deeply.

I've never been one to do the revival thing. I always thought it was hokey, if you know what I mean. But being charged with bringing revival to our small church I've grown immensely under the umbrella of the challenge. I'm being revived in the process. I share with the attendees that when I point a finger to them saying they're too much consumed with feeding the flesh...3 fingers are pointing back at me. I'm as much challenged and changed by revival as those to whom I'm preaching. What an unexpected thing.

I don't know if any of the Methodist preachers/pastors who may stumble across this blog are equally impacted. I would hope so. God isn't through with any of us. As the bumper sticker says....."Sorry, God isn't thru with me yet". Whatever our position may be, may we all be stricken by the notion that we are a work in progress, and that God isn't through with us yet. At least, I've come to understand, He's not through with me.

The power of the Holy Spirit was evident tonight. Arms were raised in praise, tears were shed in joy, and lives were changed. At least a few, in a rural area. But it's one person at a time through which the kingdom is brought down for us all to revel in. I thank God for the few who made a BIG impact in my ministry. May I be more greatly used for His purposes. I hope that this sharing empowers someone else to be equally challenged and utilized by God, the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen, amen, and Amen!

Revival Preaching

Prior to last night I'd never preached at a revival service. I had prepared and studied my sermon for days. I prayed and prayed that God would speak through me what he wanted those in attendance (as well as myself) to hear. Of the six pages of prepared text, all that I used was the scripture. After reading Acts 2, nothing else I'd prepared came out of my mouth! God revealed what he wanted us all to know: When we say that we're not worthy of the gifts of the Holy Spirit...we are living a lie! We say we're not worthy when we're actually saying "I'm not willing".

This revelation cracked open the hard shell that our souls keep tightly bound around the indwelling Holy Spirit. Realizing this, we open our minds to the realization that God is never finished with us. He wants us to open our hearts, minds and souls to the abundance that comes from loving Him with all that is in us. The more we open up to Him, the more His Holy Spirit works through us.

I've been so blind for so long, I pray that now I can stop living the lie of unworthiness, and start living a life of willingness. In Jesus' name I pray.

God Heals....Some of Us Let Him Use Us

I've been slow to post as I'm otherwise engaged with my time and attention. But tonight I want to share. At our church's youth gathering tonight we had a 19 year old give a sermon and testimony. I was moved by it. When she was finished, one of the 9 kids came to the alter to give her life to Christ. I was specially moved by her preaching as she told of the various miraculous healings she has witnessed since being baptized in the Holy Spirit.

When she finished her sermon, and after prayer, I took the pulpit and endorsed her words about how the Holy Spirit will fill you and change you. Before she spoke I pulled her aside, at the urging of the Holy Spirit, and said to her, "Let the Holy Spirit speak...and you just be the mouthpiece"...or words to that effect. At least 3 times during her sermon, she looked at me and said..."I didn't plan this but I've gotta share it". It was awesome.

As with all young people, there were scoffers and disbelievers of what she had shared. I took the lead and (as an older geezer) endorsed what she had said about God working miraculously in the lives of true believers. The kids took the message seriously. She now feels empowered to share with a broader audience. She asked me if she could deliver the sermon this Sunday...and I told her she could. It is the culmination of a weekend youth retreat, so it is appropriate that church on Sunday be reflective of that. What joy in that person. What radiance in her. What a move of the Holy Spirit I witnessed as she left grateful for the opportunity to share what God has put on her heart with the church.

How many of us hold on to our territory so hard that we cannot let someone come in and interrupt it with a testimony and word from God that is placed on their hearts? I will gleefully step aside this Sunday for this young lady's testimony and message. (Although I did tell her to pray for discernment, as this will be a mixed/blended crowd of new and mature Christians). I don't know what she will preach, but I will support it as I know it is Christ working through her.

I titled this post about healing. This young girl prayed for and witnessed the healing of a deaf child at Children's Hospital in Birmingham, AL. She let's God use her. Can we all learn to let God use us? His providence is more than we can imagine.

A year later...the river is still wonderful

It's been about a year since I posted about swimming in the river. But, darn it...it's worth posting about again. Today I walked to the river. Our river is one of the cleanest in the entire USA. There were no canoes, kayaks or otherwise travelers on the river. I walked down (about 100 yards from the house) and looked upstream and downstream...and saw nobody. I took off my clothes and jumped in. Normally I'd wear shoes or something to protect my feet, but today I didn't. From the top of my head to the heels of my feet it was wonderful!

There is a mystic comfort that comes from being totally washed by nature...AKA...God's revelation to us all. Today, I was washed. My swimming was like a baptism. Does that make any sense? I was one with the creator...and one with one of the elements of this earth...water. I only wish that others could feel this wonderful presence of God's love for this part of His creation. I felt at one with it...I felt at one with Him.

The lack of gravity...the lack of burdens...the lack of anything worldly is what God has for us who dwell deeply in His nature. Be it a walk in the woods...or a dive into the lakes, oceans, or rivers...do it and embrace it. There's no telling what will be revealed! God is love...and nature is love made manifest.

Marty

A Morning on a Mission

A week ago I woke up on a mission. Earlier in the morning I was awoken with a vision. I saw a woman cut open from head to toe, and outstretched hand to hand, with bright white light emanating from her entire body. That is, except for the dark spots that shielded the light in different parts of her body. I've had these visions before. They tell me that someone needs healing prayer. It wasn't a comfortable vision and I went back to sleep hoping that it would go away. When the alarm went off, I arose with the same vision.

During our morning devotional I shared this vision with my wife. She said, "God will lead you to who it is that he wants to use you for His healing". As I left for work I stopped at the place in the woods where I have my private prayer every morning and sought discernment. I tried to think of what woman I knew of who needed healing prayer and I thought I had it figured out. NOPE. The moment I walked into my office the first thing one of my associates said was that a neighboring business owner had a migraine and that I needed to pray for her. HOLY SMOKES! This does not happen every day...in fact it had never happened before. I immediately went to that person's business and we prayed and thanked God for His healing. Two days later I had occasion to see the woman and she gave her testimony. She said that she started feeling better the moment we finished praying and that by the end of the day she was operating on "all cylinders" as she put it. She went on to say that she'd been coping with that headache for over a week and it hadn't come back since we prayed.

My prayer is that God does this more often, as I relish every opportunity to stop and acknowledge His greatness with fellow believers. In the process, my hope is that it will bring non-believers to Christ.

The Healing of the Microphone ;-)

Every once in a while God brings awe and wonder to us in ways that we cannot anticipate. Last Sunday I filled in for the pastor of a local church for the early morning service. I preached on John 6: 35 on the topic of believing in Jesus and never thirst or hunger again. Specifically, I addressed how we can thirst for healing in our lives, and how believing in Jesus - with everything in us - He will quench that thirst.

As the service started, I got wired up with the wireless microphone and the worship leader stood at the pulpit where the stationary microphone is. When that mic at the pulpit is on, it glows red. About 5 minutes into the service, the pulpit mic went dead. The worship leader fidgeted with it and ultimately gave up and proceeded through the service without it (it didn't occur to me to offer him the wireless...must've been a God thing). When it became time for the message, I went to the pulpit with my wireless turned on and began my sermon. (I always opt for the wireless mic as I do not stay behind the pulpit...I walk around, make gestures, all that stuff.) I was about 3/4 of the way through the message and said, "If only we can believe with everything in us that God heals, He will heal!"...and at that very moment (as I would later be told) the pulpit microphone lit up. I was totally unaware of it as I wasn't looking at it.

At the very moment the service concluded, a man rushed the alter and asked me if I noticed what happened. With a dumbfounded look on my face I said "no...what?". He said that God healed the microphone and told me that the light came on precisely when I mentioned believing and God will heal. The moment we were finished with our conversation, the worship leader came up to me and asked me if I saw what happened with the microphone. I told him that I had just been informed. I observed others chitchatting and pointing to the pulpit. Wow!

In retrospect, I may have slapped my hand on the pulpit for emphasis and - like smacking the TV on the side when it isn't working right - it came back on. Then again, I honestly don't recall whether I did or didn't, as I was a bit caught up the the Holy Spirit at time. Still, I pray that God touched someone through this unexpected event.

Neophyte in Ministry - DUH!!

Anybody ever been caught off guard and propelled into situations where you thought you were unprepared? I thought that. Really. But not now. I've put "myself" in the back seat for a ride that only the Holy Spirit can drive. I look up and see glimpses of what it is all about....but only glimpses. When I ask..."what shall I do in this situation"....I'm assured that I should sit in the back and let the Holy Spirit drive. OK...I'm in for the trip!

Today I had a wonderful opportunity to pray for someone. She and I instantly became brother and sister in Christ. She suffers from migraines and physical malaise that accompanies it. God put it on me to pray for her and I was uplifted from the experience. I hope she was. But it was for ME that her malady came to my attention. I was moved to take time off of work and do something of God. And ya know what? I was lifted. My sincere prayer is that she was lifted as well. I know that she hugged me and assured me that God was with her...and me at the time of prayer. WOW!

I ask people of God if they recognize when the Holy Spirit is overwhelming them. Some say they have a flitter in the eyes...others say they have a flush feeling....for me...my toes contract uncontrollably. Today...while praying with my friend, my toes contracted uncontrollably. Not me...the Holy Spirit was in charge.

This is personal stuff but I think it is universal as well. Does God touch you in a special way when you are overcome by His presence through the Holy Spirit? Just wondering.

Reflections on Death as the Ultimate Healing

In the past month I've come to have to deal with death in a manner in which I was not prepared. In one situation, a young boy died from a brain tumor...in the other, one who's time had come. I can deal with both emotionally...but it is the "intellectually" thing that somewhat disturbs me. That is, until I come to realize that death is the ultimate healing for some. In the cases mentioned above, it was just that. Today I spoke with the recent widow of a man in my newly appointed church and she volunteered that her children had come back to support her in this difficult time. She said that they have never been united before, but now they are...and God orchestrated these events to bring the family closer together. There is a love amongst family members that never materialized before now. That is a healing!

In the other, I can only speculate based upon what others have told me. But I was there for the healing services for the young boy. I held him, prayed for him, and shared that it is the love of God that manifests itself in trying times. Reported to me is that the family has congealed, and become one...for the first time. What a tragic catalyst for this to happen...but happen it has.

So, in venting these situations, I become more in tune with the fact that my will, our will, is not God's will. May we be always subservient to God's will.

Stepping into the Unknown

My first official week into my first real appointment in the Methodist faith and I have a funeral to conduct. On the one hand, awkward, on the other, a blessing. I had the privilege of meeting the person who has since deceased in the week prior to my appointment becoming official. He, and his family, touched me and my wife in a very deep and sincere way. Now, being the new pastor at the deceased's church it is in my hands to conduct a funeral....but without a body. He donated his body to science.

I lift up this situation as I cannot find in the "Pastor's Pocket Edition" of the Book of Worship for a situation such as this. Perhaps in the full Book of Worship there is a liturgy for this type of occasion...but I wouldn't know as I do not possess one. Is there any help anyone can provide that may give me an assist in this situation? I'm leaning towards the "Family hour or wake" section of Services of death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit will provide, but if someone can provide some helps it would be appreciated.

On a personal note, I can't think of a better way to be brought into a body of believers than to be there to be a spiritual guide in difficult times. I'm truly blessed, humbled, and wanting to serve in the highest possible way. Thank you in advance.

When God Shows HIS Will to be HIS

I pray for people regularly. I touch them, pray for them, and move on. I constantly seek God's will in each and every situation. Today, a boy for whom I prayed for healing was buried. He died from a cancerous brain tumor which could not be stopped by prayer nor medicine. He was the recipient of the "Make a Wish" foundation in his last days and visited the beaches of Puerto Rico. He was buried today. God challenges us all.

I entertain the notion of questioning God's will when an innocent dies after much prayer and supplication. I entertain it. But when all is said and done, I do not know God's will, so I cannot question it. I merely submit.

A very young man, age 11, was taken to be in God's glory a few days ago. Today we buried what was left of him. I do not question...while I entertain the notion of questioning....I merely submit.

Teens and Contemporary Worship

Tonight I had an opportunity to share with teenagers the love of Christ. We were talking about how and if we hear God talking to us, and I shared that while praying after the worship music that God touched my heart and revealed to me that I should love everyone who was there...as nobody was there against their will. To my surprise, when I shared that God spoke to me, inquiring minds wanted to know what God sounded like. I believe that in sharing that experience with the kids some were moved to listen to that quiet voice, discounting it as not being mere conscience...but the actual voice of God. A few hung around afterwards sharing how they thought they were nuts thinking they heard God telling them to do this or that...or refrain from things. It was awesome. I found myself cultivating a new, deep love for fellow worshipers, regardless of age. It was too cool.