A Mighty May!

This month has turned out to be an awesome month! We began with Mothers' Day--the day after the fun-filled Acolyte Festival in Orlando. The Lord changed my sermon that day: although at 10:30, I got to preach both sermons--the one I had worked on during the week, and the one that the Lord began to give me at the Acolyte Festival. The Lord put it on my heart to re-affirm my commitment to reach out to families, children and youth--and to ask the congregation to do the same. Last week, the Scriptures were about Paul and Silas finding freedom even in the midst of the jail--and leading the "free" jail-keeper who was weighed down by fear and the worries of life, to discover the same freedom in Jesus Christ. There is power in the Gospel to change our lives.

Yesterday was Pentecost. Two baptisms and a call to commitment--to use our spiritual gifts wherever the Lord the leads us to do so. Our gifts are empowered by God--He is the one that sets us on fire to shine His light in the world. Shared how Dave had the spiritual gift of working on cars and motorcycles: I can remember as a teenager visiting him in his garage. He'd say, "hand me that wrench". It seems to me that almost every visit (whether it was me or any of the other guys who stopped by) turned into some kind of Bible study or time of spiritual counsel. A congregation of 100 people can be ministering the Gospel in 100 places at the same time if we are all using our gifts and opportunities to serve Jesus Christ and witness to Him.

Now, this coming Sunday is Trinity Sunday--with Bishop John Howe coming to visit. We have nine individuals prepared to stand up and re-affirm their faith in Jesus Christ. One first confirmed her faith 65 years ago and wants to continue her walk with the Lord. One couple have come through two intense years with major life changes, and want to thank God and commit to living their faith forward. Another says simply that over the last couple of years at Our Savior, the faith is just making more sense and their faith has become more meaningful.

After the Service, we will have an International Banquet with Bishop Howe sharing briefly about Singapore and Antioch--the international nature of the Church. Special music, special food, special day. Should be fun and refreshing!

A mighty month--if I may say so. Thanks be to God who gives us the victory.