Code Red

In celebration of Pentecost, the birthday of the church, consider wearing something red on Sunday. We are praying for a fresh anointing as we worship together. As with all celebrations, there is a time of preparation. Sunday I asked that we examine ourselves in the following areas:

1. Devotion to Jesus and to His church. For a quick check of where you are on this just look at your calendar for last month and your expenditures. There you will find your priorities. If they are in not line with devotion to Jesus and to His church then consider changing that and making Jesus number one in your life.

2. Unity in the church. Nothing will invite a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit than a church in one accord. That's not to say we all have to be the same - but that we are willing to lay down our way and take on the way the Lord leads the church as expressed in the will of the body. If you are at odds with anyone, especially anyone in our church, make a list of all of their shortcomings, failures, mistakes and things you just don't like about them and begin to pray for them. God will change them and/or you and open the door to reconciliation.

3. Keep the main thing the main thing.....remember the purpose of the church. While there are thousands of good things the church could be doing, the purpose of the church is to teach how to love God and others, and to take the good news of the gospel to all people. It is so easy to become distracted and loose focus. It's all about Jesus and making him known to others.

As the disciples obeyed Jesus and went back to that upper room to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit they devoted themselves to pray and they took care of business. As we wait for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Sunday, let us devote ourselves to those same two things. If there is anyone you need to forgive, or anyone you need to ask for forgiveness this would be a great time to take that step and make right that wrong.

You've heard me say, "Be careful what you ask for." I have been reminded of that yesterday and today as people are coming to me to take care of out hurts, wounds and misunderstandings. While I found it to be somewhat draining - it has been more of a blessing than I could expected. So, I am extending an open invitation to anyone who I have offended to contact me and let's sit down and talk and pray and work through it. I want to come ready to receive a blessing Sunday and I want you to be ready too.

Pray, pray, and pray some more. Come expecting a move of the Holy Spirit Sunday....and wear red if you can. Have a blessed week.