Contemporary Service Hendersonville First United Methodist Church May 19 2013

A beautiful Pentecost Sunday  at Hendersonville First United Methodist church. There were several baptisms and Confirmation ceremony at the Traditional service which was totally packed out.

The color red was in abundance at The Contemporary Service in the gym.

At both services there was a celebratory atmosphere. You could really experience the presence of the Lord. A  glorious day.

Contemporary Service (10:45am)

Travis Birch leading. I sat in with the band and led my arrangement of Spring Up Oh Well/ Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing for the offering/special music.

• Everlasting God
  
• Our God
  
• Revelation Song
  
• Spirit of The Living God
  
• • Message: Pentecost (Don Hutchison)
• All Who Are Thirsty 
  • Offering
• Spring Up Oh Well/ Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (special music)
  • Benediction
• Hold Us Together

Traditional Service (8:15)

The Confirmation ceremony was beautiful. Packed house at the Traditional service.

• Love Divine All Love Excelling
• A New Anointing - A Capella version, Choir Offertory
• Spirit of The Living God / God Is – Special Music, Scott Coutler
  • Message: Pentecost
  • Confirmation and Baptism service
• Spirit Song (Wimber)
  

Shop Talk

The Holy Spirit is alive and well and doing His thing! You could really sense the energy of God here today. Don gave a fantastic message on Pentecost.  We are grateful.

This post is part of the Worship Community Sunday Setlists, see what others are doing here http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-252/

You show the way of life, you fill me with the joy of your presence. Acts 2:28 [Sunrise May 20 2013]

Day 50 Joy Is The Secret Sauce

³² “God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. ³³ Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. Acts 2:32-33

Who is Jesus?

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit released fresh revelation of exactly who Jesus was and helped make sense of what God was doing.

Peter’s spontaneous sermon was inspired by the Spirit filing Him and those around  at a greater level than they had ever comprehended before.

During his earthly ministry, the identity of Jesus as God was not obvious to all.  Even when Jesus was there in the flesh living and talking with them, they often didn’t get what He was talking about. And some rejected Jesus even when it was plain He had to be the promised Messiah.

This whole thing is mind blowing when you go there.

Joy

In this first gospel proclamation,  Peter quotes David from Psalm 16:11

You have shown me the way of life, and you will fill me with the joy of your presence.’ Acts 2: 28

Here, I believe, is what is intrinsically attractive about the gospel, about following Jesus Christ as Lord and master.

Jesus shows us the “way of life” and fills us with joy.

He fills the huge gap we all have in the human experience, namely, finding true true meaning and joy in this earthly existence.

“Religion”, understood as doing “the right things” just doesn’t cut it. Neither does “success” – attaining a degree of money, power, prestige. Nor does the pursuit of “pleasure” – doing whatever feels good when you feel like doing it.

These are the means people employ to experience joy, pursuing happiness by the logic of human nature. It is folly.

The followers of Jesus discovered something far superior, they were filled with joy in his presence.

My friends,  the joy of His presence is the secret sauce of a life in God.

Joy is the benefit of worshiping Father, Son and Holy Spirit in sprit and truth.

Transformation

This group in the Upper Room, these resurrection witnesses –  were not motivated by pressure, coercion, guilt trips or any other mechanism of man.

In the presence of Jesus they found love, joy, peace, hope. Their passion was real.

They had been transformed.

Inspired by and motivated by supernatural love, they shared their stories of how Jesus had changed their lives.  Nothing could stop them.

And that’s what proclaiming the gospel is – telling your God story, and  leading others to enjoy the wonderful truth of knowing Him personally.

May the joy of the Lord be your strength today, and always!

Let’s Pray:

I invite you to pray with me today.

“Jesus thank you for your life your death and your resurrection. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit. Fill me with your Spirit today. Fill me with a new anointing, a fresh outpouring. Thank you for the joy of your presence. Empower me to do Your work, Your way. For the glory of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

About This Devotional Series

According to the historical church calendar, the Easter season is the 50 day period from Resurrection Sunday to Pentecost Sunday.  I’ll post a fresh devotional thought with my sunrise photo of that morning, everyday through Pentecost, commenting as the Spirit inspires. Check out the rest of the series here. Invite your friends. If this series is helpful to you,  please forward and share with your friends through e-mail, Twitter, Facebook – whatever, just click the share buttons on this page.  Join us on the journey from Easter to Pentecost!  Would you like more devotionals like this?  Sign up for my free updates and you’ll get them in your inbox until Pentecost!

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below.

May every tongue declare the wonders of God! (see Acts 2:11) [Sunrise photo: Archives 3-15-13]

Day 49  The Significance of Pentecost

 When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.  Acts 2:1-4 (MSG)

This is the Sunday we remember the coming of the Holy Spirit, the birth of the Church.

This chapter in God’s story is as significant as the Creation, when God created the heavens and the earth;  the Incarnation, when God became a man; and Redemption, when Christ atoned for the sins of the world.

Now the work of Recreation is fully released –  through Christ we can be new creations, all things are made new.

“Broadly speaking Pentecost brings understanding to the followers of Jesus, empowers them in ministry, establishes the church, and points to the end of history when the kingdom of Christ will be established over all the earth.”  Robert E. Webber  Ancient-Future Time (p. 161)

That’s all I have time for today, we’ll finish up this series tomorrow.

The Lord be with you! Celebrate Pentecost.

Let’s Pray:

I invite you to pray with me. It’s a compilation of Pentecost prayers, feel free to borrow and adapt. 

Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit.*   Fill your church with power, kindle flaming hearts within us, and cause us to proclaim your mighty works in every tongue, that all may call on you and be saved,**  through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.*

[Prayer sources: *Scot McNight;   **Lawrence Stookey UMC #542]

About This Devotional Series

According to the historical church calendar, the Easter season is the 50 day period from Resurrection Sunday to Pentecost Sunday.  I’ll post a fresh devotional thought with my sunrise photo of that morning, everyday through Pentecost, commenting as the Spirit inspires. Check out the rest of the series here.

Invite your friends.

If this series is helpful to you,  please forward and share with your friends through e-mail, Twitter, Facebook – whatever, just click the share buttons on this page.  Join us on the journey from Easter to Pentecost! 

Would you like more devotionals like this?  Sign up for my free updates and you’ll get them in your inbox until Pentecost!

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment.

Sons and daughters, prophesy. Young men, visions. Old men, dreams. Acts 2:17 [Sunrise May 18 2013]

Day 48  Visions and Dreams

The day of Pentecost. All heaven is breaking loose. People are astounded and wondering – “what the heck is going on?”

Peter explains the events of that first Pentecost moment,  connecting the prophetic dots he quotes Joel 2:28

“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Acts 2:17 (NIV)

I’m age 53 as I write this, an “old man” by biblical standards. (I’m in denial, most days I feel much younger!)

This whole idea of prophecy, visions and dreams is about seeing a better future.

God has a dream, it is for union with his creation. God is all about relationship, and restoring what has been lost.

I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Exodus 6:7

We need a vision to see what God sees. We need to dream God’s dream.

Whatever your future course, does it lead you and others closer to God – or not?

God  takes the initiative and pours out His spirit on everyone who is saved regardless of race, gender, position –  all humanity.

This outpouring is for the proclamation of the gospel, for building the KIngdom of God.

From the overflow of His Spirit inside each of us, we get God’s vision and  God’s dream of specific destinations and action steps to get there.

John Wesley as an interesting insight on this passage.

Wesley’s Notes

2:17 The times of the Messiah are frequently called the last days, the Gospel being the last dispensation of Divine grace. I will pour out of my Spirit – Not on the day of pentecost only, upon all flesh – On persons of every age, sex, and rank. And your young men shall see visions – In young men the outward sense, are most vigorous, and the bodily strength is entire, whereby they are best qualified to sustain the shock which usually attends the visions of God. In old men the internal senses are most vigorous, suited to divine dreams. Not that the old are wholly excluded from the former, nor the young from the latter.

God’s plans have a role for every generation, in every season of life. A place for the energy of the younger, and a role for the wisdom of the older.

Dream Big.

Let’s Pray:

I invite you to pray with me. It’s a compilation of Pentecost prayers, feel free to borrow and adapt. 

Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit.*   Fill your church with power, kindle flaming hearts within us, and cause us to proclaim your mighty works in every tongue, that all may call on you and be saved,**  through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.*

[Prayer sources:  *Scot McNight,  **Lawrence Stookey UMC #542]

About This Devotional Series

According to the historical church calendar, the Easter season is the 50 day period from Resurrection Sunday to Pentecost Sunday.  I’ll post a fresh devotional thought with my sunrise photo of that morning, everyday through Pentecost, commenting as the Spirit inspires. Check out the rest of the series here.

Invite your friends.

If this series is helpful to you,  please forward and share with your friends through e-mail, Twitter, Facebook – whatever, just click the share buttons on this page.  Join us on the journey from Easter to Pentecost! 

Would you like more devotionals like this?  Sign up for my free updates and you’ll get them in your inbox until Pentecost!

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment.

Pour out your Spirit Lord, on your people! (c) Tom Lane [Sunrise photo May 17 2013]

Day 47  Pour Out Your Spirit Lord

As I write this, Pentecost Sunday is just a few days away. This is the day the church was birthed, with a dramatic and spectacular manifestation of the Holy Spirit, unlike anything ever known before  on earth.

The audio track must have been deafening, a sound from heaven, like a tornado – a mighty roaring violent wind.  The tongues of fire, the ecstatic cacophony of every language declaring the wonders of God – all this drew a quite a crowd, and the audience was blown away,  utterly “thunderstruck” (MSG).

“Amazed and perplexed they asked one another, ‘What does this mean?” Acts 2:12

That’s the million dollar question.

Peter, inspired the Holy Spirit, starts talking. Now the Great Commission is launched.

The disciples had followed Jesus wholeheartedly during his ministry, they had experienced an additional 40 days with him after his resurrection, then they had waited on the Lord in prayer for another 10 days, and now  … an explosion. It was nuclear.

“What does this mean?”

Peter put it all together.

Peter Preaches to the Crowd

¹⁴ Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. ¹⁵ These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that. ¹⁶ No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel:

¹⁷ ‘In the last days,’ God says,
‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
Your young men will see visions,
and your old men will dream dreams.
¹⁸ In those days I will pour out my Spirit
even on my servants—men and women alike—
and they will prophesy.
¹⁹ And I will cause wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below—
blood and fire and clouds of smoke.
²⁰ The sun will become dark,
and the moon will turn blood red
before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives.
²¹ And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be saved.’  Acts 2:14-21 (NLT)

This was the sign of the fulfillment of God’s prophetic promises, with the ultimate purpose of salvation. The mission of  proclaiming the gospel was now assigned to his church.

⁹ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

Friends, I pray that the magnificence of Pentecost is remembered and perpetuated in our worship this weekend.

Let’s Pray:

I invite you to pray with me. It’s a compilation of Pentecost prayers, feel free to borrow and adapt. 

Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit.*   Fill your church with power, kindle flaming hearts within us, and cause us to proclaim your mighty works in every tongue, that all may call on you and be saved,**  through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.*

[Prayer sources: *Scot McNight;   **Lawrence Stookey UMC #542]

Here’s great song of intercession by my friend Tom Lane.

Pour Out Your Spirit Lord

Verse 1
Pour out Your Spirit Lord on Your people
Pour out Your Spirit Lord on Your people
Pour out Your Spirit Lord on Your people
Let it reign let it reign
Verse 2
Pour out Your mercy Lord on Your people
Pour out Your mercy Lord on Your people
Pour out Your mercy Lord on Your people
Let it reign let it reign
BRIDGE
Turn the hearts of fathers to their children
And ev’ry nation to the God of love and holiness
Let the fire of Your Spirit burn
Verse 3
Pour out Your fire Lord on Your people
Pour out Your fire Lord on Your people
Pour out Your fire Lord on Your people
Let it reign let it reign

Tom Lane, CCLI Song # 1890493
© 1999 The Bridge Worx (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

About This Devotional Series

According to the historical church calendar, the Easter season is the 50 day period from Resurrection Sunday to Pentecost Sunday.  I’ll post a fresh devotional thought with my sunrise photo of that morning, everyday through Pentecost, commenting as the Spirit inspires. Check out the rest of the series here.

Invite your friends.

If this series is helpful to you,  please forward and share with your friends through e-mail, Twitter, Facebook – whatever, just click the share buttons on this page.  Join us on the journey from Easter to Pentecost! 

Would you like more devotionals like this?  Sign up for my free updates and you’ll get them in your inbox until Pentecost!

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment.

Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in Him! Psalm 112:1 [Sunrise May 16 2013]

Day 46  Signs, Wonders and Miracles

¹⁵ He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. ¹⁶ Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. ¹⁷ And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; ¹⁸ they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”  Mark 16:15-18 (NIV)

The signs that Jesus says will accompany those who believe is pretty radical stuff.

• Driving out demons
• Speaking in new tongues
• Picking up snakes (Say what? But that’s what it says!)
• Drink poison with no ill effects
• Heal the sick by the laying on of hands

Although this may seem fantastic and unbelievable, all these signs are recorded as being fulfilled in the historical record. And I have personally witnessed some of these signs myself.

We worship a supernatural God, afterall, not a religious cultural institution.

The record shows that  ^“through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people.” Acts 5:12

Here’s a breakdown:

• Driving out demons

  • Acts 16:18, Paul cast out the spirit of divination from the fortune-teller girl
  • “Many evil spirits were cast out, screaming as they left their victims. And many who had been paralyzed or lame were healed.” Acts 8:7 (KJV)
  • “They shall cast out devils”; this power was more common among Christians than any other, and lasted longer, as appears by the testimonies of Justin Martyr, Origen, Irenaeus, Tertullian Minutius Felix, and others, cited by Grotius on this place. [Matthew Henry Commentary]
  • I think I have personally seen this.

• Speaking in new tongues (or languages)

  • This was remarkably fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:4-11. It existed, also, in other places. See 1 Corinthians 12:10. [Barnes Commentary]
  • I know I have personally seen this.

• Picking up snakes  (Say what? But that’s what it says!)

  • “They shall take up serpents.” This was fulfilled in Paul, who was not hurt by the viper that fastened on his hand, which was acknowledged a great miracle by the barbarous people, Acts 28:5, 6. They shall be kept unhurt by that generation of vipers among whom they live, and by the malice of the old serpent. [Matthew Henry Commentary]
  • I have not personally seen this.

• Drink poison with no ill effects

  • If they be compelled by their persecutors to drink any deadly poisonous thing, it shall not hurt them: of which very thing some instances are found in ecclesiastical history. [Matthew Henry Commentary]
  • I have not personally seen this.

• Heal the sick 

  • “… and many who had been paralyzed or lame were healed.” “Acts 8:7 (KJV)
  • Peter and John heal the lame man Acts 3:1-8
  • Acts 9:32 Peter raises Dorca from the dead
  • Many of the elders of the church had this power, as appears by Jam. 5:14, where, as an instituted sign of this miraculous healing, they are said to anoint the sick with oil in the name of the Lord. [Matthew Henry Commentary]
  • I know I have personally seen and experienced this more than once, glory to God.

I believe Jesus is the same , yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

How about you?

What He promised yesterday – He still promises today, and these signs will accompany those who believe!

Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is [always] the same, yesterday, today, [yes] and forever (to the ages). Hebrews 13:8 (AMP)

Let’s Pray:

I invite you to pray with me.

Lord,  let faith rise up in all who read your Word. May we be anointed to share the good news to all creation. Jesus saves. Jesus heals. Jesus delivers. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.   Amen.

About This Devotional Series

According to the historical church calendar, the Easter season is the 50 day period from Resurrection Sunday to Pentecost Sunday.  I’ll post a fresh devotional thought with my sunrise photo of that morning, everyday through Pentecost, commenting as the Spirit inspires. Check out the rest of the series here.

Invite your friends.

If this series is helpful to you,  please forward and share with your friends through e-mail, Twitter, Facebook – whatever, just click the share buttons on this page.  Join us on the journey from Easter to Pentecost! 

Would you like more devotionals like this?  Sign up for my free updates and you’ll get them in your inbox until Pentecost!

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment.

“And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” Matthew 28:20 [Sunrise Photo May 15 2013]

Day 45  Lo, I am with you always…

¹⁸ And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.  Matthew 28:18-20

These are the very last words of Jesus recorded by Matthew. This scripture has been a great comfort to me, as I’m sure it was to his disciples. He transferred leadership of his mission to his successors, as unlikely as they were.

The presence of Christ, his Spirit – the Holy Spirit,  would be with them, to give them hope and courage. And Jesus promises to do that for us today.

We are not in this life, this mission,  this fight, this journey, this story – alone. To all who believe, Jesus is right there beside us, “guarding, guiding all the way.”

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

Jesus Son of God, articulates the heart of God the Father, who promises to “never leave thee nor forsake thee.”

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (Moses commission to Joshua)

The presence of Jesus will be with us forever – til the end of all time. Until the end of the world as we know it.

“I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” The Message

Let’s Pray:

Today’s prayer is an excerpt from  Adam Clarke’s [1831] Bible Commentary at the end of Matthew. I invite you to pray with me.

May the Divine Author of this sacred book give the reader a heart-felt experience of all the truths it contains; make and keep him wise unto salvation; build him up in this most holy faith; and give him an inheritance among the blessed, through Christ Jesus, the Friend of mankind, and the Savior of sinners, who is the object and end of this glorious system of truth! And to Him, with the Father and Eternal Spirit, be glory and dominion, thanksgiving and obedience, for ever and ever, Amen and amen!

About This Devotional Series

According to the historical church calendar, the Easter season is the 50 day period from Resurrection Sunday to Pentecost Sunday.  I’ll post a fresh devotional thought with my sunrise photo of that morning, everyday through Pentecost, commenting as the Spirit inspires. Check out the rest of the series here.

Invite your friends.

If this series is helpful to you,  please forward and share with your friends through e-mail, Twitter, Facebook – whatever, just click the share buttons on this page.  Join us on the journey from Easter to Pentecost! 

Would you like more devotionals like this?  Sign up for my free updates and you’ll get them in your inbox until Pentecost!

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment.

People look at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 [Sunrise photo May 14 2013]

Day 44  How God Chooses Leaders

  ²³ So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. ²⁴ Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen ²⁵ as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” ²⁶ Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.Acts 1:23-26 (NLT)

The truth is, I don’t exactly know how God chooses leaders. Do you?

Here’s what I’ve seen over years of personal experience, along with studying Biblical examples. There are a wide range of methods and criteria that God uses to choose leaders. Some are born into it (John the Baptist, Solomon), some are groomed for it (Joshua and Elisha), some are suddenly called and life radically interrupted (most of the disciples, Paul), many are reluctant (Moses and Gideon), some just seemed destined for it (David).

God does what He does and chooses who He chooses for reasons only He fully knows.  Only God truly knows anyone’s heart. But the Lord can only work with those who have the right kind of heart. This is most important.

Leaders Solve Problems

So in the “Matthias Replaces Judas” story (Acts  1:12-26), Peter steps up as a leader. He presents a problem to the groups attention. This is what leaders do, they look to the future and chart a course.

Peter points out that the leadership role of the 12th disciple is important practically and Biblically. In verse 20 he interprets Psalm 69:25 and Psalm 109:8 as giving prophetic direction for Judas to be replaced.

The disciples agree to make a decision. Then they sought the Lord with an open mind. This had to be a God choice, not the fruit of a political “good-ol-boy” system.

⁴ Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen

This is the mindset for a group to have when charged with choosing leaders. Get God’s heart on the matter.

The next move seems quite odd by our cultural understanding. They cast lots. Seems pretty random.

This must have been a win / win choice, both guys were equally qualified and either would have done a great job.

Honestly, I personally can’t recommend tossing a coin, but hey what do I know? God’s ways are not my ways.

And that’s the point.

Winning The Lottery

Mattias won the lottery, Justus did not. They both had the same mission, just different roles.

They both had to accept the decision as being God’s will, move on, and seek to serve God’s dream – to share the good news.

Probably Mattias had the more prestigious role, he was now one of the inner circle, Justus was not.

Mattias had to trust God and guard his heart against pride. I’m sure he was a quality guy of character and the Lord could trust him in this assignment.

Justus had to trust God and guard his heart against feeling rejected and maybe angry. I’m sure he was a quality guy of character and the Lord could trust him in a different assignment.

May we accept God’s ways and decisions with the same degree of trust.

Let’s Pray:

It’s a good day for the Lord’s Prayer in the old English.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory. Forever. Amen.

About This Devotional Series

According to the historical church calendar, the Easter season is the 50 day period from Resurrection Sunday to Pentecost Sunday.  I’ll post a fresh devotional thought with my sunrise photo of that morning, everyday through Pentecost, commenting as the Spirit inspires. Check out the rest of the series here.

Invite your friends.

If this series is helpful to you,  please forward and share with your friends through e-mail, Twitter, Facebook – whatever, just click the share buttons on this page.  Join us on the journey from Easter to Pentecost! 

Would you like more devotionals like this?  Sign up for my free updates and you’ll get them in your inbox until Pentecost!

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment.

Let all the thirsty come! John 7:37-39 [Sunrise pic May 13 2013]

Day 43  Living Water!

For John baptized with water, but not many days from now you shall be baptized with (placed in, introduced into) the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:5 (AMP)

 We’re in the final week and last lap of our devotional series!

Jesus was at the finish line of his run on earth.  Moments before his ascension he promised the Holy Spirit was coming soon.

Earlier in his ministry he was very bold to confront the religious system, declaring life at the temple by propheysing in a loud voice:

³⁷ On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds,

“Anyone who is thirsty may come to me!

³⁸ Anyone who believes in me may come and drink!

For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”

³⁹ (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.) John 7:37-39

Now that promise was being fulfilled,  Jesus was entering his glory, the Spirit was soon to be given.

Let All The Thirsty Come

This idea of “living water” has been a powerful inspiration to me for many years. “Jesus is the living water springing up in me.”

Back in the day, there was a song we sang often based on John 7:37-9  “Let All the Thirsty Come” (I-Tunes Link).

It was written by my new colleague and old worship mentor, John G. Elliott, along with Amy Grant. [John is playing piano and organ for us at HFUMC ! He is awesome!]

This was a very well loved song at Belmont. And countless times our family worshiped with his CD at home or in the car, it’s a classic.

Let all the thirsty come
Let all the hungry come
Let all who seek for living water
Find it in the Son

The angels sing His name
And I will do the same
For drawing near to Him
We’ll find Him drawing closer by
Lift up the Lord on high
And surely we will find
The bread of heaven fall
And living water for us all
Filling our hearts

The bread of life is free
To meet my deepest need
And Jesus is the living water
Springing up in me

CCLI Song # 438695

Amy Grant | John G. Elliott
© 1990 Age To Age Music, Inc. (Admin. by The Loving Company) (Admin. by The Loving Company)
BMG Songs, Inc. (Admin. by BMG Music Publishing)
Pamela Kay Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Riverstone Music, Inc. (Admin. by The Loving Company) (Admin. by The Loving Company)

Let’s Pray:

I invite you to pray with me.

Come thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing your praise! Jesus fill me today and everyday with Your living waters. Fill me with your love, joy, peace, faithfulness, goodness, gentleness and self-control. Thank you that we are blessed to be a blessing.  May your kingdom come , and your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  For your glory alone.  In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

About This Devotional Series

According to the historical church calendar, the Easter season is the 50 day period from Resurrection Sunday to Pentecost Sunday.  I’ll post a fresh devotional thought with my sunrise photo of that morning, everyday through Pentecost, commenting as the Spirit inspires. Check out the rest of the series here.

Invite your friends.

If this series is helpful to you,  please forward and share with your friends through e-mail, Twitter, Facebook – whatever, just click the share buttons on this page.  Join us on the journey from Easter to Pentecost! 

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I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment.

Sunday’s Setlists Contemporary Service (10:45am)

Travis Birch Leading

PRELUDE: Here I Am To Worship

• As It Is In Heaven
  
• Mighty To Save
  
• It Is Well With My Soul
  
  • Baptism
  • Message: (Don Hutchison)
• Whom Shall I Fear
  • Graduating Seniors Recognition
  • Offering

• “Friends” NWG Youth Choir, Ivalene & Rob Still Directing
  • Benediction
• Hold Us Together

Traditional Service (8:15)

NWG Youth Choir, Ivalene & Rob Still Directing

• Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee
  
• Fairest Lord Jesus
• Special Music: None But Jesus
• Great Is Thy Faithfulness
  

Shop Talk

This was my sixth Sunday wearing a suit and tie, leading the traditional service in the sanctuary, and directing the choirs with Ivalene’s help. We’re having a great time. Lots of positive feedback.

The gym was completely packed for the contemporary service, great energy there for the student graduation.

We led the youth choir at both services and they’re a wonderful group of kids. God is moving!

This post is part of the Worship Community Sunday Setlists, see what others are doing here http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-251/

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment.