If we want to live in peace and harmony, we must allow the Holy Spirit to mature us. We must learn to love like Jesus did.
He ate and drank with sinners and tax collectors. (Matthew 9:11) In everyday life we don’t always agree with family members and close friends. We need the Holy Spirit to help us work through our differences so we can reconnect. Please Holy Spirit, give us empathy so we can truly learn to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Please hear this cry and open our hearts to associate with people regardless of their status or position.
Each day, as I die to self (work toward doing what God wants instead of what I want), I thank God for the privilege He has given me through His Ark of Faith. Many times I openly speak my gratitude for deliverance from being what I call “a haughty, well-educated fool.”
Serving others at the Ark of Faith Foundation is truly a great blessing! Is it always easy? NO! But the joy which comes following self-denial is beyond description. We all know this. When we help someone, we experience “joy unspeakable and full of glory.” (1 Peter 1:8, KJV) To God be the glory!
Coffeehouse on the third Friday in June was an example. Someone God brought to the Ark years ago was hostess. She had experienced brain injury as a child—But God worked a miracle! The Ark needed volunteers for meal service and cleanup. This lovely young woman came to give of herself and learn. Her husband encouraged this endeavor. They are still serving together here and in other ministries. Praise the Lord! We must NEVER quit or give up. STAND! For indeed, “with God all things are possible…” (Mark 10:22, NIV). Keep praying, asking, and agreeing with the word of God for His timing is always right!
The third Friday summer Coffeehouses are reflections from past Lamplighter Coffeehouses and performers. We are experiencing blessings as 3rd and 4th generations come to share hopes and dreams, needs and desires being fulfilled.
Through faith, prayers, and intercession, we get to see the Holy Spirit Victory as the older generations bring up younger generations of overcomers. Thank You, Lord, for filling in all the gaps in our individual knowledge and ability. You are the God who knows it all—who makes a way when there seems to be no way. (John 8:12)
I want to leave you with John Baillie’s prayer meditation quoted in Catherine Marshall’s My Personal Prayer Diary: “Eternal God…when the way seems dark before me, give me the grace to walk trustingly. When the distant scene is clouded, let me rejoice that at least the next step is plain… when insight falters, let obedience stand firm; what I lack in faith, let me repay in love…”