Good morning John,
I loved reading through the tract last night about stirring up the gift of God. It has always been one of my favorites, but I hadn’t read it in quite a while. I feel like it was needed, because I had been feeling a little “humdrum” in the spirit for a while – letting my thoughts get too caught up in day-to-day activities, work, news, weather, jobs, etc., and not stirring up the holy Ghost in me enough to burn off the daily dirt of the world that builds up. One of the things that stood out to me in the tract was the line that says, “Oh, how we need to stir this gift, which is our only hope, both as individuals and as the body of Christ!” Like you mentioned last night, what a wonderful thing it would be if each of us – and all of God’s people – would stir up the gift that God has given us, every day. What amazing things Jesus could do with us if we all kept the Spirit stirred in us, and made listening for, waiting for, and obeying that still, small voice our top priority every day!
Last night felt so good, praying with everyone and hearing Darren’s song, and Earl’s testimony again, along with Gary’s song. This morning in the shower I was just praying and speaking in tongues, and letting that paddle of prayer stir the holy Ghost up in me. It felt like a shower of warmth that went beyond just the water of the shower. It made me very thankful just to have that free gift to even be able to stir it up. God help us not to neglect it! I like this verse in Jude that we recently went over with the translating group: “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the holy spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, receiving the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” (20-21).
Vince