Volunteers In Mission - Nuevo Progreso, MX

“What I learned from this trip is that when you bring helping hands together and the love of God, great things can happen.” -Tasha Ruth, regarding her recent trip to Nuevo Progreso

Have you ever considered participating in a foreign mission? Trinity is offering an opportunity to volunteer time and talents in Nuevo Progreso, MX in January. The trip, coordinated by Volunteers in Mission (VIM), will be from January 15th - January 19th which is also the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Weekend. Anyone over the age of 16 is welcome and encouraged to join the Trinity team on this adventure, especially those in the medical profession. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Passports are needed. The team will be staying at First United Methodist Church in Mercedes, TX and will be traveling over the border to Nuevo Progreso each day, a 5 mile trip.

As a group, we will be flying out of Columbus (CMH) and into McAllen, TX (MFE) most likely with United Airlines. We will be working with Manos Juntas Clinic and Ministries. Set up for the Clinic will take place on Thursday. The Clinic works out of The Church of the Good Shepherd in the Francisco Madera colonia within Nuevo Progreso on Friday, and out of the Nuevo Progreso City Hall on Saturday. More information on Manos Juntas can be found on their website at http://www.manosjuntas.com/Free%20Medical%20Clinic.html.

The total cost of the trip will be approximately $700-750. This will include: $250 for the trip fee, about $455 in airfare, and $45 in 'extras' - food, souvenirs, etc. that you may spend while in Mexico. Covered in the $250 trip fee is ground transportation, lodging, and all meals. A non-refundable deposit of $100, made payable to the West Ohio Conference, is required when you agree to come on the trip.

We will be fundraising support for our trip to cover the cost of the clinic fee and medical supplies, in the amount of about $4,000 (total, not per person). Please expect to participate in team fundraising initiatives (letter-writing, etc.)

VIM is overseen by The West Ohio Conference of United Methodist Churches (WOC). WOC has committed to partnering with Mexico, specifically Manos Juntas and the House of Mercy Orphanage. WOC also partners with The Democratic Republic of Congo, Russia, and Southeast Asia. The Conference committed to 6 trips a year to assist Manos Juntas. A church is then selected to coordinate a specific trip, both in terms of volunteers and fundraising. Trinity intends to sponsor the January Manos Juntas trip each year, so keep this in mind if you cannot join us in 2014! For more information on WOC’s take on VIM and how WOC sees this as “more than just a trip”, please visit this site: http://www.westohioumc.org/conference/news/vim-more-just-trip

The need in the area we are visiting is overwhelming. When asked about the living conditions for the colonia residents and the work the team did on her recent non-medical trip, Tasha Ruth shared this anecdote- “The families that live in the colonias are very poor. They have no electricity, no running water (so they cannot grow any food), no toilets, no cars, and no medical care. Their homes are made out of whatever scraps they can find and nail down. On our first day there, I heard one of the children say to the mom that he was hungry. She had two carrots (wilted and rubbery) sitting on a makeshift table. She cut the carrots up into enough pieces for the five children. Even though the husband was employed as a city garbage collector, I assume his pay was low and it was difficult for him to find rides to get to work. The family shared two beds. The father’s main concern was that the children were getting older and he did not want the girls having to sleep in the same bed as the boys. The new addition that we built will provide separate sleeping quarters for the children.”

Tasha also shared what she learned from the trip. “When I thought about the word “mas” (translations: “more”) I thought about a familiar phrase – “more is better.” As I looked around at the bleak, barren surroundings and saw poverty like I had never seen before I saw something else - children laughing, running, playing with their siblings, and standing side by side to slop paint onto the wood slats. I saw their parents smiling admiringly at the wall they had just constructed together – she bringing him bricks and he buttering them before carefully laying them into place. I saw a happy family, just being thankful in the moment for what they had and the blessing of a new home. I saw people who were not looking for more, but were thankful to know that God had provided this opportunity. I reflected on my own tendency to want “mas” of everything (especially shoes!). This trip reminded me that while we might think we need more of X, Y, and Z and won’t be satisfied until we get it, God already knows what we need and through Him we are fulfilled.”

In terms of specific roles we would like to fill, we need the following: doctors (2+), nurses (3+), pharmacists (1+), medical clinic helping hands (3+), medical translators (2+), and team cooks (1+). All others with specialized medical skills (physician's assistants, optometrists, dentists, etc.) are welcome!

If you cannot join us on our trip, please consider donating to our cause. Donations can be submitted by visiting http://www.trinityumchurch.com/donate.htm and entering “VIM Mission Trip, January 15-19, 2014” in the purpose for your donation.

If you are still considering, please consider the following perspectives:

Rev. Katy Wheat: “This trip will be a wonderful way to get to know your neighbors in Mexico, and will provide much-needed medical service to the people of the colonias. Most importantly, it will be a wonderful way to put God's love in action while using the gifts God has given you.”

Tasha Ruth: “If you have never thought of participating in a foreign mission trip before, you should definitely consider it now. There is so much to be gained. You will learn so much about yourself and challenge yourself in ways you may have never imagined before. It will fulfill your heart, mind, body, and soul beyond your expectations. I will admit I was very nervous about taking my first trip. However, I felt very safe the entire time. The people you will meet, the relationships you will form, and the Spirit that will fill your heart are worth making this trip.”

This trip is a true opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and place your trust in God. I ask you to prayerfully consider joining this team, for the betterment of the people of Nuevo Progreso, our congregation, and ourselves.

How Far Are You Willing To Go?

"Will Anyone Rob God? Yet you are robbing me! But you say : "How are we robbing you?"" (Malachi 4:8)

It's been over 40 years since comedian George Carlin did his famous bit "The Seven Words You Can't Say on Television."  It almost seems a quaint idea today, doesn't it? Words one can't say on TV.  There seems to be no boundaries on what they can show or do, all in name of entertainment. As network vies with Cable for viewers, everyone, it seems, is "pushing the envelope" of taste.

Not that there aren't some boundaries left. While one can say [insert any of Carlin's words here] with impunity, you still can't say "Jesus" unless you are trying to be funny or swearing. A&E recently asked the stars of "Duck Dynasty" to tone down the use of  "Jesus" in their language.

All of which got  me to thinking if there are words we don't say, or don't like to hear, in church. Obviously we are good with using the words "Jesus," "Lord," "God," and "Holy Spirit." But there is one word that still has shock value in church. It sets people on edge, and just the utterance of it can cause the congregation's faces to close during a sermon. "Stewardship."

See, I lost some of you already. We just don't like to hear the church talk about money. Why? Well, we know why.  Its because people love their money too much. But I'm not so sure about that. Oh, there is no doubt some of us wrestle with the love of money and the power it holds over our lives. And this can be true whether we are millionaires or  broke.  Loving money is democratic. It can grab any of us.

But that's not the only reason we don't like to hear the word stewardship. There are, no doubt, scandals with the Body of Christ, especially with televangelists and others, that have caused the world to be a bit cynical when the church asks for money. It's hard to do it in a way that doesn't feel mercenary. We don't always do it well -- and often come off like a 'religious PBS' during pledge week. I wonder what the reaction would be if we gave the choir a bank of phones to answer for pledges for our annual campaign?

And, for many of us, it just doesn't seem, I don't know, spiritual enough. We all know it takes a great deal of money to run a church and its ministries. But where does faith come in? Don't we believe God can attend to our needs? Do I have to be strong-armed or made to feel guilty every week? I'm supposed to feel better when I go to church, aren't I? (We'll better answer that question in a future blog, by the way). Didn't Jesus cleanse the temple of the money changers? Stewardship just doesn't seem very, for lack of a better word, "Jesusy."

But if we look at what is really happening in Malachi, and indeed in most of Jesus comments, stewardship is one of the most "Jesusy" parts of our discipleship.  Because stewardship really isn't about money. It's really about "How much of myself do I give to God to use as he wishes? How much of my life is Jesus Lord over?" Stewardship has more to do with Lordship than our pocketbooks.

If we look at our finances, real stewardship is not about giving a tithe. Let's take the idea of a tithe out of it for a moment. Let's stop worrying about percentages. Real stewardship is simply saying, "Jesus, You are Lord of every cent I have. How I make it and how I spend it. So  do with all of it what You will." And then we simply listen to the Holy Spirit and be obedient to that. 

I heard a young man the other day say, "We look at poverty in the world and ask how can God allow such things to happen. How can God allow them to be so poor?  But what we should be asking ourselves is: God, how can you allow me  to be so affluent? What am I supposed to be doing?"  For this young man, stewardship isn't a bad word. It's become a lifestyle, the lifeblood of his discipleship.

If he's right, isn't that a question we should be asking in every area of our lives? God, you've blessed me with a spouse. What am I supposed to be doing with that relationship? I don't want to give you 10 percent for my marriage, (i.e. church and maybe a night-time devotion). I want to give you all of my marriage. God, you've blessed me with singleness. I want to give you all of it, not just 10 percent.  God, I don't want to just thank you for having a job today, or even ask to sense your presence. I want you to have my job. Do with it what you will. All of it.

Stewardship isn't about money. It's about life. Real life. Abundant Life. Maybe if we stopped talking about it, and lived it out more, we'd understand. Maybe if we took stewardship out of our wallets and put it back in our hearts, stewardship wouldn't be such an ugly word. Maybe.

In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones <><
 

Water Shortage

"Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'" (John 7:38)

    As I write this we are without water, both at our home and at the church.  Apparently there is a problem with a waterline and fire hydrant nearby and the water needs to be shut off until they fix it.  Although inconvenient, I can't complain we didn't have fair warning this would happen.  Several days ago we received a notice that the water would be shut off form 8:00 Am until 2:00PM in order to work on this problem.   

  So while inconvenienced I'm holding onto the small good things in the midst of this.  Since I knew it would happen and when I could get ready early in the morning and not have to worry about that.  There is an end time so we won't be sitting around wondering if and when the water will be turned back on.  

  But while holding onto the "small blessings" there is no doubt that it's an inconvenience.  It's amazing how quickly, once we are denied something, we miss it.  The moment the water was turned off, I quickly realized how dependent I am on water. I became much more cognizant of my thirst (which was probably imagined) I couldn't use the sink to wash my hands, turn on the water to put on a put of coffee.  I couldn't even, if I needed to brush my teeth without going to the bottled water we've stored.  

    But we aren't just talking water. It's a part of the human condition that we miss what we are denied. Be told you can't eat and you automatically become hungry. There is no quicker way to create a desire to share secrets then to be told "You can't tell anyone."  It's just how we are. We crave what we don't have. 

   There are times we don't even know what we are craving. We just know there is something missing from our lives and we want it.  We are unable to put a name on it, we just know there is something we are missing. Something that completes our lives. Call it purpose, power, satisfaction or joy.  All we know is there is something missing we we need it.

    Most of us have known people who spend their looking for that elusive "one thing" that will make sense of it all .  That missing piece to the jigsaw puzzle of our lives. We try to fill it with good times and laughter, relationships work position and popularity. Some come close but nothing ever truly fits.

  Even as Christians we often have this struggle.  Some of us grow up in crush and our faith are as much a part of our DNA as the color of our eyes. Some of us came to faith in youth group or in church.  For some it was a slow realization that Jesus is Lord. For some of us we can point to the day and time when we accepted Jesus into our hearts.

   Regardless of how it happens ( and they are all legitimate) for most Christians there comes a time wen we say, "Is that it?"  is this all the Christian life has to offer me? I gave my life to Jesus , I had that  one moment and that's it?  Is this the Christan life? For many of us if we were to take an honest assessment of how we live, think, and behave the only difference between ourselves and the rest of the world is where we spend and hour or two  on Sunday morning. 

  And we know, we know deep down that this can't be all there is to our faith.  There seems to be a missing piece to our faith and  we crave it.  We don't know what it is but surely there has to be more to this life than what we have right now.  We know its real because we see other Christians who live a life far different than we do. There is a power, a peace a presence that seems denied to us.

  Look again at the words of Jesus at the top of the page.  Jesus tells us our problem is we have a water shortage.  Look at what Jesus says: "Anyone who believes in me" Jesus is talking to believers. They know who Jesus is. But Jesus says knowledge, perhaps even just faith isn't enough. At some point we must come and drink.  Jesus sees The Holy Spirit as a flowing river and we must come and drink. And the only way to drink is to stop holding Jesus at arms length.  We must embrace Him fully and completely and drink of the Holy Spirit. 

  It's a call to intimacy.  You can't drink something without it becoming a part of you.  But once we let down our guard and seek intimacy with Jesus invite the Holy Spirit to enter us, We begin to see just how thirsty we have become. We see how dry our lives become without our ever noticing.  We begin to understand this is what has been missing from our lives. We experience the power purpose and presence of the Spirit of Christ in our lives.

  But be careful. Never underestimate the over abundance of God.  Jesus says if you drink my water will flow though your life. Jesus promises to give you so much of Himself that you won't be able to hide or continue it.  It will flow out of, drench everything you do. Why does God do this? A part of it is simply the gracious nature of His Spirit. God always over gives of His blessings.  A part of  it is because he wants you to experience the joy of having a life completely drenched in his presence and spirit. 

  But its also because there are a lot of history people in the world. You live with them, work with them.  They are your neighbors and the faceless people you pas every day. Their lives are missing something.  They have a thirst that only Jesus can fulfill. And He wants to use you to drench their lives in grace and love. 

  The throne of Jesus suffers no water shortage. We can come and drink right now.   So plunge in.  Allow Jesus to drench your life, and the lives around you.

In Christ,

Rev. Dr. Brian Jones <><

Breaking Boundaries

"You have heard it said, An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. But I say, do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also. (Matthew 5:38)

   Signs, Signs, Everywhere there's signs.
Blocking out the scenery. Breaking my mind.
Do this! Don't do that! Can't you read the signs? (5 Man Electric band)

   This song, from the early 70's, was your typical, don't tell me what to do protest song. It came from a young generation saying to the world, "Don't tell Me What To DO." "Don't set Your  limits on me."  Which sounds great when you are 17 or 18.  (No insult to the 17-18 year old out there.  None of us likes to be told what we can and can't do when we were your age.) It sounds great,  I mean how can anyone set boundaries for me to live by?

  Of course at some point we mature and we begin to appreciate, perhaps even cherish, our boundaries.  I wonder how many  Teens from 1971, sang this at the top of their lungs driving their Chevelle are now in their early sixties with "Keep Off The Grass" signs in their yard, and "No Solicitors" stickers on their front door.? Maturity and irony often walk hand in hand.

   The truth of the matter is we all like boundaries, at least when we set them.  It allows us to keep people from getting too invasive in our lives.  It helps us set limits.  We live in an odd time where we on one hand are losing privacy due to the Internet and social media, yet because of the exact same things are having less and less face to face interaction with other people.  Those boundaries we set help us  find a measure of control over lie. Our boundaries keep us sane.

   What are your boundaries? Your private life? Your work? Are your politics not subject to conversation?  Is it simply that you don't answer your home phone during dinner or after 9:00 at night? What ever your boundaries are they are important aren't they? How often have we heard it said, "I just wish they would they would respect my privacy, or respect my boundaries"?

  This past week, I went to a mandated meeting for clergy in our conference looking at, you guessed it boundaries.  Not just the normal "Be careful about inappropriate physical contact" boundaries.  We looked at all sorts of boundaries. Boundaries when we meet, preach, Boundaries of self care and awareness.  While there was some good natured griping at having to come to a mandatory meeting, I didn't hear anyone disagree with the topic. Everyone agreed boundaries are important and we need to do a better job of keeping them.

  I wonder though if our love of boundaries, and the demand that they be respected, is pen of the things that hampers our discipleship. Or at the very least hampers the end goal of our discipleship? What is the end goal of following Jesus? Isn't it that we become like Christ?  We are called to allow Jesus to make us like Him.  To fill us with His Spirit and share Him with the world.

  But in order to to do that Jesus must begin to break the boundaries in our lives. If one takes the time to read though any of the Gospels it doesn't take long to see Jesus is no respecter of boundaries. In fact He delights to break them down.  Not because he is running through Galilee singing "Signs, Signs" (although He might.), but because Jesus is determined to redeem the world.

  Jesus breaks the barrier of what we consider sin. The Scripture at the top of the page is from the Sermon on eh Mount. Jesus says our sin is NOT just what we do but what we think. He even goes so far as to say our good intentions aren't good enough. have you let Jesus break the boundary and define sin in your life?

 Jesus breaks the boundary of the power of sin in our lives.  Most of us would love to be able to rely on the idea that "We just couldn't help ourselves." or "everyone does it."  or even "I'm powerless."  Jesus says I can free you from the boundaries sin has placed on your life will you let me?

  He breaks the boundaries of our tendency to hold grudges and not forgive. He breaks the boundaries of class and racism.  He breaks the boundaries of rich vs. poor.  He even breaks the boundaries of  how we define true wealth.

  He even breaks the boundaries we have set up in the dark places of our souls. Most of us have a No Trespassing sign up somewhere in our lives. It might be how we feel about our parents. Or a sin we cherish. It might be our ethics at work or how we treat our spouse. It might be a wrong we did, or a wrong done to us.

  Whatever that No Trespassing zone is in your life, Jesus wants to break the boundary. He says to you you will never be truly free to become all I want you to be until I do.  I can break the boundaries and free you of so much hurt and pain in life.  I can break the  boundaries that are holding you back form enjoying life and being filled with my Spirit.

  Jesus wants to break the boundaries in your life today.  Will you let Him? Will you simply pray "Jesus, I've tired to keep you out of this place in my life or heart. But today I invite you in. i ask that you take it over and free me of everything that is holding me back." If you pray, Jesus will answer. And he will set you free.  Just think, losing your No Trespassing sign, and replacing it with a sign that simply says "Set Free by Jesus."  That's a sign we all can live with.

In Christ,

Rev. Dr. Brian Jones

Great Day of Service: The Church has Left the Building

Have you heard about Trinity’s First Annual Great Day of Service? On Saturday October 26^th, Trinity members, friends and family will be heading into the community to be the very visible hands and feet of God, serving the Lord as we help our neighbors.  We invite you to join us in one of our many opportunities to volunteer your time and talents while making friends with Trinity members. Our main goal in offering this unique, once-a-year chance is to engage Trinity members who may have not volunteered with us in the past. We offer many options, in terms of time, age, and abilities. Commitments range from donations to on site volunteerism from 8 AM to 12:30 PM. We would also like to point out that October 26^th is an OSU night game against Penn State, so you will have plenty of time to support your volunteering spirit before you support your Buckeyes!

If you are interested in signing up, you have two options- online or at church. To sign up in person at church, look for the Great Day of Service table outside of your service. Someone will be waiting there to help you and answer any questions before and after each service. You also have the option to register online at http://www.trinityumchurch.com/oneday.htm. 

On October 26^th, the volunteer teams will meet at the church. Registration will open at 7:45 AM, and all volunteers should plan on arriving at the church no later than 8:20 AM. At this time, we will have a brief sending off blessing. At 8:30 AM, we will head to our sites and begin our work! Volunteers should plan to stay at their sites until 12:30 PM at the latest, unless other arrangements have been made or you hear differently from your team leader. When the date approaches, volunteers will be contacted by their team leaders regarding carpooling and other details for the day of.

Below, you will find small descriptions of each opportunity including age requirements, expectations and more. More information regarding each mission can be found on the registration website.

Broad Street Food Pantry – Volunteers signed up for this opportunity will assist neighbors in shopping within the pantry. Additionally, volunteers may help with entering new neighbors into the Pantry’s database and stocking the shelves with new donations. While there is no age limit to this opportunity, anyone under 17 must have a signed permission slip to join us in volunteering.

Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resource Center- This option will have teams at both Trinity and the Resource Center. The Resource Center option is wonderful for families with small children since we will be helping run a pumpkin patch! This team will be assisting as community members bring in canned goods in exchange for a pumpkin, in addition to many other fun fall activities for the community. The Trinity option is wonderful for volunteers with limited mobility or strength, considering we will be packing non perishable food sack lunches and creating lap blankets for older adults.

Community Kitchen Inc. – This opportunity is available for adults and families with children over 13. We will be preparing, serving and cleaning up after breakfast for our Columbus neighbors. We will also be assisting with lunch preparations.

Drive In, Drop Off, Drive On- For those who have other commitments on the 26^th, we encourage you to make donations instead. We are looking for both donations and volunteers to sort these donations on the 26^th. A list of donation items we are looking for can be found on the volunteer website, and will be going to NNEMAP, Volunteers in Mexico Mission, New Life Clothing Room, and the YWCA Family Center. We will also need plenty of volunteers at the church to assist in sorting and packing the donations. This is another wonderful opportunity for people of all ages and ability levels.

First Community Village - This volunteer opportunity is looking for people of all ages to visit with and brighten the days of the residents at First Community Village. The residents especially love children!

Four Seasons City Farm - Do you like getting your hands dirty? This opportunity may be a great option for you! Four seasons is looking for a large group of volunteers to assist with late fall crops and general garden maintenance. Children are welcome, though suggested age is 10 and older.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore – ReStore is a discount home improvement store that supports the Habitat for Humanity effort. Volunteers will be processing donations, organizing store displays, and working with customers. Anyone over 16 is invited to join in this opportunity.

Harmon Avenue Kitchen -  Harmon Avenue Kitchen is a hub for Meals on Wheels. This team will be portioning food, packaging meals, cleaning, and generally helping with the preparation for delivery process. Anyone over 16 is invited to join in this opportunity.

New Life UMC – New Life volunteers will be helping with a deep clean of the New Life Kitchen. Because this is a kitchen environment, those over 16 will are invited to join us.

NNEMAP – Trinity volunteers will be assisting in with many aspects of NNEMAPs food pantry. Jobs include stocking the pantry shelves, painting and cleaning the Pantry, and work in the Pantry’s Community Garden. We invite those over 10, but special accommodations may be made for younger children with advance notice.

Sunrise on The Scioto – Sunrise is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages (especially children!) to interact with our elderly neighbors. We will be spending time with the residents and providing an engaging activity.

The Great Pumpkin Run –The Great Pumpkin Run is a 5K help right in our own Grandview / Marble Cliffs area! This volunteer time will be helping at a water station, cheering on the runners, and helping with the cleanup after the event ends. Children will have a blast cheering on athletes. Please note, those under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Wesley Glen – The Wesley Glen team will be visiting with our elderly neighbors, as well as assisting with minor jobs around the grounds such as cleaning out garden beds. People of all ages are invited to join in this opportunity.

Westgate UMC – Westgate UMC has recently begin a Celebrate Recovery program from those overcoming any kind of addiction, and is eager to have volunteers help with church beautification. This opportunity will include jobs such as painting and landscaping.

YWCA Family Center – The YWCA team will be assisting with sorting and categorizing sizable amounts of donations the shelter receives for its families. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.  

We hope you will prayerfully consider joining us on what will be a wonderful day of fellowship and giving, regardless of your abilities or age! We would love to have you with us to show the community how much Trinity cares!

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace
-1 Peter 4:10

Flooding The Church

"Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions." (Joel 2:28)

  "Oh by the way the basement is flooded." This is never the phrase you want to hear from one of your children, especially at 6:30 in the morning after a monsoon like rain.  "What do you mean eh basement is flooded?  I was just down there.", "Oh yeah there is like six inches of water."

  I started to get up, dreading what I would find while mentally calling our insurance agent.  But as my son continued, I realized it wasn't our home but the church basement that was under water. While this is still bad, knowing that we have mostly tile down there, and we had a custodian on duty and a great a business manager who is on top of these things, I breathed easier.  Odds are the problem was already being tended to.

  And it is. It will be cleaned up, although as our business manger said, it's a mess down there.  One of the problems you have with a flood is how indiscriminate it is. I suppose if the water would satisfy itself and stay contained to one area it would be easier to manage.  Maybe even ignore.

  But hat's not what floods do. When the water rises it goes everywhere. We once levied near an area that flooded easily.  Trust me it goes everywhere. Your yard house, basement bedroom. Flood waters are no respecters of person they don't' care how  attached you are to something it 's going to get wet and perhaps be damaged.

     Back in the summer we used this passage of Scripture in one of our worship services.  I've prayed  this promise of God would come true for us at Trinity. I've been praying  daily that God would pour out His Spirit on us.  And at the same time wondering why we don't see it more often.  We know God is a great finisher of promises. He never makes a promise that He does not keep.  Here He promises the Holy Spirit will be poured out on His people.  If that's true, where is it? Where is the out pouring of the Holy Spirit.

  The problem lies in the gap between what we ask for, and what we really want.  Most people who pray that the Holy Spirit would fall on them or their congregation are sincere about it. But what we envision is God turning on the tap. We envision just enough of God's spirit to quench our thirst. At least enough to get us through the week until we find ourselves at the well next Sunday. That would be optimum.  Satisfy me so I don't have to concern myself until we get together again.  We want the experience with the Holy Spirit to be satisfying, cool, refreshing and thirst quenching.  In fact to make it easier, we are even happy to be the one who control the tap.  I don't want too much of God lest He spill over into the rest of my life.

  But hat's not what God promises is it? Go back and read the Scripture again.  What God wants is to flood our lives with His Spirit. Look at how indiscriminate he is. It is poured out on men and women, young and old.  It's not just for the church leaders or the professional clergy. God's promises He will unleash a deluge of His Spirit on the church, on each of us individually.

  But like any flood it can't be contained. God doesn't just want to flood your worship time. he wants to flood our marriage, your work space, your friendships. There is literally no areas of your life He doesn't wish to flood with His Spirit. 

  The Holy Spirit is no respecter of your traditions. You may have a way do looking at life, a prejudice or a world view you have always held. When the Holy Spirit floods your life that all changes. You can't be touched by the Holy Spirit and leave untouched. 

  For most of us, that type of experience with God's presence is daunting.  We might lose control. We might be changed.  We have a sense it goes beyond simply feeling good on Sunday to having a life changing experience.  But it might not be worth it? Haven't you ever longed for something greater than you are right now.  have you never head the whisper that your life was meant for more then it is right now? That you were meant to experience something greater than you are right now? 

  Then let me encourage you to open yourself up to God's promise. Ask Him to flood your life with the Holy Spirit. Be drenched in His presence today. Let the flood come let us be swept away by God's love and Holiness. The flood's are coming, let us pray we don't isms it.

In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones <><