Dear Lighthouse,

 

            This week I had intended to bring you “Part II” on practical ways to keep yourself saturated in the Scriptures and in God.  However, some extraordinary events have occurred and I think the Spirit of God would like for me to take this opportunity to address them. 

            Scripture instructs us to worship in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:23-24).  These are the two pillars on which our faith and life should be balanced.  However, in many cases one pillar is emphasized more than the other in our lives or in our church and our point of view and our sensitivity or relationship with the Father becomes out of balance.  I confess to that in my life I often lean toward emphasizing the Truth aspect over the Spirit.  That is to say, I am a huge believer in learning Scripture, meditation on God’s Word, memorization and in depth Bible study.  I enjoy it and I draw strength from it.  But what cannot be ignored is the Spirit of God Almighty.  I certainly do not deny His power or influence in the world; it’s just that because the Spirit cannot be quantified and largely does things I cannot predict or fully understand, I tend to stress it less in my teaching and in my personal life.  Plainly put, this is not good.  Honestly though, I think that most of us are in the same boat.  Whether it be our culture, our education, or our lack of seeking the Spirit, many of us do not feel His presence as we should - nor do we see His moving very clearly. 

I have some friends that do feel Him much better than I.  I admire that.  Then there are those that nearly worship totally in Spirit and fail to apply Biblical standards and precepts to their life or worship.  Sometimes they allege the Spirit has told them to do something that actually runs counter to the Truth found in Scripture.  Again, these people have over-emphasized the Spirit and are neglecting the Truth.  Remember, it is balance that we are to achieve in our worship.

Well, Julie and I have been talking this week and I felt it was important to “give some equal time” sort of speak.  The Spirit of God seems to be moving within our community of believers - both within and without the Lighthouse - and I am not sure what it means.  I cite just three extraordinary examples that I know of:

 

1)  Karen Goodman’s healing - her cyst apparently was completely and immediately healed

2)  Eli Jones’ healing - his aneurisms were apparently miraculously healed

3)  Greg Maxwell’s healing -  his intestinal blockage was discovered and then disappeared, healed

 

            Now, what can we make of these things?  Here in lies the frustrating part for me: I don’t know.  I like to know things.  I like to be able to find answers and explain things.  But the Spirit moves the way it will and often we do not fully understand in the present what may seem clear in the future (See Romans 8)  But I can give some suggestions and my thoughts. 

            I don’t think it is a failure of x-ray machines across the Midwest!  I don’t think it is pure chance and coincidence.  These people are from different Sunday School classes, even different churches.  They are men and women and children.  Each condition was different.  So, what does each incident have in common?  What I can readily see is that they all asked for and received prayer - from many of us who receive this e-mail.  I know the Lighthouse and Mom’s Group, in particular, and many others have prayed for these people.  So, what does it mean?

Perhaps our fellowship of believers here has become more dedicated to prayer.  James says clearly that the “prayers offered in faith will make the sick person well” and the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:15-16)  Your prayers allow the Spirit to operate.

Perhaps the Spirit is moving among us to strengthen and refresh us.  The early church in Acts was very much in touch with the Spirit.  He was constantly moving among them.  John the Baptist tied this refreshment to repentance in Acts 3:19, but in other cases we see the Spirit active at times of obedience (Acts 2:1-4), conversion (Acts 10:44-47), worship (Acts 13:2), and even times of distress or persecution (Acts 13:52).  In all cases the Spirit caused the response of praising God.

Perhaps these healings could be God’s way of giving us hope and increasing our faith in Him.  This could be seen as good or bad, I guess.  Could it be that revival is on its way?  Could change be around the corner and God is preparing our hearts to trust Him during the process?  Or, equally possible, could some great evil or tragedy be coming on us?  Is God reinforcing His people to help us prepare for times to come? 

Frustratingly, I do not know.  But here’s what I know in my heart - I feel like praising God more because of the work of His Spirit that my ears have heard.  I feel encouraged and full of thanks.  I know He has been glorified in these events and I praise Him with thanks and in love.  I don’t know what is to come, good or evil, but I know my God will be there.  This has taught me a new lesson and I hope you will share in my challenge to myself.  I’m going to seek His Spirit and open myself to it more.  Let’s think on what we have seen and let’s listen more closely to Him to see if the Spirit will give us any more direction in these times.  How do you do that?  I think it is a balanced approach.  Continue to read the Word and meditate on it.  Then, take some quiet time to reflect on God’s Spirit during prayer and ask simply, “God, let me feel your Spirit and if you have anything you would like to say to me, let it be made known in my life.” 

We do not live in a spiritual vacuum.  God is alive and active.  I pray that we will re-double our dedication to reading His word and to prayer.  Our God is indeed an awesome God!!  Praise be to the Father.