March 24 Witness to Faith

John 14:15-27

²⁶ “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.”

It was a commanding day at church.  Acoustic Sunday began with a witness from Michael Rafferty, our worship leader.

Michael was in the hospital recently with an infection on his leg.  He shared with us his worry over the pain and the growing sore.  He prayed.  He asked for prayer from us and his life friends.  As he was reading his Bible, a nurse asked him “Do you read your Bible often?” and when Michael answered “Yes”, she recommended he read Psalm 139 to settle his mind.  Michael improved the next day, and was released the day after.

As I re-read the passage, it struck me, Michael was surely tested.

”Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. ²⁴See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

And the Holy Trinity was right before me.  God is with us.  He is in us, as is Jesus, and finally, as is the Holy Spirit.  This is completeness for humans.  Teaching us.  Leading us. Healing us.

And then another powerful witness to God and His healing.  Rev. Jason shared the chilling story of his mother and a major car accident. Through the phone call to the drive to the hospital, Rev. Jason prayed and listened to the Holy Spirit.  He was afraid of what he would find.  But as he came to the room where his mother was, and prayed over her, he told us that he came to know the peace of the Holy Spirit telling him all would be good.  The doctor reported no internal injuries, just bumps and bruises, and overcoming of fear.  

When we keep God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit in us, when we believe as Christians, we have life.

The song that ended worship that day was “Here’s My Heart” by David Crowder from the Passion Worship Band and the newly released 2013 Passion CD.  I was struck by the lyrics:

“’Cause I am found, I am Yours

I am loved, I’m made pure

I have life, I can breathe

I am healed, I am free” 

I am a Renewed Christian. 

P. S. I was fascinated to read about Passion, an annual gathering of young people and faith leaders of the United States.  You might be too.  https://worshipleader.com/passion2013/