Over the past few weeks I have been reminded of Acts 1:8. My daily readings, along with the particular classes I am taking right now have lead me back to this portion of scripture and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit. On top of that, last week I sat in on a session with Oral Roberts University along with a few key leaders around the nation to discuss the direction of the next generation and how the Holy Spirit is received into the culture. I feel as though I am on a swinging pendulum. When I started out I was all about the Holy Spirit and its manifestations but as I progressed, or perhaps digressed for that matter, I was hesitant to openly provide an environment to allow people to experience in the Holy Spirit in a non-controlled manner. We all have had our experiences that have turned us off, or at least some of us. However, I feel the pendulum swinging the other way as of late. My readings are more and more pointed towards the Holy Spirit and His purpose for our lives. My prayer time is more and more focused on the need for the Holy Spirit in my life. My performance, or daily living time is more aware that I am able to do nothing without the influence of the Holy Spirit in my life. I need the Holy Spirit in my life. We need the Holy Spirit in our lives. After all, it was those moments that were a little weird and uncontrollable that catapulted my faith and brought me into who I am today. So why am I so concerned about controlling something and not offended someone? I am not sure. I want to walk with the Holy Spirit in this and allow Him to teach me whatever it is that I need to learn. As we finished up our influence series this week I have come to the realization. I don't want to just impress people, I want to make a lasting impression on people. There is no way that I am going to that in a positive way without the Holy Spirit in my life.

As we were conversing about the Holy Spirit today and its relevance and impact on the past, present, and future, I loved what one of the leaders had to say. One of the questions was, "what are you seeing and hearing about the work of the Holy Spirit for this next generation?" His response was that being filled with the Holy Spirit is no longer and was never intended to be a selfish experience where we have an emotional connection and never make any use if it beyond that point. We have all seen and heard of those that are "basking in the presence". But the filling of the Holy Spirit was intended to give us power to become witnesses, as clearly stated in scripture. Good perspective to think about. Jesus always had an outward focus. He was always moving and giving and going. In the same way we need to give and not withhold. This can also relate to those who hop from church to church looking to be fed or filled up instead of participating and giving. But hey that is a whole nutha sermon.

Acts 1:8 (New Living Translation)

I wrote down a quote that our former District Superintendent shared with us yesterday. We were discussing the future of the church and the relevance of Spirit Filled living in the 21st Century. The context of the conversation was in reference to the "mis-conduct" and/or abuse of the Spirit-filled life and all the components that comes with it. We have all been turned off by a few "christian" tv shows and "holly rollers" that express themselves in a way that we have no cognitive category for. In response to these mishaps and "flakiness", we have leaned towards completely shutting out the work of the Spirit in our lives and in the lives of the church to date. This response is not healthy nor advantageous for any believer. Instead, Dr Rhoden shared that "the answer to abuse is teaching, not shutting down." As leaders we must properly teach the Word and lead by example the life of the Spirit. Good food for thought!! Our responsibility is to teach and live by example. What areas of your life have you shut God out because of witnessed abuse? What do you need to begin to study again and ask God to direct you into walkin gout the scriptures? 

I am at District Council 09 today and tomorrow with Chris Jarrell, Will Johnston, and Mark Batterson. They announced Shelly and I as Church Planters today. Pretty Cool. Now for a quick nap, then Ordination service, then CornHole!

Had our first NCC ASL group meeting last night. We got together with some amazing minds to brainstorm ways that we can reach out to the Deaf Community here in DC. So many ideas kept coming out. The room was totally pregnant with huge dreams and anticipation of them becoming reality. I was so excited to hear all the great thoughts. Now we are going to pray and focus on organizing our small groups this summer that will culminate with an Outreach to the community. Words cannot explain how honored, humbled and excited I am. This dream just came out of nowhere when Shelly and I moved here to DC. Now, our opportunity has almost tripled since we have been here and things are happening that are out of our reach. We are just beside ourselves and so excited to be a part of what God is doing here to connect the hearing and deaf cultures. For what it's worth my dream is that we could be a church/people that bring healing to the hearing and hearing culture and bring unity among all people groups, just as God designed us. Right now, we have no idea what we are doing but we will not stop doing..that is for sure! God is bringing it..out of nowhere!!

We moved to Capitol Hill today, well most of our stuff. We will continue to move for the next week. We still have to get our big stuff from our other house. It has been such a great 7 months anticipating God's provision and waiting for His perfect timing. I love when we experience things that makes the Bible become so real to our everyday lives. For 7 months we waited and looked and tried to make things happen but we could either not afford it, not have a dog, or nothing would be available. But, this house came out of nowhere! We were not looking for it and definitely not expecting it, beings that it is a 3 bedroom house and we were in the market for a one bedroom English Basement. He is more than enough for us. He gave us enough to sustain us and now provided a place for us that we will be able to reach and influence so many more people by opening our home for small groups, dinners, and FUN! We are so blessed and so excited. We could not have done this without the people that have partnered with us for the year. This goes out to those of you who know who you are. I am sure Shelly will get me some pics to post soon. Now its time to eat and sleep and do some more moving in the morning.