April Pastor's Points
Well Spring has finally arrived! I am so thankful for this season of new life. Trees and flowers are budding, the grass is getting green, and the temperature is rising. We see a revival of sorts as we look around and see signs of life from trees, plants, and grass that just a few weeks ago seemed lifeless.
My prayer this spring for us is that we too would experience a time of spiritual
revival as well. Maybe for some it will be a time of new beginnings, rededication, or renewal. I know personally I am asking God to do a deeper work in my life.
Recently I came across an ancient prayer that was penned by Hilary of Poitiers who lived from AD 310-367. He writes…
The chief service I owe you, O God,
is that every thought and word of mine should speak of You.
The power of speech which You have bestowed on me
can give me no greater pleasure
than to serve You by preaching Your gospel.
But in saying this,
I am merely expressing what I want to do.
If I am actually to use this gift,
I must ask You for Your help –
ask You to fill the sails I have hoisted for You
with the wind of Your Holy Spirit,
inspiring my mind and my voice.
I know that I am often heavy with stupor,
so that I am too lazy to speak of You.
And I do not spend sufficient time studying Your Scriptures,
to ensure that my words conform to Your Word.
Give me the energy and the courage to share the spirit of the apostles,
that like them I may truly be an ambassador of Your grace.
We live in a world that desperately needs to hear of the life-changing message of the Gospel. And, they will only hear if we will make it our aim to fulfill our role as ambassadors of Christ. Lord give me the desire and energy to be an ambassador of your grace!!
I love you and I love being your pastor,
Pastor Alan