Inspiration for this short passage of fiction was drawn mainly from three different sources: James Joyce’s famous short story, The Dead, Luke 11:5-13, and my and Kathy’s personal experiences caring for mom during the last nine months of her battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Some readers try to read too much into a work of fiction such as the one found below. I thank you in advance for not being one of those readers. (Did I mention–it’s fiction.) Continue reading
I wrote a sort of snarky post in July about how our pastor taught on the Holy Spirit. And how at the end of the service, he gave an invitation for people to go to the prayer room, to receive prayer for the outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit. And how, much to my disappointment, only six or so people showed up.
At the end of that prayer time there in the prayer room, a small group of men asked God to pour out His Holy Spirit upon our congregation in abundant measure. They asked Him, if that offer were to be made again, would He move people to respond with such enthusiasm and in such great numbers we would have logistical problems handling so many. They asked that people would respond in such numbers they would be lined up, with not enough room for them to fit in the prayer room or wherever they were called to assemble. Continue reading
Goldman Sachs Protest
Perhaps you’ve been wondering what all the buzz is about concerning Goldman Sachs. I recently heard it explained this way: Goldman Sachs put together investment packages, sold them to customers as a wise and promising way to spend their money, and then, Goldman Sachs invested in a way that “bet against” the success of those very same investment packages — because they knew they would fail. (read more in the Washington Post article)
It’s human nature to think that reformation can change a person, an organization, a country, or the world. We think, if only we could reform the government, or get our man or woman into office. If only we could reform the financial system with more regulation, or by appointing the right Fed Chairman. If only we could reform ourselves, turn over a new leaf, make resolutions and stick to them. In reality, reformation never changes much, regeneration is the answer. Not that Wall Street can ever be perfect this side of heaven, but, without Christ in the hearts of the men running Wall Street, there’s no hope for Wall Street. Regeneration through the acceptance of Christ into your life is the answer. (see John 3:1-7) Without Christ in your life reformation will bring only temporary or superficial change. Without Christ in your life you’re likely to return to a state worse than you were before reformation. (see Luke 11:24-26) Without Christ in your life there is no hope because without Jesus you can do nothing. (see John 15:5)
…he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit
Titus 3:5
Pray for regeneration. Pray for the Holy Spirit, daily. Pray for Christ to fill up your life with Himself.
For more information see John Courson’s teaching from Sunday, April 25, 2010 at JonCourson.com .
