A very good beginning to the week!

This morning was amazing because of two events.

The morning began with three beautiful Scriptures (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 5:18) from our emphasis on prayer and fasting for spiritual awakening at Riverbluff Church. We have dedicated 21 days to praying and fasting asking God to do a work in us, His Church, and in the world. The Scriptures this morning reminded me that the effectiveness of my prayers, life, and witness are based on the power of the Holy Spirit living in me. It is possible to “do good” in my own strength and power; but the Kingdom “fruit that remains” (John 15:16) comes from the Spirit who is working in and through me. It is HIs power that produces lasting change. That’s the way God has chosen to work to change the world. He works in us, and through us, in the world.

The second event was attending a lecture at First Baptist Charleston with Eric Metaxas, author of the biography Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy.  Metaxas was wonderful in presenting Bonheoffer as the great hero of the orthodox Christian faith.  Many on the more liberal side of theology claim Bonhoeffer became a humanist in the latter days of his imprisonment; but Metaxas expertly shows his heart for the Gospel, the Bible, Orthodoxy, and the Church. He was martyred by Hitler just days before the end of the war, but even in his last hours served communion and preached from Isaiah before his death. I long for such courage and bravery.

I’m grateful to God for the Bible which gives us truth about Jesus. (I am grateful for heroes of the faith like Bonhoeffer. I am also thankful for the Christians such as Metaxas who clearly articulate the Christian faith to the man in the street and the cultural elite.

Lord, my prayer is that we (Your Church) would be filled with Your Spirit so that we may be fit vessels in your hands; and may we be people of courage and conviction in our culture daring to represent you in that culture. I also pray for clear and articulate communication from your church to those who are seeking to know You.  Amen.