Pray in the Spirit
I just returned from sharing lunch with a humble MARBC pastor ...
The important details that we discussed in that little restaurant setting were overshadowed from my perspective by something even more significant. Here is a man of God whose spiritually calloused hands are still clinging to the plow handles that the Chief Shepherd assigned to him. Simultaneously he is seeking God’s Spirit to help him, and his dear wife, know how - and when - to release their grip. It was a powerful moment that impacted all of our senses as we sat across from each other in that small booth. He and I both knew it and were dependent upon God’s clear guidance in those precious moments.
On my bookshelves are many books that attempt to both define biblically and apply practically the spiritual discipline of prayer. Many of them are thick, detailed, and very edifying. Sandwiched amidst those thick spined treatises is a little booklet that packs a spiritual wallop. I received it as a gift several years ago and have chosen to re-read it each month in 2021. It is a 30-day devotional that features several of Charles Spurgeon’s reflections on the topic of prayer.
One of the daily readings has as its focus, “Praying in the Spirit.” Providentially, I read the following devotional entry earlier in the day prior to this impactful lunch encounter. Read with an open heart what C. H. Spurgeon observes as he ponders this amazing spiritual gem from Jude 20: "pray in the Holy Spirit."
The important details that we discussed in that little restaurant setting were overshadowed from my perspective by something even more significant. Here is a man of God whose spiritually calloused hands are still clinging to the plow handles that the Chief Shepherd assigned to him. Simultaneously he is seeking God’s Spirit to help him, and his dear wife, know how - and when - to release their grip. It was a powerful moment that impacted all of our senses as we sat across from each other in that small booth. He and I both knew it and were dependent upon God’s clear guidance in those precious moments.
On my bookshelves are many books that attempt to both define biblically and apply practically the spiritual discipline of prayer. Many of them are thick, detailed, and very edifying. Sandwiched amidst those thick spined treatises is a little booklet that packs a spiritual wallop. I received it as a gift several years ago and have chosen to re-read it each month in 2021. It is a 30-day devotional that features several of Charles Spurgeon’s reflections on the topic of prayer.
One of the daily readings has as its focus, “Praying in the Spirit.” Providentially, I read the following devotional entry earlier in the day prior to this impactful lunch encounter. Read with an open heart what C. H. Spurgeon observes as he ponders this amazing spiritual gem from Jude 20: "pray in the Holy Spirit."
FYI: two upcoming events will focus upon prayer and the important role of the Holy Spirit's ministry.
- Individuals and churches will join together in prayer the week of May 23-29. The prayer emphasis focuses upon the great need for church planting in North America and is sponsored by Every Ethne ministry. Scroll down this home page for more information and a link to the Week of Prayer website.
- The theme of the GARBC Annual Conference is "Spirit Unleashed." The keynote speaker is Dr. Knute Larson. The conference will be held in Schaumburg, IL, on June 28 - July 1. Conference information is available at: https://garbcconference.org/
MARBC Association News
Grand Rapids Regional Association
|
Eastern Regional Association (EMARBC) Quarterly Meeting, Monday, June 21Covid has affected our lives in so many ways, including pastoring. Knowing that we are not completely out of the water yet when it comes to ministering in the midst of this pandemic, the EMARBC is dedicating its next quarterly pastor's gathering on Monday June 21, to the subject of pastoring through the pressures of Covid. We will be gathering from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Lapeer. We have scheduled two teaching sessions and a round-table discussion to help make this gathering as helpful and practical as possible. Our time together will be concluded with lunch served at the church.
Please register for this gathering by using the following link or by visiting the Eastern Association website @ www.emarbc.org. |
Western (WMARBC) Regional Association
|
MARBC Church News
Click the link to access the latest news from MARBC Churches: www.marbc.net/churchnews.html
|
CPR Roofing Project at Parma Baptist Church in Parma, scheduled on June 23-25! |
Parma Baptist Church is seeking your assistance to help with a roofing project on June 23-25. This sister church is in need of other churches' assistance in this important project. More information is available on the CPR page by clicking here: www.marbc.net/cpr-ministry.html
Pray for Church Planting in North America, May 23-29
In 2020, 3,000 people and 20 churches came together to pray for God to raise up
laborers for his harvest and new churches to be planted across North America.
God isn’t done. And neither are we.
EveryEthne is inviting you to join us for a week of prayer starting this Pentecost, May 23, the birthday of Christ’s church, through May 29. We’re asking for revival, the spread of the gospel, and the multiplying of faithful churches across the U.S. and Canada.
laborers for his harvest and new churches to be planted across North America.
God isn’t done. And neither are we.
EveryEthne is inviting you to join us for a week of prayer starting this Pentecost, May 23, the birthday of Christ’s church, through May 29. We’re asking for revival, the spread of the gospel, and the multiplying of faithful churches across the U.S. and Canada.
Conference and Regional Gatherings
|
Annual State ConferenceFellowship with likeminded pastors and be equipped for ministry at an annual conference that is second to none.
|
Making Disciples Through
Healthy Local Churches
As an association of churches we "Partner Together for the Cause of the Gospel."
Our focus is upon church growth, church revitalization efforts, and church planting.
Our focus is upon church growth, church revitalization efforts, and church planting.
Growth We make it a priority to focus upon the spiritual and ministry growth of our associational partners through conferences, regional gatherings, and seminars. |
RevitalizeOur association is committed to direct significant practical resources toward church revitalization efforts so churches can once again make a gospel impact in their communities. |
Church Plant The ultimate goal of the MARBC growth strategy includes a preparedness to assist sister churches to plant a new church. Our process is simple: (1) Assess; (2) Orient; (3) Resource; (3) Coach; and (4) Integrate. |
Contact Us
|
|
