Our blog this month has been written by Lesley Ludlow
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Staring out of my window something caught my eye. What is it? Could it be? Yes, a bright red hot air balloon was sailing majestically through the sky in the distance. It never did get any closer, but I revelled in the sight which brought back lovely memories.
Memories of when sailing in hot air balloons was the fashion. A farmer friend having one land in his field and being given a free ride; my Cavalier King Charles giving warning when one was approaching; waving to low flying balloons and, having a ride in one myself.
A new perspective from being part of getting the balloon ready – how enormous – and hearing the power of the burner, as well as the experience of flying and seeing the earth below, when sheep looked like grubs in the fields and the sound of dogs barking pierced the air.
As I looked, I pondered on how the balloon needs hot air inside, and how it changes direction by finding different wind currents at varying altitudes. This, in turn, makes me think about
THE HOLY SPIRIT
Shown in signs of fire, wind and a dove
To be a Christ-centred people in a changing world we need the Spirit – only the Spirit of God can give us all we need to show the vibrant relationship with God and the blessing of living in His kingdom.
Jesus said the Holy Spirit would be another helper, who would be to us what Jesus was to his disciples. The Spirit helps us to pray and to worship him. He empowers our witness to Christ and equips with spiritual gifts. The Spirit enables us to understand God’s Word and strengthens us to overcome temptation. He wants to continually pour God’s love into our hearts, and he enables us to become more like Jesus.
Paul, in Ephesians 5:18 ask us to be filled with the Holy Spirit and we see the effects of this in Acts 2 when suddenly there was a sound like the roaring of a mighty windstorm in the skies above them and it filled the house where they were meeting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on their heads. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in languages they didn’t know, for the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
As Rob Tugwell is a breath of fresh air and leads our church family, let us be Spirit filled people and be modern day disciples.
Holy Spirit, we welcome you
Holy Spirit, we welcome you
Move amongst us with holy fire
As we lay aside all earthly desire
Hands reach out and hearts aspire
Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, we welcome you
Holy Spirit, we welcome you
Holy Spirit, we welcome you
Let the breeze of your presence flow
That your children here might truly know
How to move in the spirit's flow
Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, we welcome you
Holy Spirit, we welcome you
Holy Spirit, we welcome you
Please accomplish in me today
Some new work of loving grace I pray
Unreservedly have your way
Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, we welcome you
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Author: Chris Bowater