WALKING WITH THE SPIRIT.

Last week was another block of study at Regents College in Nantwich, and I enjoyed a fascinating time exploring the Spirit of God in the Old Testament. My research paper will be on the role of the Spirit in the book of Judges-specifically in the lives of Othniel, Jephthah, Gideon and Samson. I'm approaching this with the usual mixture of excitement, expectancy, trepidation and tension. I want to deliver an academically robust piece of research, but I also want to learn more from the living Word and have an encounter that pushes me deeper into the ways of the Spirit. Talking of encounters, I eventually met up with Pastor Joe Corry, on Friday afternoon. He's a good friend of my mate Elliot Lewis, and every time Joe has been speaking in South Wales I've been somewhere else. Joe's church has been experiencing a powerful move of God over the last few months and he's been helping other churches experience similar as he travels around Belfast, the rest of Northern Ireland, the Irish republic, and mainland UK. It's worth reading some of the testimonies on his church web site.

On Saturday. Mark Beacher from Ignite joined me to travel up to the Firm Foundations Festival which is organised by The Boys' Brigade. Nearly 20 years ago, Gary Smith and I were part of the team that had the original vision for Firm Foundations and brought the vision to reality. I hadn't been back for about 5 years or so, and really enjoyed catching up with friends- some  I'd known for nearly 30 years. My theme, linking into the overall weekend theme of Hope 08, was 'Change My Friends'. I preached about the friends who carried the paralysed man to Jesus-it was their faith that moved Jesus to action Mark Beacher gave his testimony, which fitted in perfectly.

Today we are barbecuing at home (in the rain) and enjoying some time with our friends The Frosts. Then Gill and I head down to our caravan for a few days break. I'll be preparing a sermon for City Temple on Sunday- The Holy Spirit, Our Director of Mission.

Comments

[Joan Young]

I am praying that God continues to 'Rock your socks' as you deeply encounter the Holy Spirit and learn more from Him.

[Teresa (auntie gomer)]

Thanks for your encouragement - our church is in a VERY exciting place right now, with signs and wonders really kicking in and we're going to be doing a study on the bible verses on the Holy Spirit you sent me...... thanks again - you are such a blessing!