Time With Sharon - May 2010

On May 24th, 1738, John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, felt something remarkable happening to him as he attended a worship service in London. He later wrote in his journal:

“In the evening, I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate-Street…and I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation: and an assurance was given me, that he had taken away my sins, even mine…”

Together with his many brothers and sisters, John Wesley has been involved in church his whole life. His father was an Anglican priest in the Church of England, and his mother, a strong, caring Christian whose stalwart faith greatly influenced her 10 surviving children. John studied at Christ Church College in Oxford, and at the age of 25, was ordained as a priest in the Church. But it wasn’t until that evening on May 24th that he experienced the power of God’s Holy Spirit stirring within him, affirming God’s love for him as a beloved child of God. It was that service to others, it increases the probability of experiencing God’s stirring in our souls. To some it feels like the flutter of butterfly movement of God’s Spirit that propelled his ministry to re-vitalize the church with greater zeal and dedication.

This month, we will celebrate the 272nd year since John wrote about the occasion of his warm heart. Maybe you have your own heart-warming experience. I’d sure love to hear about it. Or maybe you are still waiting.
God’s Spirit can move anyone at anytime, under any circumstance. But it seems that when we place ourselves in service to others, it increases the probability of experiencing God’s stirring in our souls. To some it feels like the flutter of butterfly wings, and to others, like being hit with a brick (in a nice way). But most certainly, it leaves the recipient amazed and craving another encounter.

So I invite you to find a way to serve others with your gifts and graces. Cook a meal, offer a ride, participate in a Hands in Mission event, sit with someone at Fellowship Time after church that is sitting alone. Give of yourself. And while you’re busy, and least expecting it, may God stir your soul, and your heart be strangely warmed.

See you Sunday,
Pastor Sharon