The Lords Prayer
Rev. Mike Jones
1 Chronicles 4:10 Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, ‘Oh that you would wonderfully bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from hurt and harm!’ And God granted what he asked.
Acts 2:1-4:"When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven, there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability."
Acts 2:17 'In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your children, shall prophesy, and your young people shall see visions, and your old people shall dream dreams.
Sermon: The Prayer of Jabez on the Pentecost Sunday
Happy Birthday to the Church. In general, we recognize Pentecost Sunday as the birth of the church. The church is the community with the Spirit of God, believing the endless hope through Jesus Christ. The relationship between God and people changed through Jesus to Children of God. The community seeking God's wisdom and will becomes more communal from hierarchical relationship to nonhierarchical.
The Second Scripture reading shows how they gathered, prayed, and were together to see God in their lives. They were the ones who were seeking our first scriptures. I believe they also learned the Lord’s prayer that we know as well as the prayer of Jabez from their tradition and scripture so they also pray “God bless us wonderfully, enlarge our area of life and ministry, hold us with your hands, and protect us from anything that may harm us.” It is very natural and okay to do that we ask for God's blessing, God's presence, and God's protection in times of difficulty or uncertainty. With this Prayer of Javez, Let's move forward to our second scripture reading.
Acts 2:1-4 is a powerful passage that recounts the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. This special event demonstrates the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. It reminds us that through the Spirit, we can receive and experience the divine Spirit, guidance, and the ability to communicate and express ourselves in ways we never imagined. This shows how and why we can invite the Holy Spirit into our life, allowing their presence to guide, lead, and empower our lives.
Now, my dear Dixon Grace family, take heart in knowing that the same Holy Spirit who descended upon the disciples on that day is available today. As we reach this stage in our lives, let us open our hearts to the transformative work of the Spirit. Allow the Spirit to rejuvenate our spirits, ignite our passions, provide strength, and guide us into new and exciting adventures with God.
And now, I know some of you might think you are not available to invite the Spirit of God into your life because of your life business, your age, your strength, your financial situation, or you feel you are not a pastor. However, our last verses challenge you!!! It emphasizes God's inclusive protection and provision. God's Spirit is not limited to a select few but is poured out on all people, regardless of age, gender, or background. It signifies God's desire to protect and empower God's children, equipping all of you to fulfill the purpose of our lives and walk in God's divine plan.
Today's three scriptures talk about the abundant protection and provision of God through the Holy Spirit. God's presence fills believers, enabling them to speak God's different words, receive visions, and dream dreams. As we trust in God's protective nature and God's goodness and open our hearts to God's Spirit, we can experience and live God's guidance and blessings in our lives. I believe it is we who need to put our intention for this God's guidance and blessings. Let's embrace the promise that God showed through today's scriptures and be open to the extraordinary ways the Holy Spirit can work through you to bring their world on earth.
Dear Dixon Grace family, I encourage you to approach God's Spirit with boldness, knowing that they are a loving and compassionate presence who hears your prayers. Invite the Holy Spirit into your life and be open to their transformative work. Believe and Embrace the promise that in the last days, the Divine Spirit will be poured out upon all people, enabling them to prophesy, see visions, and dream. May these verses inspire and guide you as you continue your journey of faith full of love and forgiveness.
May the Spirit of God bless you abundantly and may the Spirit of God guide your every step.
