I apologize for the length of this thread but I didn't know how to edit it and it make sense.
The scene before me took my breath away. The sun’s warm rays touched the water’s surface causing explosions of tiny “diamonds” to glitter from shore to shore. Translucent glowing leaves waved at each other from tree to tree, and boats dotted the pretty landscape. Dragonflies whirled by, chasing one another on the soft breeze. While birds flapped their way through the brilliant blue sky. The sound of children’s laughter added to the peaceful riverside setting.
It was no wonder why family members enjoyed gathering at this spot on numerous occasions throughout the summer months. It brought a reprieve from the monotony of work and routine everyday life. What a joy to just sit and get caught up on the events of each other’s lives in such surroundings.
I was so lost in thought that I hadn’t noticed more families arriving. The benches of the old weathered picnic table would soon be full. It was the centerpiece that hosted many discussions in times gone by. However, none were privy to the glorious event that would occur as a result of this year’s conversations.
Soon the women were giggling about their children’s antics, sharing family recipes and expressing happiness at being relieved of the task of preparing meals; there are so many upsides to camping. On the other hand men “argued” about which vehicles were superior, who would team up with whom and who was sure to win the horseshoe competition after dinner. The men then began bickering about who would be assigned as grill master.
The teasing died down and we were back to talking amongst ourselves. As is customary, our conversation turned to religion. We shared personal testimonies and commented on numerous topics in the bible. Of all the subjects we talk about, religion is by far the most interesting. Many of the families have diverse religious beliefs which prompt a lot of questions.
Unbeknownst to me, my cousin Marie asked someone, “What’s up with the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues that they are talking about?” One of the guys responded, “I didn’t hear the conversation. You should go ask them about that.”
Marie came over and while hugging me, she whispered, “I don’t know why but I have this full feeling throughout my body. Why do you think I feel this way?” My immediate thought was the feeling was due to the presence of Jesus because we were together talking about Him. It is recorded in the bible that Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20) I responded that she was being affected because of the conversation we were having about Jesus and His word. She admitted that she had recently been praying to have a better relationship with God. I hugged her and commented how great it was that she was feeling His presence. She smiled and walked away.
I began to listen to another conversation when she approached me again. “Something is going on inside me and the feeling is getting stronger and stronger.” I assured her that what she was feeling was normal. “It happens to me when I’m talking about God's word.” I said. She smiled timidly and started to walk away again but immediately did an about face and grabbed my arm and pulled me around the nearest camper.
I had no idea what was going on but I knew she was feeling very emotional. It was written all over her face.
I hugged her and said, “What’s the matter Marie?” She lifted her hands above her head and lowered them slowly down her sides while saying, “The feeling is so strong. I don’t know exactly what I’m feeling. This has never happened to me before.” As I watched, her jesters reminded me of a waterfall. I didn’t quite understand what she was experiencing. Then I heard, not audibly, but in my spirit, “I’m going to fill her with My Spirit.”
I thought, Oh, duh. Because I felt I should have seen the signs. People frequently get overwhelmed prior to the infilling of the Holy Ghost. In comparison, it is like water being poured into a container to the tippy top and then it overflows. One’s body feels completely full with no way to contain more and then the words start to flow out.
I said, “Marie, lift up your arms and praise and thank God because He wants to fill you with His Spirit.” She immediately raised her arms and began praising God. In that instant God filled her with His Spirit and her praise in English turned into another language. (“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4) Her eyes were full of wonder as she held unto me, and continued speaking to God in an unknown tongue. (“For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 1 Corinthians 14:2)
With tears flowing and a smile planted on my face I was pulled alongside of her as she walked over 500 feet down a path along the river. Then she turned and we were headed back the way we came. All the while she continued to speak in tongues.
As we approached the camping area, she stopped, began crying, and knelt on the dirt path, “That was God!” she shouted through tears of joy. “I know!” I said, while smiling as I hugged her. She continued to say, “That was God!” over and over and over.
What she said next still amazed me.
“God is really something,” she said. “He did this because if someone asked if they could pray for me to receive His Spirit I would have been afraid to say yes. You know I’ve been told for years that speaking in tongues is of the devil. I have no doubt that what just happened to me did not come from the devil! That was God! It was really God!” She was overwhelmed and amazed. I couldn’t stop smiling. I was so happy for her.
Throughout the rest of our stay, Marie had gone from being quiet and reserved to a person full of joy. We sat together the following day and studied the bible. No sooner did one question of hers get answered, we were turning pages to reveal the next. She insisted on seeing every answer for herself.
She had a thirst that could not be quenched.
During our study I showed her what the bible said about salvation in the Book of Acts. “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, (all future generations) even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”
When we were ready to leave Marie asked if she could come to church with us the following Sunday. I was thrilled because she wanted to follow God’s plan of salvation and be water baptized in Jesus’ name.
Every time I re-visit our little oasis I can’t help thinking about the day that God bestowed His gracious gift upon a hungry soul that longed for a closer relationship with Him. Marie asked and God responded: “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke 11:9-10, 13
Lastly, the following scripture popped into my mind as I was writing about Marie’s fear of receiving the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues due her previous denomination’s teaching: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
One must ask one self, if fear does not come from God as the above scripture notes then where does fear originate? In answer, consider the following: What does fear do? Fear steals one’s joy. It is medically proven that fearful thoughts can literally kill one’s human body. And the fear of receiving the Holy Ghost can destroy one’s chance of entering into God’s kingdom for eternity.
Notice who the culprit is who steals, kills, and destroys God’s people with the effects of fear as depicted in this recorded scripture: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
Don’t let the devil destroy your chance of fellowship with Jesus for eternity in the place He has prepared for those that love Him and follow His commands.
Let those who have ears to hear, hear the very words of Jesus:
“If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” John 14:15-17
The scene before me took my breath away. The sun’s warm rays touched the water’s surface causing explosions of tiny “diamonds” to glitter from shore to shore. Translucent glowing leaves waved at each other from tree to tree, and boats dotted the pretty landscape. Dragonflies whirled by, chasing one another on the soft breeze. While birds flapped their way through the brilliant blue sky. The sound of children’s laughter added to the peaceful riverside setting.
It was no wonder why family members enjoyed gathering at this spot on numerous occasions throughout the summer months. It brought a reprieve from the monotony of work and routine everyday life. What a joy to just sit and get caught up on the events of each other’s lives in such surroundings.
I was so lost in thought that I hadn’t noticed more families arriving. The benches of the old weathered picnic table would soon be full. It was the centerpiece that hosted many discussions in times gone by. However, none were privy to the glorious event that would occur as a result of this year’s conversations.
Soon the women were giggling about their children’s antics, sharing family recipes and expressing happiness at being relieved of the task of preparing meals; there are so many upsides to camping. On the other hand men “argued” about which vehicles were superior, who would team up with whom and who was sure to win the horseshoe competition after dinner. The men then began bickering about who would be assigned as grill master.
The teasing died down and we were back to talking amongst ourselves. As is customary, our conversation turned to religion. We shared personal testimonies and commented on numerous topics in the bible. Of all the subjects we talk about, religion is by far the most interesting. Many of the families have diverse religious beliefs which prompt a lot of questions.
Unbeknownst to me, my cousin Marie asked someone, “What’s up with the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues that they are talking about?” One of the guys responded, “I didn’t hear the conversation. You should go ask them about that.”
Marie came over and while hugging me, she whispered, “I don’t know why but I have this full feeling throughout my body. Why do you think I feel this way?” My immediate thought was the feeling was due to the presence of Jesus because we were together talking about Him. It is recorded in the bible that Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20) I responded that she was being affected because of the conversation we were having about Jesus and His word. She admitted that she had recently been praying to have a better relationship with God. I hugged her and commented how great it was that she was feeling His presence. She smiled and walked away.
I began to listen to another conversation when she approached me again. “Something is going on inside me and the feeling is getting stronger and stronger.” I assured her that what she was feeling was normal. “It happens to me when I’m talking about God's word.” I said. She smiled timidly and started to walk away again but immediately did an about face and grabbed my arm and pulled me around the nearest camper.
I had no idea what was going on but I knew she was feeling very emotional. It was written all over her face.
I hugged her and said, “What’s the matter Marie?” She lifted her hands above her head and lowered them slowly down her sides while saying, “The feeling is so strong. I don’t know exactly what I’m feeling. This has never happened to me before.” As I watched, her jesters reminded me of a waterfall. I didn’t quite understand what she was experiencing. Then I heard, not audibly, but in my spirit, “I’m going to fill her with My Spirit.”
I thought, Oh, duh. Because I felt I should have seen the signs. People frequently get overwhelmed prior to the infilling of the Holy Ghost. In comparison, it is like water being poured into a container to the tippy top and then it overflows. One’s body feels completely full with no way to contain more and then the words start to flow out.
I said, “Marie, lift up your arms and praise and thank God because He wants to fill you with His Spirit.” She immediately raised her arms and began praising God. In that instant God filled her with His Spirit and her praise in English turned into another language. (“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4) Her eyes were full of wonder as she held unto me, and continued speaking to God in an unknown tongue. (“For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 1 Corinthians 14:2)
With tears flowing and a smile planted on my face I was pulled alongside of her as she walked over 500 feet down a path along the river. Then she turned and we were headed back the way we came. All the while she continued to speak in tongues.
As we approached the camping area, she stopped, began crying, and knelt on the dirt path, “That was God!” she shouted through tears of joy. “I know!” I said, while smiling as I hugged her. She continued to say, “That was God!” over and over and over.
What she said next still amazed me.
“God is really something,” she said. “He did this because if someone asked if they could pray for me to receive His Spirit I would have been afraid to say yes. You know I’ve been told for years that speaking in tongues is of the devil. I have no doubt that what just happened to me did not come from the devil! That was God! It was really God!” She was overwhelmed and amazed. I couldn’t stop smiling. I was so happy for her.
Throughout the rest of our stay, Marie had gone from being quiet and reserved to a person full of joy. We sat together the following day and studied the bible. No sooner did one question of hers get answered, we were turning pages to reveal the next. She insisted on seeing every answer for herself.
She had a thirst that could not be quenched.
During our study I showed her what the bible said about salvation in the Book of Acts. “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, (all future generations) even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”
When we were ready to leave Marie asked if she could come to church with us the following Sunday. I was thrilled because she wanted to follow God’s plan of salvation and be water baptized in Jesus’ name.
Every time I re-visit our little oasis I can’t help thinking about the day that God bestowed His gracious gift upon a hungry soul that longed for a closer relationship with Him. Marie asked and God responded: “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke 11:9-10, 13
Lastly, the following scripture popped into my mind as I was writing about Marie’s fear of receiving the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues due her previous denomination’s teaching: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
One must ask one self, if fear does not come from God as the above scripture notes then where does fear originate? In answer, consider the following: What does fear do? Fear steals one’s joy. It is medically proven that fearful thoughts can literally kill one’s human body. And the fear of receiving the Holy Ghost can destroy one’s chance of entering into God’s kingdom for eternity.
Notice who the culprit is who steals, kills, and destroys God’s people with the effects of fear as depicted in this recorded scripture: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
Don’t let the devil destroy your chance of fellowship with Jesus for eternity in the place He has prepared for those that love Him and follow His commands.
Let those who have ears to hear, hear the very words of Jesus:
“If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” John 14:15-17
