He is not here.  He is risen!

 Luke 24:6

Welcome

to the

Church of the Holy Spirit

 Current Sunday Scriptures below!

 Archived Scriptures in The Family Room!

Embracing understanding with open arms...so all may become one.

We welcome and embrace you, loved ones,

throughout the world!

We welcome back our friends in the ... is it

the Angola Basin or Guinea Basin?

And our new visitors in the Gulf of Mexico!

Hey, USA, hi!

My site map is not detailed, so, if I've missed someone, or misplaced someone,

let us hear from you via email! 

   Who We Are 

The Church of the Holy Spirit is a Christian church.

We believe in God the Father, Jesus the Son
and
Holy Spirit the Comforter and Teacher.

We believe that God made the heavens and the earth,
 and gave all creatures His son, Jesus,
who died on the cross to forgive our sins
 and
to give us eternal life.

We believe Jesus went to heaven, he is now seated at God’s right hand,
 and
that God gave us Holy Spirit to teach, comfort, and guide us.
 
We believe the Bible is the inspired word of God.

***

Who are God, Jesus and Holy Spirit?

God is our heavenly Father who created heaven and earth.  He gave us His Son, who died on a cross to allow our sins to be forgiven and give us eternal life becoming our Lord and Savior.  When Jesus died, Holy Spirit was made available to us to comfort, teach and guide us.

God in the beginning:  Genesis 1:1
Jesus:  Matthew 1, 2 & 3
Holy Spirit:  John 15:26

Are you one with God, Jesus and Holy Spirit?

If you have not accepted the Trinity into your life and you would like to, pray this prayer or use your own words from your heart:

“Dear Heavenly Father God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, please forgive me of my sins known and unknown.  Please come into my life, heal me and make me whole.  Give me a new life in and with you.  I wish to receive all that you have to give.  Baptize me in the fullness of your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn all I can about you to love you, and others, as you love me.  So I can love myself.  Thank you for giving me this new life.  Please send other Christians to surround me to help me grow and be strong to defeat Satan and the things of the world.  Help me to be worthy of your love.  Thank you God, Jesus and Holy Spirit.  In Jesus name I pray by and with the power of the Holy Spirit, dear Heavenly Father God.  Amen.” 

***

If you have prayed this prayer, please email us at TrinityMissions@msn.com, so we can agree with you in prayer, praise God, and uplift you with prayer support.  We are thrilled to welcome you into the family of believers and encourage you to find a church home nearby where you can study, grow and fellowship with others.  Someone may need your support as much as you need them.  We are commanded to come together in fellowship to worship His majesty.

If you choose to fellowship with us via the web, we are honored to welcome you to the Church of the Holy Spirit.  We pray you will be enriched and uplifted in the fullness of the Trinity to their glory.  Stay in touch and let us know how you are doing from time to time.  As the website grows, we will have a special page for this purpose, and, you will be able to list prayers for all to see, so that we may come together as a body of believers, for ‘wherever two or more shall gather, there will I be.’   Don’t forget to send prayers of thanksgiving, as well as petitions of tears.  

***

You are who I call ‘The Promise Children’, as in Romans 9:25-26 NLT:

“Those who were not my people, I will now call my people.  And I will love those whom I did not love before.  And, once they were told, ‘You are not my people.’  But now he will say, ‘You are children of the living God.”

***

“The Kingdom of God is near you now.”

***

The Apostle Paul gave us a “Prayer for Spiritual Empowerment” in Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT.  It reads

“When I think of the wisdom and scope of God’s plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.  And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.  Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now glory be to God!  By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.  May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.  Amen.”  

Jesus told us to remain in his love in John 15:9-13 NLT:

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me.  Remain in my love.  When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in his love.  I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy.  Yes, your joy will overflow!  I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you.  And here is how to measure it - the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends." 

***

January 9, 2011

 John 11:25 

 Everlasting Life 

John

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life.  Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again.  They are given eternal life for believing in me and will never perish."  

***

Thoughts.....

Today is the day after a massacre in Tucson, Arizona in the United States of America.  People were killed and injured.  U.S. Congresswoman, Gabriel Giffords, was shot at an event organized to hear the thoughts and learn the hearts of the people....her warmth of caring.  Her associates and others were gunned down with her.  Including a 9 year old girl interested in politics, having just been elected to the student government.  Reports of all of this can be found online or on most television or radio stations.  Gabriel is expected to make a full recovery, as will many of the others, however, her 'right hand man', and a federal judge coming from church, the little girl, and others were killed...a little after 10 a.m. at a grocery based strip mall.  An ill young man of 22 caused the carnage.

It brought to mind to a friend the massacres that happened with Indian nations.  It brought to my mind the pain and sorrow we have all faced in the wake of any terrorist act, be it in the home with spousal or child abuse, in any city, state, country, or nation where violence reigns supreme, during acts of war, and even in the classrooms of children when a child gets picked upon.  The ill young man who performed this deadly and painful act defined and called himself by implication a terrorist.  He was/is not well.   

But this I know....Jesus said....JESUS SAID....HE is the resurrection and the life.  Those who believe in him....will have everlasting life.  I currently understand and believe that all who passed from this life, in the situation above, are in his arms now.  

They have gone to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to thousands of angels in joyful assembly.  They have gone to the assembly of God's firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven.  They have gone to God himself, who is the judge of all people.  And they have gone to the spirits of the redeemed in heaven who have now been made perfect.  They have gone to Jesus.  Heb 12:23-24  

This is not a hope, this is a promise.  It is available to everyone who believes in and obeys God.

Paul also said earlier in this letter "Try to live in peace with everyone, and seek to live a clean and holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.  Look after each other so that none of you will miss out on the special favor of God.  Watch out that no bitter root of unbelief rises up among you, for whenever it springs up, many are corrupted by its poison."  Heb 12:14-15     

As a Minister, it is always a painful moment to embrace the pain of others.  There are times when I don't have words....or there are no words that can be said.  Yes, I have scripture.  But to a hurting heart, even those words can fall short.  Sometimes it is just a matter of letting others know you are there, willing to embrace them, while they suffer their loss of a loved one.  But what we can all do whether we know someone or not, is to envelope them in prayer. 

In the situation above, we need to pray not only for those left behind who have lost loved ones, but also for those  receiving medical care now and in the future.  This horrific act did not only happen to those who were shot, but to everyone around them.  It brings reality, and possibly old memories to the surface, of post traumatic stress syndrome to many.  Being in a crowds may become a fearful moment.  Getting groceries or going to a store next to another store may become a source of fear.  Parking and getting out of a car may paralyze some.  People will look over their shoulders, may not even go out of their homes for a while.  These may just be the innocent bystanders.  Pray earnestly. 

Sometimes we need to say a prayer of petition, and then, having left it in God's hands, walk away, knowing he will handle all things.  Sometimes we need to do what we call 'soaking prayer'....continual prayer as a reminder of the severity of the situation.  Ask God who to pray for and what to pray.  Then do it.....earnestly.       

Satan is a formidable foe.  He will do everything he can and take every possible moment to seek, kill, steal and destroy.  A 22 year old young man was not focused on God.  That young man needs prayers, too.  We are told to forgive our enemies.  Is he an enemy or just a very sick young man?  We don't know.  Either way, he, too deserves prayer, as painful as that may feel right now.  We don't forgive for those who hurt us, whoever they may be in our lives, or that of others, but for what we have in our hearts about them....to be cleansed...freed.  If we do not forgive, we will not be forgiven.  We are not a cleansed vessel for the Savior, if we don't forgive.  Our prayers will be ineffective....our life perhaps hanging in a balance one day.

We never know what will happen in our lives.  We never know when our Lord will call.  Yesterday is a classic example.  Will you be ready?  Will your loved ones be ready to go to his arms when he calls?  You can be sure.  Pray the prayer at the beginning of this page, or pray with me now...."Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but say the word, and I shall be healed and made whole.....please forgive me of my sins.  Come into my life, my heart, and lead me on.  Send your Holy Spirit into me to set my heart aflame for you.  Send other people who believe in you to surround me to give me strength.  Bring me to your word...the Bible...that I may learn all about who you are and how wonderful you are....and why you are...as I read the Old Testament to learn how awful life was and why you coming to life in fulfillment of prophecy is the miracle and life giving purpose it is...you are...in the New Testament.  Thank you, God.  Amen."   Now go forth obeying him. 

KNST 790 Talk Radio host said yesterday that we are at the epi-center of the world right now in Tucson, Arizona due to the events and world headlines about such.  The world is watching Tucson.  But you know, folks, first and foremost, God is watching.  All of us.  We are the epi-center of his life....his heart.  He loves us so much.  God gave us a gift of love....his son....that all who would believe in him [Jesus] would not perish, but have everlasting life.  John 3:16.   Prepare a straight pathway for him.  John 1:23c.  We need to start looking at our own lives and stop pointing fingers at everyone else.  Did you learn as a child that for every finger you point outward, there are more pointing back at you?  We need to stop looking at others and start looking within ourselves and bring Jesus to our epi-center...our hearts.  We need to read about how to live our lives....better.  And then enact what we have learned...put actions where our mouths, our thoughts are, or where they should be. 

When was the last time you picked up the Bible?  I stay focused on the New Testament a lot, so as not to confuse myself on how to live my life.  I say there are only so many brain cells and only so much room, so it is better for me to fill it with how I am to live today and not worry about yesterday.  Hence I read and reread the New Testament rather than focusing on the Old Testament.  That does not mean I do not ever read it, it means that I am not under the old law, but love...Jesus.  I want to focus on love of God through Jesus and Holy Spirit in the new life.  There is great love and there are valuable lessons in the Old Testament, so be sure and read it.  Choose to worship the Messiah whose history is documented in the New Testament.  You'll be so blessed. 

So in closing today, I want to say that if you have lost a loved one, feel my heart...I embrace your pain.  Know that God saves.  In the twinkling of an eye, in the last moment when the trumpet sounds, if they do not know Jesus, they will be given an opportunity to do so and say, "Yes!" to him, when he offers heavens gate, the love of his embrace, and the healing gift of wholeness with everlasting life. 

If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, please consider doing so today. 

If you want to pray for those hurting in Tucson, around the world, even in your own home...perhaps yourself, do so earnestly.  ""Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  1 Thessalonians 5:16  NIV  Please note that it says IN all circumstances, not for.  It means in the midst of the circumstance, so God can be right there in the trenches with you, or those for whom you are praying.  He so wants to be there for you and all.  Welcome him today, won't you?          

***

Let Us Pray

God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, help me to know what is best for my life and that of those around me.  I am not sure you are everything I need in my life, but I am willing to give you a chance to help me.  I've prayed the prayer above.  I'll read the Bible more.  I'll even share it with loved ones.  And I will pray.  Not only for myself, but for those hurting around me and in the world.  Lord, be with everyone everywhere who is hurting as a result of terrorist activity.  Heal them in the ways that only you can....and make them whole.  Thank you.  I will earnestly try to stay focused on things that are true, honorable and right as you've said in Philippians 4.  And help me always to put on God's armor to get through life as you've outlined in Ephesians 6:10-18.  I know you know life is not easy, but I know now that you will be with me in the trenches of life.  I'm told you will not leave me.  Help me to not leave you.  Help me along life's way and send others who know you to help me be strong.  Help me to love you as much as you love me, if that is possible.  I am grateful to you for all you have done in my life so far...even all the sad stuff...because it would not have gotten me to where I am today....willing to trust you fully.  Give me a new life in you....show me and help me to take the steps necessary to fulfill your prophecy for my life. Help me do it all right and on your time schedule, not mine.  Now that's a scary statement, Lord.  You know how spoiled I am....thanks for spoiling me, Lord.  Keep up the good work.  : )  I'm ready for my new life.  Aren't I?  Come into my epi-center, my heart.  Let me embrace you fully, as you have done to me.  Know that I love you.  Thank you.  Amen.        

A Morning Resolve *

I will try this day to live a simple, sincere, and serene life, repelling promptly every thought of discontent, anxiety, discouragement, impurity, and self-seeking; cultivating cheerfulness, magnanimity, charity, and the habit of holy silence; exercising economy in expenditure, generosity in giving, carefulness in conversation, diligence in appointed service, fidelity to every trust, and a childlike faith in God.

In particular I will try to be faithful in those habits of prayer, work, study, physical exercise, eating, and sleep which I believe the Holy Spirit has shown me to be right.

And as I cannot in my own strength do this, nor even with a hope of success attempt it, I look to thee, O Lord God my Father, in Jesus my Savior and ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

For Today *

Give me strength to live another day;

Let me not turn coward before its difficulties or prove recreant to its duties;

Let me not lose faith in other people;

Keep me sweet and sound of heart, in spite of ingratitude, treachery, or meanness;

Preserve me from minding little stings or giving them;

Help me to keep my heart clean, and to live so honestly and fearlessly that no outward failure can dishearten me or take away the joy of conscious integrity;

Open wide the eyes of my soul that I may see good in all things;

Grant me this day some new vision of your truth;

Inspire me with the spirit of joy and gladness; and make me the cup of strength to suffering souls, in the name of the strong Deliverer, our only Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.   

For the Unemployed *

Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work.  Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  

***

More love.... 

  Benediction...Blessing

Let us hear from Paul as he prays:  

When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.  And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.  Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now glory be to God!  By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.  May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.  Amen.  Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT         

*** 

Scroll down to read Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving...'The Unforced Rythms of Grace'.

***

Definition of a Christian:  Anyone who believes in God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, and accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Regardless of church name or religious affiliation. 

It is not how we worship, but that we worship!   

***

***

If you feel that the Church of the Holy Spirit has inspired or helped you, we'd like you to prayerfully consider tithing regularly to us or gifting us, so that we can further the work and carry out the will of the Father as proclaimed in Matthew 28:19-20 NLT

 to

 "Go and make disciples out of all the nations

baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this:

I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

***

  Our Current Cause

It is time to reach into the community and the world around you to see wherein lies the greatest need.  As you choose to focus on these areas, do so with a servant's heart.  Whether the need is for children, adults, or animals, or any cause in between that will help those in need, ask God how you can best serve his needs, what path you must take, and how long you should persevere.  Sometimes we are to be in the lives of others merely as stepping stones.  Sometimes we are to touch those lives forever.  Whatever journey you are called to take, whatever team you will be a member, know this:  God is with you always...even til the end of time.  He loves you, is grateful for you, and will help you along life's way, especially if you are helping others along theirs, persevering with a servant's heart. 

Please accept my sincerest thanks....and God's....and may God richly bless you!   

 ***

  Checks or money orders can be made out to

Trinity Missions

or the

Church of the Holy Spirit

and sent to

Trinity Missions

P.O. Box 86076

Tucson, Arizona

85754-6076

If you have any questions, we can be reached at:

1-866-402-GIFT

10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Mountain Time

or

TrinityMissions@msn.com

Please note Trinity Missions or CoHS in your subject line.

As we grow, you will have options for allocating your gifts.

In the meantime, we hope you will trust us to direct them to where the need is the greatest.

  ***

    One last thing....

 Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving

'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'

"Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer:  "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.  You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people.  Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work."

Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly.  "The Father has given me all these things to do and say.  This is a unique Father - Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge.  No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does.  But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen."

"Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly.

   Matthew 11:  25-30

  The Message

And the people said,

"Amen."

***

***

I now write most prayers in the position of ' I ' (first person) because most people are sitting at their computer alone, not in groups, and it allows those reading and praying to personalize the prayer as coming from them going to God.  Variations may appear on holidays when families may wish to use the prayer provided.

***

*Prayers:  A Morning Resolve and For Today are from Forward Day By Day, as is For The Unemployed, which is from The Book of Common Prayer.

  Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.  All rights reserved.

 *