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PCCWeb Daily Devotional for Friday, July 30, 2010
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SPIRIT WISDOM
Acts 6:10 - But they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit
by whom he spoke. (NIV)
Eric Alexander was the most wise and spiritually gifted pastor that I
have ever known. He used to preach at the St. George's Tron Church,
which is situated right in the heart of my old hometown of Glasgow in
Scotland. The church is located at one of the busiest junctions in the
city, and when Eric was preaching there, it was hard to find a parking
space within walking distance of the church.
He was a powerful preacher, and I can remember being in his church one
lunchtime on Good Friday. My wife Evelyn was with me, and we were both
reduced to tears as Rev. Alexander graphically portrayed the agony and
loneliness of Christ on the cross. He was truly inspired by the Holy
Spirit, and the doleful tones of his Scottish accent just added to the
power of his sermon. It was a life-changing experience for the both of
us, as well as many others who had given up their business lunch to hear
the preacher.
I also firmly believe that Stephen from the Book of Acts must have been
a powerful and Spirit-inspired preacher in his day. From Acts chapter 6,
we read that no one could "stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by
whom he spoke." It must have been both remarkable and challenging to
hear him preach. He was utterly devoted to Christ and fully open to the
Spirit's bidding. Stephen must have known that the religious authorities
would try to shut him down, but he still persevered; he still valiantly
preached the truth.
In today's highly sophisticated and technologically driven world,
preaching might seem outdated and redundant to some people. However,
whenever and wherever a preacher is truly inspired and empowered by the
Holy Spirit, lives are still challenged and changed.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, today we thank You for the preachers that have
impacted our spirits and changed our lives through their wisdom and the
presence of the Holy Spirit within them. Keep raising up new preachers
among us who will grow in wisdom and be truly touched by God's powerful
presence in their lives. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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Today's Presbyterian Prayer Partnership Prayer Request
- posted by Grace-ann McIntyre <gmcintyr@presbyterian.ca>
Pray for those who are hungry, and give thanks for the people who work
in food banks and food programs.
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Title: Child Care licence, 7/29/10
A gifted manager of a Day Care for children may lose her licence because
of suspicion about her mental stability. Please pray for all concerned
to be guided and reassured.
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Title: Please pray for my husband!, posted by Sandra Ferguson
[santerra@teksavvy.com], 7/29/10
Please pray for my husband who is contemplating quitting his job because
of the boss's verbal and emotional abuse towards him. It is getting to
the point that he can't take it anymore, but we are in a financial
situation that keeps him stuck. We need for you to pray that another
job will become available, to give him peace of mind, and to get joy
back into his life. Thank you so much and may God bless everyone!
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Title: Employment Disaster, 7/29/10
Please pray for P and all fellow workers in the UK who have been
terminated from their Government jobs after years of faithful service,
some 30 to 40 years, and in addition pensions are being reduced, by
legislation! No appreciation is being shown for their past efforts.
Many will lose their homes and suffering will be great. The banks,
responsible for financial problems, are not being held responsible.
Important programs are being terminated. The effects are catastrophic.
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Title: Praise God!, 7/29/10
Thank you! Things are going well. Praise God!
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