Dear God,
It's me again. I feel it has been a while since I've really taken the time to talk to you. I'm sorry. Let's try this again.
Love,
Chuck
Sometimes I feel as though I only have time to write God a short note rather than giving Him adequate time to really penetrate my heart, soul, and spirit. I seem to fail to recognize His presence in the stillness of life.
Several people this week have seen visions of silence, stillness, and rest for me. They have spoken peace over me as I scramble frantically to serve them in any capacity possible…even if that means sacrificing my own time with Him.
One of my squad leaders, Peter, pulled me to the side and told me he feels God desires for me to take time away from giving non-stop of myself and take time to receive and grow in the freedom that is rest in the Holy Spirit.
All week I have prayed over individuals, spoken life over them through prophecy, and even taken part in an amazing act of healing (more on these things in a later blog). God has been moving and it has been one of the most amazing, most exhausting, and most difficult weeks of my entire 27 years alive.
Growing up Southern Baptist, we aren't taught that prophecy and speaking in tongues are legitimate spiritual gifts to this day. I have one question for the Southern Baptist denomination…WHAT ARE Y'ALL THINKING?!?!
God dwells in us. Therefore ALL potential exists to achieve any or all gifts given by the spirit! I can do ALL things through Christ!
So I have some exciting news to share with everyone…
Tuesday evening I asked the Lord to clear everything within me and fill me with Himself. Something that felt like a fire started in my heart and branched out into my chest out into my arms and hands, into my legs and feet and my head and face as well.
So you know what that means…or maybe you don't…So I'll tell you…I WAS BAPTIZED IN THE HOLY SPIRIT!!!!!
It's different than receiving the Holy Spirit through Sanctification. Being baptized in the Holy Spirit is where He takes control of your entire body and shows you that He is in control…NOT us! My hands opened wide and my arms fell to my sides in a posture of reception and surrender to Him. My face tingled and it was like I had a Botox smile permanently on my face. Lo said she watched as the color drained out of my hands and face and was amazed at how instantly that happened. After this, I felt empowered to do all sorts of things…and I did!
Reminder…This is part 2 of a 3 part blog and things are about to get bat crap crazy! Whatever that is supposed to mean. Welcome to the wild side…the weird side…Come on in and get some Dudley Do-right in your soul! Frickin birds. Get out of the chimney!
