 “40 years ago…” “They were all filled with the Ruach HaKodesh and began to talk in different languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak." (Acts 2:4 Complete Jewish Bible) |
Dear family of friends,
When Terri Smith asked me to go to the meeting, that April in 1973, I thought, "OK. I am curious."
It was our senior year at Columbus High School in Waterloo, Iowa. I was looking forward to graduation a month later, with the other 108 classmates. Our last varsity spring baseball season would also be finished in June. (In case you were wondering - we didn't make it back to the baseball state finals, as we did my junior year.)
It was our senior year at Columbus High School in Waterloo, Iowa. I was looking forward to graduation a month later, with the other 108 classmates. Our last varsity spring baseball season would also be finished in June. (In case you were wondering - we didn't make it back to the baseball state finals, as we did my junior year.)
I really appreciated our small Catholic school, except when we got beat up, playing the three large public schools of East, West and Central Waterloo in football. Even my home town Cedar Falls High School always ran the score up on us. Sailor power only went so far. But we did triumph in basketball, track and field, and baseball of course.
Maybe something would happen at this prayer meeting that would last beyond high school.
It was somewhat known by a few in school that the Catholic Church had gotten involved in the Charismatic Movement back in '67, but I wasn't too much aware of it. My Mom had been going to some prayer meetings for some time. I was enjoying high school. (And in a good way.)
In His preparatory way, the weekend TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) event that I had gone on, for seniors back in November, had triggered something in my spirit. So I wanted to see what else would happen.
It was a small group who had gathered in Terri's house. Maybe five or six total. If I remember right (again, it was 40 years ago) someone talked and then several prayed. Over us. With hands on our heads. Praying in a different language, other than English or Spanish. They were quietly asking the Father to baptize us with His Holy Spirit, to "fill us", with "tongues” following.
And thus He came. Ruach HaKodesh. The Holy Spirit. And so did the evidence of speaking in tongues. For me. For the others there.
As these decades have passed, I have been continually aware of His presence, the Third Person in the Holy Trinity. He is The Comforter. He is the One who whispers to us, directing and imparting, if our internal ears and eternal spirit are open to listening and obeying.
Time spent in intercession, speaking in my prayer language, has increased immensely over these years. He uses my tongue to intercede for my beloved family and friends, for the office staff, for our falling nation, and especially for the Jewish people of Israel.
Have you received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? You can. And then you get to pray in tongues, the first gift He'll give you to use in power for daily victory.
And yes...there is something about the #40. This year I certainly am finding that out.
It was somewhat known by a few in school that the Catholic Church had gotten involved in the Charismatic Movement back in '67, but I wasn't too much aware of it. My Mom had been going to some prayer meetings for some time. I was enjoying high school. (And in a good way.)
In His preparatory way, the weekend TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) event that I had gone on, for seniors back in November, had triggered something in my spirit. So I wanted to see what else would happen.
It was a small group who had gathered in Terri's house. Maybe five or six total. If I remember right (again, it was 40 years ago) someone talked and then several prayed. Over us. With hands on our heads. Praying in a different language, other than English or Spanish. They were quietly asking the Father to baptize us with His Holy Spirit, to "fill us", with "tongues” following.
And thus He came. Ruach HaKodesh. The Holy Spirit. And so did the evidence of speaking in tongues. For me. For the others there.
As these decades have passed, I have been continually aware of His presence, the Third Person in the Holy Trinity. He is The Comforter. He is the One who whispers to us, directing and imparting, if our internal ears and eternal spirit are open to listening and obeying.
Time spent in intercession, speaking in my prayer language, has increased immensely over these years. He uses my tongue to intercede for my beloved family and friends, for the office staff, for our falling nation, and especially for the Jewish people of Israel.
Have you received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? You can. And then you get to pray in tongues, the first gift He'll give you to use in power for daily victory.
And yes...there is something about the #40. This year I certainly am finding that out.
Ahava to my family of friends,
Steve Martin
Founder/President
Love For His People, Inc. truly appreciates your generous support. Please consider sending a monthly charitable gift of $5-$25 each month to help us bless Messianic Jews in Israel. You can send checks to the address below. Todah rabah! (Hebrew - Thank you very much.)
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Ahava Love Letter #51 Date: In the year of our Lord 2013 (05/01/13 Wednesday 3:33 a.m. Charlotte, NC)
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