Very thankful to attend a gathering of the saints from southern NH & ME, with a handful from northern MA, and even a family from Conn. last Saturday in Kittery, Me. Thanks Rick, Steve and Tom for putting this together. It is a very spiritually fulfilling thing to witness everyone operating in the gifts they have received to bless others. I believe that we are responding to Jesus' prayer in John 17:20-23 for relational unity when we organize this type of gathering. The emphasis is not on public sharing but rather on people having fellowship with whoever they wish. It is instructive to me to realize how much behind the scenes work goes into making this happen. It requires patient, painstaking development of trust and relationship with people whom one does not know initially, usually over a period of years, in order to persuade them that you are not trying to start a house church denomination or tell them what to do or take over. Rather you desire to offer encouragement and hope for mutual edification.
Sunday I had the joy of traveling with two young brothers (usually I go alone) to visit a group in Enfield, CT. Reminded them of the truth that both Jesus and the Holy Spirit are interceding for us (Romans 8:26-34) and encouraged them to attend the next New England regional gathering. (Hopefully in April) On the way back Alex shared his heart about desiring to truly know God, not just know about Him, and the progress he is making toward that end. It was encouraging, stimulating and challenging. The generations need each other. May the Holy Spirit revive our hearts and truly make Him first. "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." (Galatians 5:24ESV)
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