...but what a difference it makes in our lives, especially when we pray in the Holy Spirit.  This is where our thoughts and desires are lost in whatever God wants for us.  The Holy Spirit is the first of the Fathers gifts and the one in which He delights.  The Holy Spirit is, therefore, the gift we ought to seek first.  I believe, as believers, all of us easily understand the worth of this gift.  Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit as, "the gift my Father promised," (Acts 1:4).  It is my interpretation, agreeing with scholars and theologians of the conservative thought; the Holy Spirit is the highest and most wonderful gift God the Father can give to someone who has already been granted salvation.  This truth naturally suggests that the first and best gift of God must be the first and main object of all prayer.  The Holy Spirit whom produces Unity in the Church family, is also the appointed instrument, whose special work it is to make Jesus and all there is in Him for us; ours in personal appropriation and blessed experience.  He is the Spirit of life in Jesus Christ.  Surely, if there is one prayer that should draw us to the Father's throne and keep us there, it is for the Holy Spirit, whom we as children have received, to flow into us and out from us in greater fullness.

Rev. John D. Tolbert, Senior Pastor

Trinity, Jesus teaches us that the Father is longing to give His Spirit to us if we will, but ask in childlike dependence on His promise, in Luke 11:13 and His command in, Ephesians 5:18; to be filled with the Spirit.  I know many of us understand that as children of God, we have already received the Holy Spirit.  We still need to pray for His special gifts and enabling as we require them.  Just as a branch; though filled with the sap from the vine, ever cries for the continuing and increasing flow of the sap to bring its fruit to perfection; so the believer, rejoicing in the possession of the Holy Sprit, ever thirsts and cries for more.  Children of God, nothing less than God's promise and God's command should be the measure of our expectation and of our prayer.

Trinity, when praying to be filled with the Holy Spirit; do not look for the answer in how you feel.  All spiritual blessings must be accepted or taken by faith.  The Father gives the Holy Spirit to His praying child.  On the strength of God's Word, we know that we have what we ask.  So, with thanksgiving that we have been heard, with thanksgiving for what we have received and taken hold of as ours, let us continue steadfastly in prayer, believing that the blessings which we have already been given and which we hold in faith, may breakthrough and fill our whole being.  Trinity let us ask God and the Holy Spirit will manifest Himself!

Lord, bless this place we call Trinity and teach us to pray!

Rev. John D. Tolbert, Senior Pastor

Trinity Missionary Baptist Church