Weekly Manna - Pentecost Sunday
28 May 2023
The Coming of the Holy Spirit
2 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested[a] on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.
—Acts 2:1-6 ESV
REFLECTION
Today’s Question:
What speaks to you from today’s reflection?
Holy Spirit is a Divine Person
Taken from https://henrinouwen.org/meditation/
When we speak about the Holy Spirit, we speak about the breath of God, breathing in us. The Greek word for “spirit” is pneuma, which means “breath.” We are seldom aware of our breathing. It is so essential for life that we only think about it when something is wrong with it.
The Spirit of God is like our breath. God’s spirit is more intimate to us than we are to ourselves. We might not often be aware of it, but without it we cannot live a “spiritual life.” It is the Holy Spirit of God who prays in us, who offers us the gifts of love, forgiveness, kindness, goodness, gentleness, peace, and joy. It is the Holy Spirit who offers us the life that death cannot destroy. Let us always pray: “Come, Holy Spirit, come.” (Daily Meditation by Henri Nouwen, May 18, 2014)
We Can Live Free, Joyful, Courageous Lives
The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised to his followers, is the great gift of God. Without the Spirit of Jesus we can do nothing, but in and through his Spirit we can live free, joyful, and courageous lives. We cannot pray, but the Spirit of Christ can pray in us. We cannot create peace and joy, but the Spirit of Christ can fill us with a peace and joy that is not of this world. We cannot break through the many barriers that divide races, sexes, and nations, but the Spirit of Christ unites all people in the all-embracing love of God. The Spirit of Christ burns away our many fears and anxieties and sets us free to move wherever we are sent. That is the great liberation of Pentecost.
Prayer Of The Week
Lord, teach us how to walk with the Holy Sprit, the third person of the Trinity.
Come, Holy Spirit, come. Teach us how to live free and courageous lives for Christ.
Intercession
The Church (Body of Christ)
Heavenly Father, flood our hearts to know Your love as You sent Christ Jesus to show us. Teach us to respond to Your love and one another as You have loved us. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen
Personal
Lord, as we celebrate Pentecost, remind us of Your goodness in why You came and ho we can live as witnesses for You. When we feel like storms are forming, remind us that we are in the preparation for the new that You desire to bring forth in our lives. Remind us to draw even closer to You and not to be distracted from waiting upon You, together with our families. Teach us as a household to walk in honour and joy of service towards You and each another, cherishing in serving one another. May Your Presence find rest in our hearts, lives and homes. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. In Your name, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Teach me Your way, O Lord; that I may walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name.—Psalm 86:11
BLC Community
Father, teach us to walk in gentleness and with a humble mind and service in unity as Your children in Christ. Heal those are who are hurting and unwell in our midst. Comfort, renew those who mourn and have suffered losses. If our hearts are straying like prodigals, bring us back to Your sheepfold.
Encourage those who are fearful. Grant us Your wisdom and miraculous provision; and Your salvation for all family members and loved ones. In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Nations
10 The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
he frustrates the plans of the peoples.
11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
the plans of his heart to all generations.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
– Psalm 33:10-12 ESV
We lift our nation before You and acknowledge You are our Lord and God. Thank You, LORD, for Your hand upon our nation. We commit the upcoming elections in June to You. Grant us Your Spirit of wisdom and revelation and teach us to cooperate with You as You realign the foundations of nations with the values of Your heart and purposes.
Bless our nation with Your grace of humility to walk in Your counsel, wisdom, love and peace. Grant us open hearts for courage and boldness to prioritize justice, righteousness and unity in this land at all levels of society — as we continue to walk with You this time of rebuilding our families, communities and nation.
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
Righteousness & Freedom
Thank You, Lord that You know the plans You have for this nation, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give us a future and a hope. We call upon You Lord, and come and pray to You. Hear our prayer.
Establish Your justice and righteousness in the land, let Your truth and mercy flow in and through all the structures of this nation. Heal us, Lord. Come Lord Jesus, come.
LCM
LORD, ignite a fresh fire of love and unwavering commitment in our midst towards You, Your people, kingdom and purposes.
Grant Your wisdom and counsel to Bishop Thomas & the LCM family to lead us to walk in unity and gracious humility that we may continue to be Your witnesses – Your light and salt on earth.
For our brethren who are struggling day to day, we declare You are our grace and sufficiency. Release Your healing waters to renew, refresh and heal our perspectives, hearts and lives, especially of the ailing.
Teach us to honour each other as Your family as we grow in knowing You deeply, and a heart as to care for each other. Empower us to walk as Jesus did and do His works.
Let us see and proclaim Your goodness on the earth wherever we are. In Your Name, Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
“Our forgiving love toward men is the evidence of God’s forgiving love in us. It is a necessary condition of the prayer of faith.”
― Andrew Murray, With Christ in the School of Prayer
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. (John 15:7-8 ESV)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ONGOING EVENTS
1. BLC Church Camp: Save the date: 22-24 Sept at Beacon Resort, Kalumpang (near Tanjung Malim).
Registrer for camp at: https://forms.gle/9wMDksASh3BpgkoU6
2. Refreshments. Call for post service refreshments volunteers. Interested individuals to talk to Calvin.
MEM (Men Encouraging Men), Wednesdays
Please speak with Larry (012 2037832)
Tuesday Bible Study
Speak with P .Takeshi
Friday Bible Study, 8.30pm
Please speak with Ling Ling (016 8106068)
Giving Tree, 8.15pm, Fridays
Please speak with Larry (012 2037832)
Collection for April
Tithes & General Offering Rm23,766
Missions Rm2,401
OA Rm210
Agape Rm1,100
Total Rm27,447