ufmc home         worship with us          go with us          contact us         check the calendar         view events         read pastor jim's msgs         But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth... --John 16:13       Read Pastor Jim's Messages for biblical guidance and inspiration.       August 2007 Listening to the Spirit I have heard it referred to as the "art" of listening. Well, I never was very good at art! Listening is a skill, an "art" if you will, that apparently must be cultivated. This is true, not only in human relationships, but also in our relationship with the Lord. We must learn to listen closely when he speaks to us.   “He who has ears, let him hear."  -- Matthew 11:15   These words from Jesus are simple and yet profound. Why do we have two ears? So that we can hear! How can we know the will of the Lord for our lives? Only if we listen! Jesus was appealing to the people of his day to pay attention and respond to his words of wisdom. He makes that same appeal to us today.   “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."  -- Revelation 2:7a   The scripture reference quoted above is also from Jesus. Once again it is both simple and profound. It seems that churches (groups of believers) must also be exhorted to listen to what the Spirit says. Human nature makes us prone to drifting our own direction, following our own will and listening to the voices that line up with our own preconceived ideas. But our best laid plans will lead only to failure if they are not guided by the Holy Spirit! It would seem the solution for both individuals and the corporate church is to carefully seek and listen to the guidance of the Spirit in every area of life. Are you "listening to the Spirit"? Listening to the Spirit, Pastor Jim       Sunday Worship Services 8:30 am Contemporary Worship 9:45 am Refreshments in the Fellowship House 10:00 am Classes for all ages 11:00 am Blended Worship News via E-mail If you would like to receive your newsletter via e-mail, please let us know your address by calling the church office or write to us at ufmc@verizon.net.  We look forward to hearing from you! Inspiration for You Sep: Walking in the Light Aug: Listening to the Spirit Jul: A World of Difference Jun: Summer Stress May: Yes, You May Apr: Cross-Roads Mar: New Things Feb: Enter Their World Jan: A Step in the Right Direction 20 Day Personal Revival Strategy Links We Like Free Methodist Church Missionary Julie Allman's Blog Pittsburgh Conference Sonlight Missions