The mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

My prayers for the churches of our District over the past few months have come from Zechariah chapter four. In this chapter full of symbolism, there are two primary prayer directives which I have prayed over each of our churches.

1) In Zechariah 4:6, the Lord speaks to Zerubabbel: "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord Almighty. I have been praying that we would mature as churches who rely on the power of God through the Holy Spirit rather than relying on ourselves. Indeed, God has gifted us to use our gifts creatively and to form ministries that meet the needs of our communities. However, we cannot rely on our gifts and creative abilities apart from the power of the Holy Spirit. We need to seek and pray for the Holy Spirit to bring life and blessings and impact to the ministries God gifts us to create.

2) In Zechariah 4:12, Zechariah asks the angel about the olive branches and pipes that pour out golden oil. Some scholars and preachers interpret this passage to point to the presence of the Holy Spirit among the people of God. I have been praying that God would become present in our worship and ministries and flow through all that we do like "golden oil".

The key is understanding like the Psalmist David that apart from the Lord, we "have no good thing". (Psalm 16:2) Unless we abide/remain/walk with the Lord, we "can do nothing". (John 15:5)

This week, take some time to reflect on your walk with the Lord as well as the ministries of your church. Are you depending more on yourself and your programs more than you are on the power of the Holy Spirit? Are you praying and inviting others to pray with you for the presence and power of the Holy Spirit to flow like "golden oil" through every aspect of your life?

Always praying for you and your church,
Brian