The bible declares that the Holy Ghost is our Comforter in the physical absence of Jesus Christ.  The scripture also tells us that Jesus Christ’s Spirit will give us power after we are filled with him.  This past weekend I was privileged to witness these scriptures come to life in an extraordinary way, and feel compelled to share it with you as this week’s devotional.  I pray it blesses you.

Saturday morning our church family awoke to heart-breaking news that one of our young brothers, Bro. Stacy Hall, had passed from this life during the pre-dawn hours, as the result of a car accident while on his way to attend our church convention here in Dyersburg, TN.  His father, Bro. Roger Hall, older brother, Bro. Paul Hall, other family members, and his local church family from Florida were already here.  He had been unable to get off work in time to leave with them, but was determined to be part of the convention.  Sadly for us God chose to call him home.

As the news spread our primary thoughts were for Bro. Roger and the family.  We were prepared to do whatever it took to take care of them in their grief.  I personally could not imagine going on with the convention under the circumstances and was prepared to cancel it altogether.  With remarkable (supernatural) strength and peace Bro. Roger told those of us gathered around him that we must go on with the convention and that he and Bro. Stacy’s family were going to stay and be part of the services Bro. Stacy had been striving to attend.  Bro. Roger stated that his family, the young people that loved Bro. Stacy, and their church needed the strength they would receive from the services to get them through the coming days and weeks.  Bro. Steve Geary and Bro. Mike Herrin (co-pastors of their church) agreed; and so, with heavy hearts, we pushed on and prepared to open with the first service Saturday morning.  Bro. Roger, Bro. Steve, and Bro. Mike addressed the assembly, dedicating the convention to the memory of Bro. Stacy Hall.

Their decision to continue the convention and remain in attendance filled me with awe; however, the story does not end there.  Within only a few hours of having received the news of his passing, Bro. Stacy’s father, brother, cousin, friends were ministering under the anointing of the Holy Ghost, and worshiping the Lord with uplifted hands and heads, rejoicing in the presence of God.  Bro. Roger put it very simply and truthfully, “Only by God are we able, only through the Holy Ghost can we …”.  From the beginning of the first service until the final “Amen” of the last service, the power of God filled the place where we were.  The youth service scheduled for that night, which by all practical guidelines should have been full of grief, was filled with joy in the Holy Ghost.  The young people did an awesome job honoring Bro. Stacy and uplifting one another and the entire assembly.

Although speaking in tongues is the initial sign of being filled with the Holy Ghost, I witnessed quite possibly the greatest additional demonstration of the Holy Ghost that I have ever seen in my lifetime this weekend.  I saw the supernatural power and peace the Lord promised to those who would receive his Spirit.  Yes … the bible is real, His words are true, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” (Mat 19:26)

Bro. Stacy, thank you for inspiring us by your determination to be His servant.  Father in heaven, thank you for the comfort and power of your Spirit.  As much as lies within each of us, may we follow his and his family’s example of unwavering faith and trust in You.

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