Sunday, April 20, 2003
Sunday, April 20, 2003
So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.
One of Moore's friends was visiting his church on a particular Sunday and they were discussing
his success as an evangelist. "How do you do it?" the friend asked.
Moore said, "Come with me." He took the visitor to the basement, where a prayer meeting was in
progress. About seventy Christians were fervently praying for their pastor and for the worship
service that was about to begin. When they finished, they quietly walked up the stairs into the
service. Arthur Moore turned to his friend and said, "Notice where they sat."
His friend was puzzled. "What do you mean? They are scattered all over the congregation."
"Yes, thank God," Moore replied. "And where each one of them sits down, he's such a center of
divine warmth that anyone frozen in sin who sits near him is liable to thaw out before the service
is over." Arthur Moore knew where the church gets its power. We all know where our power
comes from. It is up to us to put it to good use.
(Psalm 63.2
NRSV)
Early in this century, there was a remarkable bishop in the southeastern United States named
Arthur J. Moore. Moore pastored some of the great churches in the South before he became a
bishop. Over a period of several years at least one person was genuinely converted every
Sunday that he preached--Sunday after Sunday.
Loving God, thank you for the power you have given to me. Guide me in using that power as a
witness of your love. Amen.
