CONFESSIONS OF A FIFTY PLUS WOMAN
Or Who Primes Your Pump?
“I’m havin’ the time of my life, ‘til the time of my life is over” crooned the gospel singer. Wrinkles, false pearlies and ill health never diminished Jake’s joy as an ambassador for Jesus. I decided to take his theme song for my senior years. What is your theme song? Who “primes your pump?”
A-Confession- Only 50 plus folk know how to prime water pumps!
B-Confession-Being born in Eastern Pentecostal Bible College does not ensure a Spirit filled life.(It was first a hospital.)
My Brethren-Baptist background did nothing to prepare me for the worship style at Kennedy Road Tabernacle in 1964. As a bride, I quickly warmed to the joy-filled atmosphere encouraged by Rev. Ron Stevens. Precious saints lovingly tried to help me “pray through” to the Baptism. Nothing happened. I gave up. In all the busyness of life and service for Jesus, I decided to relax and let it go.
“Perhaps the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is not for everyone,” I thought.
But I felt like a poor little kid at a candy store window. Always looking, never tasting.
Decades later, while living in the “backside of the desert” in Vermont, I was asked to proof read a book on the Holy Spirit that Bergman Graphics were preparing. It interested me. Conscientiously following the suggestions, again nothing happened. With a disappointed heart, I plopped down the manuscript and picked up my vacuum.
As I vacuumed, I sang, “In the Presence of Jehovah” to lift my spirits. Suddenly, I was singing in a language I did not understand. My voice soared to the heavenlies. I became lost in His Presence. How precious, how simple, and how refreshing! God had not forgotten me after all. The desire of my heart decades earlier was experienced with overflowing joy. I finally understood the Holy Spirit’s “priming” in full measure.
Dr. Garnet Pike’s book, “Receiving the Promise of the Father” explains that the Holy Spirit enters at conversion. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is simply the process of “letting Him out” like a bird in a cage. He had been waiting all those years. Thank the Lord for His Patience. My new prayer language flowed. Today, along with Jake I sing, “I’m havin’ the time of my life!”
D-Confession- Because I had received the Holy Spirit with such simplicity, I grieved the lost years of intimate fellowship with my Jesus.
As He comforted me, the Holy Spirit promised to restore the years that “the locust had eaten” Every phone call or email now becomes an adventure with Jesus.
E-Confessions and Sacred Surprises:
1. Daily journals were published as “Genesis Journey-A Path to forgiveness”. Are you “primed” to journal? Try it! Maybe God wants to birth writings through your pen!
2. God stirred a burden for executives’ wives and women in leadership. Based on SEARCH for SIGNIFICANCE by Robert McGee, heartwarming workshops carried the approved of local Pastors who sent wounded warriors our way. The Holy Spirit mended broken hearts. The lost art of confidentiality became the key. Are you “primed” by the Holy Spirit to maintain confidences? Try it!
3. God opened doors in USA and Canada. We ministered in the island of Turks and Caicos. Jerry enjoyed the golfing and catching a 6 1/2 foot sailfish. We learned Jesus even “primes” fishing? Check His Word! Where are you currently fishing?
4. As Snowbirds in Florida we were “primed” to lead Inspirational Coffee Hours. Designed as light-hearted outreaches to the unsaved, God inspired a joy-filled book called, GIFTS of TRANSITION. This material will be used in other parks next season. If you have a coffee pot and a love for Jesus you can be “primed” to serve Him. Look for clusters of seniors and lasso them for Jesus wherever you live!
5. F-Confessions re Internet- God has given us an international internet ministry. Our web site is www.poeticpen.org. Daily devotionals inspired by the writings of Oswald Chambers are available. They might “prime your pump”! Christian networking, mentoring, international intercessory prayer links and wonderful friendships are ripples from our “primed” web site. Last week in Vermont we met a saint from Wales with whom we correspond by email. What a thrill to find folk all over the world “primed” by the Holy Spirit. Do you use your computer for the Lord? Why not “prime” it for Him today?
Thank you for taking the time to read my CONFESSIONS. There are more adventures to share while “I’m havin’ the time of my life”. The Holy Spirit is perpetually “priming my pump” with more joy than I deserve. He has kept His Promises. His is replenishing the years that “the locust has eaten” Praise Him. Confession is good for the soul.
Final Confession- My aches and pains weren’t mentioned once! Maybe next time. Until then, I hope to see you at the spout where the water comes out! Today is PRIME TIME!
©July 2, 2004-Marlene D. Bergman
Marlene and Jerry attend Calvary Pentecostal Church in Ancaster
and First Assembly in Fort Myers, Florida.
