Uplook - May 31, 2025
Rainy Seattle greetings,
We began this morning's Youth Camp car wash fundraiser fairly warm with sunny skies. A number of kids and parents were there, and the Lord provided a number of cars to wash. But right before our eyes the temperature began to drop, the breeze intensified, and clouds began to roll in. Just after lunch I received a text from my granddaughter "The rain is starting" and a few minutes later "The rain is getting worse." Several put on jackets, stayed under the trees, or simply moved inside. Ultimately, we called it a day, and everyone worked together to clean up. Thanks to those who planned, helped, and brought their cars to support our young people.
This caused me to consider the chorus of a gospel song by the Gaither's which I heard some years ago. The lyrics went like this:
It's beginning to rain, hear the voice of my Father
He's saying, "Whosoever will come drink of my water"
He's promised to pour His Spirit out on your sons and your daughters
If you're thirsty and dry, look up to the sky, it's beginning to rain
While there are certainly sometimes (like during a car wash) that we don't want rain, from a spiritual perspective we must not run away from the spiritual rain which God desires to send our way. The prophet Joel spoke of the "Early and Latter Rain" which in Palestine was necessary for agricultural food production . In his sermon on the day of Pentecost, Peter quoted Joel declaring "This is that" of which Joel spoke. The Holy Spirit was outpoured on the early church on that day and at a number of other occasions throughout the book of the Acts. We live in what is known as the time of "The Latter Rain" when the Holy Spirit has been again outpoured upon the church in anticipation of the final harvest before the Lord's return.
When I was a boy, we visited my grandmother in Tennessee. I can remember a rainstorm different from those I was used to in Oregon where we lived. The rain (and the temperature) was warm, and all of the grandkids ran out into the yard to play in it. We laughed and shouted and had a great time. Would to God that we would respond in just that way when the Lord pours out His blessing during our services and in prayer around the altar. May we not run for shelter trying to stay "dry" but may we instead run out into the warm and refreshing presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst, allowing God to fill us to overflowing. The prophet Elijah declared "there is a sound of abundance of rain" to a wicked king in 1 Kings 18. There had been a drought for several years because of the wickedness in the land but God brought the people to a critical time of decision where the altar of the Lord was rebuilt, false prophets slain, and God's favor returned. After prayer and anticipation...God began to answer ...seemingly with a small cloud but for the prophet it was enough to engender faith that a downpour was emanant.
Housekeeping Notes
Camp meeting reminder - Please remember to register for Portland Camp meeting before June 15. Those under 18 without parent in attendance will need to complete guardian authorization papers signed by parents and pastor BEFORE camp.
Youth Camp - Potential YC counselors need to let the pastor know of their intentions by next weekend so he can inform the Camp Director. Campers need to complete their registration and payment (after fundraisers) by Sunday June 22 so they can be submitted to Portland by Camp meeting.
Ordinance Service - Tomorrow night we will be celebrating the Lord's Supper and the Washing of the Disciples' Feet. Plan to join us for this blessed time in the Lord.
Camp meeting is only 28 days away. Pray with expectation.
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
We began this morning's Youth Camp car wash fundraiser fairly warm with sunny skies. A number of kids and parents were there, and the Lord provided a number of cars to wash. But right before our eyes the temperature began to drop, the breeze intensified, and clouds began to roll in. Just after lunch I received a text from my granddaughter "The rain is starting" and a few minutes later "The rain is getting worse." Several put on jackets, stayed under the trees, or simply moved inside. Ultimately, we called it a day, and everyone worked together to clean up. Thanks to those who planned, helped, and brought their cars to support our young people.
This caused me to consider the chorus of a gospel song by the Gaither's which I heard some years ago. The lyrics went like this:
It's beginning to rain, hear the voice of my Father
He's saying, "Whosoever will come drink of my water"
He's promised to pour His Spirit out on your sons and your daughters
If you're thirsty and dry, look up to the sky, it's beginning to rain
While there are certainly sometimes (like during a car wash) that we don't want rain, from a spiritual perspective we must not run away from the spiritual rain which God desires to send our way. The prophet Joel spoke of the "Early and Latter Rain" which in Palestine was necessary for agricultural food production . In his sermon on the day of Pentecost, Peter quoted Joel declaring "This is that" of which Joel spoke. The Holy Spirit was outpoured on the early church on that day and at a number of other occasions throughout the book of the Acts. We live in what is known as the time of "The Latter Rain" when the Holy Spirit has been again outpoured upon the church in anticipation of the final harvest before the Lord's return.
When I was a boy, we visited my grandmother in Tennessee. I can remember a rainstorm different from those I was used to in Oregon where we lived. The rain (and the temperature) was warm, and all of the grandkids ran out into the yard to play in it. We laughed and shouted and had a great time. Would to God that we would respond in just that way when the Lord pours out His blessing during our services and in prayer around the altar. May we not run for shelter trying to stay "dry" but may we instead run out into the warm and refreshing presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst, allowing God to fill us to overflowing. The prophet Elijah declared "there is a sound of abundance of rain" to a wicked king in 1 Kings 18. There had been a drought for several years because of the wickedness in the land but God brought the people to a critical time of decision where the altar of the Lord was rebuilt, false prophets slain, and God's favor returned. After prayer and anticipation...God began to answer ...seemingly with a small cloud but for the prophet it was enough to engender faith that a downpour was emanant.
Housekeeping Notes
Camp meeting reminder - Please remember to register for Portland Camp meeting before June 15. Those under 18 without parent in attendance will need to complete guardian authorization papers signed by parents and pastor BEFORE camp.
Youth Camp - Potential YC counselors need to let the pastor know of their intentions by next weekend so he can inform the Camp Director. Campers need to complete their registration and payment (after fundraisers) by Sunday June 22 so they can be submitted to Portland by Camp meeting.
Ordinance Service - Tomorrow night we will be celebrating the Lord's Supper and the Washing of the Disciples' Feet. Plan to join us for this blessed time in the Lord.
Camp meeting is only 28 days away. Pray with expectation.
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
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