Lisa Notes: One reason to be in a small group

One reason to be in a small group

Ed asked us to pick out songs last night for our small group’s time of singing. Jenna made a great list, including one of her favorite songs, “Holy Spirit Rain Down.” [Listen here by Broken—you will be moved.]

So we sang.

Holy Spirit rain down rain down
Oh comforter and friend how we need Your touch again
Holy Spirit rain down rain down
Let Your power fall let Your voice be heard
Come and change our hearts as we stand on Your word
Holy Spirit rain down

And I thought, “But how?”

How is the Spirit a comforter and friend—to the man in our group in back pain? To the single mom packing up to move again? To any of us who with any number of problems?

So I asked.

It’s part of the beauty of a small group. Even when you know what the right answer is supposed to be, you can still ask for a more thorough explanation.

And you get answers.

One at a time, each from their own perspective. John read a few verses from Radical, quoting Jesus in Mark and Luke—when we ask for help, we get the Spirit himself. Kim told how people in the flesh can show up to help someone in pain. Ed told how the pain from losing his mother helped him empathize with a young man who was fresh in his own similar pain.

My question was answered: one way the Spirit’s presence helps is He shows up through His people. He uses our hands and mouths and hearts to minister to others in their pain.

No eye has seen no ear has heard
No mind can know what God has in store
So open up heaven open it wide
Over Your church and over our lives
Holy Spirit rain down rain down

The Spirit rains down. In many ways. In many places.
Including in my small group.

Holy Spirit, rain down.

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Comments (21)

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JBR · 688 weeks ago

Thank you for sharing. I was inspired by this post. Amen. Blessings.

1 reply · active 688 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 688 weeks ago

This is most interesting that you landed here--JustBeReal...

You couldn't have known this, but the guy in our group with the back pain--the one who made me think the most to ask "But how???"--is the one always inspiring us to "keep it real." Yes, let's. Thank you.

Praying for us today to just be real with each other, with God.
My recent post One reason to be in a small group

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barbarah 65p · 688 weeks ago

I always love hearing what God is doing in people's lives, and it's amazing how often it coordinates with something going on in our own -- maybe not the same circumstances, but the same need for grace and mercy and help, and the same God to supply it.
My recent post The Week in Words

1 reply · active 688 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 688 weeks ago

Yes, God is so consistent. It's such a magnificent trait. Seeing how he consistently provides for others encourages me too--he will provide for me as well. The details may differ, but the God does not.
My recent post One reason to be in a small group

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Julie · 688 weeks ago

amen...it is so hard to grasp...even visualize...for me!...that the Holy Spirit is living INSIDE ME!! all the time...present ...wherever I go....HE is there. so it makes sense what you are saying today..if the Holy Spirit is living in every SINGLE one of God's redeemed children...then He MUST operate through THEM!.. as another song also goes - we are His hands and His feet...we are "the body" that travels and takes the Holy Spirit to others. That relates to your previous post, now that I think about it...JUST GO! ...next time I hesitate to do something, I will be prompted to remember I am the carrier of the Holy Spirit who may be trying to minister to someone, If I will allow - cooperate - NOT make excuses....(like Moses!) :-) a post that made me ponder...THANKS Lisa!! Hugs to you. Have a Merry Monday!! xoxo
My recent post Merry Monday and a GREAT idea...

1 reply · active 688 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 688 weeks ago

It is quite a remarkable phenomenon that the Holy Spirit is actually in us. I can't understand at all. But I like it. :-) Carriers of the Holy Spirit--nice way to put it, Julie.
My recent post One reason to be in a small group

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journeytoepiphany 45p · 688 weeks ago

You are making me miss small groups so much. I do have a ladies Bible Study, but I think I need to focus on being more relational. Thank you for the reminder. btw I love that song too!

1 reply · active 688 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 688 weeks ago

So you're reminding me that I don't need to take my small group for granted. I do love the relational nature of it; I do better when I have a group like that in my life.

My recent post One reason to be in a small group

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Bobbi · 688 weeks ago

Very neat...how everyone shared something different but connected. I know what you mean about knowing what the right answer should be...but asking anyway gains us such depth!

1 reply · active 688 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 688 weeks ago

Yeah, I do benefit from hearing the perspectives of others. Even though we all believe basically the same, there are nuances that are good to hear.

My recent post One reason to be in a small group

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rupzip 73p · 688 weeks ago

I am really drawn to those people who are being used by God. I want to learn from them, watch them and emulate them. And I admit, that i just want some of what they have to 'rub off on me'

1 reply · active 688 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 688 weeks ago

I know. Those being most used by God have a pull on me too. Can faith be contagious? I believe, but I want to believe more....
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laura · 688 weeks ago

This is one of the reasons I love my small group, too, Lisa. It helps me so much to hear how others are processing through this journey, how the Spirit helps them along. And sometimes, when I am feeling weak, their stories are just the medicine I need.
My recent post Playdates with God: Budgeting Relationships, a Photoplay

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Lisa notes 103p · 688 weeks ago

Exactly, Laura. One of the ladies in our small group has been on a mission trip to the Philippines. We picked her up from the airport last night, and hearing the enthusiasm in her voice was just the spark I needed to consider another trip to El Salvador this summer. We have so much to learn from each other. So thankful the Lord puts the right people in our lives to spur us on.
My recent post One reason to be in a small group

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floyd · 688 weeks ago

I love that song... What wonderful harmonies by that group too.

It's tough to see the hand and will of God in our lives when we can only see a snapshot of our lives with the senses He's provided. We all get struggles, it's what we do with them that makes up the legacy of our lives. It' never easy, but with the hands of true family members of God, it's bearable. We show the world who and and where we are in life during the trials.

Glad to hear your in a good group. We haven't been in one in a few years. We tried one about six months ago, but it definitely wasn't right. I'm encouraged by your words to keep pursuing. Thanks Lisa.
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Kristin · 688 weeks ago

I love those small goups. My husband and I are in two of them and they have been such an ecouragement to us as we went through a story 5 years ago with a child. And now we can encourage others. We have felt the Holy Spirit's touch many times and many times through the people of small groups.
I would highly recomment everyone to be a part of one!
(visiting from Hear it on Sunday. . .)
My recent post Being Renewed

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Beth @ My Destiny · 688 weeks ago

I love that Lisa! I miss our small group. It grew too big and we had to branch out.

Thanks for sharing this. Very sweet.

Love,
Beth

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Jerralea · 688 weeks ago

Lisa, I love this post! We just sang "Holy Spirit Rain Down" not too long ago at church as well. I love that song!

I also get excited when the Holy Spirit shows up through His people ... even me!
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Dolly · 688 weeks ago

Oh, Lisa, this is so beautifully true...God shows up in small groups, like you shared, as we hear what He is doing in other people's lives...I am always blessed to hear about all the unique ways that He works in people's lives...

P.S. Thanks for your comment at my blog; FYI: for some reason, non-Disqus comments don't appear right away on my blog until after I reply etc. ...so sorry if you were wondering why.
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bekahcubed 18p · 688 weeks ago

I love this song as well--and am so thankful that our good Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask ("If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Luke 11:13)

I also couldn't help notice how this post "matches" your memory verse this week. The Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. Amen. Thank You, Lord, for giving us Your very self.
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izzysalbum 1p · 687 weeks ago

Our Sunday School class gets talking sometimes when questions like that are asked and we don't even get the lesson finished! Words from Christian friends soothe a questioning soul. God shows up everywhere, sometimes we just notice Him more!
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