This blog was written by Leann Woelk as part of the CPC22 Undivided Series. Our hope through these reflections by ministry leaders is that they would prepare your hearts to hear from God while you’re at CPC in person or CPC+ online. You can listen to the whole CPC22 playlist here on Spotify.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary one definition of the word fresh is “experienced, made, or received newly or anew”.
Read the words below and take a moment to remember a time when you experienced these tangible items:
Fresh coffee
Fresh bread
Fresh laundry
I hope those thoughts give you fond memories of meeting with a friend, gathering with family, or even just how a task can be satisfying in our everyday lives.
Now read the words below and think of a time in your life and ministry when you experienced these moments:
Fresh perspective
Fresh vision
Fresh start
Reflecting and Looking Forward
As we head towards the end of the year, it’s a time when we often reflect on the past and look to the future for something new.
I’ve been listening to the CPC22 Playlist and it includes the song, “Fresh Wind” by Hillsong Worship. The song is so full of scriptures that turned me towards a fresh perspective and vision for the coming year.
When listening to the song, I was reminded of the verses in Isaiah 43:18-19a that say:
“But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?”
God wants to do something “fresh” in your life and ministry in the next year.
Meditating on the Lyrics & Scripture
Read the lyrics from “Fresh Wind” below and delight in the Word of God throughout this song. Take time to pause and ask the Lord how each Scripture applies to you and your ministry.
Spirit sound, rushing wind
“And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.” – Acts 2:2
Breathe on us
“Again he said, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.’ Then he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” – John 20:21-22
Repent and turn from sin
“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah.” – Acts 3:19-20
Fan into flames
“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.” – 2 Timothy 1:6
The fragrance of heaven
“Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.” – 2 Corinthians 2:15
Pour your spirit out
“‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. – Acts 2:17
Refiners fire
“So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 1:7
City bright
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14
Sons and daughters
“And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.” – 2 Corinthians 6:18
Conclusion
Whether you are sitting in your living room or with thousands of people at CPC22 hearing and singing this song, the Holy Spirit wants to meet with you. He wants to revive the dreams in your heart and give you the fresh vision for leading your ministry in this new year.
As you listen to these words sung over you, may you experience the Holy Spirit as a fresh wind to fan into flames the spiritual gifts God has given you to lead your volunteers.
May you be reminded that you are a son and daughter who shines like a city on a hill and you are His masterpiece, created anew in Christ Jesus so you can do the good things He planned for you to do long ago (Ephesians 2:10).
May the Holy Spirit pour into you so you can fulfill the calling on your life and pour into children and families.
About Leann
As a wife, mother, and leader in the ministry of children, Leann has been serving churches, camps and conferences with enthusiasm for over 30 years with whimsical creativity and thrifty practicality. Her desire is to care for the hearts of those who are on the front lines of ministry. She partners with Children’s Ministry Specialists and their churches to provide training, support and care for them and their ministry.
