I once knew an old pastor who loved the Lord so
Preaching from God’s Word, his face would start to glow
The Holy Spirit would descend transforming his looks
As he taught from the Bible’s many treasured books
Out of the depths of his heart the Word came alive
Imparting mere words with a power to revive
One could reach out and grab hold of God’s grace
Then God’s glory would descend to fill the hallowed place
Just like King David he had a heart after God
Affecting many lives as they walked this earth’s sod
He made a great difference in the lives of men
Turning people from hell toward a path to heaven
Debbie Furey
March 9, 2021
Hebrews 4:12-13 – “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
Jeremiah 3:15 – “Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.”
John 6:63 – “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.”
1 Samuel 13:13-14 Proverbs 8:17-21
Jeremiah 31:33-34 1 Corinthians 2:1-4
It was in the late 1970s that I went to a Pentecostal service every Monday night for many years to hear this man of God preach. He would come from his church in Ohio to speak weekly at a church in Pittsburgh. Maybe you’ve heard of him, his name was Pastor David Verzilli. Only God knows the difference he made in my life and many others as well. When I left his service every week, I was filled to overflowing with the sense of being in the Presence of God. He went beyond just giving information when he preached and taught. He imparted the life, love and grace of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit into the people there. Pastor Verzilli was anointed to give out God’s grace because he was filled with the glory of God. It showed on his face. You can’t give out what you don’t possess.
He came to my mind this morning during my time of prayer. This man of God passed away over 10 years ago. It could be said of him that he made God’s Word come alive because God’s Word was alive in him. What greater compliment could a person have?