mepastormike

Let me tell you what I experienced yesterday evening with the men's group from our church... We began with prayer (personal and then corporate). Afterwards we reflected on a devotional from Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost for His Highest." Then we entered into a discussion on fasting. It was a joy for me as each man there participated in the discussion and shared thoughts, opinions, we read Scripture, and looked at reference material. The joy came as we were able to ask difficult questions and share experiences openly and honestly. It was a sign of growth for the men present. I came away with a deeper understanding within my self as to the reasons I fast, how I fast... as well as probing questions to consider further. For me personally I fast as a way of worship to my God.
My reading this morning took me to Acts, chapter 2, when the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost. What really stood out to me this morning was how the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to communicate the "wonders of God" in a way that was understood by the people around. Not everyone was able to accept what was being told and seemed to have quickly dismissed what God was revealing (boy, have I been in that place before... not being able to receive God's Word/revelation). The chapter also shared how the message became relevant to those who heard by the believers living out the love of God through the saving Grace of Christ as they "devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
I find myself living in a sense of expectancy of what God will do through the power of His Holy Spirit. Thank you, God, for your Holy Spirit. I pray I will be able to receive your Word and the revelation of your power. - Amen.