This morning I'm having a hard time gathering my thoughts together. My mind is just 'running' and I'm not sure the cause of this. The past couple of days have been good. I have been invited by the local hospital pastoral care staff to give assistance (if/when needed) to patients and families going through crisis. I'm excited about the connections that will be made through this partnership... and also because caring for folks in this way is a part of who I am and what I bring to pastoral ministry. This week I was also invited into the lives of some of those within the congregation. There has been no major "thing" (thing - a very large miscellaneous category) that has been on my mind... as far as crisis is concerned.
Have you ever found it difficult to just relax... to empty your mind and relax your body? It's almost like the motor continues to run and can't shut off. Even when life is good I guess the stress of everyday life can take its toll if not controlled. My reading took me to Romans chapter 8. In this chapter I read of the freedom that comes through the work of Holy Spirit. There's also a lot said about the mind... the difference between a mind controlled by a person's sinful nature and God's Holy Spirit. The biggest difference to me is stated in verse 6, "The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;...".
So let me ask myself: Self, are you killing yourself by having the mind of sinful man; or are you submitting your mind to God's Holy Spirit to bring you life and peace?

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.

Today is Easter and I rejoice in the resurrection of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I experienced God in an exciting way today. I left to go to the church early this morning and spent about an hour just in prayer, kneeling at the altar. I spent time praising God... for God is worthy of all praise. I spent time confessing my faults and shortcomings. I sought God's comfort for those I knew who were hurting. I prayed for God's Holy Spirit to touch people's lives today as I shared the message that was on my heart. Speaking of the message... much of the time today was simply sharing my personal testimony. The thing is I didn't originally intend to do that.
In the book "The Great Commandment Principle" author David Ferguson describes the two major problems that affect each and every one of us: a sin problem and an aloneness problem. My relationship with God is impacted by my relationships with the people around me; and vice verse. Today in my time of prayer I cried out to God for a deepening of my relationship with Him and with those around me. I've found that many times I can become encapsulated by the things going on around me to the point that I become isolated... and sometimes even numb to the hurt that is around me. When this happens relationships become distant and my heart grows tired and lonely. I can feel like no one understands... and my compassion level for others is greatly affected. I'm excited about the time God and I had in prayer today. It's amazing how God will help put things in perspective in my life. I know I shouldn't be amazed... it's just a part of how God works in our lives... but I am! Today brings back a song from my childhood, "Have a Little Talk with Jesus."