A Church with a Heart for our Community

May 28th Thursday

Greetings to you in the beautiful, powerful, and wonderful name of Jesus Christ – THE Risen Saviour! What a lovely morning in the Kingdom as the gentle rain of Spring refreshes the world. It is most assuredly “the day that the Lord has made” for us…and I can see Him step back and look at us as He asks…”Well, what do you think about this ?” Our response is to “rejoice and be glad in it” and expect a surprise or two as the day unfolds. This morning I will be praying for you, asking Father to give you the declaration that you need today…if you need healing – He says that He is the Healer, if you are discouraged – He says that is our Hope…Living Hope, if we are fearful – He says that He is our strong tower, if we are lonely – He says that He will never leave you, if you are restless – He says that He is your Peace, if you are feeling empty – He says that He is the Bread of Life … He has an answer for every situation that we face.

This morning as I was reading Acts 2 – the reference to the prophecy of Joel caught my eye. I was reminded that before Joel 2: 28-30 can take place: I will pour out my Spirit… – God advises… “Even now,” declares the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. – Joel 2:12-13 NIV. It is interesting that before God releases revival through Holy Spirit, He expects that we make preparation by doing some inner spiritual work.  As it happens, that seems to be God’s way…He doesn’t give away Holy Spirit without the preconditions being met…read 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Perhaps that was part of the ten day waiting period between Ascension and Pentecost, not simply waiting but preparing. The act of preparation would require humbling oneself, examining, focusing on Him, repenting, praying, spending time with Him, listening to Him. and understanding Him.

We have only a few days before Pentecost Sunday…is there preparations we need to make as we wait? Is there someone that we need to forgive? Is there someone who we need to ask forgiveness of? Are there  decisions we need to make,adjustments to our priorities? Can we expect to fill-up on God without emptying ourselves of what is but clutter? Do we expect to receive more from God when we haven’t even thanked Him for what He has already given to us? These next few days could be used to do a little soul-searching, not simply waiting.

Something to think about — be blessed!