40 Days of Prayer-Day 35

40 Days of Prayer-Day 35

Happy Thanksgiving!

Being a part of a small Christian fellowship group is important to our growth into the fullness of Christ. The 12 disciples were in a close personal fellowship group with Christ and each other for 3 ½ years. However, this alone was not enough to bring about the changes necessary for them to grow into the fullness of Christ. There was dissention and strife among them. Luke 22:24. Later, however, the disciples experienced a dramatic change. What happened? They received the baptism of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Thereafter, they continued in doctrine and fellowship, eating and praying  and praising God together from house to house. Acts 2:42, 46-47.  It is the baptism of the Holy Spirit  among members of the fellowship groups that is essential for the group to grow as God intends.  It is the Spirit that gives to every man to profit therefrom. To one the Spirit gives wisdom, to another knowledge, to another faith, to another the gift of healing, to another working miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another diverse languages, to another the interpretation of diverse languages. But all are given to work together, just as the different parts of one body work together. 1 Cor. 12:7-12. We grow as we stay in close intimate relationship with other spirit –filled believers and we are able to experience the gifts given to others for our benefit. PRAYER: Father baptize us with your Holy Spirit and bring truth and revival into our lives and our churches. Bless our efforts to become part of a small fellowship group and use us for the benefit of others in our group. I have been weakened by my sinful condition. Turn me from sin and strengthen me with might by your Holy Spirit in the inner man.