Joy Unspeakable
Acts 5:12-16 (NIV) 12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.
What an exciting time in the life of the church. The supernatural move of God in the lives of these new believers was wonderful and inspiring. To possess enough faith to expect healing from Peter’s shadow, and then to actually receive it, is something we can scarcely comprehend. Yet, Luke tells us all of the sick were healed.
This extraordinary period in the church served to validate the movement of the Holy Spirit and pointed the people to God. There was an expectation that God would meet the needs of all who came, and He did. Lives were changed and the Church continued to grow.
Let me ask you something. When you enter your church, do you do so with the expectation that you will experience an encounter with God? Are you actively taking part in praise? You don’t like the music? Then use that time to pray. Praise God and offer your whole self to Him. Don’t ask Him for anything except to use you. When the preaching begins, remain fully engaged. Look up the scripture in your Bible. Take notes. Commit to God that your mind will not wander, but you will connect with Him on a deeply personal level. Understand the importance of corporate worship and the gathering of like-minded people who all seek to be in God’s presence.
May we begin to experience the excitement and growth of the early church, and may we never say, “I didn’t get anything out of church today.” Instead, let us enter His courts with praise and leave with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Seeking Holiness 