Greetings in the name of Jesus, “the Messiah” (John 1:47) – THE Crucified and Risen Saviour ! What a beautiful morning in the Kingdom – in spite of the frosty coating we started with. I will be praying for you today, asking Father to manifest his mercy and grace to you in ways that you can uniquely and personally understand.
This is a special day – “Ascension Day”, when we acknowledge that Jesus left his disciples and ascended to heaven to allow them to prepare for the ‘next act’ – “Pentecost.” I have been reading through the book of Acts, trying to catch fresh insights. One thing that has struck me was the desire and willingness to nurture God’s presence through the Holy Spirit. It seems that the disciples and followers were always wanting to gather and worship and pray and witness — as a corporate body. What a contrast to what happens in these days – we leave the house of God on Sunday and often don’t see each other until the next Sunday.
I know that we are “busy” and we have responsibilities – schedules – families – employment – health issues – places to go and things to see. I know we can and do worship at home – but what happened to the ‘fellowship of believers’? What happened to: being in one place – being of one accord – experiencing a oneness – praying together – worshipping together? What happens when God comes close in a worship gathering and we bask in the glory of His presence? Do we look for the next opportunity to gather together and build upon what we were allowed to participate in? Or, do we go off in our own direction and analyse/dissect/define what God has said we cannot do because His ways/thoughts are not ours?
I wonder what God must think of how I (we) steward His presence and power and the spiritual gifts and signs and wonders and miracles. I wonder if God thinks to himself: “what will it take for him (them) to be impressed?” I wonder what would happen in my life if every time I question- doubt – avoid – criticize…the “church” … God tapped me on the shoulder and simply said: “It is not nice to treat ‘yourself’ that way — you, my son, are the church!”
Something to think about – Be blessed!