Exuberant and Joyful: CHALLENGE

Acts 2:46-47 says:

“They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.” (Message)

As we approach Christmas, I wonder, how many of us are living out this passage each day?

I know I am not celebrating every meal. And, I know I am not joyful each day, although God has given me reasons to be joyful.

I get too caught up in the daily challenges and struggles which I allow to steal that joy away from me. I get in a hurry, even though I have no specific time line to keep. I wonder, how many others let the pace of the world take their eyes off Jesus, and it steals their joy?

Unfortunately this year, there were many days when very few people who saw me would have wondered what I had that they didn’t have.

This year I think I have done a better job of spending time with God each day, but I am not sure that I have translated that time into a lifestyle of peace and joy that would do a good job of reflecting the light of Christ to those around me. It is that reflection of Christ that allows God to add to the numbers being saved.

It is time to stop focusing on all of the issues that the world throws at us and focus on what God gives to us to deal with those issues. How would our lives be different if each day started with the acknowledgement that we have the peace and joy of Christ in full measure in our hearts, and that every challenge we are going to have will have God All Mighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth as our partner?

I am going to challenge myself to live out this passage over the next year. I want more God in me and less of the world. I want to be more worship-full and less stressed. I want to share and celebrate more meals with fellow believers, family and friends. I might even have a few with my neighbors.

I want to become the person that God has called me to be and see what wondrous things He will do for those around me - if I just strive to put Him first each day!

Maybe it will make a difference in my corner of the world.

“They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.” (Acts 2:46-47 Message)

Would you be willing to take the same challenge? Together we can be a force for good in our communities and the people around us will “like what they see” and God can add daily to the number of believers.

PLEASE: Let us know if you are taking this challenge! Also let us know when you have results – so we can celebrate God’s wondrous blessings every time they happen!