Day 174 "Testimonies bring great joy, and joy is something we all desire–share a little."

Day 174 Matthew 21:14-17 Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’?” Then He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and He lodged there. Have you ever wondered why we don't see more blind, lame, or sick people in the church today? Or have you noticed that in many churches today there seems to be little joy in worship? Could it be that the two go hand in hand? Bear with me a moment while I walk through this because, honestly, I'm not sure where this is going either. Let's look at those who are lame, blind, or disabled in some way. I can think of no one who would have a greater desire or would be more appreciative of a healing. Deliverance from bondage, whether it be physical or spiritual, causes great joy and celebration. When miraculous things are happening you cannot help but be excited. However, if you have little desire to receive and see few others with that desire, then the chances are there will be little cause for celebration. Let’s face it, if you are physically challenged, it can take a great amount of energy and sometimes even suffering to even come to a church service, and while, yes, fellowship is important, you can get the message on cd or listen on the Web or radio, so why go through the hassle and pain of going to church? However, if by chance there is a move of the spirit, if by chance people are seeing the miraculous, many of those same people who stay home for comfort’s sake would crawl to church in hope of a healing or a meeting with God. Those same people would be singing and praising the greatness of their creator rather than feeling somehow less than perfect in the eyes of Him and the people around them. When there are miraculous things going on in the church, people feel victorious, and they become eager to learn more of the Word; they desire to fellowship with other believers. They can't help but express their joy with nonbelievers, and the body continues to grow. Is this to say that without miracles we cannot have church? Of course not. I'm not only speaking of the miracles of healing. What about the accident that was avoided, or the bills that were paid, or the child that was born, or the job that came from seemingly nowhere? Yes, God is working in all our lives every day, but for some reason we have decided not to talk about it. Maybe we’re afraid of what people think or maybe the church doesn't want to be viewed as too charismatic–whatever the reason, they all have the ability to take the glory from God. Are you seeing God in the little things? Are you celebrating His faithfulness, and are you telling others about it? Good questions to ask ourselves today, are they not? Daily Prayer: Father, may we believers be excited about You. Help us, Lord, to see you in all things and share our joy with others without fear of ridicule. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. "Testimonies bring great joy, and joy is something we all desire–share a little." Pastor Gene Burroughs