Spreading Joy

“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. When crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city” (Acts 8:4-8).

The people were scattered because great persecution broke out against the church. This is directly following the stoning of Stephen who was full of the Holy Spirit. He was one of the seven who the 12 disciples chose to help in the distribution of food to allow them to give attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. The Scripture says, “He was full of God’s grace and power, and did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people”(Acts 6:1). Stephen was eventually put before the Sanhedrin and falsely accused of blasphemy. He spoke the Word of God boldly. It cut right to the heart. People were called out and convicted. Their hearts were hardened and they were furious. “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep.” The Spirit of God had to be in control of Stephen for him to pray not to hold this sin against them. When the Spirit of God is in control, you will do things that are in direct opposition of what the world would convince you to do.

It seems impossible for the early believers, who were experiencing persecution, imprisonment, martyrdom, while running and being scattered, would be the very ones responsible for bringing great joy to Samaria. Joy is always the hallmark of churches in the midst of revival. H. Elvet Lewis, describes a season of rejoicing in Wales during the 1817 revival: “One day even, while busy haymaking, someone started singing a hymn to himself, another joined in, and another, until the whole band of haymakers, forgetful for a while of their toil, became a band of praying, singing worshipers. This revival continued for three or four years and its influence on the Snowdon district has been carried on to this day. An old survivor, being asked whether he could recall any signs preceding and heralding this revival, replied that he could remember nothing ‘except, that the air for months seemed full of brotherly kindness and love.’”

The joy of the believer knows no bounds. When was the last time you broke out in song and someone out of the blue joined in with you? Ok, maybe you don’t feel comfortable singing in strange places. For some, there may be people thanking you for not doing that. Instead of singing, how about sharing what the Lord is doing in your life? We should not confine our testimony to the church building. Everywhere we go should be an opportunity to spread the love of Jesus. Who knows what will come of the joy you spread by sharing your spiritual journey. Too often we are quick to share other things or miss an opportunity to get in life-changing conversations. Take heart, God will give you the words to say. If you have nothing to share, He will give you a new heart and transform your life through the power of His Spirit. Then you won’t be able to hold it in.

I need to tell you about Noah Wyatt. He is the 12 year old little boy who has spina bifida. He is the kind of kid who always shares what God is doing and is all about ministering the grace of God wherever he is. I have heard of many stories where he would share the spirit and attitude of Jesus with the nurses and doctors in the midst of several surgeries.This Sunday, he and his family will be coming to our service after a small vacation we were able to send them on. Plan to come on Sunday as we honor our graduates and meet the Wyatt family.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike
www.findlayfirstnaz.org