The Well
The Well |
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Connecting Hope to the Hurting | |
Tuesday
August 5, 2008
The apostles were at the Mount of Olives when this happened, so they walked
the half mile back to Jerusalem. Then they went to the upstairs room of the
house where they were staying. Here is the list of those who were present:
Peter,
John,
James,
Andrew,
Philip,
Thomas,
Bartholomew,
Matthew,
James (son of Alphaeus),
Simon (the
Zealot), and
Judas (son of James).
They all met together continually for
prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the
brothers of Jesus.
Acts 1:12-13
I can almost hear what you are thinking…"Okay Sharon, where's the inspiration of these verses?" Well, go back and read it again. All the people who truly loved Jesus were gathered in one room. Think about that! From that small group of people…untold zillions of people have since come to love Him.
You know, we sometimes dread spending one hour of dedication to Him on Sunday morning…can you imagine being isolated together for "days" of prayer? I am talking – days – of – prayer! Not one little short time of getting together to pray, but to spend days p-r-a-y-i-n-g. Maybe we need to rethink what we expect to receive from gathering together in His name.
When I worshiped with the folks at Gardendale's First Baptist Church there was only one thing I dreaded – for the services to end! The Presence of God was usually so real that when it came time for the service to end I just wanted to sit and bask in all that had transpired. The combination of praise and worship songs and the powerful way the Word of God was preached just made me want more. It was sort of like a meal at Thanksgiving – you're full – yet, you know there is more for you – if you just had room.
Unfortunately, we live in a real world where the majority of folks just can't break away from their responsibilities and get together like these people did. So, what can we do? We can stay connected through constant prayer.
When we first got our "cable" connection to the internet I was blown away. I just didn't understand how we could be "constantly connected" to the internet. However, it didn't take me long to discover that the connection often breaks down. Even though "most of the time," while I am busy writing, cleaning house, counseling people, or whatever – email continues to come into my computer. Then, when I have a few moments I take the time to read it and respond. Prayer is that way; even though we are busy doing other things, we can stay connected through the power of the Holy Spirit's interceding to us with the Father! However, at times, that connection can break down if we don't stay connected to Him! Is that awesome or what?
This truth helped me understand more than ever that God is constantly monitoring my life. He is constantly with me. It is true with you as well. However, too many of us still have dial-up connections and taking the time to connect – well; our day is just too full!
Father, I thank You for teaching us that all people were accepted into that special meeting place, but only those who knew You intimately were there. Help us recognize that we can stay continuously connected without going upstairs or to special meeting places all the time. You are present with us 24/7, all we have to do is be still and honor that truth!
