Gladness of Heart

~~~ Acts. 14: 5-18 ~~~ Ps. 115 ~~~ John 14: 21-26 ~~~

"The gods have come down to us in human form."

The people of Lystra were confused by Paul's ability to heal...gifted to him through the Holy Spirit. These people were only doing what they thought right and just at the time. even though they were misguided they intended no harm.

Paul and Barnabas immediately  recognized that the people needed

to be evangelized into a new way of thinking.

The disciples educated the people about the living God,

 'who made heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them.'

They go on to proclaim how this living God

'filled them with nourishment and gladness in their hearts.'

Worshipping a golden idol would never have the ability

to fill their hearts with gladness.

Paul and Barnabas were living examples of what it meant to have your heart filled with gladness. They were on fire for the Lord...proclaiming the good news...their healing ability was directly related to their heart full of gladness for the Lord.

when you are filled with gladness for the Lord you want to break out in dance and song. It is not possible to contain true gladness of heart.

Gladness of the heart radiates through your eyes...it is detectable...it is undeniable.

I have witnessed it first hand myself especially

at the end of a retreat weekend experience.

When you love God and he comes to dwell within your very being...gladness of heart keeps you nourished by the Lord.

The Holy Spirit is constantly filling our hearts with gladness for the Lord.

I invite you to share this gladness of heart with those around you...

if not in words then at least in how you look into the face of those you meet today.

Gandhi said, "If you do not find God in the nest person you meet,

it is a waste of time looking further."

He Puts Gladness in Our Heart

Acts 3: 13-15, 17-19 ~~~ Psalm 4 ~~~ 1John 2: 1-5a ~~~ Luke 24: 35-48

We are reminded again of the promises from God to his chosen people passed down for many years. God brings forth his promises no matter what; so repent now and be converted that your sins may be wiped away.

Peter makes a strong accusation, ‘the author of life you put to death...’

An author takes pride and ownership over what he or she creates. To be accused of killing the one who authors life it pretty strong language. In spite of what was done God intervened and made all things right again. The words of the prophets had to be fulfilled.

The Lord answers when we call...he does wonders for his faithful one...the light of his face shines upon us...he puts gladness in our heart and brings us to a peaceful sleep. (Psalm 4)

All of these things confirm what Paul teaches...we do indeed have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ. He came in fulfillment of the scriptures to wipe out all our sin. And Paul wants us to know that God accepts our weakness, and wants us to know that he will act as our ‘defense attorney’.

We can never hear he stories from the upper room too many times. The more I hear them and let them sink into my heart the more real they become. I can take myself there. I can hear Jesus saying, ‘Peace be with you.’

Jesus reminds them... The words of the prophets had to be fulfilled.

He reminds them that their part of the prophecies is to go forth from the upper room and preach the forgiveness of sins in his name to all nations.

The continuation of the prophecies was now up to them.

At the end of each liturgical service we too are sent forth in fulfillment of the prophecies. We too are to spread the message of forgiveness and unconditional love.

I challenge you to tell just one person today the Jesus loves them and forgives them.