The Power of Joy

I’m continuing to share a few devotions I’m writing from Acts for Cross Points Church…enjoy!

I’ve got the JOY!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law.  -Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

Joy.

It’s the one word that kept going through my head as I read the story of the lame man healed at the aptly named Beautiful Gate (Acts 3-4). You see it everywhere you look. You see it in Peter and John. You see joy in the lame man. You see joy in those who witness his healing. You see Joy in the members of the church.

Why?

Well, beyond the fact it would be difficult not to have a natural amount of joy in those circumstances, it’s further proof of the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Peter and John were full of the Holy Spirit, and we can measure it through their fruit (according to Galatians 5).

Peter and John walked in joy throughout the entire process because they were full of Spirit. They were full of the Spirit and joy when things were good (lame man is healed and hundreds are coming to Christ). They are full of the Spirit and joy when things are bad (standing in front of the high council – the same group who sentenced Jesus to death).

Earlier, I shared 4 things the disciples did to be full of the Spirit. We see the same for things in action here:

1. Together. Peter and John, then the entire church were in this together.
2. Study. Again, we see Peter and the church quote scripture in order to share the Gospel, pray and defend the faith.
3. Pray. While I’m sure Peter and John were praying in prison, the entire group seeks God for His favor in this new era of life.
4. Act. Peter is “full of the Holy Spirit” and speaks boldly to the council. He acts. He is filled and moves forward.

Combined all of this works to fill the early church with the Holy Spirit, power and subsequently the fruit of the Spirit. This week, work to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ask God for this filling of power. Expect to see His fruit manifest in your life!