30 Days of Prayer, Day 3: Glad and Sincere Hearts

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the LORD added to their number daily those who were being saved.  Acts 2:42-47

This passage of scripture paints a beautiful picture of the early Christian church, and when I read it, I can’t help but be reminded of the history of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Mbale.  Beginning with only a few members meeting in a home in the Namatala slum, in 11 years the Ebenezer family has grown to have over 400 people in worship on Sundays.  The faithful obedience of church leadership and members, the sincere hope they have in Christ gives glory to God and bears the fruit of new believers.  Their witness as a church begins with the way they love one another, and the way the Lord has added to their number is truly inspiring.  We are confident that, as Ebenezer continues to grow and a church building is constructed, many more people will come to know the saving grace of Jesus.

Heavenly Father, we praise your merciful and holy name.  We thank you for your faithfulness to Ebenezer Baptist Church, the wonderful way you have grown their family of believers.  We trust in your provision and we rejoice in the sufficiency of your grace.  Help us to remember that our collective witness as a church begins with how we show love and sincerely care for one another.  Help us to seek You and Your word as our guide.  Amen.