By John Broyles
Text: II Timothy 3:1-5
Lots of teams play - but most don't get the victory.
Jesus "endured the cross, despising the shame, for the joy that was set before Him." Jesus said satan was a murderer and a thief from the beginning. You need to know that although the devil instigates difficulties and death for many - children, the innocent, elderly, etc., they are not his real goal. His real goal is the Jews and the church... both of which are living proof of the perfect plan of God, that it's on course, destined for Heaven. God's Word is true!
You can have joy in the worst of circumstances. You need to learn how to trust Him and His Word. God is never surprised by current events, even though we may be. See Daniel 11:2, and then verses 36-45. Persia is modern day Iran. Three kings (melech = kings and kingdoms) stood up: kings; Ahasuerus, Darius, and Cyrus, (all mentioned in the Bible,) kingdoms; Parthian, Scythian, and Muslim. Google the funeral of the Ayatollah Khomeni - a new wave started from this point forward.
Know that the word isn't headed for a bed of roses. But know also that God's plan will prevail!
Even better than the victory that has already been won for us through the power of the Holy Ghost and the blood of the Lamb, is the joy of knowing, embracing, and becoming a part of His wondrous plan and purpose.
Political parties and the philosophies of men cannot solve the world's problems. God's intent for Israel was that they would be a nations of kings and priests. They failed - so He brought the church (Gentiles) into being to be kings and priests unto God. Through His Holy Spirit He gives us power to become the sons of God!
Editorial Note: John Broyles attends Faith Apostolic Church in Troy, Michigan, (Pastor Marvin Walker,) serving his local church in multiple capacities. He is the brother of Sis. Marjorie Kinnee and Sis. Jill Friedman.
Showing posts with label Joy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joy. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Thursday, February 28, 2013
The Seeds of Joy
Editorial by
Marjorie Kinnee
Text: Psalm 107:21-22 - "Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declate His works with rejoicing."
In a recent devotion, I read that the New Testament Greek word, chairo, is translated as both joy and grace. It's also the center of the Greek word for thanksgiving. The author suggested a connection and I began to ponder on the significance of this concept.
My mind drew a pathway between thanksgiving and joy and found it paved with grace. It came to me that the seeds of joy are implanted by and in a thankful heart, and, that thanksgiving is the soil in which joy grows best. I began to think about people I have known who displayed a heart of thanksgiving. To a man, (or woman,) each name and face that came to mind were persons of joy. It radiated from their faces and in their actions. What's more, many of the other "fruits of the Spirit" were also manifest in these joyful ones.
It appears as though I've stumbled onto a secret, that really isn't a secret at all! It does require a bit of "seek and ye shall find," but it's not hard to see once you know where to look. We know that Jesus is the Author of our joy, so when we begin to think on His goodness and grace toward us, our families, our friends, and in general; thanksgiving is artesian - it just springs up and flows out.
If joy springs up out of a thankful heart, it behooves us to begin to voice our gratitude. Once we convert our thinking into the thankfulness mode, the reasons to be thankful are like the spores of dandelions, prolific and broadcast on and by the slightest breeze. The Joy dishwashing soap people used a commercial some years ago. It simply said, "Your Joy Shows." How appropriate!
If you want to radiate the joy of the Lord to the lost and dying world around you, cultivate a heart of thanksgiving. It's the seedbed of your joy!
Marjorie Kinnee
Text: Psalm 107:21-22 - "Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declate His works with rejoicing."
In a recent devotion, I read that the New Testament Greek word, chairo, is translated as both joy and grace. It's also the center of the Greek word for thanksgiving. The author suggested a connection and I began to ponder on the significance of this concept.
My mind drew a pathway between thanksgiving and joy and found it paved with grace. It came to me that the seeds of joy are implanted by and in a thankful heart, and, that thanksgiving is the soil in which joy grows best. I began to think about people I have known who displayed a heart of thanksgiving. To a man, (or woman,) each name and face that came to mind were persons of joy. It radiated from their faces and in their actions. What's more, many of the other "fruits of the Spirit" were also manifest in these joyful ones.
It appears as though I've stumbled onto a secret, that really isn't a secret at all! It does require a bit of "seek and ye shall find," but it's not hard to see once you know where to look. We know that Jesus is the Author of our joy, so when we begin to think on His goodness and grace toward us, our families, our friends, and in general; thanksgiving is artesian - it just springs up and flows out.
If joy springs up out of a thankful heart, it behooves us to begin to voice our gratitude. Once we convert our thinking into the thankfulness mode, the reasons to be thankful are like the spores of dandelions, prolific and broadcast on and by the slightest breeze. The Joy dishwashing soap people used a commercial some years ago. It simply said, "Your Joy Shows." How appropriate!
If you want to radiate the joy of the Lord to the lost and dying world around you, cultivate a heart of thanksgiving. It's the seedbed of your joy!
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