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Knowing that life can present us with challenges and obstacles that affect our being, we can always go for a shot of encouragement. God wants us to lift one another up and it is our prayer that you will be challenged and encouraged by our weekly note. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
One Word Resolution For The New Year January 13, 2006 Since it is the start of a New Year I have been thinking about resolutions and goals. I did not feel the need to lose twenty pounds, start a new exercise program, or submit myself to some other regulated set of restrictions, so I passed on the resolutions. Then one day last week I hear someone give an alternative to the oft’ broken resolutions. It is to focus on one word for the coming year (such as patience, grace, moderation, etc) and try to improve in that one area of your life. Sounds good to me! Lately I have been thinking about one thing that truly baffles me about those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. When I think about the impact that the Christian faith had in the first century and then consider the fading influence we now have, I ask myself if there is one thing that has diminished the effectiveness of our walk. Maybe it is stated best in Acts 13:52 where Luke writes, ‘And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Why is joy so lacking in the lives of believers? Many people are so busy living life that they are run down. Others are dealing with physical, mental, social and family challenges which drain their joy. Others fail to understand what they should be joyful about. The apostle Paul experienced this when he wrote to the believers in Galatia saying, ‘What has happened to all your joy (Galatians 4:15)?’ God’s Word talks a lot about joy. It is an attitude that exudes irrespective of circumstances. Joy attracts people by its absence in so many lives. Joy is one of the overflowing characteristics of one who is filled with the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Joy does not bounce around in blind glee, but delights in the knowledge of God’s love, mercy, and grace. Joy is infectious and needs to be given away. As I think of the means of encouraging you on a weekly basis, I think sometimes I just need to get out of the way and let God’s Word encourage. With that though in mind, consider the following verses as just a glimpse of what is said about this needed element of our lives: · If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:10,11 · May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 · If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my (your) joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Philippians 2:1,2 · Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:24 · Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2 · Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Neh. 8:10 · Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
William Barclay once stated that a gloomy Christian is a contradiction in terms, and nothing in all religious history has done Christianity more harm than its connection with black clothes and long faces. Personally, I intend to not only focus my own life in joy this year, but also to challenge others to glory in the joy the Lord has given them. Joy, it has been said, is the flag that flies over the castle of our hearts announcing that the King is in residence today.
For the Praise of His Glory, Tom |
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