“looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
Being full of the Joy of the Lord can be the determining factor in our lives in many areas. Whether we are defeated or victorious in our faith walk, and in life, depends greatly on our joy. When Jesus kept his eye on the joy that was set before Him, He was able to endure the Cross. That Joy enabled Him to endure the Cross!
Endurance is necessary in our faith walk because it is through faith and patience (endurance) that we inherit the promises of God (Hebrews 6:12), and the Joy of the Lord gives us the endurance we need to obtain the victory, and overcome the enemy’s opposition!
James 1:2-3 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” That’s an old English way of saying “…that the exercising of your faith produces a consistent endurance.”
Joy is an integral part of our faith walk, and it’s not very hard to get full of Joy! The Bible shows us how!
In I John 1:4, The Apostle John said, “And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” So, one way to be filled with joy is by reading and meditating on the written Word of God! It was gifted to us so that we could feed upon it, renew our minds with it, and our Joy would be Full!!
Another way to be filled with Joy is when we receive an answer to prayer! Jesus said, in John 16:24, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive,that your joy may be full!” The problem is not that God isn’t answering, it’s that too often people aren’t asking… “…ye have not, because ye ask not.” (James 4:2)
These are ways that we can receive Joy, maintain a heart full of Joy, and walk in Joy!
In this negative world JOY is necessary in order to stay above the disappointments and tragedies of life, and there is no Joy that promises Victory like the Joy of the Lord! The Joy of the Lord is Victory! Stay in Joy and you will one day be seated in the winner’s circle!
With Love,
Pastor Tom
Kingdom Business is Eternal, as are the rewards that come from God. If this ministry has been a blessing to you, please consider partnering with us in prayer, as the Lord leads you, or in financial support. Please visit our website at www.testamentoflove.org to learn more about this ministry! Luke 6:38