Monday, May 13, 2013

Week 4: The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength, Day 2: Surprised by Joy

Today’s Treasure: Luke 10:21, “At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.”

We receive joy when we discover the one perfect treasure – Jesus Christ! The joy of discovery, the joy of finding our Lord and Savior in every circumstance of our life. James 1:2, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,” How can we consider it joy when facing trials? We consider it joy because the trials mature and develop us so that we are not lacking in any way.

The story of Stephen, the first martyr, is an amazing encouragement to us that even in our worst struggles, we must see Jesus. Stephen, while being stoned for his belief in Christ, saw the heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. Just to see Jesus – oh what JOY!!!

I have JOY UNSPEAKABLE because I know God is always with me!!

Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Women of God, we must seek Him with all of our heart – that’s when we will find Him; the joy of discovering Jesus Christ!!

Week 4: The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength, Day 1: Joy’s Bedrock

Today’s Treasure: Psalm 43:3-4, “Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight.”

The greatest reason for rejoicing is knowing that our names are written in heaven (Luke 10:17-20). The source of David’s joy is God’s salvation (Psalm 51:12).

God is my joy and my delight. It is because of His grace that I rejoice daily. My joy is not predicated on my circumstances; it is based on the fact God loves me – He loved me enough to send His only son to die for me. That brings me JOY!