I really liked Selwyn’s introduction, it follows on from what I was saying yesterday.
“The joy of a Christian can be considered part of the armour of a Christian. Sin insinuates itself more easily into a downcast heart. Jealousy and envy find lodging quickly in a heart that knows no joy. Jesus’ gift of joy secures us against the sins that might trick us. His overflowing joy leaves His followers and apprentices envious of one one. Instead of wanting what others have, they long to share the treasure they have found.”
The reading for today is also good, especially these six verses, John 16:19-24 (NLT): “Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, “Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won’t see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world.
So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. … “
Notice, that no one can rob you of the joy that arises from knowing, and believing in, our resurrected Lord.
Jesus’ love for us was, and continues to be demonstrated to us through His cross; and, as we follow Him – some two thousand years after that event – we can still have the confidence that His love for us, never ceases. He watches over us, and cares for us - every, living day - do you believe this?
Joy – the Christian’s armour
I really liked Selwyn’s introduction, it follows on from what I was saying yesterday.
“The joy of a Christian can be considered part of the armour of a Christian. Sin insinuates itself more easily into a downcast heart. Jealousy and envy find lodging quickly in a heart that knows no joy. Jesus’ gift of joy secures us against the sins that might trick us. His overflowing joy leaves His followers and apprentices envious of one one. Instead of wanting what others have, they long to share the treasure they have found.”
The reading for today is also good, especially these six verses, John 16:19-24 (NLT): “Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, “Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won’t see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world.
So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. … “
Notice, that no one can rob you of the joy that arises from knowing, and believing in, our resurrected Lord.
Jesus’ love for us was, and continues to be demonstrated to us through His cross; and, as we follow Him – some two thousand years after that event – we can still have the confidence that His love for us, never ceases. He watches over us, and cares for us - every, living day - do you believe this?