Tag:

joy

Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory!

by TerryLema

Yesterday I said that James and I have differing views of experiencing “various trials” with great joy. While I might disagree initially with James (and that is only initially), I certainly agree with Peter’s “joy unspeakable and full of glory.” [KJV]

I like the way the Holman Christian Standard Bible translates it.  “You love Him, though you have not seen Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy.” [1 Peter 1:8 HCSB]

Joy! is often inexpressible, but oh, how glorious it is when we find it resident in our hearts in every and all circumstance!

It is difficult for those who do not know Christ Jesus to understand the kind of joy we have. As Peter reminds us, we have not seen Christ Jesus face-to-face and still we love Him. We have placed our trust in Him, and that trust generates a Joy! that is beyond measure. That Joy! reaches down deep, it takes root, and it grows and blossoms into an unshakable faith that no matter the outward appearances, Christ Jesus is in control.

That, of course, makes no sense to the world. How can we know, deeply know, that Christ Jesus is in control amid things that seem so out of control? It might not make sense to the world, but it certainly makes absolute sense to us. God has a purpose and a plan, and God has the authority and power over His creation to do exactly what He purposes and plans. That holds true for our individual lives as well as for this world.

And one day, this One we love so much now, this One we have not yet seen face-to-face will come for His own. Then our Joy! shall be forever in the light of His Glory and Grace. Amen & Amen, Come quickly, LORD Jesus!

0 comment
FacebookEmail

Consider it …

by TerryLema

“Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials.” [James 1:2 HCSB]

I must admit James and I have a different view of experiencing “various trials.” My first impression when a trial hits is to think, “Oh, no, not another one!”  I seldom immediately respond with “Oh joy! Another trial!”

But James does not say our initial response to a trial has to be excitement or enthusiasm. He says we are to “consider” or “count” our trials a great joy. (And notice he does not define the type of trials but leaves it open for all kinds.)

Our English words, consider or count, may not give justice to this Greek word. Consider in English means to ponder, contemplate, or think about.  The Greek word, however, comes from a root which means “to lead” or “to command.”

Joy is to take the lead into and through every trial. Think of it as the general leading an army into battle. There are many soldiers, and much equipment available for the fight, just as we have much at our disposal in Christ Jesus to win every battle we face. But at the head of every army is a general, one who leads, strategizes, and commands.

In our battles, that general is the Joy! that is resident in the Holy Spirit of God.  We face our battles with the knowledge that God will do something good in us through them. We will become stronger, more experienced, victorious, and able when we emerge from the trial. Knowing all that, Joy! leads us through the experience.

Looking back on my life, I see that I have always grown more in times of difficulties than in times of ease. Had I always allowed Joy! to lead I might have grown even more!

0 comment
FacebookEmail

Joy!

by TerryLema

This year, 2020, has accentuated the need for certain traits, some of which are strength, endurance, and patience. The virus and fear pandemic, the combative election, the media (in all shapes and forms), the anger in our streets, the slam on any kind of “patriotism,” and a host of other trials have made personal strength, everyday endurance, and patience needed qualities just to get through each day.

Paul, in his letter for the Colossian church prayed for those exact qualities. But first, Paul prayed that God would fill these beloved followers of Christ with the knowledge of God’s will, His wisdom and spiritual understanding. He said they would need those things to have a walk that was worthy of their LORD so they might please Him and bear fruit. Then he asked for that strength, endurance, and patience that is needed every day.

“May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy.” [Colossians 1:11 HCSB]

We might call strength, endurance, and patience “The Big Three!” We need that big three if we are going to not just survive the circumstances of life, but thrive in them. We cannot face the battles of life without them. We cannot love people as we should without them. We cannot walk daily through pain, grief, doubt, discouragement, or loss without them.

But, may I add, if we focus solely on gaining strength, practicing endurance, and finding patience, we may see that as drudgery. We may allow it to become a chore, a toil, a daily grind. So, Paul adds another little word to his prayer and exhortation – JOY!

Joy! is the atmosphere of our strength, our endurance, and our patience. It sets the parameters of our heart’s desires. Joy! intercedes when the daily struggles become overwhelming. Joy! intercepts the thoughts of discouragement. Joy! returns our motivations, our desires, our hearts back to the Presence of the LORD where Joy! itself resides.

So, yes, we need strength and power. We must have endurance and patience. But oh, the JOY! that is also ours.

0 comment
FacebookEmail

Joy in the Holy Spirit …

by TerryLema

We live in a severely divided country. It seems so different from what I remember in my younger days. Then we all seemed to be “middle of the road,” with a few far right and far left views. In my voting record, I voted for people in both political parties over the years.

Now it appears we must choose a political side, left or right, and the middle ground has disappeared. If we acknowledge we lean right or left, the other side does not view us as simply someone with a different political view, we are viewed as an enemy, one to be taken down with threats, profanity, and other tactics. The “kingdom” of our country is a mess and I do not see it getting better, only worse. It may be that new “normal” to which we must adjust. I truly hope not.

Of course, this “kingdom” is not my home. My citizenship is bound first to a different King and kingdom. I am a child of God and my allegiance is to my LORD and Savior. I am a citizen of the Kingdom of God. My worldview is His worldview. My vote is influenced by His principles and holy standards. My loyalty is to my God and King to do as He bids. And that surely has marvelous benefits.

“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” [Romans 14:17 HCSB]

The Kingdom of God is full of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.  Joy!  I am not sure who first put the words together before it was made into a simple little song, but no matter how simple the words or the song might be, they speak a profound truth for every Christian. That is …

“Joy is the flag flown high from the castle of my heart when the King is in residence there.”

0 comment
FacebookEmail

Joy + 2020 …

by TerryLema

We are probably not the same people we were when this year began. We have changed, perhaps viewing life with a bit more skepticism or regret. I know I am looking forward to a time when the virus, the economy, the election, the tension has dissipated and “normal” as I remember it has returned. I no longer want to fear “catching” something if I return to shopping in person in a grocery store or decide to visit a restaurant rather than “take out.”

But will we return to the old normal? That remains a question. AND, an even bigger question, while I may not be the same person I was when the year began, how have I changed. Have I grown in my Christian walk?

As I surveyed those questions, my focus turned to joy. If this year, 2020, has done anything, it has probably stolen the happiness and joy from many (most?) hearts, attempting to replace them with fear, doubt, anger, depression, and a host of other emotions.

Maybe another question is in order. This year may have been able to steal our happiness (since happiness is based on “happenings,”) but can it steal our joy?  The psalmist reminds us that having joy is different from being happy. Joy is not resident in our circumstances, or the events of any year, it is resident in the presence of the LORD.  There it is tucked away where nothing can diminish it, touch it, deplete it, or destroy it.  We always have access to it.

“You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures.” [Psalm 16:11 HCSB]

I think I am going to focus on joy in the coming days. Join me?

0 comment
FacebookEmail

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee …

by TerryLema

“How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How joyful is the man the Lord does not charge with sin and in whose spirit is no deceit!” [Psalm 32:1-2 HCSB]

I am singing this morning with the psalmist … how joyful it is to have our sin forgiven, our transgressions cast into the midst of the sea never to be held against us again!

Sin is heavy, and the guilt and shame we bear before our God for our sin even more so. It weighs us down. It is like a great rock on our necks so that we cannot lift our heads. When we repent, confessing our sins (both as individuals and as the church corporate) that great rock is lifted from us. Suddenly we are free to dance before our LORD, to sing joyfully in His presence.

The psalmist declares the joy of the person whose sin has been put away, the person who can stand before His LORD with a clear conscience, “a spirit in which there is no deceit.”

No longer are we seeking to hide from Him, lest He see the unrighteousness in us. Now because of all that Christ Jesus has done for us, our forgiveness is there – it is complete and makes us whole.

Ephesians 1:7: “We have redemption in Him through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” [HCSB]

What a glorious day! Thank you, Jesus! Amen & Amen. 

 https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=joyful+joyful+we+adore+thee&docid=608024475698004297&mid=FAB5EEA47D8F08E45D14FAB5EEA47D8F08E45D14&view=detail&FORM=VIRE
0 comment
FacebookEmail

God’s Favor …

by TerryLema

Yesterday was our last day in 2 Chronicles 7:14, a call to God’s people for repentance and turning back to Him. It is not always easy to admit we need to humble ourselves, pray and seek His Face and turn from our wicked ways, but it has a glorious result if we do.

“Sing to Yahweh, you His faithful ones, and praise His holy name. For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor, a lifetime. Weeping may spend the night, but there is joy in the morning.” [Psalm 30:4-5: HCSB]

If we spend our nights weeping before Him in godly sorrow for our sins (both individually and corporately), a new dawn breaks – that dawn brings joy and God’s favor.

God promises that His anger is only momentary, and we know it is designed to bring renewal and restoration not punishment. When we respond correctly to His anger with godly sorrow and repentance, joy abounds. Then His favor descends.

God’s favor. Grace. I live in God’s grace. I must. It is the only thing that gives me strength for each day. I know that on my own, without the grace of God each day, I will not survive this world with its temptations and allure. Without God’s grace each day, my old sin nature will rise and dominate. Without God’s grace each day, I will not have either the desire or the power to live for Him.

But I do not worry that God will take His grace from me. I am promised that His favor, His grace, will be with me for a lifetime. It will be there on the other side of those nights of weeping and sorrow, abounding with joy, ready to envelope me in His love.

Oh LORD, how GRACIOUS and COMPASSIONATE Your LOVE is to us! Amen.

0 comment
FacebookEmail

The LORD’s Right Hand!

by TerryLema

I am spending a couple days living in and praying through Psalm 118. When I read the verses God chose for today, my heart soared from this proclamation in the Old Testament to its fulfillment in the New. “Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: ‘The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!’” [ vs15-16]

The “Right Hand of the LORD” stands for Jehovah’s omnipotence, His power and strength. It is the place of authority, the place where intercession is made, and blessings and forgiveness are granted. Seated in that place is our LORD Christ Jesus.

Heb 12:2-3: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Everything in the world at this moment is designed to cause weariness and make us lose heart. The world’s message leads to hopelessness. It makes us dread each day, fear what we might have to face, and generates a desire to just quit. The world’s messages of fear are hard to ignore and difficult to escape.

Believers, however, hear and see a different message. We are told to fix our eyes on Jesus. We are also told why to do that – our Jesus is sitting in that place of authority and power. We are to remind ourselves of what He endured in order to be exalted to that place. He endured the cross with all its pain and shame for us. He took upon His Very Body, Soul and Spirit every sin, every perversion of all mankind and through that brought freedom and salvation for any who come to Him in repentance.

When we keep our eyes on Him, we keep our eyes on the Almighty Power and Glory of God. Then “Shouts of joy and victory [will] resound in the tents of [those made] righteous” through Him. That is where we should be looking right now. That is the message we should be heeding.

That is the message we should be shouting from our tents to this world of gloom and doom. Our God Reigns in Power and Authority. “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!” Thank you, King Jesus. Amen & Amen.

0 comment
FacebookEmail

A Day of Joy & Hope

by TerryLema

Today is Palm Sunday, the commemoration of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem shortly before His death. That entry was the fulfillment of the prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9: “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

The people who witnessed this entry cut palm branches to wave and spread their cloaks on the ground before Him. They acknowledged Him as their king shouting “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD” from Psalm 118.

This riled up the Jewish leaders who told Jesus to rebuke the crowd for their cries of joy. Jesus, refused to rebuke them and told the leaders, “If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” [Luke 19:40]

We are under a mandate to not gather together – for believers this is especially difficult during this season of remembrance of the crucifixion and resurrection of our LORD. This is our high season. This is when we plan for multitudes to come into the church. We often look at this season as one of great opportunity for salvations.

It seems that everything around us is rebuking us and trying to get us to silence our cries of joy. But, but, beloved, nothing has changed that really matters. Our King has come and brought salvation. And we still cry out, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD.”

If anything, our cries should be even louder now…they should flood the airways, social media and travel across our globe. If we keep silent, the stones will cry out, and as I’ve heard it said, no rock or stone is going to sing praise for me!

 Praise be to Jesus, the Christ, who came to save us, deliver us, redeem us! All Glory to Him forever and ever. Amen.

0 comment
FacebookEmail

God Sets the Lonely in Families

by TerryLema

I took a walk the other day before our cold, rainy weather returned. Walking around the neighborhood is about all one can do with this social-distancing order in effect. I left my earbuds and music at home since I wanted to connect with people who might also be out and about (of course, maintaining the 6-foot separation rule).

There’s one larger home that I frequently walk by. It often has five cars parked in the driveway or on the street in front of the house. Four of those cars are different model Toyotas. One is a Honda. I tend to notice things like that.

As I walked by on my most recent walk, all five cars were there. It made me wonder how one becomes a Honda in a home full of Toyotas. Then I began to speculate, “is the Honda the rebel or are all those Toyotas rebels.” “What came first, the Honda or the Toyota?” My brain gets crazy like that some days.

That’s all silliness. Except … yep, there goes my brain again. I thought about choosing Christ Jesus as LORD. When I came to know my Savior, I was surrounded with people who did not. I was that lone Honda amid all the Toyotas. Eventually, most of the people around me changed. Some came to know the Savior also, and some who did not rejoice with my choice simply went away.

God began to surround me with a family of brothers and sisters who now had the same Father and the same LORD. God took me from being the lonely one and put me in a family, His family.

I have always loved Psalm 68, especially verses 5-6: “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing.”

God did that for me (and you). He put me in His wonderful family, He brought this prisoner of sin and rebellion into a life of joy and freedom. Amen.

0 comment
FacebookEmail