RHAPSODY OF REALITIES FRIDAY, 5TH APRIL.
FANNING YOUR EMBERS OF JOY BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME.
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice (Philippians 4:4).
Joy is a fruit of the recreated human spirit, something inherent in you. It doesn’t matter what news or event tries to make you unhappy; you can always be joyful in the Holy Ghost, for such is the Kingdom of God. Romans 14:17 says, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
Ephesians 5:18-19 reveals how you can be full of the joy of the Holy Ghost always. It says, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”
This was one of Apostle Paul’s secrets of success; he wrote what we read in our opening verse, while in prison. He was full of joy, and continued to preach the Gospel in prison. In his letter to the Church at Ephesus, he said Pray for me: “…that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, FOR WHICH I AM AN AMBASSADOR IN BONDS: THAT THEREIN I MAY SPEAK BOLDLY, AS I OUGHT TO SPEAK” (Ephesians 6:19-20). Notice the underlined portion; he didn’t allow his experience to dictate his mood or interfere with the joy of the Lord in his heart.
In your life, see challenges as opportunities to manifest the glory of God; that way, you’ll always be full of joy. James 1:2 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
The Word should form the basis for your joy at all times. When you interprete and respond to situations on the basis of God’s Word, you’ll discover that nothing in life could give you a bad day, or be to your disadvantage, because your joy comes through the Word and the Spirit of God.
CONFESSION
The Lord Jesus, through His vicarious death and triumphant resurrection, has brought me into the life of unlimited joy, victory, dominion and righteousness. Therefore, I rejoice evermore, with joy unspeakable, and full of glory. My joy is of the Holy Ghost, and it knows no bounds. Hallelujah!
FURTHER STUDY:
Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for [this] day [is] holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Isaiah 12:3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Luke 10:25-42 & Joshua 23-24
2-Year Bible Reading Plan
Matthew 27:38-44 & Leviticus 5
