Pastor's Notes
June 2016
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The Joy of the Lord
In his book, The Positive Power of Jesus Christ, Norman Vincent Peale writes the following.
“It is a pity that even Christians, regular churchgoing people, allow themselves to be victims of defeat by the conditions and circumstances of life. Granted that some of these situations may be, or indeed often are, difficult in the extreme, still there is a power that can help any person rise above anything into an area of victory. The mark of a true Christian is, of course, love; but another mark also is joy. It is the joy of overcoming, of victory through the positive power of Jesus Christ working, always working, in the mind and demonstrating itself in the spirit, the undefeatable spirit.” ~ Chapter 6, Deeper into the Power, pp 65, 66
The Christians that allow themselves to be victims of the conditions and circumstances of life are robbing themselves of the joy of God’s salvation. Friends, it is imperative that we recognize that God has given us the privilege of freedom of choice. We have the God given right to choose how we will respond to any and every situation in life. Ultimately, whether we are a victim or a victor in life is up to us, not up to anyone else or anything else.
The New Testament encourages us to be joyful in all things, including trials and challenges.
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. ~ James 1:2
In his letters to the persecuted Christians at Philippi and Thessalonica, Paul wrote admonitions to be filled with joy.
Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith. ~ Philippians 3:1
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! ~ Philippians 4:4
Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
In the last hours of His life, Jesus proclaimed His desire for His followers to be filled with His joy!
“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! ~ John 15:9-11
So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. 23 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. 24 You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. ~ John 16:22-24
May each of us choose to be Victors and not victims by claiming The Positive Power of Jesus Christ!