Exceeding Great Joy

 Luke 2:10, Mat 2:10
The angel brought “good tidings of great joy” to the shepherds… The wise men, when they saw the star, “rejoiced with exceeding great joy”

The shepherd’s eyes were amazed as they heard the good news! The Messiah was born, the Savior who will change the world had condensed into the human race. Like  the wise men, they probably rejoiced with exceeding great joy. Their joy exceeded the merriment of being happy. Joy filled their hearts to overflowing. They saw the significance of this historical event. 

Greeting others with, “Merry Christmas” is to wish people a happy holiday season as they gather together with friends and family. Smiles are seen on parents and grandparent’s faces as they watch the children unwrap their gifts, excitement in the air as the child opens the present they have been wanting for days. No doubt, happiness fills the home. The songwriter penned it well:
 “It's the most wonderful time of the year. 
With the kids jingle belling. 
And everyone tells you to be of good cheer.”
But to the believer, Christmas is more than being merry with our loved ones, it is a time of great joy! A celebration and remembering the joy of salvation that Jesus came to save people from their sins. Exceeding great joy transcends human emotion. It is an eternal joy that is sealed in the heart that all is well with our soul. Jesus came to earth that we might have joy and have it more abundantly.  Circumstances in life may not always be filled with happy emotions and merriment, but it can be filled with great joy that we are a child of the king, and he knows us by name. As welook at the star that hangs in the church or in your home, may we also rejoice with exceeding great joy, knowing that Jesus came and died for us. In Him, we have real joy. Joy unspeakable and full of glory!

Real Happiness

  Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
The question is often asked, “Are you happy?” the dictionary defines happiness; “Happiness is a sense of well-being, joy, or contentment.” People seek happiness by gathering things, material possessions. Some seek happiness in emotional or freshly gratifications.  They may also seek happiness in connecting with others, a meaningful relationship. What does it mean to be truly content with life or your circumstances? Paul acknowledged his desire for earthly things, want of food, water, shelter, and connecting with people, but he realized that there are times that these things are out of reach. Ultimately, contentment is a choice, a learning process to focus on God’s desire. Submitting your life and life’s circumstances into the hands of God. Having the Peace of God in the storms of life, knowing that God is in control, and He cares when life throws you a curveball.  Seeking happiness is not the goal of life, seeking God’s will, trusting and obeying His voice will bring real contentment. It is not wrong to desire what God has created and find pleasure in the desires that God has put in our hearts. Doing good for others, caring for each other, and being loved by others brings contentment, but lasting joy and contentment comes only by knowing God and being loved by Him.

Looking Out for Others

 Philippians 2:4
 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Jesus spoke similar words when he said to treat others the way you would want to be treated. Common phrases like, “I need to look after myself, because no one else will,” and “what’s in it for me,” are grounded in the carnal desire to please self without any regard to others. The golden rule of life in how we act can be summed up by putting Jesus first in our life, serving others in love, and taking care of our well-being emotionally, physically, and spiritually. The key to living each day with JOY is Jesus, Other, You. Living a life to serve is made possible when we realize that our service is towards God and not to man.  We are busy people with lots of responsibilities, but each day is given to us as an opportunity to serve others. Start each day and ask yourself, “How can I help someone today? Looking on the things of others and not just my own cares and burdens.

The Abundant Life

John 10:10

 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Living the Abundant Life. “In this life, you will have tribulation, but fear not, I have overcome the world.” The word of Jesus speaks to us about living life not just to survive, but living life to its fullness. Days of sorrow are inevitable and hardships will come to all who live, so how is it possible to live an abundant life. A life the rises above the mundane of things of earthly duty and responsibilities. A life that, in spite of the circumstances can flow with joy unspeakable and full of rejoicing. The abundant life is to live in the Vine. The source of vitality come from a deeper source. Christ, who is the Vine, lives through us, and in us. The light of Jesus shines bright in the darkness of the day. The abundant life is more than just being happy, but it is a life knowing the Jesus is with you wherever you go and whatever you are going through.

Pay It Forward

Matt. 25:40 Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

In American, there are many people who are willing to give their resources when tragedy hits. Hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and a number of unfortunate events. In general, people don’t like to see people suffer, knowing that life’s circumstances could turn on them. I believe God is pleased when people are willing to reach out and help when these things happen. The teaching of Jesus, take this a step further. Willingness to give one self is more that just dropping money in the plate for the starving children in the world. The concept of “paying it forward” is based in part from the words of Christ. It is not just a one time act of giving, but a life style of sacrifice. Looking for opportunities to lift the burden, reaching out to those less fortunate. Showing acts of kindness done in the name of Jesus. We live in a selfish world, where taking care of self is promoted. Living a life pleasing to God and having JOY in life means to put Jesus first, Others second, and You last. In everything you do, do to the glory of God. 

Ponder On Jesus

Luke 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Christmas activities are coming to an end. Potlucks, church dinners, recitals, parties, programs, caroling, and white elephant gift exchanges. All were done in the spirit of the Christmas season. Christmas Eve and Day will wrap up the festivities of this special occasion. But, have we taken the time to ponder the reason for the season. Yes, we know the real reason, but do we really ponder the wonderful love of God. God, who so loved the world, sent His Son to earth to live and die among us. To be the everlasting gift of salvation. The gift of forgiveness, the burden of sin is gone, our sins cast into the sea of forgetfulness. His Spirit given to us to abide in us, and lead us on this earthly journey. Ponder the gift of hope, love, joy and peace. Ponder and think on Jesus. Like Mary, let us take time to ponder these things in our heart.

Taste of the Lord

Ps. 34:8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

You don’t know until you try it. I have never met anyone who gave their lives to Jesus and later in life regretted doing so. We often try things because others who have tried it have had a good experience. There are something in the world that we know by other’s experience that it is best not to even try. We know that doing so often ends bad. Smoking, drinking, drugs, and various forms of immoral behaviors. But, drinking at the fountain of living water, taking a bite from the bread of Life, feasting at the table of the Lord is always done with satisfaction. It never leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Come and dine and see that the Lord is good. Taste of Him and your life will be filled with joy and satisfaction.

The Joy of the Lord

John 16:22  And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

“The world did not give it to me, and the world cannot take it away” The joy of the Lord is not the making of anything this world has to offer. There will be days of sorrow and sadness as we live in this world, but we do not live for this world, we live for another world. Joy comes knowing the every sin is under blood of Jesus, joy comes knowing the Holy Spirit lives within our heart leading and guiding our lives. Joy is knowing that are names are written the lambs book of life. It time for us to just more than survive, it time for us to thrive in the joy of the Lord. We overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. We testify that our happiness and contentment comes by doing the will of God and living in the presence of God. It is joy unspeakable, and full of God’s glory. 

Triumph in Christ

2 Corinth 2:14 “ Now thanks be unto God, who always causeth us to triumph in Christ and who maketh manifest through us the savor of His knowledge in every place.”

To triumph is to achieve victory which causes us to shout with joy and satisfaction. The joy of victory is manifested by our spirit as others see that it is Christ who gives the victory. Success in life comes when we allow Christ to work through us and in us. The actions we manifest shows others that we have been with Christ. His life is lived through us and we smell of His fragrance in every place we go. The way we treat others, the kindness we show when we are treated wrongly. It is God that causes us to be sweet when the carnal self desires to lash out. Our behavior and actions speak louder than words. It is the true essence of who we really are. To be victorious, we allow Christ to be our savor in every situation and place we go.

Beauty For Ashes

Isaiah 61:3 “...to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness...”-

Jesus came to change lives. Live that are hurting, lives that have been wasted without purpose, and lives that see that they are lost without Him. From the ashes of sin and despair to the beauty of living in Christ. He came to heal the brokenhearted, to them that come meekly to Him and ask for His help, He lifts us. He sets the captive free and give a new song, a new life of freedom. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and the heavy burden that we once carried is gone and is replace with praises to Him. Life happens, and we will face circumstance that will break our hearts and cause our joy to turn to sadness, but He is faithful to send His Spirit to carry us through and turn those things into something of worth. He is worthy of our praise, for He is Jehovah, and He will provide a deliverance. 

In Jesus Name

Matt 1:21 “And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.”- 

That wonderful Name, that beautiful Name, the Name of Jesus! The meaning of His name brings joy and peace within the heart. To know that Jesus is able to save us from our sins and wipe away the pain and sorrow that sin brings. In the Name of Jesus, demons are made to vanish, in His Name we are able to call out and command that the mountain be removed. We approach the throne of God in Jesus Name and heaven is open wide. We have access to the Father in the Name of Jesus. Our petitions to the Father are made possible because we come in His Name. We need no other, when we have Jesus as our Savior. History has recorded names of people who have done great things, but there is no other Name that has done more for man than Jesus. He is the one that makes eternity possible. In the Name of Jesus we have eternal life and power over death and hell. I never grow weary of hearing that Name. For it is through His Name that life is made perfect.

Delight in the Lord

Isaiah 58:6-14

“It is not until we are willing to put away our own desires and self-satisfaction, that we truly begin to know the joys of service God. Delighting in the Lord begins by putting God first in everything we do. Reaching out to help others, letting our joy be spilled out and overflowing, touching lives for God. God promises us many reward if we follow his commands and live a life that will honor Him."

Welfare of Others- undo the heavy burden

• What is true religion?
• Jesus was a servant, not a an oppressor
• Sensitive to the needs of others- If thy brother be naked
• Let us do good unto all men- Especially unto…

Works are Essential – dealing bread to the hungry

• Show me your faith by your works
• Faith without works is dead faith

Wealth of Rewards – glory of the Lord shall be thy reward

• God’s light shines on those who give of themselves
• God will see your good works as righteousness
• The approbation of God- His approval- Well done..

Watered Garden – thou shall be like a watered garden

• Your soul will be satisfied when life get tough
• Your life will show forth contentment- delight
• Jesus said, “Well of water springing forth”

Wasted Places Rebuilt –the repairer of the breach

• God desires to use us to restore others back to God
• Built the altars once again- Revival of Prayer

• Dig the wells that have been filled- Remove the clutter

Worship on the Sabbath – Shall honor Him

• Negative- Turn away from your own pleasures
• Positive- Honor Him- focus on Christ
• Is your Sabbath a delight or duty?

Word of the Lord has Spoken-the Lord hath spoken it.

• The Lord will lift you up and make you victorious
• He will provide and sustain you- Establish you goings
• God will honor and bless you for honoring His Day
• There is no question about it. God said t!

Vanity and Vexation

September 9th, 2007
Eccl. 1:12-2:4,10,11
Solomon, known to be the wisest man who every lived to his day. Unfortunately, he failed to apply his own knowledge and wisdom to his own life. Solomon comes to the end of his life and reflects back with dissatisfaction. What has been gain from the fruit of his labor? He realizes that he obtained everything that the world had to offer and he still was left empty. His pursuit for life’s purpose and meaning could not be found in earthly mean or worldly satisfaction. He set his affection on things below and not on thing above. Such is the case with all who seek lasting joy and contentment in this life. It is only through seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness that one finds fulfillment. Jesus said, “I am come that they (mankind) might have life, and that they (mankind) might have it more abundantly.” The abundant life can only be found through Christ, all else is vain and vexation when seeking true meaning and joy in this life.

Prestige or position (king over Israel)
• Being known and held up in high esteem
• Having rank or power
Philosophy of the world (my heart had wisdom and knowledge)
• Thinking- expanding the mind- looking within
• Wisdom- knowing what is right prudent
• Knowledge- obtaining information and retaining
Powerlessness of Man (cannot be made straight)
• Man’s inability to make himself right
• Man is corrupt and sinful and in need of a sinless Savior
Pleasures or enjoyment of life (pleasure is also vanity)
• Have a sense of good feelings-“Happiness”
• Amusement and entertainment
• Sinful satisfactions
Prosperity or possessing worldly gain (I am come to great estate)
• Seeking fortune
• Things and material wealth
Production by my hand (I made me great works)
• Job satisfaction
• Place of employment