Joy May Be Full

Joy May Be Full

2 John 1: ¹² Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

¹³ The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.

 

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Going through life’s trials, I wondered when I could have some peace. It seemed like everything was crashing around me. Something inside me said “Go to church”, but I ignored it. A neighbor who rarely spoke to me asked me if I had been to the church on Anthony street. “Why did she ask me that question?” I asked myself. I went and felt joy!

 

• My problems were still there, but I felt better.
• I felt all alone at first, but for a moment, I felt I was part of a family.
• I had a lot to learn about how to fill the empty space in my heart.

 

John concludes his second letter with anticipation. He expressed excitement by saying he has a lot to talk about, but he would rather do it face to face. He knew that by meeting together, he would bring good news and so would they. Joy would be made full.

 

My Observations:

• Joy is far greater than happiness, because it can be present when problems are there.
• Gathering with people who seek GOD’s SON can bring me joy, and I can bring joy to them.
• GOD enjoys when I seek HIS kingdom and HE fills my heart with joy.

 

Joy keeps my hope strong. I mean, when life deals out its vicious, poisonous blows, I can withstand them with joy. But where does joy come from? GOD! HE is the owner of joy and is ready to hand it out in plentiful portions. HE knows you and I have an adversary who wants to steal our joy and turn against GOD and one another. BUT GOD has an answer.

 

JESUS sent the HOLY SPIRIT to be the Comforter who resides in me. HE puts out the fire that I am facing with joy. HE leads me to calm places, similar to still waters and HE restores my emotional state so I can have clarity to not blame GOD and to love those around me who may be struggling too. I am glad GOD owns joy and is read to give it to you and me in full.

 

Challenge

• What do you think the writer is excited about?
• Have you ever felt better even though your problems remained?
• Will you ask GOD for joy over happiness so you can face many difficult situations life may throw at you today?

Complete Joy

Complete Joy

1 John 1: We write to you about the Word of life, which has existed from the very beginning. We have heard it, and we have seen it with our eyes; yes, we have seen it, and our hands have touched it. ² When this life became visible, we saw it; so we speak of it and tell you about the eternal life which was with the Father and was made known to us. ³ What we have seen and heard we announce to you also, so that you will join with us in the fellowship that we have with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. ⁴ We write this in order that our joy may be complete.

 

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When the new amusement park opened, everyone asked the same question, “Have you been there yet?” When the family got tickets, I was elated! We went and the experience was amazing! When I got home, I couldn’t wait to tell everyone how great the experience was!

 

• I was excited, so I wanted to tell everyone.
• I was amazed, so I described my experience in great detail.
• I was enamored, so I recommended that if you had not tried it, you should consider it.

 

John, the disciple whom JESUS loved, starts off his letter with amazement! He goes into detail about something that everyone had been waiting on for centuries, namely the arrival of the Messiah. This cure for misery, problems and troubles had been manifested as a human known as JESUS. He then said that sharing this Good News would make his joy complete.

 

My Observations:

• Good News is not Good News unless it is shared with other people.
• GOD did something truly amazing by becoming a human, allowing HIMSELF to be murdered by HIS own creation and being raised from the dead to conquer all sins.
• JESUS is the Word of Life whom I can place my full trust in.

 

Everyone wants to spread some good news, but unfortunately there is a lot of bad news. I mean, when life hits, it seems like there is nothing good to say. BUT GOD loves when I open my mouth to tell others how exciting it is to be saved by the MOST HIGH!

 

GOD wants everyone to be saved and has given you and me the task of spreading the Good News. In spite of trouble, fear and doubt, GOD’s wonderful message of love can ring from my lips. I gladly tell everyone about GOD’s love for me, which is CHRIST JESUS our LORD.

 

Challenge

• How excited is the writer?
• Have you ever received some good news and could not wait to tell people about it?
• How do you feel when you have a lot of bad news?
• Will you consider how amazing GOD’s love is for you, enough to tell people about it, to encourage someone today?

Underserved Suffering

Underserved Suffering

1 Peter 2: ¹⁸ You servants must submit yourselves to your masters and show them complete respect, not only to those who are kind and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. ¹⁹ God will bless you for this, if you endure the pain of undeserved suffering because you are conscious of his will. ²⁰ For what credit is there if you endure the beatings you deserve for having done wrong? But if you endure suffering even when you have done right, God will bless you for it.

 

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After working hard for years, I ran into that boss. He said and did all the wrong things and was slippery enough to make his employees scapegoats. I was warned about working for him, but I thought I could win him over by being “nice.” I was wrong.

 

• I ended up suffering while working under him.
• I questioned GOD for having me go through suffering.
• I wondered if there would be any relief from suffering.

 

Peter turns to some more difficult words to hear. He suggests that believers understand that they would suffer, just like CHRIST, who had to endure  shame, blame and being murdered. Peter suggests that believers endure so GOD will see the endurance and bless the believer.

 

My Observations:

• Abuse is not acceptable, BUT GOD sees your suffering and will bless you and I for it.
• Harsh environments are never welcome, BUT GOD sees the environment you and I have endured and will reward our endurance.
• Difficult situation are never wanted, BUT GOD allows you and I to go through them to understand a tiny glimpse of what JESUS went through.

 

I don’t know why we have to suffer. I mean, can’t GOD just snap HIS fingers and make everything easy? Yes, but HIS decrees allowed Satan to try to oppose HIM. The enemy wants to cause pain and suffering to steal people away from GOD. He uses temptation to make people want power, riches and fame. They will stop at nothing to gain it. They will even make people suffer.

 

GOD wants me to value HIS way and turn away from the world’s way. When I do, I will be labeled as weird. I may be mocked, lied upon and suffer undeserved hardships. GOD sees the pain and keeps track of how much I showed respect to those who are harsh. I am glad GOD sees the heart and has  a better plan for my suffering.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention suffering?
• Have you ever come out of suffering and become stronger?
• Will you rethink the suffering you are going through at work and know GOD sees your suffering and has great rewards for your endurance?

Great and Glorious Joy

Great and Glorious Joy

1 Peter 1: ⁶ Be glad about this, even though it may now be necessary for you to be sad for a while because of the many kinds of trials you suffer. ⁷ Their purpose is to prove that your faith is genuine. Even gold, which can be destroyed, is tested by fire; and so your faith, which is much more precious than gold, must also be tested, so that it may endure. Then you will receive praise and glory and honor on the Day when Jesus Christ is revealed. ⁸ You love him, although you have not seen him, and you believe in him, although you do not now see him. So you rejoice with a great and glorious joy which words cannot express, ⁹ because you are receiving the salvation of your souls, which is the purpose of your faith in him.

 

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“Why me?” was my cry. It seemed like “everything” was going wrong in my life at the time. I began to explain to GOD what I was doing for HIM as I tried to get my life back on track with HIM. My explanations were met with more pain.

 

• I was tired of facing more problems.
• I was tired of being in pain.
• I was tired of the situation I was in at the time.

 

Peter gave some hard to hear advice. He told those who were chosen by GOD to be glad, even though they were facing some difficult times. He then explained the purpose of the difficulty. Each person’s faith would be tested with the fires of trials to make it genuine.

 

My Observations:

• Life is far more than what I can see when I am in the middle of a trial.
• Looking back on the trials in my life, I understand more than I would, had I not gone through the trial.
• GOD gives me the ability to praise HIM now instead of waiting on the day when JESUS returns.

 

Let’s be honest, trials are not fun. I mean, when I am in a trial, I want it to be over as quickly as possible. BUT GOD allows me to stay in the trial long enough to strengthen my faith in HIM. I cry out early in the trial, but later I see that HE is in the fire with me. HE protects me and guides me.

 

I can rejoice during the trial versus waiting for it to be over. This is a sign of “joy” over “happiness.” I can see GOD at work even though the results have not come to fruition. I praise GOD for what HE has done, is doing and will do!

 

Challenge

• What purpose is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever gone through something difficult and came out stronger?
• Will you praise GOD with “joy”, knowing JESUS has won the victory over all your trials and your salvation is more precious to HIM than you could ever imagine?

Patient Endurance

Patient Endurance

James 5: ⁹ Do not complain against one another, my friends, so that God will not judge you. The Judge is near, ready to appear. ¹⁰ My friends, remember the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Take them as examples of patient endurance under suffering. ¹¹ We call them happy because they endured. You have heard of Job's patience, and you know how the Lord provided for him in the end. For the Lord is full of mercy and compassion.

 

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Going through difficult times, I just wanted some relief. I went out with people and it felt good for a couple of hours, but then I had to face my problems. After a while, going out was no longer effective.

 

• I thought I could “fun” my way out of my problems.
• I thought I could “enjoy” my way out of my circumstances.
• I thought I could “entertain” my way out of my situation.

 

James starts off by providing a solution before giving the problem. He warns everyone about complaining against one another. This was a great solution, but what was the problem? Perhaps the people were going through difficulties and the advice other people were giving was to “complain.” Job’s friends gave this same kind of advice, but Job did not complain, rather he endured with patience.

 

My Observations:

• I do not like suffering, BUT GOD helps me endure so HE can grow my faith.
• I do not like life’s pain, BUT GOD has a plan that includes whatever I will go through.
• I do not like to be hurt, BUT GOD comforts me when life brings on tremendous amounts of it.

 

Hurt, pain and suffering are things I want to avoid. I mean who wants to suffer? No one! BUT GOD knows the suffering I must endure because HE gave mankind free will. This gift may cause me to make decisions that can harm me or others. It also allows others to do the same. What can help this difficult set up? GOD.

 

HE provides the COMFORTER to go through the situations with us. HE feels the pain and knows what anguish I may face. HE then does something better. HE increases my faith in GOD as HE takes me through each circumstance, not around them. I am glad GOD grows me to patiently endure.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer start of by warning people about complaining about one another?
• Have you ever suffered and got tired?
• Will you ask GOD to help you through this period of suffering, knowing HIS plan for you is not complete, rather HE has some wonderful things in store for you?

Purpose for Pain

Purpose for Pain

Colossians 1: ²⁴ And now I am happy about my sufferings for you, for by means of my physical sufferings I am helping to complete what still remains of Christ's sufferings on behalf of his body, the church.

 

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Stepping down off the porch, my foot landed in a peculiar way. I immediately looked at it and nothing seemed wrong. I walked around as normal the rest of that day. When I wanted to go to bed, I noticed pain. I looked at my foot again, this time it was swollen. I writhed in pain.

 

• I wanted the pain to be over!
• I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.
• I questioned the purpose of pain.

 

Paul definitely suffered for JESUS. When he gave up his luxurious, status filled position as a Pharisee of Pharisees, followers of JESUS did not believe him, and he was outcast from the leaders. The Pharisees imparted great suffering on Paul, but life did not add any comfort as he was bit by a venomous snake and shipwrecked. One thing kept him going, namely JESUS.

 

My Observations

• CHRIST suffered in anguish over my sins.
• CHRIST suffered for me and HE is GOD.
• CHRIST was slandered, blamed, chased, beaten and murdered for me.

 

Pain has purpose. I mean, when I feel pain in my body it could be alerting me that something is wrong or something is on its way to healing. Many people who question GOD ask “Why does GOD allow pain?” That’s a question I have hit HIM with. But as I see what JESUS did I ask a new question. “Why did YOU love me so much that YOU took my punishment?”

 

Avoiding pain is impossible in this life. Suffering seems to surface daily. BUT GOD is fighting battles we can’t imagine. The enemy places painful traps we fall in. I am glad GOD’s purpose of spreading JESUS to all supersedes the pain I go through.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer “happy” about?
• Have you ever sacrificed your time, talent or treasure for someone who was really in need so him or her could hear the message of JESUS clearly?
• It may not be easy, but will you look beyond your pain for a moment and know you are important to GOD and your suffering is there to help others see HIM today?

Blood, Sweat and Tears

Blood, Sweat and Tears

Philippians 2: ¹⁷ Perhaps my life's blood is to be poured out like an offering on the sacrifice that your faith offers to God. If that is so, I am glad and share my joy with you all. ¹⁸ In the same way, you too must be glad and share your joy with me.

 

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Working hard, day and night, seemed to pay off. Our team won an award and we were recognized throughout the company. We came together and traded “war” stories. “Remember when things seemed awful?” we reminisced.

 

• I worked hard to accomplish something for a job.
• I poured many hours into something I believed in at the time.
• I was part of a team who also shared in the pain and the reward.

 

Paul considers the hard work and hardship he went through as his “life’s blood.” He was not looking at this like a trophy or an accomplishment for a workaholic. He knew it took sacrifice to give up a life for GOD and the believers in JESUS were worth it.

 

My Observations

• It took JESUS’s blood to save me for eternity.
• It took HIS sweat like blood as HE prayed for me to be saved.
• It took HE tears as HE cried over me knowing I did not know what I was doing while sinning.

 

Blood, sweat and tears is a human term for someone’s life’s work. I mean, many people pour themselves into something they may or may not be known for. GOD sees how we spend our time and has criteria unknown to us that creates rewards for those who believe in JESUS as the Savior.

 

We fight, get knocked down and get back up because we serve people to bring many to CHRIST. We do not do this alone. We serve JESUS together and share in the joy when we see HIS fruit. I am glad to be part of an adopted global family who seeks joy through CHRIST.

 

Challenge

• Who is the writer excited about?
• What does faith have to do with life’s work?
• Can you share your joy with others so they can be encouraged that you are serving the LORD and are determined to continue at all costs today?

Higher Up

Higher Up

Acts 13: ⁴⁹ The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. ⁵⁰ But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. ⁵¹ So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. ⁵² And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

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Desiring to be the top at the company came natural to me after a while. The higher I climbed, the more political the decisions became. I reached a level where the politics became overwhelming. The position I had was eliminated and I found myself outside instead of on top.

• There was a time when I wanted to have a title.
• There was a time when I desired to be “the most high” in my industry.
• There was a time when I craved to be on top of the group.

People started believing in the true word of the LORD as taught by Paul and Barnabas. The jealous church leaders, who saw their popularity disappearing again, had to do something. They sought prominent women and men to politically have Paul and Barnabas and other disciples, ousted. The cast out group had a different reaction.

• GOD wants me to hold onto HIM in good times and difficult times.
• GOD wants me to work with a clear conscious.
• GOD wants me to be excited about HIM moving me from places I would normally hold onto.

Being fired, laid off, losing a contract or down-sized does not feel good. BUT GOD has a plan for this. When HE sees HIS purpose cannot be met at a location, HE moves me. HE wants me to take my prayer, servanthood, compassion and love elsewhere.

Instead of being hurt that I did not reach a certain level or status, GOD wants me to be excited that I can show HIS love to the next group of people. Each place I go, GOD gives me the chance to demonstrate HIS power. If it is not accepted, HE wants me to shake the dust off my feet, or forget about that place. I am grateful GOD is the Most High, whom I point my life to.

• Are you trying to be “the most high” in your industry?
• While you are climbing to be on top, are you speaking about GOD or yourself?
• Will you seek GOD’s kingdom, speaking about JESUS and not worrying about your status?

Use Good Examples

Use Good Examples

Acts 13: ¹⁶ Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: ¹⁷ The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it. ¹⁸ Now for a time of about forty years He put up with their ways in the wilderness. ¹⁹ And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them by allotment.

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After studying the material over and over, I felt prepared. I was ready for any question they could ask about the material. Since this was the first class I had ever taught of this nature, I was paired up with a seasoned instructor.

About an hour into the lesson, of the five day course, someone said “Can you give us examples?” I could not because I had not experienced what I was teaching. It was a long week.

• When I go through problems I usually want them to be done.
• When I go through problems I pray extra hard, hoping the problem will end soon.
• When I go through problems I cannot see the lesson I am learning because the solution has not arrived yet.

Paul used his hands to demonstrate how GOD worked through Moses to bring hurt people out from under those who had enslaved them. He then summarized a large portion of history to set up the example that was created specifically for a group who could understand it.

• GOD wants me to use the problems He delivered me from as examples of HIS power.
• GOD wants me to speak about what HE has done in my life so others can believe.
• GOD wants me to see problems as opportunities to be used by GOD in a greater way than I had ever thought.

When I hear the words “In all your ways acknowledge HIM” I hear that it doesn’t always mean the good stuff. I have to acknowledge, problems do happen and while I don’t like them, they are necessary. When GOD delivers me, I can use the problem to encourage someone.

But what about problems that do not seem to go away or keep popping up? GOD helps me with those too. HE uses my praise when I am hurting to bless others around me. I may not be lifted up during a problem, but I can have peace knowing others will. I am glad GOD has given me examples to give to others.

• Are you going through something?
• Do you feel like the problem is lasting forever?
• Will you tell the person who is depending on you that “GOD is great and HE loves you” in spite of what is going on?

Adversity Cheer

Adversity Cheer

Acts 5: ⁴⁰ And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. ⁴¹ So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. ⁴² And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

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“You” the chooser said as they pointed at me. I could not believe it. I was chosen early to participate by the star. The game required a lot of running and catching people and I was scrawny. “Go” someone shouted to start the festivities.

I caught someone immediately but this person was pretty strong and flung me to the asphalt. I hit my head and started bleeding, a little. I got up and my teammates cheered. Wanting to cry, I grimaced and then smiled. What a delightful game.

• Some pain doesn’t feel as painful when I am on the right side.
• Some pain feels worth it when I am on the winning side.
• Some pain seems like it will not go away, but bearable because I’m on the side that has the glory.

The church leaders had the apostles beaten thinking this would discourage them. But something very different happened. The apostles cheered, rejoicing they were associated with CHRIST and worthy of suffering because of HIM. They knew everything JESUS said would come true.

• GOD wants me to know HE loves me dearly.
• GOD wants me to understand that adversity comes from the enemy, who tries to make me blame GOD.
• GOD wants me to use wisdom and face adversity with cheer, knowing JESUS has already won.

Being beaten feels horrible. In fact, all pain is not welcome. BUT GOD shows me a different way to look at some pain. When the pain is caused because I am standing firm for JESUS, it feels more like honor. It almost feels like GOD is cheering when I get back up and not blame HIM but rejoice that I went through a little of what JESUS went through.

GOD wants my comfort. HE sent the COMFORTER to live inside of me. HE also knows there is a real and active spiritual battle that happens daily. JESUS has already won the war. I am grateful to be in the battles that are HIS.

• Are you going through something?
• Do you feel like you have been beat up because of your belief in JESUS?
• It may be hard, but will you rejoice, knowing GOD sees you and hears you and is cheering because you got back up and stood firm for HIM?

Cannot Be Stolen

Cannot Be Stolen

John 16: ¹⁹ Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and He said to them, “Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I said, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’? ²⁰ Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. ²¹ A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. ²² Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.

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Seeing the broken glass made my heart race. I looked into my car and to my dismay, all of my music had been stolen. All of that hard work, meticulously collecting the right songs that pleased my moods, was gone. I was not very happy.

• I have been robbed.
• I have had thieves threaten to shoot me.
• I have lost several items to burglars, liars and people who I was supposed to trust, stealing ideas, to claim it as their own.

JESUS explains the temporary nature of sorrow. It will only be here for a little while. BUT GOD has a remedy for sorrow that surpasses all understanding.

• GOD wants me to focus on joy rather than happiness.
• GOD wants me to be filled with joy rather than fleeting pleasure.
• GOD wants me to take joy into difficult days with difficult people.

Happiness, I find, is fleeting. I mean when things are new and shiny, I may be “happy”, but when the thing gets old, rusty or torn, I may not be as pleased with it. BUT GOD wants me to have something that lasts forever, namely joy.

When I am filled with joy, pain becomes temporary. I mean, when that stuff is stolen, or that person is causing strife, joy kicks in and enables me to calm down from being riled up. Joy doesn’t always stop me from getting angry, hurt or upset, but it is there to soothe me back to a place where I can see and hear GOD. No one can steal my joy because it comes from GOD.

• Are you hurting and trying to be happy by the world’s standards?
• Do you think happiness is the goal?
• Will you ask GOD for joy that is overflowing and can cover all of your situations you may ever face?