Devotional Fuel to Reboot Your Mind

Romans 5:2b-5: “We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

In the Christian life, we are complete in Christ. Christ’s acceptance of us is secure. No one can take that away. But as we are growing in our relationship with Christ, becoming more and more like Him, we will have temptations and problems. That is what life is on this earth until Jesus calls and takes us home to live with Him. We enjoy having the peace of God because He has justified us, declared us not guilty, by His grace. But we still face daily pressures. Yet God has a plan in it all.

The Chain of Christian Growth and Maturity Found in Rom. 5:3-5:

• Suffering produces endurance v. 3-if we remain firm under it. Literally, Paul is referring to stresses of life. Real hardships. Paul knew this better than anyone from his own life.
• Endurance produces godly character v. 4.
• Character produces hope v. 4
• As we wait for this hope to be fulfilled, the love of God is poured into our hearts v.5.

Look at Romans 5:3-5 from The MSG: “There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary – we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!” Now if I can just remember that the next time I feel like I am hemmed in with troubles! Yes, my faith and my hope in the Lord should tell me – “Hey you! There is more to come out of this. Pause and wait to see what God will do next.” I confess that has not been my gut reaction during the past two weeks.

Paul taught the church at Rome that in our tribulations and sufferings, God’s glory will be revealed through our endurance which will then be producing and maturing our character. This transformation process is like purifying gold and ends up in the hope of the glory of God, as we wait for the love of God being poured into our heart. It is certain but may not be fully realized yet. Christ Jesus is our hope (1 Tim.1:1), and as we abide in Him He fills us with joy (Jn. 15:11 & Gal. 5:22).

Have you felt like you were going through a time of sufferings? The NASB uses the word “tribulations” in Rom. 5:3. Warren Wiersbe has said that the English word tribulations comes from the Latin word tribulum. In Paul’s day, a tribulum was a massive peace of timber with spikes in it, used for threshing the grain. The tribulum was drawn over the grain, and it separated the wheat from the chaff. As we go through tribulations, sufferings, afflictions, and depend on God’s grace, these trials purify us and help to get rid of the chaff.

As we wait for God’s love to be poured into our heart, to fill up the holes of defeat, disdain, loneliness, rejection, intimidation, maybe frustrations of failures and various heartaches, God will sustain us with His love, joy, and peace, while we are dealing with the stress and feeling hemmed in on every side for God is faithful. Have hope.

How has God shown His love to you this week?

“The weaker the human instrument, the more clearly God’s grace shines through.” John MacArthur.

Listen to Mercy Me’s Even If (Official Lyric Video).

Romans 4:18-20: “In hope he (Abraham) believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.”

Have you ever had to make a decision that had longtime repercussions or effects? Abraham faced that back in the book of Genesis. His obedience affected the history of the world.

Lessons we can learn from Abraham’s life:

• His faith was tested is shown in Romans 4:19. He was old, and so was Sarah. Beyond standard physical years to be able to become pregnant and have children. He was 99 yrs. old and Sarah was 89! Yet he believed God for what He said-promised.
• Faith was unwavering and matured –“grew strong in his faith,” Verses 20 and 21. Abraham never doubted – “was fully convinced.”
• As Abraham grew strong in his faith He gave glory to God.
• Jesus was born through the line of Abraham. God’s promise to Abraham was fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
• Key reference verse about Abraham – Gen. 15:6: “Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” Remember, the Hebrew word translated for “believed” means to say Amen – truly, it is certain!

As Abraham believed God, how I want to have faith in God like Abraham had! No doubts – no but and -what-ifs and being constrained by human constraints of perspective.  There are over 60 references to faith or unbelief in Romans. The phrase, “by faith” is said 21 times in Hebrews 11. Sure and certain are two words that describe the word faith. It is having hope against all hope.

Yes, Abraham made mistakes. Under direct pressure, he distorted the truth but was also known for his wisdom and faithfulness and consistently trusted in God’s provisions. The obstacles he faced strengthened his faith, and God rewarded Him for it. Don’t we all learn from our mistakes more than our successes? What obstacles are strengthening your faith recently?

God spoke to Abraham back in Gen. 15:1 when He said: “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield, your very great reward.” God gave Abraham a reason to have courage – that God would be his shield. A shield protects us from harm or being hurt. It blocks out what is harmful. It is a person or thing that protects against danger. I had to remind myself of that this past week.

As God was a shield to Abraham, He will be a shield to you through your complete faith in God’s promises and power. God will stay with you through any trial. God will reward you by Him being glorified in you. He wants to make you holy and pure.

May you put your name in this blank today: “I, _______________, will put my hope against hope in God alone. I will not waiver. I will not fret. My abilities are useless in comparison to the power of God, and I believe that God has the power to do as He promised, just as Abraham believed. I will have hope against all hope for God is faithful!

Listen to Danny Gokey’s Lyric Video – Hope In Front Of Me.

Romans 4:7-8: “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”

GOD’S WORD Translation states Romans 4:7 this way: “Blessed are those whose disobedience is forgiven and whose sins are pardoned.”

My HCSB Life Essential Bible’s wording of these two verses is all in caps: “HOW JOYFUL ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS ACTS ARE FORGIVEN AND WHOSE SINS ARE COVERED! HOW JOYFUL IS THE MAN THE LORD WILL NEVER CHARGE WITH SIN!”

In Romans 4:7-8, Paul quoted from one of David’s psalms of confession after his sin with Bathsheba, Psalm 32:1-2: “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” Warren Wieresbe has said: “God does keep a record of our works, so that He might reward us when Jesus comes, but He is not keeping a record of our sins.” Amen!

When you get up in the morning, look in the mirror and say: “God blesses me. My sins that I have confessed to God, He has forgiven and covered it all by God’s grace and mercy. My identity is in God alone. He does not measure me by my position, abilities, skills, or personality. He accepts me and knows my potential. God, You are working things out for my good. That is a fact declared by Paul in Romans 8:28. You have called me to You for your excellent purpose for me. May I see the power of the gospel transforming lives as I help give out Your love to others as you have abundantly forgiven and pardoned me.”

Has your life taken a sudden detour unexpectedly?

Has your dream suddenly vanished?

Is your job going in a different direction than you had anticipated? Does it seem stability is no longer present?

Has a door suddenly closed? God will use both open doors and closed doors. He has no limitations. He has the winning plan. Dive deep into your perseverance mode. God is faithful. As a Christian, you are blessed and forgiven in your position before the Lord.

The Hebrew word translated for “believed” (think of Abraham-his faith was the root of his obedience-Rom. 4:3) means to “say Amen” – truly, it is certain. Believe that your sins have been forgiven. Stay faithful. You are declared righteous (justification) through Christ’s death on the cross and are being sanctified (on-going process) for His purpose, and say truly, it is certain! Amen!

Listen to The Afters – Well Done (Official Lyric Video).

Romans 3:10-12: “As it is written: None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”

Paul quoted from the Psalms in Romans 3:10-12. Ps. 14:3: declares: “The fool hath said in his heart “There is no God.” Then again Ps. 53:1 also states: “The fool says in his heart, “There is no God”. They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is no one who does good.” Ps. 53:3 also states: “They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.” Paul is asserting that everyone has personal guilt. We all have sinned and deserve God’s judgment. It all started in the garden. Today’s news is filled with debauchery going on, but it was going on during Paul’s time in the New Testament, and David’s time in the Old Testament too. They both wrote about it –and they didn’t have the internet back then! People are bent to deviate or bend away from God’s way – that is not new. Romans 3:12 says “they have become worthless.” Think of a pitcher of sour milk or rotten fruit. This is quoted from Psalm 14:3 and 54:3 and the Hebrew meaning for the word “corrupt” means useless or worthless –  “to go bad  ” or to become like sour milk or rotten fruit – it has gone bad and is thoroughly useless in regards to works of righteousness. Warren Wiersbe calls Romans 3:13-18 “an X-ray study of the lost sinner, from head to foot.”

I was in a business meeting in my industry this past week. A particular “term” was used by the speaker at the platform. She said to the laughing audience, “If you don’t know what that means, look it up on Google after the meeting.” So I did, and I was horrified! It was immoral, and I felt disgusted and dirty. Have you had that happen to you too when you were innocently looking up information on the web, and something else pops up on the screen that is sinful?

But Paul tells all of us in the book of Romans that there is hope in the gospel. There is a solution. Paul had proved in Romans 3:1-20, that all men are sinners; next, he explained how sinners can be saved and have eternal life. Romans 3:24-25a states that we “Are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.” Propitiation means the removal of God’s punishment for sin through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

“Justification is an act, not a process. There are no degrees of justification; each believer has the same right standing before God. Also, justification is something God does, not man . . . Most important, justification does not mean that God makes us righteous, but that he declares us righteous.” Warren Wiersbe.

As believers, we need to ask ourselves the following questions:

• Have you ever said a misspoken word that caused someone’s feelings to be hurt or maybe it was from your tone of voice?
• Do you have any bitterness toward anyone?
• Have you become angry when anyone strongly disagrees with you?
• Has your need for the sense of approval become your idol emotionally?
• Has the pursuit of happiness become the utmost importance in your life?

We all have sinned. We all have taken steps backward and have to ask for God’s forgiveness and move forward. Our desperate needs point us toward Christ. The following verses reflect and lead us to where our joy comes from:

• Romans 4:7: “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sin is covered.”
• John 15:11: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
• Philippians 4:4-5: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice. Let your reasonableness (graciousness, HCSB) be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.”
• Psalm 16:11: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Bask in the joy the Holy Spirit gives you from spending time with Jesus today. Ask God to provide you with new things to laugh about which will fill you with an abundance of joy and give you peace in His love of protection over you today. You never know how the light of the gospel within you will be a stepping stone to someone else seeing their need of salvation and realizing the foolishness and vanity of this life without God is futile – there is no meaning – just despair. It is like sour milk or rotten fruit – worthless. But through Christ’s death and resurrection, we can enjoy a relationship with God that gives fulfillment of joy and purpose to life. Let your light shine.

Listen to Jordan Feliz Changed (Lyric Video).

Romans 2:15-16: They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.”

The definition of the word conscience is: An inner feeling or voice viewed as acting as a guide to the rightness or wrongness of one’s behavior. It gives a sense of obligation to do right or be good. It has to do with the mind and one’s morals. Our conscience makes us feel bad when we have spoken words we wish we could take back. However, Paul is telling the Romans that conscience is not always in line with God’s moral law.

 The conscience is believed to be located in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. It is the part of our brain that helps us make decisions. It records what we learn is right and wrong. But the problem is our conscience learns by experience, our biology, and our background.

Our conscience is composed of our upbringing and is reported to be set by the time a child is six years of age. Our conscience can accuse or excuse as Romans 2:15 states. The rules we had growing up mainly formed our conscience about right and wrong. But it is also developed by the Holy Spirit convicting our heart and mind while reading God’s Word. However, our conscience and the Holy Spirit are not the same thing. Romans 12:2  admonishes us: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” That is why it is so important to guard our hearts. We must memorize God’s Word, so it penetrates our thought processes and travels from our mind down into our heart, so we make decisions based on the truth found in Scripture. Paul declares that “the gospel is the power of God for salvation.” Romans 1:16. It is the message of truth that transforms lives.

“Every person, whether believer or nonbeliever, has a conscience that is part of the soul. The conscience is not the voice of God. When you think the Holy Spirit is leading you, look for the witness of the Holy
Spirit, the illumination of the Scripture, and the confirmation of God’s hand in the circumstances.” Priscilla Shirer, Discerning the Voice of God.

So, how do you recognize God’s voice in your own life leading and guiding you to be aligned with His will? Dr. Blackberry, who wrote the book,  Experiencing God,  was asked this question and his response was: “It’s really very simple. I always read the Word of God. The Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to bring me the mind and heart of God. When the Holy Spirit speaks through the Word of God, I always know that I have the will of God and can proceed.”

Kay Arthur also has stated: “I know the Lord is speaking to me when it is confirmed by Scripture. God has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness in His Word (2 Pet. 1:3). He never contradicts Himself and never acts contrary to His character.”

What forms your boundaries in life?

What verses in Scripture has God used to personalize the decisions you have needed to make in your life?

I need to ask myself daily how does God’s truth found in scripture show in my thoughts, actions, and speech? What changes do I need to make? I also have no excuse. I need to echo God’s yes and His no in my boundaries.

God will one day bring every deed into judgment whether it is good or evil (Ecc. 12:14). That day no one will escape or have an excuse. Acts 10:42b declares: “He is the one (Jesus Christ) whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.” Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins saves us from the penalty and power of sin. God judges according to the truth (Rom. 2:2), and according to man’s works or deeds (Rom. 2:6), but he also judges “the secrets of men” (Rom. 2:16). God sees what is in the heart and judges righteously. May our conscience be aligned deep within us that echoes God’s yes and no, in the boundaries we set, as we live in pursuing obedience, spiritually aligned to our Savior, before our world today.

Listen to Casting Crowns YouTube video, Voice of Truth. May these words in song give you courage today as you listen and believe God’s voice of truth found in His Word.

Rom 2:1-2 (ESV) —“Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things.”

Paul was writing mainly to Jews in Romans 2 that judged the Gentiles in the church, hypocritically and thought they were exempt from God’s judgment because they had not indulged in the sins Paul listed in Romans 1:28-32. Paul had recorded a whole catalog of human sins not confined only to immoral sexual sins as a result of turning away from God. These believers had more knowledge of the truth found in scripture. Therefore, they had greater accountability (James 3:1). “Every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself. It takes one to know one. Judgmental criticism of others is a well-known way of escaping detection in your own crimes and misdemeanors.” Rom. 1b-2, from The Message. No one can escape the fact that we all are guilty of sin (Rom. 3:23). God does not have a list of any respectable sins that are not as bad as any others.

Paul addressed the Jews judgmental attitude. God did not condemn them merely because they judged others but because they had overlooked their own sins. They practiced some of the same sins on this list and their self-righteousness condemned them:

• Envy
• Murder
• Strife – anger, harsh words, insults, sarcasm and ridicule
• Deceit
• Maliciousness and holding a grudge
• Gossips
• Slanderers – critical speech
• Disobedient to parents
• Foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless
• Haters of God
• Insolent – rude and arrogant and lack of respect
• Inventors of evil
• Pride
• Lack of self-control
• Un-discerning, untrustworthy, unloving, and unmerciful

Back in 2 Sam. 12:7 Nathan rebuked David. Nathan confronted David with a parable. He asked David what judiciously should be done? David denounced the guilty man in the scenario and became angry. He declared the man should die! Nathan’s response was: “You are the man!” Nathan went on to remind David all that God had done for him (anointed him king over Israel, delivered from Saul trying to kill him, etc.) and yet he fell into grave sin and in the end David did have sincere repentance.  Aren’t we all just like David in seeing other peoples sins before first examining our standing before the Lord? My own memory is often too short.

Why don’t I remember Matt. 7:2 automatically which states: “For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” Ouch – I am often guilty.

When raised in a setting of legalism, criticism and judgmental attitudes are rampant. Perfectionists make others feel rejected and not accepted. “It is often said that it takes seven compliments to undo the effects of one criticism . . . Do we continually find fault with others, especially members of our own family or members of our own church?” Larry Osborne. Respectable Sins.

I think it comes down in the end to first praying and examining our own heart first before opening our mouth of judgment with humble love. We must thank God first for His righteousness and abundant mercy and grace – much undeserved that He has given to us. God’s judgment is righteous and just, but He is not soft. God judges our hearts and our real character.

Are you falling into any self-righteous traps today?

How can you apply Romans 2:1-2 along with Matthew 7:2?

We all must live out 2 Cor. 10:5b: “Take every thought captive to obey Christ.”

Listen to Mercy by Matt Redman with lyrics on YouTube.

Romans 1:17 NIV: “For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Romans 1:17 is the key verse of Romans, announcing the theme of “the righteousness of God.” The word righteousness and other terms from the same Greek root – just, righteous, and justified, were used sixty times throughout Paul’s letter to the church at Rome. Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4: “But the righteous shall live by his faith,” in Romans 1:17. This verse is quoted three times in the New Testament (Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; and Heb. 10:38). It is by faith that one receives the gift of salvation, through God’s Son. It is also by faith we must live out each day in victory, liberty, and security, out of our faith, hope, and trust in God Almighty from start to finish. For this to be repeated throughout scripture, it means we need to pay attention to this truth – “The righteous shall live by faith.”

What past trials in your life tested your faith? Is your list a long list or a short list? There was one big one that I went through years ago, that I remember that I had told the Lord, “If you get me through this I will never doubt you again!” Actually, there have been two or three since that one, that I have prayed the same prayer. But that one particular memory still stands out in my mind as God used it to move us from Minnesota to sunny California (Ps. 27:13-14 “. . . in the land of the living.” But that is another story for another time.).

What has caused your faith in God to grow? I think over my life and ask myself what has caused my faith to grow? It usually has come out of trials. God spoke to me, during a span of three or so years of several hard circumstances that were going on all at the same time, from Psalm 119:92-93, and I have never forgotten this: “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.” Those verses breathed life into those painful circumstances, and I saw God’s glory come forth later as I prayed the words of those verses. I had to trust in God’s righteousness, provision, healing, and justice, one moment at a time in faith, for God’s sovereign plan to be revealed. I asked God to let those verses be my testimony. Do you have a verse that you rely on to give you comfort, peace, and strength in your storm as you are anchored in your faith in God?

We start with a seed of faith in our heart, mind, and soul, at the time of our salvation. Trusting in Christ was our first step of faith by God’s grace (Ephe. 2:8), which was our undeserved privilege. The second step is for us to live out our faith one step at a time – and some days that requires just one moment at a time. Today is a new day. Live in the surrounding power of your faith in Christ’s righteousness as His presence goes with you today, leading you one step at a time.

A fitting song to listen to regarding faith and hope is David Crowder’s YouTube video of “ All My Hope (Official Music Video)” featuring Tauren Wells. Then listen and watch Danny Gokey’s “New Day (Lyric Video).” It will put a bounce to your step!

John 21:22: “If I want him to remain until I come,” Jesus answered, “what is that to you?” As for you, follow me.”

Those five words said by Jesus to Peter, in John 21 have stuck out at me – from the last chapter of John – “what is that to you?”. Peter had looked at John, who served closely in ministry with Peter, was an intimate friend, and who was also a follower of Jesus as is stated in verse 20b: “follower whom Jesus loved,” and asked Jesus “what about him?”

I see Peter as having a magnetic personality and very human. Peter was strong, not lazy, a take-charge leader. He made decisions quickly. Peter knew how to get things done. He was sincere. However, he was impulsive and acted like a coward when he denied Christ (John 18:13-27) three times but wept bitterly in remorse afterward. Honesty was also one of his strong points, and he had charisma. Peter eventually learned to depend upon the Lord to accomplish things for God in his ministry instead of depending upon his own abilities.

Peter had a conversation with Jesus as they walked along the shore – just the two of them. Peter noticed John was following them behind the group. Of all of the disciples, John behaved the most honorably. John remained close to Jesus during His trials and crucifixion. We read that John was a follower “whom Jesus loved” in John 21:20. Peter had his ups and downs in comparison. I am sure Peter felt like a failure as he looked at John, and felt inferior to John. John was the God-appointed messenger to announce the arrival of Jesus. He was a fearless confronter. It was John who first realized the stranger on the shore was Jesus (John 21 – when they had gone fishing). No doubt Peter struggled with feelings of past shame, frustration, and guilt in comparison to John. But that is never God’s response. Sound familiar?

Jesus’ prophecy to Peter regarding his own death of martyrdom prompted Peter’s question. It could have been out of sincere concern regarding John’s future when Peter asks Jesus “what about this one” – what about John? Jesus tells Peter to do what Peter is supposed to do and let Jesus manage John. Jesus rebukes Peter and says: “What is that to you?” He then repeats His earlier admonition to Peter which was – “Follow me!”

I believe we can learn from the impact of this verse in John 21:22, and then act on the application of, ”so what, what is that to you (my added paraphrase).” We all have weaknesses and imperfections. Peter emerged from his previous failure transformed with Christ-confidence instead of his own self-confidence. We don’t need to compare ourselves to anyone else doing good things too and feel we are lacking because each believer has the light of God within their heart, and we possess the light of salvation (Matt. 16:24). We are all called to bring glory to God in all that we do. We must live our life in supreme faithfulness to the Lord and not compare it to anyone else’s. We must not let distractions derail us. Jesus tells us too, “So what is that to you? Follow Me!”

Listen to Lauren Daigle – You Say (Official Music Video).

John 17:17-19: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.”

Jesus prayed for Himself, for His disciples, and for future believers, before He was betrayed, arrested, His crucifixion, and ascension up to heaven. In John 17, Jesus prayed that they would have unity in love just as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are united in one in the Trinity. This bond is bound in a common purpose, in growing in the truth of God’s Word and applying it to our lives daily while being filled with joy which is a display of God’s glory and a witness to the world. Jesus also prayed that God would “keep them from the evil one.” That God would protect His chosen believers from Satan and all wicked forces (Matt. 6:13) as Satan is a master deceiver. But God is the light that shines and overcomes with peace and comfort, as Ps. 27:1 declares: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33).”

Jesus next prayed that God would set the disciples apart – to sanctify them. The definition of the word “sanctify” means to make holy. To free from sin; purify – to set apart. We as believers are being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ which is an on-going process of sanctification and is a result of our salvation. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin and continues the process of purification. In reading God’s Word it purifies our attitudes, thoughts, and actions which involves the continual change in us of this word – sanctification. As we grow in Christ our life should reveal the character of Christ and His presence, as we become conformed to the truth as 1 Thess. 5:23 states: “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What intimate memories these disciples had of Jesus’ earnest prayer for them, to His Father, before His death, burial, and resurrection up to Heaven, that was just hours away, and who is the continuing intercessor. Romans 8:34 states: “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died – more than that, who was raised – who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”

What do you think Christ is interceding with God for you about right now?

As you read God’s Word, what verses give you inner joy, power for holy living, and more love for Christ and for others? How is that sanctifying you with the truth found in God’s Word?

Warren Wiersbe has said: “How can we be overcome by the world when we have the Word of God to enlighten us, enable us, and encourage us?”  Revelation 22:20 declares: “He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come Lord Jesus!”

Listen to David Crowder – Red Letters (Official Music Video).

John 15:11-14: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”

Do you ever just feel irritable? You are not sure why, but your patience with people runs short. Your expectations were not met, and you are left disappointed and disenchanted. You feel let down. You don’t understand incompetence – not having the necessary skills to do something successfully which falls into your particular gifted strengths. Have you been there?

Jesus told his disciples in John 15:9 that He loved them and to abide in His love. He further explained that when we obey and follow His commandments, we remain in His love and that is when our joy will be complete. The Greek word “chara” translated “complete” means total, perfect, thorough, delight, to make full, to complete. It involves having all the necessary parts – adding the final touch. It describes a feeling of inner gladness, enjoyment, cheerfulness and has to do with pleasure. The joy of Jesus abides in us out of His love for us, and therefore we are commanded to love others as Christ has loved us. Jesus repeated His command, in John 15:12 and again in verse 17: “Love one another.” The next time I feel irritated I need to remind myself of this command because that would change my view and my response – being obedient.

There is a difference between “happiness” and “having joy.” Happiness is an emotion and has to do with feelings ranging from satisfaction, contentment, to bliss. It is the opposite of sadness. John Piper defines “joy” as, “Christian joy is a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as he causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the word and in the world.” The Lord’s Word brings joy and is felt in our soul. Joy is produced by the Holy Spirit – “The fruit of the (Holy) Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, (and) self-control” Galatians 5:22-23.

When things are going well, we feel happy. Maybe elated is the word to use. But pure joy, as we abide in Christ and reflect on His eternal presence with us, transcends the rolling waves and mountains of our circumstances. Everyone has a Goliath in their life from time to time. Whatever gets us the most (the most irritated) can bring us down. You may feel intense pressure. But despite our failures, we can have the joy of the Lord that transcends difficult circumstances as Jesus declared in John 16:24b: “Ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full.”

In the Old Testament, only Abraham and Moses were called “the friends of God.” Here Jesus calls us as obedient believers His friends. We are commanded to love others entirely as He has loved us, for then we are obeying Christ’s command. Then our joy will be complete – have no missing pieces – be given the finishing touch. Happiness is a choice. May you see and experience the beauty of Jesus Christ in creation, in people, and in your life, that will fill your heart up with joy more fully today. Choose to encourage more than you critique. Make your words a fountain of life (Prov. 10:11) and add that finishing touch to someone in need of receiving and seeing your joy that the Holy Spirit has made complete in you.

Listen and watch Give Me Jesus by Danny Gokey (YouTube)