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 Joyful Strength
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
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December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 Nehemiah 8:10
"Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to the Lord. Do not grieve for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’"
God’s joy is free. It is available for all who will receive. The joy of the Lord is limitless. You cannot overuse God’s joy. It is like a wellspring of living water that flows forever. You cannot pump it dry even if you wanted to. No thirsty soul who has ever tasted God’s joy has been dissatisfied. The weak soul is rejuvenated under the influence of heavenly joy. It satisfies. An athletic victory is fleeting, to be enjoyed only so briefly. But the joy of the Lord penetrates into the depths of who you are. God’s joy wells up to provide resilience during times of testing. This is the result of tapping into His divine resource. Natural resources deplete over time, but the joy of the Lord is infinite.
The joy of the Lord also travels way beyond happiness. Happiness is based on your circumstances; joy is based on your faith in God. Your circumstances will change. And with every change comes the possibility of losing your happiness. God never changes, therefore the chances of losing your joy are nil if you are focused on the joy-giver. Just as we depend on the local power company to provide our home’s electricity, so the wise follower of Christ looks to God for his provision of joy. God’s joy is ready and waiting to be deployed into your heart. He is not stingy. Go to the eternal dispenser of joy and receive what the world cannot sustain and money cannot buy: the joy of the Lord. God’s joy equals strength. God’s joy is a strength finder. So how can His joy be retained? The joy of the Lord comes through the channel of faith. This is the coupon you need in exchange for this wonderful prize. Your faith is bolstered and made alive through the word of God. This joyful energy does not come from a cursory reading of God’s word, rather a reading for understanding, application, and celebration. Joy explodes from the pages of Scripture as we understand our utter dependence on God and His tender compassion and mercy. Your mind is washed from the sin-stained lies of the world and you begin to believe the truth that you have great significance in God’s eyes. Your exposure to the repetition and teaching of the Bible garners understanding. Your understanding of who God is and what He has done, and is doing for you, will cause joy to explode in your heart. Then His strength will sustain you even in the most difficult of circumstances. Your understanding of Scripture should lead to application in your life. Holy Spirit initiated life change spews joy over you and every one around you. When a parent watches a child walk in truth, it brings joy. When a more mature Christian witnesses a young believer growing in the faith as a result of their discipleship time, it brings joy. When a spouse experiences unconditional love from their life mate as a result of a divine encounter, it brings joy. Application of God’s word solicits joy. Lastly, joy comes from celebration over God’s faithfulness. Regularly recall the goodness of God. Once you were blind and now you see. Your family, your health, your friends, your career, your opportunities, your joy, and countless other blessings are all gifts from God. These precious memories are cause for celebration. This is reason to be joyful. This is the joy of the Lord. This is the source of your strength. Be joyful in Jesus so you can be strong in your Savior! Copyright Wisdom Hunters, LLC, used by permission
 Boyd Bailey, CEO of Ministry Ventures, uses his entrepreneurial experiences to assist and consult professionals as they seek to pursue their passions. Given his position in Ministry Ventures, likened to a venture capital firm for early stage ministries, Boyd understands both sides of the “passion fence.” One side is for those who enjoy their present professional position yet want to serve ministry and participate in a meaningful way. The other side is for those that have chosen to be in, not around, full time ministry. The unique environment Boyd currently directs at Ministry Ventures evidences how a combination of ministry supporters and entrepreneurs are required to achieve a successful ministry pursuit. Moreover, Executive Coaching and facilitating Wisdom Hunter Resources are a significant part of God’s compelling call on his life! read moreScripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
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