Seize the Moment – Day 1009
The Gift of Joy!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Wednesday, December 21.
Have you experienced a sad situation that was transformed by the gift of joy?
The Lord gave them joy, so they rejoiced! A situation that began with Nehemiah’s weeping and mourning over Jerusalem’s distress and shame (Nehemiah 1:1-2:10), was transformed by the gift of joy as Nehemiah led the people in celebration for not only the restoration of the walls and gates, but also of their spiritual vitality. Joy is a central expression of the people’s experience with God. Truly, “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
When Paul was in chains for the gospel, he proclaimed in Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” Joy is a central expression of your faith in Jesus, no matter your circumstances. When Jesus faced his own death, Hebrews 12:2 describes of our Savior, “who for the joy set before Him endured the cross.” Joy is a gift from God that compels God’s people to rejoice in their circumstances because we trust that God will transform them for His glory.
Seize the moment and receive “the good news of a great joy” through faith in Jesus Christ (Luke 2:10) – “in Your presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11; cf. John 15:11; 16:24).
God bless you!
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YOUTUBE:
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