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Tag Archives: Joy
Messiah is Coming!
The messiah is coming and He will transform the world: Isaiah 11:1-16. Characteristics? “And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him,” (Isaiah 11:2 ESV) “And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD,” (Isaiah 11:3 ESV) “with righteousness he shall judge,” (Isaiah 11:4 ESV) “Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins,” (Isaiah 11:5 ESV) “The wolf shall dwell with the lamb,” (Isaiah 11:6 ESV) “The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den.” (Isaiah 11:8 ESV). Empowered by the Spirit, delighting in God, judging rightly, faithful, peace will reign, oppression will end. God will restore his dispersed people from across the globe! God is mighty! “And the LORD will utterly destroy the tongue of the Sea of Egypt, and will wave his hand over the River with his scorching breath, and strike it into seven channels, and he will lead people across in sandals. And there will be a highway from Assyria for the remnant that remains of his people, as there was for Israel when they came up from the land of Egypt.” (Isaiah 11:15–16 ESV)
The faith of Mary
Mary looks on as her first born son is crucified. The price that Mary paid for her obedience was high, but the eternal joy that she now experiences far surpasses any sacrifice that she made. What a picture of faith – in the midst of suffering! Chosen by God to give birth as a virgin, as the rumors swirled about, a Son that the world did not understand nor embrace, the loss of a husband who was a faithful man (or else who would have left her when she was pregnant as a virgin), and ultimately the horrifying death of her first born. No prosperity gospel here. ““Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” (John 19:26–27 ESV)
Our begrudging submission does not glorify God and indicates that we have a fundamental misunderstanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. (John 15:4–11 ESV)
True obedience flows out of love (John 14:15) that moves us to depend upon God in an abiding relationship. The picture of abiding is one of relational trust, love and dependance upon Him as our source for direction, significance, meaning and true joy in life. Authentic, God glorifying, fruit is produced as a byproduct of this relationship. Our glad submission to the commands of scripture glorify God and lead us to joy. Our duty filled obedience, birthed out of obligation, will never produce true fruit, joy, or glorify God. Our begrudging submission does not glorify God and indicates that we have a fundamental misunderstanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Love always produces obedience, obedience never produces love. One is law, the other is grace. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15 ESV)
Love always produces obedience, obedience never produces love. One is law, the other is grace. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15 ESV)
Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)
Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me) by Casting Crowns (itunes)
Songwriters: John Mark Hall; Michael Jr Bleecker
One day when Heaven was filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a Virgin
Dwelt among men, my example is He
Word became flesh and the light shined among us
His glory revealed
Living He loved me, dying He saved me
And buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming, oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day
One day they led Him up Calvary’s mountain
One day they nailed Him to die on a tree
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He
Hands that healed nations, stretched out on a tree
And took the nails for me
‘Cause living He loved me, dying He saved me
And buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming, oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day
One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, over death He had conquered
Now He’s ascended, my Lord evermore
Death could not hold Him
The grave could not keep Him from rising again
Living He loved me, dying He saved me
And buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming, oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day
Glorious day
One day the trumpet will sound for His coming
One day the skies with His glories will shine
Wonderful day, my beloved one bringing
My Savior Jesus is mine
Living He loved me, dying He saved me
And buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming, oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day
Glorious day, oh, glorious day
Are you happy?
Are you happy? Why not? Listen to The Search for Happiness by Tim Keller to find out more.
The Gospel Centered Life 