Based on “Life Happens” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 6/26-27/10
Message #6052; Daily Devotional #3 - “How Deep Is Our Joy?”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): When the apostle Paul prayed for the people of Colosse, he prayed for them to be filled with the knowledge of God’s Word and to have an understanding, through the Holy Spirit, of God’s will (Colossians 1:9). In the following Scripture, Paul explains his prayer: And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. (Colossians 1:10-12) Paul could write this because he knew how to have endurance and patience. God had strengthened him, and the result was an amazing ability to endure his many trials with patience. More than that, he found joy in being a vessel to spread the Gospel.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): When Paul was in prison at Philippi, he was on a mission from God. I picture Paul looking at those guards who were required to be his constant companions by way of handcuffs. I can picture a smile coming across his face as he looks at one of them. A smile that grows as deep as his joy at being able to share Jesus, the one who forgave him so much and humbled the Apostle with many trials and imprisonments. I believe even his eyes were smiling as he witnessed about his beloved God and Savior. There was little left of Paul but a whole lot of Jesus in him by this stage of his life. Paul’s roots were deep in the Gospel of Christ. That is how he continued in joy. His boldness to witness was due to his abandonment of himself and his comforts and wants. He had an attitude of hope: hope that he could make a difference and bring light into someone’s darkness. If Paul woke up in the morning and had to check off on a piece of paper what his goal was for the day and the choices were: (1) suffer in silence and hope to get out of this place sooner rather than later, (2) spend my day thinking of how to escape, (3) plead my case before the Lord, and whine a little too, and, (4) choose to live joyfully today and thank God who trusts me enough to allow me this discomfort for His glory. Well, of course, Paul would have checked #4; each and every day it would be #4. Paul had an attitude of gratitude to be alive to serve His master.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): How deep is our joy? Though our trials may be deep, our joy may be deeper still. Can we say our joy is deep enough to withstand the trials that will surely come our way? Have we learned to patiently endure with the ability to reach beyond ourselves and joyfully share the truth of God’s Word? Even if we can’t speak, we can show joy in our expressions, our mouth and eyes smiling, our attitudes being those of kindness, grace, and mercy. We should find our joy leaking out everywhere. We are all on a mission of mercy; quite the opposite of the world’s selfish ambition. Paul wanted and did live a life worthy of his calling. He pleased God in his unselfish quest to be like Jesus. We can all share in the inheritance of the saints. With an attitude of love and joy we can put down deep roots in the Kingdom of God, and when we can see above the trials and tribulations in this world; we can see Jesus.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Psalm 16:5-11; Philippians 3:12-13
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Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.