- araratchurch
- Mar 24, 2024
- 3 min read
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]“
John 16:33 AMP
Shirley Caesar wrote a song entitled, “This Joy I Have.” It’s a song with very simple lyrics, but profoundly true lyrics, nonetheless. The message of the song is that joy that the world didn’t give, can’t be taken away by the world.
“This joy that I have
The world didn't give it to me
This joy that I have
The world didn't give it to me
This joy that I have
The world didn't give it to me
And the world can't take it away”
All around us we see trouble. Yes, the pressure imposed on us—just in the process of living from one day to the next—can drain you and rob you of any sense of joy. It’s no wonder that so many people are on anti-depressant drugs. It’s no wonder that so many people turn to drugs or alcohol to forget about the pain and turmoil raging inside. Indeed, it is no wonder that people do ridiculous things to try and garner some modicum of joy in their lives.
Yes, it’s understandable that people living in the world without Christ would be devoid of joy. But, for those who have come to faith in Jesus Christ, joy should be an ongoing state of being, no matter what we are facing.
In Psalms 46 the psalmist declares that though the world is in turmoil, the people of God can be glad. The river he references as bringing gladness to the city of God, is the same River, bringing gladness (joy) into the lives of those who have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them.
“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.“
Psalms 46:1-4 NKJV
The prophet Isaiah expresses a similar truth: Because God is with us, helping us, we can be joyful as we partake of the wonderful salvation He provides.
“And in that day you will say: “O Lord, I will praise You; Though You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’ ” Therefore with joy you will draw water From the wells of salvation.“
Isaiah 12:1-3 NKJV
Through the work of Jesus Christ, we have been provided a never-ending source of salvation. And, because of that salvation, we can receive the Holy Spirit into our being Who will enable us to have the fruit of joy manifested in our lives!
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.“
Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV
In our opening scripture, we see the Lord telling His disciples that they can be of good cheer, because He has overcome the world. Indeed, His spirit within us reminds us that we are the children of God.
“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.“
Romans 8:15-17 NKJV
Child of God, the Lord has overcome the world and given us access to His precious Holy Spirit. Now that’s a joy the world didn’t give to you; and the world can’t take it away.
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
- araratchurch
- Mar 23, 2024
- 4 min read
“Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.””
John 4:10, 13-14 NKJV
We have been reflecting on “The Spiritual Journeyo” over the last several weeks. For the rest of this week we will look at the message the Lord gave me to minister for January 14, 2024. This was the Sunday just before that illness during which the experience took place. Our word from the Lord on that Sunday was about the operation of the Holy Spirit (referenced in that message as “The River”).
Since our consideration of this message was abruptly interrupted by the illness and the resulting time spent on “The Spiritual Journey,” we will take the next few days to look at that message.
First, let’s look at a brief overview of what we must understand about the operation of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those following Jesus.
The River of God flows from eternity, through time, back into eternity. It reveals an eternal God to a time-bound world. As well, this River flowing through our lives, gives the opportunity to walk in the rule of the Kingdom of God now!
Through this River, the Holy Spirit of God, we receive the authority to become the children of God. As such, we are connected to His way of being and doing, are directed in the path we should go, are gifted with those things necessary to manifest Him in this present world, and are able to pray within His will.
We are in the world; but we don’t have to be of the world. We can live as God’s children NOW. This is only possible for us because of the River of God flowing to us and through us by Christ Jesus!
Now, we’ve all seen or heard any number of “infomercials” that present some problem, threat, etc., then, offer a “rare” opportunity to procure a solution for the said problem. The message? “Act now; or regret it later.” The cost? Three (or any number of) “easy” payments of $19.95 (or, whatever amount).
Sadly, most of the claims coming from the infomercial world prove to be a modern version of “snake oil.” Even still, enough people are seduced into calling that toll-free number, or clicking that link, to keep folks churning out those “once in a lifetime” opportunities for gullible souls.
Sadly, people’s tendency to seek answers from a source only offering a “bill of goods” for their woes or “needs,” doesn’t stop with clicking those links. Thirsty, or hungry, or fearful, or empty souls, keep “looking for love” (or the answer to their problems) in all the wrong places.
Years ago we sang the song, “He Was There all the Time.” The point of the song—as you might suspect—was that the person speaking had tried everything to find peace, but ending up still in distress until turning to Jesus.
Now, we understand the seduction associated with mass marketing schemes; but how is it that people could end up trying everything but Jesus in terms of a solution for the ills of their personal lives? Why do so many search for peace, love, satisfaction, etc., from everything else except from accepting the offer of our Lord to share His yoke?
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”“
Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV
Well, you see, the world, the flesh, and the devil, have their own “infomercials,” constantly bombarding desperate souls with offers of relief, pleasure, success, etc. The price? Your energy, your resources, your affection, your attention, your participation and devotion to that which can ultimately result in—not just the draining of a bank account—but in the bankrupting of the soul! And believe it, those payments are anything but “easy.”
In our opening Scripture, we see Jesus speaking to a Samaritan woman who was drawing water from the well. After asking her to give Him some water, and the resulting quips back to Him from the woman, the Lord tells her that He has water that can bring true and permanent relief of her thirst!
Of course, we know that Jesus was talking about the thirst of her soul. Indeed, she had lived quite the life, apparently going from one husband to the next, ending up with one who was not even her husband.
Friend, it’s true, Jesus does have the cure-all for weary souls! Indeed, He has offered that cure to all who will come to Him!
We will look into this further tomorrow.
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for
Him!
- araratchurch
- Mar 22, 2024
- 3 min read
”Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”“
John 4:10, 13-14 NKJV
We’ve all seen or heard any number of “infomercials” that present some problem, threat, etc., then, offer a “rare” opportunity to procure a solution for the said problem. The message? “Act now; or regret it later.” The cost? Three (or any number of) “easy” payments of $19.95 (or, whatever amount).
Sadly, most of the claims coming from the infomercial world prove to be a modern version of “snake oil.” Even still, enough people are seduced into calling that toll-free number, or clicking that link, to keep folks churning out those “once in a lifetime” opportunities for gullible souls.
Sadly, people’s tendency to seek answers from a source only offering a “bill of goods” for their woes or “needs,” doesn’t stop with clicking those links. No, thirsty, or hungry, or fearful, or empty souls, keep “looking for love” (or the answer to their problems) in all the wrong places.
Years ago we sang the song, “He Was There all the Time.” The point of the song—as you might suspect—was that the person speaking had tried everything to find peace, ending up still in distress until turning to Jesus.
Now, we understand the seduction associated with mass marketing schemes; but how is it that people could end up trying everything but Jesus in terms of a solution for the ills of their personal lives? Why do so many search for peace, love, satisfaction, etc., from everything else except from accepting the offer of our Lord to share His yoke?
”Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”“
Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV
Well, you see, the world, the flesh, and the devil, have their own “infomercials,” constantly bombarding desperate souls with offers of relief, pleasure, success, etc. The price? Your energy, your resources, your affection, your attention, your participation and devotion to that which can ultimately end—not just in the draining of a bank account—but in the bankrupting of the soul! And believe it, those payments are anything but “easy.”
In our opening Scripture, we see Jesus speaking to a Samaritan woman who was drawing water from the well. After asking her to give Him some water, and the resulting quips back to Him from the woman, the Lord tells her that He has water that can bring true and permanent relief of her thirst!
Of course, we know that Jesus was talking about the thirst of her soul. Indeed, she had lived quite the life, apparently going from one husband to the next, ending up with one who was not even her husband.
Friend, it’s true, Jesus does have the cure-all for weary souls! Indeed, He has offered that cure to all who will come to Him!
We will look into this further tomorrow.
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for
Him!