The Joy of the Lord

Weekly Overview:

We have a great High Priest who constantly intercedes on our behalf. The Son of God and Man loves you more deeply than you can fathom. He prays for you, that you might walk in the abundant life his death affords you. And in John 17 we get a glimpse into the fullness of his desire for all those who would believe in him. As we dive deeply into the riches of Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer this week, may your heart be awakened and your life be transformed by the riches of God’s love.

Scripture:“But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” John 17:13

Devotional:    

Jesus came to bring about the fullness of joy in man. Often we see Christians who are not exhibiting a lifestyle of joy, and therefore we assume God is not a happy God. We see all the darkness that surrounds and assume that God is most often angry or sad. But in John 17:13 Jesus prayed to the Father, “But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.”

Jesus’ prayer in John 17:13 demonstrates two important, life-changing truths for you and me today. First, Jesus had joy. We could not have his joy fulfilled in us if he doesn’t have joy to start with. And the whole of Scripture supports the truth that within God dwells the fullness of joy. Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” And Galatians 5:22 tells us that joy is a fruit of the Spirit. The God whom you have been filled with at salvation longs to produce the fruit of joy in your life. He longs to make you a joyful person from the inside out, that your joy wouldn’t be based on circumstances or the fleeting whims of the world.

Second, John 17 tells us that we can have the joy of Jesus for ourselves. The God of joy longs to fill you to overflowing with satisfaction and hope. He longs to make your joy abundant and transcendent of the good or bad around you. God is joyful because it’s a part of his nature. And he longs for it to be the same with you.

Do you believe that God is a joyful god? Have you experienced how happy he is? Have you met with him and encountered the joy and peace in his heart toward you? Zephaniah 3:17 says, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” God longs to meet with you today and fill you with joy to overflowing. In Romans 15:13 Paul prays, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Joy is available to you today as you believe. There is hope in the Holy Spirit.

Come to God today with all your cares and burdens. Lay them at his feet and allow him to fill you with peace and joy where only heaviness abounded. God longs to set you free from the burdens of anxiety. He longs to lead you to a life of happiness and freedom in the Spirit. As you enter into guided prayer, choose to commit to God anything that has been weighing you down. Come before him with faith that he will shepherd you to greener pastures as you offer him your heart and follow his guidance.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s desire to fill you with the joy of Jesus.

“But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” John 17:13

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

2. Lay your burdens at the feet of God. What concern, problem, circumstance, or relationship has been weighing on you? What has been stealing your joy lately? Cast all your cares at the feet of your heavenly Father who loves you.

“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

3. Ask God to fill you with joy inexpressible. Ask him to reveal to you his joy, and to help you bear the fruit of his Spirit.

Oftentimes we allow ourselves to be continually downcast rather than fighting for the joy available to us in God. Joy is a vital part of the Christian life. We are not made to carry burdens that steal our joy and keep us from the abundant life Jesus died to give us. Psalm 16:6 says, “The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” God has plans to lead you to a life filled with the fullness of joy. May you pursue all the wonders and blessings God has in store for you today through the powerful sacrifice of Jesus.

Extended Reading: Psalm 16

Can You Trust Your Conscience?..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Can You Trust Your Conscience?

Dr. Charles Stanley

1 Timothy 1:5-7

Let your conscience be your guide. This bit of folk wisdom seems to make sense since our conscience is designed to help us discern right from wrong. However, people cannot always trust their internal radar to steer them correctly; this is the case particularly with unbelievers, who don’t have the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and offer guidance for wise decisions. And while Christians do have God’s indwelling Spirit, they should be careful not to harbor sin in their lives, as that can interfere with the way their morality sensor functions.

A trustworthy conscience is programmed with scriptural teaching. Believers build a stable and sensitive spiritual radar system by applying God’s truth to their lives. They are committed to thinking and acting in ways that honor and please the Lord. Then, when sinful thoughts or choices come across that radar, it will deliver a sharp warning.

A person with a reliable conscience will have a strong desire to obey God. He won’t settle for what feels right or looks good, but instead prayerfully seeks the Lord’s will. In other words, he does not rely solely on his conscience but incorporates all of the Holy Spirit’s tools into his daily life: Scripture, prayer, etc. Moreover, when his spiritual radar sounds the alarm, he is quick to draw back and reject unwise choices.

A conscience isn’t designed to be our guide; it is a tool of the Guide. The Holy Spirit not only convicts us of sin, but He also brings to mind godly principles and leads us on a righteous path. He uses a variety of tools to conform us to the likeness of Christ (Rom. 8:29).

Flowers and Faith..Whitney Hopler

 Flowers and Faith

By Whitney Hopler

“… See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you – you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:28-33 NIV

After a busy week at work and school, my family and I decided one Saturday to let our long list of chores and errands wait so we could enjoy a botanical garden together. Worries about all I had to do still crept into my mind as I walked around. So, I chose a path toward some rose bushes and decided to literally “stop and smell the roses.” I enjoyed sniffing the fragrances of every single rose variety there. Inhaling those sweet scents felt like inhaling God’s grace because God made it possible for me to enjoy that wondrous nature experience unconditionally. I didn’t have to earn the experience by completing any chores or errands. When I exhaled in between sniffing the roses, I felt like I was letting go of more and more worry each time.

In this fallen world that’s full of stress and uncertainty, it’s easy to find ourselves consumed by worry. However, Jesus calls us to a different way of living – one marked by faith and trust in God. Jesus tells us that flowers can serve as beautiful reminders of God’s care and provision for us. In both Matthew chapter 6 and Luke chapter 12, Jesus uses the example of flowers (which some translations identify as lilies) to illustrate a powerful truth about God’s provision. He points out how these simple yet exquisite creations of God don’t worry, yet God makes it possible for them to bloom with beauty that surpasses even the grand clothes of King Solomon. Jesus highlights this awe-inspiring reality to remind us that if God takes such good care of plants like flowers and even grass – which live only briefly – how much more will God provide for us, his beloved children? 

Jesus recognizes our tendency to worry about our daily needs – what we will eat, drink, or wear. Yet, Jesus reminds us that worry doesn’t bring us any closer to fulfilling our purpose in God’s kingdom. When we catch ourselves worrying, that’s an invitation to shift our focus and seek God, who promises to meet all of our needs. Just as the flowers of the field trust in God’s care, we, too, can find peace of mind in knowing that God will take care of our needs. Flowers don’t anxiously strive for their sustenance. They don’t worry about their survival. Instead, they surrender to the rhythm of God’s creation, fully relying on him to provide what they need to flourish. Likewise, as we grow in faith and deepen our trust in God, we can experience the same freedom from anxiety. We can learn from the flowers’ silent testimony of trust and give our worries to God, resting assured that God will faithfully provide for us. 

The next time you find yourself entangled in the worries of life, give yourself the gift of a break with some flowers. Enjoy their vibrant colors, intricate designs, and delicate fragrances. Allow the beauty and simplicity of flowers to reignite your trust in God’s loving care. Instead of striving and fretting, choose to seek God, knowing that God will meet your needs so you, too, can bloom and thrive in life. 

Intersecting Faith and Life:

As you reflect on flowers and faith, consider these questions: 

• What are some specific worries that you need to surrender to God, trusting that he will provide for you? 
• What practical steps can you take to release your worries to God? 
• How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing God’s provision in both big and small situations? 
• How can you plan to enjoy flowers regularly to remind yourself that God will help you bloom and thrive when you trust him? 

Further Reading:

• Luke 12:22-34
• Psalm 103:15-16
• Isaiah 40:8
• Hosea 14:5
• Song of Solomon 2:12

What it Looks Like to Pray and Fast for Change..Lynette Kittle

 What it Looks Like to Pray and Fast for Change

By Lynette Kittle

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: “And we know that in all things God works for the good those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” –Romans 8:28

It was so upsetting as a mother of four with husband and kids in tow, to drive past dozens of suggestive billboards on our route from South Florida to various attractions near Orlando. One after another, a certain surf shop presented sensual messages on the public roadways.

With all the families vacationing in Florida, why would this company advertise in such a manner? Didn’t they realize their inappropriate imagery and messages meant to woo customers to their store, was actually keeping family-friendly shoppers away?

Unable to just ignore it every time we ventured out, my thoughts turned to 1 John 5:14, which encourages me to have confidence in approaching God with my requests. So I began to pray about the situation, asking God to change the billboards’ to family-friendly marketing or remove them entirely.

Next, I wrote the company’s executives asking them to please reconsider their marketing approach.

With no response, I started writing to the state highway offices and the Governor, asking to have this company remove or change their billboards on the public highways. All the while, I prayed and fasted for a change, taking comfort in verses like Psalm 145:18 reminding myself that “the Lord is near to all who call on Him.”

Nothing seemed to budge the billboards. Still, I continued to pray, fast, and seek ways to bring a positive difference to the area. My fervent pursuit to transform the highway landscape seemed to fit the description in Isaiah 50:7 as, "I have set my face like flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed."

Then one day after years of on-going prayers and efforts with seemingly no results, Hurricane Wilma blew through Florida with a fury. While enduring 12 days of no-electricity, our family decided to take a weekend away in Orlando where we could enjoy warm water, cool rooms, and hot food.

To my surprise the roadways revealed a storm result I hadn’t expected. Billboard after billboard had been blown away.

In my wildest dreams, I hadn’t imagined this scenario. After years of writing letters, praying, and fasting for the billboards to be changed or removed, through one hurricane my prayers were answered.

In seeing the new landscape, Romans 8:28 came to mind reminding me that, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Months later the company’s billboards were replaced with family-friendly marketing. Our family cheered as we drove past each one, appreciating and amazed at how God had worked it all together for good.

A Prayer to Remember Those Less Fortunate..Laura Bailey

 A Prayer to Remember Those Less Fortunate

By Laura Bailey

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,  and he will reward them for what they have done.” - Proverbs 19:17 NIV

My family has supported a little girl from Ghana for nearly ten years. Pregnant with my first child, my heart was immediately pricked when I saw the pictures flash on the screen of children in dire situations– I knew I needed to take action and sponsor a child. 

The Lord has graciously blessed my family with two more children since that day, and while our family grew, along with our expenses, my husband and I agreed that no matter what, we would honor our commitment to our “child” abroad.   However, in recent years, especially in the last few months, that promise has been harder to keep; oftentimes, we’ve debated pausing or withdrawing from the sponsorship program. 

A few days ago, we received a letter informing us that with the cost of food, and the continual increase of inflation, our monthly gift was no longer meeting our child’s needs. They gently requested that we increase our donation so that they could continue to give our child the same amount of care she’d received in past years. My daughter, reading over my shoulder, said, “But if we give more money to her, then what about us? How will we eat?”

My daughter, barely seven years old, has never had to go without food, clothes, or shelter. She has never experienced wondering where her next meal would come from or worried that her mom and dad might not return or had to work all day just to stay alive. Her question didn’t have a malice or greed undertone, but still, the Holy Spirit used it to prick my heart. 

How often do I say no to helping others because it causes discomfort financially or physically? 

I leave the blank line on the sign-up sheet to help do yard work for our shut-ins because Saturdays are my days to sleep in.

I struggled to write the tithe check because we could take another trip or buy new furniture with that money.

I pass on giving money to someone I know is in need because that would cause me to go without it.

I am not suggesting that we give away our whole paychecks, sacrifice all our free time, or participate in every opportunity to help someone. But, for most of us, we could do more, give more, and love more on those less fortunate. The Lord calls us to live a life of self-denial, sacrificing for others, and trusting that God will provide. We abandon the scarcity mindset and instead share the gifts the Lord has lavished upon us abundantly.

It is not always easy to remember those less fortunate, especially when we ourselves are experiencing seasons of financial strain, physical exhaustion, and spiritual burnout. But friend, remember these words from Jesus in Matthew 25:40, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” We aren’t simply helping those in need; we are serving the Lord himself.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the numerous blessings you have bestowed on our lives. We are grateful for the opportunity to wake up each morning and serve You. Please help us remember the many ways You have constantly provided for us, physically and spiritually. We could never repay You for the outpouring of Your grace and mercy, but let us remember how You’ve lavished us with love as we share our resources with others.

Lord, we lift up the many needs of our communities near and far; they are too many to count. But, You know each and everyone one, and we lay them at Your feet. We ask that You give us hearts open to sharing our time and resources to help those less fortunate; remember that what we do for them is ultimately doing for You. We ask that we dig deeper into our pockets, open our homes, and serve others out of a genuine desire to honor You. We pray that we would live such faithful lives that if You called us to “sell everything and follow You,” we would. Help us remember that nothing material in this world is eternal; only the gift of salvation You provided freely to Your children.
It is not always easy to remember those less fortunate, especially when we ourselves are experiencing seasons of financial strain, physical exhaustion, and spiritual burnout. But friend, remember these words from Jesus in Matthew 25:40, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” We aren’t simply helping those in need; we are serving the Lord himself.
We love you, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.