Our thirst for God is only quenched by the water of life
flowing from the throne of God (Revelation 22:1). He rids our life of pride and
arrogance, when we realize that Christ is our whole life. Our humanity is dead,
and our life is now hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3-4). We are
a friend of God and co-heirs with Christ (John 15:14-15; Romans 8:17). We are
secure in His love and He enjoys spending time with us. Our spirit is His
dwelling place (John 14:23). Our obedience, worship and
fellowship with Him are at the heart of our intimate union with Christ in us (John
14:15).
Fully abiding in Christ produces a life of peace and joy
that grows beyond any explanation and is complete in the glory of God within us
(1
Peter 1:7-9). We flourish on the Vine of Christ and bear fruit for His
Kingdom (John 15:1-8; Galatians 5:22-23). His
fruit satisfies our soul and we value His presence in our life above all else.
His joy sees us through every trial and His peace through every heart break (James
1:2-12). With His strength as our joy, our workload is easier,
our trouble is lighter and our heart sings with gladness (Nehemiah
8:10; Psalm 100:2).
We focus on the cross, seek and witness to the lost, and
abide in Christ as His Spirit leads us through each moment of our day. Our food
is to do the will of our Father, and our joy is full when a sinner is saved (John 4:5;
Luke 15:7-11). The apostle Paul put it all into perspective. He lived as
an example of a Believer. He showed endurance in troubles, hardships,
distresses, imprisonments, riots, hard work, sleepless nights and hunger. All
the while he also exhibited purity, understanding, patience, kindness and
sincere love in the Holy Spirit.
Paul’s speech was truthful and in the power of God, and his
only weapon was righteousness. He exhibited a steadfast testimony through glory
and dishonor, bad report and good, and genuine faith when regarded as an
impostor. People pretended they did not know him. They beat him, yet did not
kill him. Although he was close to death, he went on living. Even in times of
sorrow, he rejoiced. When poor, he considered himself rich; although he had
nothing, he possessed everything of real value through Christ (2
Corinthians 6:4-10).
Prayer:
Father God, when we weep for the souls of our lost friends,
relatives, associates and neighbors, we do so with faith in Your faithfulness
to bring these loved ones to Yourself and to fill them with Your love and the
fruit of Your Spirit (John 15:11; 16:24). We experience the
assurance of Your salvation and Your provision for our every need, every doubt
is put to flight and our faith is filled with Your joy. We want this same life
for all those we know. Let Your joy be full through the praise of our lips and
by our obedience to fulfill the works You created us to do (Ephesians
2:10).
Thought for the Day:
When we see the Lord, our heart will rejoice and no one
will ever destroy our joy. – John 16:22