In Jesus We Have… , 65

~ In Jesus We Have Joy ~

 Introduction ~ In this series we look at a few of the verses which state what we have when we are “in Christ.”  Consider our series theme verse: 

 

“God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:4-10).

 

Scripture ~ Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).

 

Comment ~ Happiness is based on circumstances whereas Joy is based on a deep relationship which provides deep inner satisfaction regardless of circumstances.

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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Mother’s Day, 2023

~ You May Be A Mother and Not Know It! ~

 

Introduction ~ Today there will be a wide variety of emotional responses to the celebration of Mother’s Day.

 

Sorrow for Many ~ Some ladies will grieve today because their mother is no longer alive. Some will think of their mother who never fulfilled the role of “mom” in the way they imagined. Others will regret the abusive woman who bore them. Still, others will grieve today because although they wanted to be a mom it was not in the providence of God.

 

Joy for Many ~ Some will reflect on their own mother today, and her precious role in their lives. Others will be so grateful for their children who are bringing honor to them and to their God.

 

Scripture ~ There is a remarkable statement by our Lord in the Gospel of Matthew: “But He answered and said to the one who told Him, ‘Who is My mother and who are My brothers?’ And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, ‘Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother’” (Matthew 12:48-50).

 

Contemplate That! ~ There can be no barrenness in the life of a God-fearing obedient woman. Because of God’s grace, all women can choose to “bear fruit and multiply” and fill the earth.

 

Comment ~ I have a dear friend in my local church. She is an elderly woman who never bore any physical children – but she is very much a “mom” to a great many younger women. 

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

* * * * *

Peace, 4of4

 ~ The Interaction of Peace and Joy ~

Quote  ~  “Peace is joy resting, and joy is peace dancing.”   – Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Key Passages  ~  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).  Note the progression found in these verses!

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). 

“Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men” (Romans 14:16-18). 

“For David says concerning Him: ‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face, For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.  Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; moreover my flesh also will rest [have peace] in hope.  For You will not leave my soul in Hades, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.  You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence’” (Acts 2:25-28).

Other Passages of Note  ~  “The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52).  “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).  “Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality” (2 Corinthians 8:1-2). 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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Fruit of the Spirit, 2of9

~ Christian Joy Is A Deep-Seated Satisfaction Regardless Of Circumstances ~

Overview Scripture  ~  “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.  Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:8-11).   

Series Scripture  ~   “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Against such there is no law.  And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-25).  It is important to note that while this passage lists nine fruits of the Spirit it is not a complete list—which includes “all goodness, righteousness, and truth” as seen above in Ephesians 5.

Comment  ~  Joy is very different from happiness.  Happiness is typically dependent upon current circumstances.  True joy however is a deep seated and consistent satisfaction which remains constant regardless of what is occurring in your life. 

Natural Man  ~  The key question is do you enjoy the pleasures of sin and worldly lusts?

“By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward” (Hebrews 11:24-26).

“When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, ‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.  For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?  Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?  For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels’” (Mark 8:34-38).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

Be an insider!  Sign up for his author NEWSLETTER and receive occasional news and special offers.  His books have won national and international literary awards.  Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift.  Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way.  You can easily unsubscribe at any time. 

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .