Enjoying Your Own Decline | The Log College

Enjoying Your Own Decline

by Seth Lewis

Nobody likes to talk about it, but the decline is coming. I’m not talking about economics, western culture, or common courtesy. I’m talking about us. You and me. Life is a mountain with two sides, and no matter how high you climb, you’ll still end up at the very bottom someday. Even the god-like pharaohs landed there, and the treasure in their tombs was eventually plundered. That’s how it goes. If you’re lucky, you’ll live long enough to experience the decline as a gradual downward slope. For others, it’s more like a cliff. One thing is certain: decline is coming.

It may be your strength. It may be your beauty. It may be your mind. It may be your influence, the relevance of your work, your notoriety, or your social prominence. Eventually, it will be all of the above. I guess it makes sense that we don’t like to talk about this. It sounds dire, doesn’t it? And yet I’ve witnessed people living out the years of their decline with a strange, luminous joy that refused to track with their diminishing abilities and strength—on the contrary, it actually grew stronger and brighter as they weakened and let go. How is this possible? I want to know, because I want that joy.

Everyone declines, but not everyone declines with joy. It feels backwards and counter-intuitive that this should even be possible, but that’s only because we live in a society that defines our value and worth, our meaning and purpose and identity—our everything—by the height of our ascendancy. I’ve noticed a common denominator among the people I’ve known who have declined with joy: they reject this metric. They simply do not live for their own glory, status, success, or standing—so when it comes time to let go of these temporary treasures, they’re able to do so freely, without being destroyed in the process. Instead of prioritising their own success (which will inevitably end), they live beyond themselves—for God, whose glory does not wane, for his kingdom, which is rising even now like a sun that never sets, and for the enduring happiness of lifting up others. This is the joy of Jesus, letting himself be cast down from the highest throne to the lowest grave in order to lift his children all the way up to heaven (Hebrews 12:2). This is the joy that accepts decline, even rejoices in decline, so that others may rise. This is the joy that multiplies and expands far beyond the tight limits of self-focused happiness because it genuinely, wholeheartedly rejoices in the ascendancy of others. 

If you can really and truly enjoy other people’s victories, you’ll always be in a good position to be happy. There will always be others around you that you can invest in and build up—and the more you invest, the more joy you’ll find in their success. Better yet, when the happiness in lifting others is combined with the security of seeing beyond your own decline to the eternal inheritance waiting for God’s children, the result is even more powerful. I’ve seen it. I have met people who lived in this confidence, and died in it. I have myself been lifted by those who were experiencing their own decline. I have seen the joy shining in their eyes as they leveraged their own waning strength to increase mine. And as thankful as I am for the strength they gave me, what I want even more is the shining joy they found in giving it away.

5 FEBRUARY | Finding Peace

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. Psalm 16:9
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Nehemiah 8:9–12

In this verse the psalmist commends the inestimable fruit of faith. Under the protection of God, we not only enjoy mental tranquility but also live with joy and cheer. The essential part of a happy life is tranquility of conscience and of mind, whereas there is no greater unhappiness than to be tossed with a multiplicity of cares and fears.
The ungodly, however intoxicated with the spirit of thoughtlessness or stupidity, do not experience true joy or serene mental peace; rather, terrible agitations often come upon them and trouble them to constrain them to awake from their lethargy. In short, calm rejoicing is the lot of the person who has learned to place confidence in God alone, and to commit his life and safety to God’s protection.
When encompassed with innumerable troubles, let us then be persuaded that the only remedy is to direct our eyes toward God. If we do this, faith will not only ease our minds but will also replenish us with fullness of joy. That is not without cause, for true believers not only have joy in the secret affection of their heart but also manifest it with the tongue in glorifying God as the one who protects them and secures their salvation.

FOR MEDITATION: The Christian life is characterized by deep, true joy, even in the midst of affliction. Do you know this kind of faith? How does directing our eyes to God bring peace in any circumstance?

Calvin, J., & Beeke, J. R. (2008). 365 Days with Calvin (p. 54). Day One Publications; Reformation Heritage Books.

February 2 | JOY VERSUS HAPPINESS

“Rejoice in the Lord” (Phil. 3:1).

✧✧✧

Happiness is related to circumstances; joy is a gift from God.

Not long ago it was common to see bumper stickers proclaiming every conceivable source for happiness. One said, “Happiness is being married.” Another countered, “Happiness is being single.” One cynical sticker read, “Happiness is impossible!”
For most people happiness is possible, but it’s also fickle, shallow, and fleeting. As the word itself implies, happiness is associated with happenings, happenstance, luck, and fortune. If circumstances are favorable, you’re happy; if not, you’re unhappy.
Christian joy, however, is directly related to God and is the firm confidence that all is well, regardless of your circumstances.
In Philippians 3:1 Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord” (emphasis added). The Lord is both the source and object of Christian joy. Knowing Him brings joy that transcends temporal circumstances. Obeying Him brings peace and assurance.
Joy is God’s gift to every believer. It is the fruit that His Spirit produces within you (Gal. 5:22) from the moment you receive the gospel (John 15:11). This joy increases as you study and obey God’s Word (1 John 1:4).
Even severe trials needn’t rob you of your joy. James 1:2 says you should be joyful when you encounter various trials because trials produce spiritual endurance and maturity. They also prove that your faith is genuine, and a proven faith is the source of great joy (1 Peter 1:6–8).
You live in a world corrupted by sin. But your hope is in a living God, not in a dying world. He is “able to keep you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy” (Jude 24). That’s your assurance of future glory and eternal joy! Until that time, don’t neglect His Word, despise trials, or lose sight of your eternal reward. These are key ingredients of your present joy.

✧✧✧

Suggestions for Prayer: Thank the Lord for any difficult circumstances you might be facing. Ask Him for continued grace to see them through His perspective and to not lose heart (Gal. 6:9). ✧ Be aware of any sinful attitudes or actions on your part that might diminish your joy. Confess them immediately.

For Further Study: Read Acts 16:11–40. ✧ What difficulties did Paul and Silas face in founding the Philippian church? ✧ How did God use their difficulties for His glory?

MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith (p. 45). Crossway Books.

February 1 | JOY AND GODLINESS

“I rejoice and share my joy with you all” (Phil. 2:17).

✧✧✧

True joy is directly related to godly living.

Philippians is often called the epistle of joy, and rightly so because the believer’s joy is its major theme. Paul loved the Philippian Christians, and they loved him. When they learned that he had been imprisoned for preaching the gospel, they were deeply concerned.
Paul wrote to alleviate their fears and to encourage their joy. Of his own circumstances he said, “Even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. And you too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me” (Phil. 2:17–18).
Often a Jewish animal sacrifice was accompanied by a libation or drink offering (see, e.g., Num. 15:1–10). The animal was the greater sacrifice, the libation the lesser. Drawing from that picture, Paul placed greater significance on the faith and spiritual well-being of his readers than on his own life. To suffer for Christ’s sake brought him joy, and he wanted the Philippians to understand that perspective and to rejoice with him.
He also wanted them to understand that joy doesn’t operate in a vacuum. It’s directly related to godly living. Christ is its source, obedience its sustenance. We see this in David’s cry of repentance: “Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation” (Ps. 51:12). Paul knew the joy of the Lord because he trusted Christ and obeyed His will.
The scarcity of joy and godliness in the world today makes it imperative that Christians manifest those characteristics. As we do, others will see our good works and will glorify our Father in heaven (Matt. 5:16).
This month we will highlight various aspects of joy and godliness from Philippians 1:1–11 and Colossians 1:9–12. I pray that you will be eager to learn from God’s Word and will willingly obey what you learn, for therein is “joy inexpressible and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).

✧✧✧

Suggestions for Prayer: Ask the Holy Spirit to use our daily studies to strengthen your joy and to increase your godliness. ✧ Seek to emulate Paul’s attitude of preferring others to yourself—a key element in joyful living.

For Further Study: Read the book of Philippians, noting each reference to joy. ✧ What brought joy to Paul? ✧ On what or whom do you rely for joy?

MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith (p. 44). Crossway Books.

JANUARY 25 | JOY IN THE MORNING

PSALM 30:5
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

It’s interesting that David follows a pattern of looking at the day that was begun in the creation account in Genesis. He says that weeping comes in the night, but joy comes in the morning. If you remember, when God created the heavens and the earth, He said, “the evening and the morning were the first day” (Genesis 1:5). We think just the opposite, don’t we? We think of a day as the morning followed by the evening.
I think there are wonderful truths embedded in God’s perspective on life. If you will look at your day as the evening and the morning instead of the morning and the evening, you will begin your day in the evening by meditating on what you need to accomplish the next day, and asking God’s blessing on it. Then He is free to work in your heart and mind as you sleep to prepare you for accomplishing those things. When Christ returns, there will be no more weeping. Weeping is ours during the night, but our eternal joy is coming in the morning of Christ’s return.

Jeremiah, D. (2002). Sanctuary: finding moments of refuge in the presence of God (p. 26). Integrity Publishers.

Wonderful Quotes on Christian Joy – Part II | Bible Apologetics – A DAILY DEVOTIONAL

“Do not look for rest in any pleasure, because you were not created for pleasure: you were created for joy. And if you do not know the difference between pleasure and joy you have not yet begun to live.” – Thomas Merton1

“Everything if given to God can become your gateway to joy.” – Elisabeth Elliot

“Happiness depends on what happens; joy does not.” – Oswald Chambers

“Joy cannot be pursued. It comes from within. It is a state of being. It does not depend on circumstances, but triumphs over circumstances. It produces a gentleness of spirit and a magnetic personality.” – Billy Graham

“Though sin often brings immediate pleasure, it gives no lasting joy.” – R. C. Sproul

“The greatest joy of a Christian is to give joy to Christ.” – Charles Spurgeon

“Joy is increased by spreading it to others.” – Robert Murray M’Cheyne

“Joy is not necessarily the absence of suffering, it is the presence of God.” – Sam Storms

“Joy is distinctly a Christian word and a Christian thing. It is the reverse of happiness. Happiness is the result of what happens of an agreeable sort. Joy has its springs deep down inside. And that spring never runs dry, no matter what happens. Only Jesus gives that joy. He had joy, singing its music within, even under the shadow of the cross.” – S. D. Gordon

“Begin to rejoice in the Lord, and your bones will flourish like an herb, and your cheeks will glow with the bloom of health and freshness. Worry, fear, distrust, care-all are poisonous! Joy is balm and healing, and if you will but rejoice, God will give power.” – A. B. Simpson

“How divinely full of glory and pleasure shall that hour be when all the millions of mankind that have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God shall meet together and stand around Him, with every tongue and every heart full of joy and praise! How astonishing will be the glory and the joy of that day when all the saints shall join together in one common song of gratitude and love, and of everlasting thankfulness to this Redeemer! With that unknown delight, and inexpressible satisfaction, shall all that are saved from the ruins of sin and hell address the Lamb that was slain, and rejoice in His presence!” – Isaac Watts

“There is no virtue in the Christian life which is not made radiant with joy; there is no circumstance and no occasion which is not illuminated with joy. A joyless life is not a Christian life, for joy is one constant recipe for Christian living.” – William Barclay

Oh, what great happiness and bliss, what exaltation it is to address oneself to the Eternal Father. Always, without fail, value this joy which has been accorded to you by God’s infinite grace. – John of Kronstadt

“No matter what the climate is, what the troubles are, what the difficulties are, there is joy for the child of God, because joy is produced supernaturally by the Holy Spirit in us.” – Billy Graham

“When we are powerless to do a thing, it is a great joy that we can come and step inside the ability of Jesus” – Corrie Ten Boom

“To rejoice in temporal comforts is dangerous, to rejoice in self is foolish, to rejoice in sin is fatal, but to rejoice in God is heavenly.” – Charles Spurgeon

“Joy—the kind of happiness that doesn’t depend on what happens.” – David Steindl-Rast

“The Christian living in disobedience also lives devoid of joy and hope. But when he begins to understand that Christ has delivered him from the reign of sin, when he begins to see that he is united to Him who has all power and authority and that it is possible to walk in obedience, he begins to have hope, and as he hopes in Christ, he begins to have joy. In the strength of this joy, he begins to overcome the sins that have so easily entangle him. He then finds that the joy of a holy walk is infinitely more satisfying than the fleeting pleasures of sin. But to experience this joy, we must make some choices. We must choose to forsake sin, not only because it is defeating to us but because it grieves the heart of God.” – Jerry Bridges

“Those who understand God’s sovereignty have joy even in the midst of suffering, a joy reflected on their very faces, for they see that their suffering is not without purpose.” – R. C. Sproul

---

1 All of the following quotes are from the websites below:

TOP 25 JOY QUOTES (of 1000) | A-Z Quotes

97 Quotes About Joy | ChristianQuotes.info

Inspirational Quotes on Joy

70 Joy Quotes to Fill Your Day With Positivity & Hope

 

The post Wonderful Quotes on Christian Joy – Part II appeared first on Bible Apologetics – A DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

Source: Wonderful Quotes on Christian Joy – Part II

December 24 | God’s Kingdom Is the Source of True Joy

… and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.—Matt. 13:44b

Every man or woman desires basic joy in his or her life—a desire that all others directly or indirectly serve. We like to eat because tasty food brings joy and usually a feeling of good health to our bodies. We enjoy money because of the prospect of good and necessary things it can buy. Many of us also seek prestige, power, knowledge, and other advantages for the supposed joy they will bring.

But all such joys are fleeting and disappointing. The only genuine and lasting joy is that found in the kingdom of God, because God Himself created mankind and wants to provide them with complete satisfaction. After Christ exhorted the apostles to abide in Him and let His words abide in them, to verify their discipleship by bearing much fruit, and to obey His commandments and thus abide in His love (John 15:1–10), the Lord told them, “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full” (v. 11; cf. 16:24; 1 John 1:4).

The apostle Paul tells us that “the kingdom of God is … peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17). Then he prays for the Romans, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (15:13). Authentic joy comes only when we find and accept Jesus Christ and His kingdom by faith in Him.

ASK YOURSELF

Have you noticed that the feeling you sense after watching a sporting event, attending a movie, coming home with a major purchase—or even enjoying Christmas—is never quite as robust as the anticipation was? How is it different from the experience of engaging in Christian worship and service?1   1  MacArthur, J. (2008). Daily readings from the life of Christ (p. 367). Moody Publishers.

23 DECEMBER | Living in True Joy

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith. Galatians 5:22

suggested further reading: Nehemiah 8:9–18

Paul here adds joy to love in naming the fruits of the Spirit. He not only means that we will be at peace with God and have cheerful hearts because God has mercifully received us and declared his kindness to us. He also implies another kind of joy here, which is that we ought not to grieve or upset one another or to alienate ourselves from our neighbors by disdaining them.

We are to be easy-going and friendly, even finding pleasure in being able to help and assist those who require our aid. In Romans 14:17, Paul says the kingdom of God is joy in the Holy Ghost. However, here he uses this word in a different sense. He says we can rejoice in God when we testify that we have found acceptance in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Without this, we would be transfixed and numbed with fear. For this reason, we would always be troubled in spirit.

Those who have contempt for God may seem happy enough in their pride, but they do not have true peace or joy. Inwardly, they are burning, for God pricks their consciences with remorse so they are always sorrowful and agitated. Even when they want to rejoice, their minds become increasingly darkened. They have no more feeling because their ability to discern between good and evil is dead.

When people stray from God in this way, their joy is cursed, and they forget who they are. But, as I have already said, Paul speaks here of the joy we have when we rightly relate to our neighbors in love.

for meditation: True joy is in short supply these days. When Christians let their true joy shine—not shallow silliness, but deep happiness—people around them notice. A Christian without joy is a contradiction in terms. Do not be afraid to let your Christian joy shine in this dark world.¹

---

¹  Calvin, J., & Beeke, J. R. (2008). 365 Days with Calvin (p. 376). Day One Publications; Reformation Heritage Books.

December 16 | Don’t Rejoice in Sin

1 Corinthians 13:6

[Love] does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth.

In Greek the phrase, “Love does not rejoice in iniquity,” literally means, “Love does not take satisfaction from sin.” To rejoice in unrighteousness is to justify sin. It is making wrong appear to be right. This is what Isaiah said in Isaiah 5:20: “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light and light for darkness.”

There is much of that going on in our world today. Men and women in the media have come to understand that bad news is good news in the sense that it makes the headlines and provides more readership and listenership, but God’s love is saddened when it hears of the defeats and tragedies in other people’s lives. It is easy to be glad at another person’s misfortune, but God says that as Christian people we are never to rejoice in sin. When you love somebody, you cover their sins; you don’t broadcast them. John puts it this way: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 4).¹

---

¹  Jeremiah, D. (2002). Sanctuary: finding moments of refuge in the presence of God (p. 367). Integrity Publishers.

December 2 | The Rejoicing Apostle

My brethren, rejoice in the Lord.

Philippians 3:1

The apostle Paul’s joy was unrelated to his circumstances. If it had been tied to pleasures on earth, possessions, freedom, prestige, outward success, or a good reputation, he wouldn’t have had any joy.

Paul’s joy was centered on his ministry and was indifferent toward all other things. That’s why he could tell the Philippians, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you with all joy” (Phil. 1:3–4). He had joy in spite of trouble, as long as Christ’s cause was advanced. He had joy in spite of detractors, as long as Christ’s name was proclaimed. He had joy in spite of death, as long as Christ was exalted. And he had joy in spite of the flesh, as long as Christ’s church was assisted.¹

---

¹  MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : a daily touch of God’s grace (p. 363). J. Countryman.

December 1 | The Measure of Spiritual Maturity

In this I rejoice, yes; and will rejoice.

Philippians 1:18

A believer’s spiritual maturity can be measured by what it takes to steal his joy. Joy is a fruit of a Spirit–controlled life (Gal. 5:22). We are to rejoice always (Phil. 4:4; 1 Thess. 5:16). In all circumstances the Holy Spirit produces joy, so there ought not to be any time when we are not rejoicing in some way.

Change, confusion, trials, attacks, unmet desires, conflict, and strained relationships can throw us off balance and rob us of our joy if we’re not careful. It’s then we should cry out like the psalmist, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation” (Ps. 51:12).

Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33), and the apostle James said, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (James 1:2). God has His own profound purpose in our afflictions, but He never takes away our joy. To maintain our joy we must adopt God’s perspective regarding our trials. When we yield to the working of His Spirit in our lives, our difficulties will not overwhelm us.¹

---

¹  MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : a daily touch of God’s grace (p. 362). J. Countryman.

Who Defines Your Joy? | Tabletalk

Who Defines Your Joy?

It often seems as if God narrates the story of our lives with irony. Joy is often fleeting, and real joy is paradoxically birthed in the most challenging of times. As I am writing on this topic of joy, I have been dealing with significant sorrow. A few weeks ago, I was asked to speak at the funeral of a young friend. Is the buoyancy of joy possible when swimming in a sea of sorrow? Is real joy possible in a sin-stained, fallen world? As distant as it might seem at times, we know that joy is possible because Jesus prayed for us to have joy. Joy is included as one of the fruits of the Spirit. As I stood before hundreds of grieving friends and a young family left without a father, I asked God for His presence. The sense of aloneness was palpable. I asked the Creator to give me His perspective. The look of confusion was in the eyes of the congregation. I wanted to stand for His glorious purpose of declaring the truth, hope, and even joy of the gospel. God answered my prayer. Don’t misunderstand—it was a sad and sorrowful day. But sorrow and joy are not opposites, and sometimes they live precariously close to one another. I felt God’s presence. For a fleeting moment, I thought that I had a glimpse of His perspective, and I felt that I was given words of truth during a critical time. I experienced joy.

Joy flows from a particular way that one engages life. Joy is the product of praying for and entering into His presence, seeking His ultimate purpose, and stumbling toward His perspective.

I have set the Lord always before me;
 because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
 my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
 or let your holy one see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life;
 in your presence there is fullness of joy;
 at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Ps. 16:8–11)

These verses are quoted by Peter in his sermon in Acts 2. He tells us that this psalm refers to Christ and to His resurrection. We are invited to enter into His joy and His suffering, and these Scriptures present us with some instructions to do just that. First, notice that he speaks of the Lord’s presence: “I have set the Lord always before me” and “in your presence there is fullness of joy.” God’s great promise in the gospel is not the absence of struggle or an easy life path, but that He will be with us: “I will be with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). We experience joy when we are aware of and focused upon His presence. Joy is not the elimination of sorrow but the presence of God in sorrow. Diligently pray that you will be aware of His presence.

God’s great promise in the gospel is not the absence of struggle or an easy life path, but that He will be with us.

Joy also comes when you know His purpose. “You make known to me the path of life.” Humans can endure great suffering and struggle when they feel that there is a purpose. In the concentration camps of World War II, researchers noticed that the strong did not always live and the weak were not always the most likely to die. No, it was the individuals who had purpose and meaning in their lives who were the most likely to live. There is no greater purpose than God’s purpose of glory. We experience joy when we are caught up in His purpose. Diligently pray that you would be aware of His purpose.

Psalm 16 is a reference to Christ’s suffering and resurrection; it reminds us of the joy found in God’s perspective. He knows that the last chapter is not the cross of crucifixion or suffering but the joy that would be His on the other side of Calvary. Jesus “for the joy set before him endured the cross” (Heb. 12:2). Gaining His perspective will provide you with a new sense of gratitude for His faithfulness in your life and a keener awareness of those blessings. Fervently pray for gratitude and godly perspective. As John Calvin said, “There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world that is not intended to make us rejoice.” Gratitude leads to joy. God made all of creation, including us, to experience joy. Although the evil one is committed to destroying joy and glory, it is, in fact, what we were designed for. Diligently pray that you would be aware of His perspective, that you would be filled with the gratitude and joy for which God made you.

The church on the day of my friend’s funeral was full of sorrow, as it should have been. But to the extent that we sought God’s presence, trusted His purpose, and strained to see His perspective, there was joy. Echoing in the shadows of sorrow was the possibility of joy. Joy doesn’t come easily. We must fight the lies of futility, isolation, and loneliness, and we must fight the fleeting perspective that accompanies difficult circumstances. We must have the courage and the ears to hear the laughter and rich joy on the other side. For on the other side, we will fully enjoy His presence, understand His perspective, and be amazed by His purpose. We will spend eternity in joy.

Editor’s Note: This post was first published on February 19, 2018.

Source

November 10 | Take Out Your Earplugs

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1–10

Key Verse: 1 Samuel 3:10

The Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”

Visit a major airplane construction plant and you will be amazed by two things: the size of the airplanes under construction and the noise level.

Much of the machinery used to assemble aircraft is driven by air-pressure devices. Because of this, a person in the assembly plant is subjected to constant noise pollution. Safety is a top concern, and workers are given earplugs and safety glasses for protection. Plant managers also have keen eyes as to potential dangers. Once the earplugs are in place and the machinery turned on, there is no way you can yell to a coworker and be heard.

Many of God’s people are like employees in an airplane production plant. They cannot hear God’s voice because they are too busy assembling the pieces of their lives. They wear the earplugs of worldly thinking, becoming complacent toward the things of God. When the bottom drops out, they wonder why God allowed it. But in actuality, God spent months and in some cases years shouting warnings that went unheeded.

In your life, is it time to take out the earplugs, turn off the machinery of the world, and listen to God’s voice?

O Lord, I’m too busy trying to assemble my life. Please help me to take out my earplugs, turn off the machinery of the world, and listen to Your voice.¹

---

¹  Stanley, C. F. (1999). On holy ground (p. 329). Thomas Nelson Publishers.

November 4 | Paul’s Joy

My beloved and longed–for brethren, my joy and crown.

Philippians 4:1

The apostle Paul’s joy came from fellow believers. Today’s verse says the Philippian believers were his “joy and crown.” To the Thessalonian believers he likewise proclaimed, “What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy” (1 Thess. 2:19–20).

Paul rejoiced in the church’s salvation and spiritual growth, which is represented by the word crown. The term refers to a laurel wreath, something an athlete received in biblical times for winning a contest (1 Cor. 9:25). But an athlete wasn’t the only recipient of such a wreath. If someone was honored by his peers, he too would receive one as the guest of honor at a great feast or banquet. The wreath then was symbolic of success or a fruitful life. The Philippian believers were Paul’s reward—proof that his efforts were successful. As you minister your gifts, may you experience the kind of joy Paul had.¹

---

¹  MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : a daily touch of God’s grace (p. 333). J. Countryman.

Five Surprising Truths About Christlike Joy | Truth For Life Blog

Knowing that after His imminent arrest, His disciples would soon scatter in fear, the Son of God prayed for their spiritual preservation, unity, and joy. In his sermon “The Keeping Power of God,” Alistair points out how God’s care for His children supersedes our greatest self-concerns. Not everyone experiences God’s blessings, though! The inexpressible joy of salvation can only be known by the truly penitent who rest entirely on Christ’s atoning work. In this brief excerpt, Alistair considers the uniqueness of the joy that Jesus yearns for His disciples to experience.

Happiness is just a spontaneous response to temporary events. It was really happy yesterday afternoon, wasn’t it? It was for me—and you’re surprised by this, but I’ll let you into a little secret into my life. There I was, with my wife beside me, going, “Yes!” when that [Guardians baseball player] did that and he had a grand slam home run. Now, that has not lingered with me into Sunday. That was a temporary happiness. That is not my joy. If my joy is that, then what would have happened if it had gone the other way?

No, [“joy fulfilled”] is something very different. When Peter prays eventually and writes to the people experiencing great hardship and suffering, he says, “Though you have not seen [Jesus], you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and [you] rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.” Wow! That is something different from happiness, for sure.

Let me tell you five things that are true of joy. I’m just going to read them to you so I don’t take longer than I should:

1. Joy is experienced when my conscience accuses me, and I know that Jesus the Son of God has forgiven me.
2. Joy is experienced when I’m aware of my failures, but I know that my sin has been cleansed and I have been given the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. Joy is experienced when life disappoints me and I disappoint myself, but I know that God is bringing me day by day towards a heavenly home where nothing will ever spoil, fade, or perish.
4. Joy is experienced when I feel weak, but I remember that He is mighty and holds me in His powerful hand.
5. Joy is experienced when my outer body is wasting away, but I know that inwardly, I’m being renewed day by day until I stand before Him in an entirely different, new, glorified body.

…

Solid joys, lasting treasure are only known in Jesus.

Stream or Read Alistair’s Latest Sermons

https://blog.truthforlife.org/five-surprising-truths-about-christlike-joy

October 12 | A Welcome Friend

No chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:11

Evaluating a trial as a joyful occurrence is something a Christian must discipline himself to do, because joy is not the natural human response to troubles. He must make a conscious commitment to face each trial with a joyous attitude. Paul was a prisoner in Rome when he said to the Philippians, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice…. I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (4:4, 11). He had learned to be content and rejoice in the midst of trials. That’s not something that happens by accident.

When you see a trial coming, take on an attitude of joy that comes from anticipating the perfecting work the Lord will do through it. We must have a decisive conviction that we are going to face trials with a joyful attitude. It is the joy of one who counts it a privilege to have his faith tested because he knows the testing will draw him closer to the Savior. Then a trial will become a welcome friend.¹

---

¹  MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : a daily touch of God’s grace (p. 309). J. Countryman.

Rejoice | Thoughts about God

Rejoice

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!”

Thought

Joy is found in the Lord, not in things. Joy is found in knowing that he always accompanies, sustains, helps, protects, and upholds me. How can I not rejoice? God loves me so much that he emptied heaven of his greatest treasure so that I could join him in glory. Joy is mine because of his grace.

Prayer

Precious Father, thank you for always being there and knowing what is on my heart and caring for me in ways that I cannot even imagine. I long to know you face to face and share in the unbridled joy of heaven with you. Until then, I truly rejoice because I know my future is in your hands! Thank you in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

By Phil Ware
used by permission
From http://www.heartlight.org

FURTHER READING

• Rejoice –  by Doug Lim
• You Will Rejoice – by BIll Bright
• You can Have Joy by John Grant

Follow Us On:  Facebook  • Twitter  •  Instagram  • Pinterest

The post Rejoice can be found at Thoughts about God.

Wired to be Happy | Thoughts about God

Wired to be Happy

“Delight yourself also in the LORD: and he shall give you the desires of your heart”. Psalms 37:4

It was the cover of a recent Time Magazine entitled “The Pursuit of Happiness.” The lead in to the main article stated that we are free to pursue happiness, but there’s no guarantee we’ll achieve it. It went on to say, “the secret is knowing how and where to look.”

The story looked at a lot of factors, but finally ended up with “Get rich. Get happy.” In other words, the premise was that money can buy happiness. We have all seen the bumper stickers that proclaim that, “He who dies with the most toys wins.” But he still dies.

The Bible puts a different spin on happiness. There is difference between joy and happiness. Depending on the translation, the Bible uses the words “happy” and “happiness” about 30 times, while “joy” and “rejoice” appear over 300 times. If we look at some verses it will help us understand why joy is different from happiness.

What is true happiness? Does anyone really have an answer for that question? I suppose one could go on about how happiness is relative, different for each person. One man’s trash is another’s treasures and all that. I suppose in this grossly materialistic society that we live in, then yes that is true. True happiness, however, is not anything that can be quantified or measured, really. True happiness is contentment.

The strange thing in life is that if you seek happiness as an end in itself you will never find it; it will always escape you. It’s like a child catching a soap bubble. He thinks he’s got it, then it bursts and its gone and there’s nothing left. It’s also like a traveler in a desert seeing a mirage of an oasis. He travels towards it only to find it disappears!

True happiness, says the Bible, depends upon two things only. The first is our relationship with God, and the second depends on what we really are, not what happens to us or what we achieve or possess.

Those who chose the way of this world, the things that the Scriptures condemn, will never find lasting happiness. Oh yes, they may enjoy its false pleasures for a fleeting moment, but they will turn to ashes. The Christian isn’t exempt from temptation and must constantly be on guard against the subtle snares of the evil one – it’s so easy to slip up and let our Lord down in thought, word or deed.

It’s like the Time article said, for those seeking true happiness “the secret is knowing how and where to look.”

by John Grant
used by permission

John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney

FURTHER READING

• God is My Delight by Katherine Kehler
• My Great Delight by Phil Ware
• Delight Yourself in the Lord – by Vonette Bright

Follow Us On:  Facebook  • Twitter  •  Instagram  • Pinterest

The post Wired to be Happy can be found at Thoughts about God.

October 10 | 1 Kings 13; Philippians 4; Ezekiel 43; Psalms 95–96 (Part 1)

some practical advice for Christians (Phil. 4:4–9):

(1) Always rejoice in the Lord (4:4). This command is so important that Paul repeats it. Our responsibility to obey it is independent of circumstances, for regardless of how utterly miserable our situation is, the Christian always has the most profound reasons for rejoicing in Christ Jesus: sins forgiven and the prospect of resurrection life in the new heaven and the new earth—not to mention the consolation of the Spirit even now, and much more. Practically speaking, Paul well knows that the believer who is truly rejoicing in the Lord cannot possibly be a back-biter, a cheat, a whiner, a thief, or lazy, bitter, and filled with hate.

(2) Be known for gentleness (4:5). That is almost a delicious oxymoron. So much in our culture wants us to be known for aggressiveness, or for some intrinsic strength or superiority. The gentle person does not usually think in terms of being known. But Paul wants us so to focus on gentleness that eventually we become known for gentleness. The ground Paul offers is that the Lord is “near.” In this context, probably Paul does not mean that the Lord’s coming is near, but that the Lord himself is never far from his people: he is near, and is watching us, as he watches over us, all the time. That becomes our motivation for acting as he wishes us to act.

(3) Stop worrying (4:6–7). Paul is not advocating irresponsible escapism, still less a Pollyanna-like optimism. Moreover, strictly speaking he is not telling us to stop worrying and nothing more, but rather he tells us how to stop worrying—by replacing this constant fretting with something else: “in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving [there’s the praise theme again], present your requests to God” (4:6). Paul does not deny the agony and sorrow of many human experiences. How could he? His letters show that he suffered his share of the worst. But he knows the solution. Either worrying drives out prayer, or prayer drives out worrying. Moreover, Paul insists, this disciplined, thankful, intercessory prayer brings with it “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding” (4:7).

(4) Think holy thoughts (4:8–9). Garbage in, garbage out. We are renewed by the transforming of our minds (Rom. 12:1–2). So watch what you feed your mind; watch what you think; determine to drive your mind into good and healthy channels, not those characterized by bitterness, resentments, lust, hate, or jealousy. Reflect on all the kinds of things Paul includes in his diverse list of verse 8. Moreover, here too Paul serves as an important example (4:9): he is not telling us to do anything he does not practice himself.¹

---

¹  Carson, D. A. (1998). For the love of God: a daily companion for discovering the riches of God’s Word. (Vol. 1, p. 309). Crossway Books.