Day 10 - 40 Days of JOY
Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of JOY
Day 10 | JOY IS A REWARD FOR THE FOLLOWER OF JESUS
40 Days of JOY
Day 10 | JOY IS A REWARD FOR THE FOLLOWER OF JESUS
JOY IS A REWARD FOR THE FOLLOWER OF JESUS
Acts 13:52
“And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (NASB)
A disciple (or “follower”) of Jesus is indwelt by the Holy Spirit and baptized with Christ at the time of salvation. But disciples also need to be continually FILLED with JOY by the Holy Spirit, which requires obedience.
As I write this, my wife and I are continuing to raise our golden retriever. She is cute – of course – but sometimes needs training reminders.
When training a dog, TREATS become a big deal. If we teach a command like “place,” and get the proper response of her going and laying on her cushion, she gets a treat! If she doesn’t do it right… no treat. Treats are the initial motivation to be obedient. And one command, “COME” (away from cars or a dangerous situation), could save a dog’s life in the future. Our dog is truly JOYFUL when she gets things right!
God wants us to be obedient as well, and rewards us with, among other things, JOY! No, we are not dogs, but being obedient to God is always for our benefit and safety. His “thou shall not” is not punishment. God is saying: “Don’t hurt yourselves.”
If you’re NOT feeling the “joy of the Lord” right now, maybe there’s a reason.
Prayer: LORD, give me the insight to understand if something in my life is not right, from Your perspective. I’m trusting you for my eternal destiny; help me trust You with the way I live. Amen.
Acts 13:52
“And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (NASB)
A disciple (or “follower”) of Jesus is indwelt by the Holy Spirit and baptized with Christ at the time of salvation. But disciples also need to be continually FILLED with JOY by the Holy Spirit, which requires obedience.
As I write this, my wife and I are continuing to raise our golden retriever. She is cute – of course – but sometimes needs training reminders.
When training a dog, TREATS become a big deal. If we teach a command like “place,” and get the proper response of her going and laying on her cushion, she gets a treat! If she doesn’t do it right… no treat. Treats are the initial motivation to be obedient. And one command, “COME” (away from cars or a dangerous situation), could save a dog’s life in the future. Our dog is truly JOYFUL when she gets things right!
God wants us to be obedient as well, and rewards us with, among other things, JOY! No, we are not dogs, but being obedient to God is always for our benefit and safety. His “thou shall not” is not punishment. God is saying: “Don’t hurt yourselves.”
If you’re NOT feeling the “joy of the Lord” right now, maybe there’s a reason.
Prayer: LORD, give me the insight to understand if something in my life is not right, from Your perspective. I’m trusting you for my eternal destiny; help me trust You with the way I live. Amen.