For the 5 Wednesdays in December we will look at the Ministry of Joy.
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Father-God is the source of Joy.
Have you experienced Joy recently?
Perhaps you have and didn’t recognize it.
The dictionary definition of joy says: joy is a feeling of good pleasure and happiness.
But Joy is more than a feeling. In fact, you can be filled with joy in the midst of physical feelings of pain.
Joy transcends feelings.
How do I get this Joy?
Remember what the angels sang as they announced the presence of Jesus in this world?
“I bring you good tidings of great joy!”
Do you see that Joy is present wherever Jesus is present?
Joy is dependent on who Jesus is, rather than on who we are, or what is happening around us.
Can I have Jesus present with me?
How will I know that He is present with me?
Ask.
Yes, it really is that simple.
Matthew 28 contains this promise, spoken by Jesus: “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”
In fact 83 times in the Bible we find the promise, “I am with you and will keep you wherever you go.”
Joy is a result of abiding in God's presence, (and from belief in His Word.)
The Holy Spirit is commissioned by Father-God to bring Joy into the hearts and minds of those who have committed to a trust relationship with Jesus.
God will not force anyone to “be with Him.”
Within the agreement made by God within the Great Controversy, we must ask for His presence.
Now, He is at the door, as it were, knocking, asking for permission to join us.
He assures us in His Word, “He that comes to me, I will in no wise leave or cast out!”
He is asking to be with you, with me, right now.
Our part is to answer the door, open it and welcome Him in.
“Father-God, bring Your joy into my life.”
Every time you realize your joy is slipping away, repeat the Invitation to Him.