Monday, a Time to Give Thanks.
17.1.11
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Paul's words keep resonating in my heart, my mind... they come out of my mouth, slowly for I don't want to trample.
Philippians is known as the Epistle of Joy, and Paul's first mention of JOY is when he says:
"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy" (v.3-4 ESV)
If this is the Epistle of Joy, then I certainly want to go deeper into the meaning of such word. John MacArthur says,
"Spiritual joy is not an attitude dependent on chance or circumstances. It is the deep and abiding confidence that, regardless of one’s circumstances in life, all is well between the believer and the Lord."
He goes on and gives us several features of a biblical theology of true joy:
First, joy is a gift from God. (Psalm 4:7-8; Psalm 16:11)
Second, God grants joy to those who believe the gospel. (Luke 10:11-12; John 15:11)
Third, joy is produced by God the Holy Spirit. “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking,” Paul said, “but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom 14:17).
Fourth, joy is experienced most fully as believers receive and obey God’s Word. (Jer.15:16; 1 John 1:4)
Fifth, believers’ joy is deepened through trials. The full reality of joy is experienced when it is contrasted with sadness, sorrow, and difficulties. (I Thess. 1:6; 2 Cor. 6:10; James 1:2; I Peter 1: 3-6)
Sixth, believers' joy is made complete when they set their hope on the glory of heaven. They are always to be "rejoicing in hope" (Rom. 12:12; 1 Peter 1:8; 1 Peter 4:13; Jude 24-25)
And my gratitude list goes on... full of JOY!
1073. True joy.
1074. The sun shinning through my window.
1075. Warm sweaters.
1076. Dreams
1778. Exam week.
1079. Waiting in the Lord.
1080. The precious gift of intercession.
1081. Our family Table full of Bibles.
1082. Rhythms in our daily life.
1084. January's Beauty
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May you have a week full of true, biblical JOY!
Under His sun and by His grace,
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Under His sun and by His grace,
Becky