Tag Archives: joy in Christ

Faith

The Everlasting Blessing of God

Beloved, behold the immeasurable love of God, who gives richly to His children both in this life and the life to come. Even now, His blessings are poured out upon us, as His Word declares: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26). Through Christ, we have salvation by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), the seal of the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14), and peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). He fills us with joy through the hope of His promises (Romans 15:13), clothes us in His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21), and adopts us as His beloved children, making us heirs with Christ (Romans 8:15-17). He has not left us empty-handed but has given spiritual gifts to serve Him (1 Corinthians 12:4-7), wisdom for the journey (James 1:5), and strength to endure trials (Isaiah 40:29), while providing for every need according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). Yet these blessings are but a foretaste of what is to come!

For in the age to come, the fullness of His blessing will be revealed. “A thousand generations” of those who love Him will inherit His promises (Exodus 20:6). We shall see Him as He is (1 John 3:2), and all that is broken will be made new (Revelation 21:5). He will dwell among us, and there will be no more death, mourning, or pain, for He will wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:3-4). In His presence, we will experience fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11) and eternal peace, for the Prince of Peace reigns forever (Isaiah 9:6-7). Faith will give way to sight (1 Corinthians 13:12), and we will reign with Christ in His glorious kingdom (2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 22:5). He is preparing a home for us in the New Jerusalem, where His blessing and favor will shine upon us forevermore (John 14:2-3; Revelation 21:2).

Oh, children of God, lift your hearts to Him who blesses and keeps you. His favor is upon you and your children, and their children, as His faithfulness extends to all generations (Deuteronomy 7:9). Do not grow weary, for He is coming, and His reward is with Him (Revelation 22:12). Press into Him today, for His blessing is not just for this life but points to the eternal glory that awaits (Philippians 3:14). He is with you, before you, behind you, and all around you. Let us live as those who have been called by His name, eagerly awaiting the day when we will dwell in His unending favor and everlasting peace. To Him be the glory, both now and forevermore! Amen. (Romans 11:36).

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Unity

Vacation – Call to Prayer

Beloved, let us come together in prayer with a deep yearning for God to bring healing, unity, and joy to His Church, that we may be a true testimony of His love and light in this world.

Recently, during our travels, we encountered individuals whose questions and observations revealed the deep wounds and sorrows within the Body of Christ. One driver, in his searching, asked, “How can anyone know God—there are so many churches, and they all have their own beliefs?” This question should stir our hearts, beloved, for it highlights the confusion and division that many see in the Church. These divisions hinder our witness to the world, and we must remember the words of Jesus, who prayed for us, saying, “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:21 NKJV).

The lack of unity within the Church is not just a theological issue; it is a spiritual wound that affects our ability to shine as a beacon of hope and truth. We assured the driver that God is aware of these divisions and that He is at work within His Church. Each of us is a work in progress, being transformed into the image of Christ, but we must strive towards the unity that Christ desires for us. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4:3-4 NKJV). Let us pray fervently for the healing of these self-inflicted wounds, asking God to unite us as one body so that we may effectively testify to His greatness and love.

Later, as we arrived at our destination in Virginia Beach, we had another conversation, this time with an Uber driver. When we asked about the mood of the locals, he responded with a disheartening observation: “Oh, you don’t want to go to a church; they are the most unhappy of them all.” This statement should deeply grieve us, for it indicates a sorrow that has taken root in the hearts of many within our church communities. The Church is meant to be a place of joy, a refuge where the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Yet, too often, our gatherings are marked by burdened spirits and weary hearts, reflecting not the joy of Christ, but the struggles of life.

This perception of unhappiness not only affects those within the Church but also diminishes our light to the world. Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35 NKJV). But how can this love be evident if our hearts are weighed down with sorrow and discontent? Let us pray for a revival of joy within the Body of Christ. May our churches be filled with the light of God’s presence, lifting every burden and filling every heart with the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Let us ask God to restore to us the joy of His salvation and to uphold us with His generous Spirit (Psalm 51:12 NKJV), so that we may be a true reflection of His love and a beacon of hope to the world.

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts burdened for Your Church. We ask that You heal the divisions that have wounded us and bring us together in unity as one body, that we may faithfully represent You to the world. Breathe new life and joy into our communities, dispelling the shadows of sorrow and weariness. Fill us with the joy of Your presence, and let that joy be our testimony to the world. May our gatherings be marked by love, peace, and the overwhelming sense of Your goodness. We pray for a renewal in our spirits, that we may reflect Your light and love to all who see us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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