Expect Real Joy

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Good morning, Lord

Father in Heaven, I seek You first-Your peace-Your knowledge and discernment. Build my trust. I take up my cross and follow...In Jesus' name...

Verse of the Day: 1 John 4:20-21

20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Memory verse: Psalm 139:23–24 (ESV)

23  Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Today's reading:  Genesis 33-35 Matthew 10:1-20

Expect Real Joy

Job 26:7 says, “He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing.”

After losing everything except his wife, Job never lost sight of who God is. To the observer, his was a miserable state. To the earthly mindset, all was lost. But Job said this:

 "The Spirit of God has made me;

    the breath of the Almighty gives me life." Job 33:4

When I see the 'breath' of God, I immediately think of this verse:

2 Timothy 3:16 ►"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful..."

To me, Job said, "God's word gives me life." I believe the living word of God gives us all life and we cannot live without it. It is in the word we hear Jesus say(John 14:1-6), "I am the way, the truth, and the life...".

Jesus said also, "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." John 15:11 (ESV)

He also said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

Jesus does not give the way the world gives. He gives boundlessly because He loves us completely. This is the way Jesus gives joy-complete joy-not the temporal joy of the world but joy that, like His peace, goes beyond earthly explanation.

Our bedtime prayer should always include, Psalm 90:14 ►

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days."

So, when we wake in the morning, we expect God's word to bring us His complete joy-and He will.

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Your name rises above all and You light Your kingdom. Increase my desire to live in obedience and forgive me my sins. Lead me away from lies.

Gracious and giving Lord,

In the name of my Lord Jesus Christ,

Amen