Monday, January 6, 2014
Full Joy
God’s plan is for His people to be complete, wanting nothing.
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
As James states earlier, we may have to go through some “stuff” to get there. Here he suggests that we need to be patient to get there. Notice he does not say we have to be down trodden or sad or upset. True enough all of these are things I have felt in times when I am having my patience tested, but they are not necessary. It would seem to me that there should be a way for us to experience something positive from God while we are on our way to what He has for us. Today I found an interesting scripture that I have read and skipped over many times that actually addresses this point, I think.
2 John 1:12 Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
What stood out to me was what John said would make their joy full. When our joy is full, we are encouraged. The need for encouragement for me goes hand in hand with times when my joy is not full. John says that seeing the believers face to face would cause their joy to be full. Something happens when we gather together. If we treat each other with respect, when we gather together we see the Jesus in others and it helps us remember that we are not alone, that God is on our side. When we have opportunity, let’s spend time with other believers that our joy may be filled up!
Prayer
Father, we praise and exalt You. Thank You for this day. There are many with needs today Father. Please keep people same from the climates around them. Please make it possible for people, especially Your people, to come to no harm today. Raise up Your people and help them to be full of joy. Help Your people to know You and the power of Your name. Help Your people to not only have what they need, but to share abundance with others that there be no lack. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.