Daily Light Devotions - March 18 - Evening
His name shall be in their foreheads.
They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 1
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 2
But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity." 3
The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. 4
saying, "Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads." 5
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. 6
And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. 7
The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. 8
In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: 'The LORD is our righteousness.' 9
______________
1 Rev 22:4;
2 John 10:14;
3 2 Tim 2:19;
4 Nah 1:7;
5 Rev 7:3;
6 Eph 1:13,14;
7 2 Cor 1:21,22;
8 Rev 3:12;
9 Jer 33:16
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Mine eyes fail with looking upward
Daily Light Devotions - March 18 - Morning
Mine eyes fail with looking upward.
Like a swallow or a crane I chirp; I moan like a dove. My eyes are weary with looking upward. O Lord, I am oppressed; be my pledge of safety! 1
Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are troubled. My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O LORD--how long? Turn, O LORD, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love. 2
My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me. And I say, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; 3
For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 4
And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." 5
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 6
waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 7
______________
1 Isa 38:14;
2 Psa 6:2-4;
3 Psa 55:4-6;
4 Heb 10:36;
5 Acts 1:10,11;
6 Phil 3:20;
7 Tit 2:13
Mine eyes fail with looking upward.
Like a swallow or a crane I chirp; I moan like a dove. My eyes are weary with looking upward. O Lord, I am oppressed; be my pledge of safety! 1
Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are troubled. My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O LORD--how long? Turn, O LORD, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love. 2
My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me. And I say, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; 3
For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 4
And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." 5
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 6
waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 7
______________
1 Isa 38:14;
2 Psa 6:2-4;
3 Psa 55:4-6;
4 Heb 10:36;
5 Acts 1:10,11;
6 Phil 3:20;
7 Tit 2:13
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
What do you believe concerning the “forgiveness of sins?”
Heidelberg Catechism
Question 56. What do you believe concerning the “forgiveness of sins?”
Answer. That God, for the sake of Christ’s satisfaction,[1] will no more remember my sins, nor the sinful nature with which I have to struggle all my life long;[2] but graciously imputes to me the righteousness of Christ, that I may nevermore come into condemnation.[3]
[1] 1 Jn 2:2;
[2] Ps 103:3, 10-12; Jer 31:34; Mic 7:18-19; Rom 7:21-25, 8:1-4; 2 Cor 5:18-21; 1 Jn 1:7, 2:2;
[3] Jn 3:17-18, 5:24; Rom 4:7-8, 7:18, 8:1-2; Eph 1:7
Question 56. What do you believe concerning the “forgiveness of sins?”
Answer. That God, for the sake of Christ’s satisfaction,[1] will no more remember my sins, nor the sinful nature with which I have to struggle all my life long;[2] but graciously imputes to me the righteousness of Christ, that I may nevermore come into condemnation.[3]
[1] 1 Jn 2:2;
[2] Ps 103:3, 10-12; Jer 31:34; Mic 7:18-19; Rom 7:21-25, 8:1-4; 2 Cor 5:18-21; 1 Jn 1:7, 2:2;
[3] Jn 3:17-18, 5:24; Rom 4:7-8, 7:18, 8:1-2; Eph 1:7
In all points tempted like as we are
Daily Light Devotions - March 17 - Evening
In all points tempted like as we are ...
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 1
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 2
For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world. 3
And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, "'You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'" 4
For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world. 5
For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. 6
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 7
______________
1 Heb 4:15;
2 Gen 3:6;
3 1 John 2:16;
4 Matt 4:3,4,8,10;
5 1 John 2:16;
6 Heb 2:18;
7 James 1:12
In all points tempted like as we are ...
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 1
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 2
For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world. 3
And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, "'You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'" 4
For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world. 5
For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. 6
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 7
______________
1 Heb 4:15;
2 Gen 3:6;
3 1 John 2:16;
4 Matt 4:3,4,8,10;
5 1 John 2:16;
6 Heb 2:18;
7 James 1:12
To make atonement for him
Daily Light Devotions - March 17 - Morning
... To make atonement for him.
He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. 1
knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 2
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 3
to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 4
you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 5
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 6
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. 7
______________
1 Lev 1:4;
2 1 Pet 1:18,19;
3 1 Pet 2:24;
4 Eph 1:6;
5 1 Pet 2:5;
6 Rom 12:1;
7 Jude 1:24,25
... To make atonement for him.
He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. 1
knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 2
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 3
to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 4
you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 5
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 6
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. 7
______________
1 Lev 1:4;
2 1 Pet 1:18,19;
3 1 Pet 2:24;
4 Eph 1:6;
5 1 Pet 2:5;
6 Rom 12:1;
7 Jude 1:24,25
What do you understand by the “communion of saints?”
Heidelberg Catechism
Question 55. What do you understand by the “communion of saints?”
Answer. First, that believers, one and all, as members of the Lord Jesus Christ, are partakers with Him in all His treasures and gifts;[1] second, that each one must feel himself bound to use his gifts readily and cheerfully for the advantage and welfare of other members.[2]
[1] Rom 8:32; 1 Cor 6:17, 12:4-7, 12-13; 1 Jn 1:3;
[2] Rom 12:4-8; 1 Cor 12:12-13, 20-27, 13:1-7; Php 2:4-8; Heb 3:14
Question 55. What do you understand by the “communion of saints?”
Answer. First, that believers, one and all, as members of the Lord Jesus Christ, are partakers with Him in all His treasures and gifts;[1] second, that each one must feel himself bound to use his gifts readily and cheerfully for the advantage and welfare of other members.[2]
[1] Rom 8:32; 1 Cor 6:17, 12:4-7, 12-13; 1 Jn 1:3;
[2] Rom 12:4-8; 1 Cor 12:12-13, 20-27, 13:1-7; Php 2:4-8; Heb 3:14
I will sing with the spirit
Daily Light Devotions - March 16 - Evening
I will sing with the spirit ...
What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. 1
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 2
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 3
My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever. 4
Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre! 5
And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, 6
______________
1 1 Cor 14:15;
2 Eph 5:18,19;
3 Col 3:16;
4 Psa 145:21;
5 Psa 147:1,7;
6 Rev 14:2
I will sing with the spirit ...
What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. 1
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 2
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 3
My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever. 4
Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre! 5
And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, 6
______________
1 1 Cor 14:15;
2 Eph 5:18,19;
3 Col 3:16;
4 Psa 145:21;
5 Psa 147:1,7;
6 Rev 14:2
What is your life?
Daily Light Devotions - March 16 - Morning
What is your life?
yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 1
"My days are swifter than a runner; they flee away; they see no good. They go by like skiffs of reed, like an eagle swooping on the prey. 2
You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. 3
"Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble. He comes out like a flower and withers; he flees like a shadow and continues not. 4
And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 5
They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end. 6
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 7
______________
1 James 4:14;
2 Job 9:25,26;
3 Psa 90:5,6;
4 Job 14:1,2;
5 1 John 2:17;
6 Psa 102:26,27;
7 Heb 13:8;
What is your life?
yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 1
"My days are swifter than a runner; they flee away; they see no good. They go by like skiffs of reed, like an eagle swooping on the prey. 2
You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. 3
"Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble. He comes out like a flower and withers; he flees like a shadow and continues not. 4
And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 5
They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end. 6
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 7
______________
1 James 4:14;
2 Job 9:25,26;
3 Psa 90:5,6;
4 Job 14:1,2;
5 1 John 2:17;
6 Psa 102:26,27;
7 Heb 13:8;
Monday, March 14, 2011
What do you believe concerning the “holy catholic Church?”
Heidelberg Catechism
Question 54. What do you believe concerning the “holy catholic Church?”
Answer. That out of the whole human race,[1] from the beginning to the end of the world,[2] the Son of God,[3] by His Spirit and Word,[4] gathers, defends, and preserves for Himself[5] unto everlasting life a chosen communion[6] in the unity of the true faith;[7] and that I am and forever shall remain a living member of this communion.[8]
[1] Gen 26:4; Rev 5:9;
[2] Isa 59:21; Jn 10:10; 1 Cor 11:26;
[3] Jn 10:11; Acts 20:28; Eph 1:10-13, 4:11-13; Col 1:18;
[4] Isa 59:21; Rom 1:16, 10:14-17; Eph 5:26;
[5] Ps 129:1-5; Mt 16:18; Jn 10:28-30;
[6] Rom 8:29-30; Eph 1:3-14, 4:3-6;
[7] Ps 71:18; Jn 10:28-30; Acts 2:42-47; 1 Cor 1:8-9, 11:26;
[8] Ps 23:6; Jn 10:27-28; 1 Cor 1:4-9; Gal 3:28; 1 Pt 1:3-5; 1 Jn 2:19, 3:14, 19-21
Question 54. What do you believe concerning the “holy catholic Church?”
Answer. That out of the whole human race,[1] from the beginning to the end of the world,[2] the Son of God,[3] by His Spirit and Word,[4] gathers, defends, and preserves for Himself[5] unto everlasting life a chosen communion[6] in the unity of the true faith;[7] and that I am and forever shall remain a living member of this communion.[8]
[1] Gen 26:4; Rev 5:9;
[2] Isa 59:21; Jn 10:10; 1 Cor 11:26;
[3] Jn 10:11; Acts 20:28; Eph 1:10-13, 4:11-13; Col 1:18;
[4] Isa 59:21; Rom 1:16, 10:14-17; Eph 5:26;
[5] Ps 129:1-5; Mt 16:18; Jn 10:28-30;
[6] Rom 8:29-30; Eph 1:3-14, 4:3-6;
[7] Ps 71:18; Jn 10:28-30; Acts 2:42-47; 1 Cor 1:8-9, 11:26;
[8] Ps 23:6; Jn 10:27-28; 1 Cor 1:4-9; Gal 3:28; 1 Pt 1:3-5; 1 Jn 2:19, 3:14, 19-21
The Lord made heaven and earth
Daily Light Devotions - March 15 - Evening
The Lord made heaven and earth ...
For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. 1
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2
By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. 3
Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust. 4
By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. 5
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? 6
______________
1 Exo 20:11;
2 Psa 19:1;
3 Psa 33:6,9;
4 Isa 40:15;
5 Heb 11:3;
6 Psa 8:3,4
The Lord made heaven and earth ...
For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. 1
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2
By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. 3
Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust. 4
By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. 5
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? 6
______________
1 Exo 20:11;
2 Psa 19:1;
3 Psa 33:6,9;
4 Isa 40:15;
5 Heb 11:3;
6 Psa 8:3,4
Perfect through sufferings
Daily Light Devotions - March 15 - Morning
Perfect through sufferings.
For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 1
Then he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me." And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." 2
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 3
The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. 4
Reproaches have broken my heart, so that I am in despair. I looked for pity, but there was none, and for comforters, but I found none. 5
Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul. 6
He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 7
______________
1 Heb 2:10;
2 Matt 26:38,39;
3 Luke 22:44;
4 Psa 116:3;
5 Psa 69:20;
6 Psa 142:4;
7 Isa 53:3
Perfect through sufferings.
For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 1
Then he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me." And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." 2
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 3
The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. 4
Reproaches have broken my heart, so that I am in despair. I looked for pity, but there was none, and for comforters, but I found none. 5
Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul. 6
He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 7
______________
1 Heb 2:10;
2 Matt 26:38,39;
3 Luke 22:44;
4 Psa 116:3;
5 Psa 69:20;
6 Psa 142:4;
7 Isa 53:3
25 ways to pursue joy In Christ
From Mark Altrogge, one of my favorite song writers:
God promises his children joy, and many times he fills us with it without our asking. But at other times, especially when we go through trials, we must fight for it. Much of the battle lies in fighting to believe God’s word.
For some the battle for joy is much harder than others. Some must deal with their own tendencies to being downcast. Depression and hard, long, sad afflictions can make Jesus’ joy seem beyond reach. Yet God’s word says it’s his intent to give us his joy both in this life and especially in the next. So here are some ways to pursue joy in Christ:
1. Praise God for the cross: for his mercy and grace in saving you.
2. Thank him for all his spiritual benefits: forgiveness, adoption, the Word, spiritual gifts, the church.
3. Ask Jesus to fill you with his own joy (JN 15:11).
4. Thank him for his steadfast love that never ceases.
5. Thank God for your temporal blessings: your spouse, kids, health, sight, food, strength, home, computer and coffee.
6. Praise God for his attributes: his greatness, sovereignty, goodness, love, wisdom and power.
7. Praise Jesus for being a compassionate high priest who intercedes for you.
8. Thank him for all the specific good he is producing in you through trials: patience, perseverance, and faith.
9. Thank God for his past faithfulness.
10. Give to the kingdom.
11. Give to the poor.
12. Serve others (PHP 1:25).
13. Don’t dwell on whether you are joyful or not. Try to forget yourself.
14. Thank the Lord that he is making you like Christ.
15. Seek God’s presence in prayer (PS 16.11; PS 43.4).
16. Read the Word – it produces joy (PS 119.111; JE 15:16).
17. Thank God that he will never turn away from doing good to you (JE 32:40).
18. Ask others to pray for God to fill you with joy.
19. Ask the Holy Spirit to produce the fruit of joy in you.
20. Confess your sins to God and ask him to restore the joy of your salvation (PS 51:12).
21. Memorize God’s promises to give you joy and ask him to fulfill them (JN 16:24; RO 14:17; 15:13; PS 4:7; 30:5; 68:3; 97:11; 126:6).
22. Consider others who have it much worse than you.
23. Pray for others who are suffering.
24. Contemplate the joys of heaven and the world to come.
25. Read John Piper’s book, When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight for Joy.
(HT: The Blazing Center)
God promises his children joy, and many times he fills us with it without our asking. But at other times, especially when we go through trials, we must fight for it. Much of the battle lies in fighting to believe God’s word.
For some the battle for joy is much harder than others. Some must deal with their own tendencies to being downcast. Depression and hard, long, sad afflictions can make Jesus’ joy seem beyond reach. Yet God’s word says it’s his intent to give us his joy both in this life and especially in the next. So here are some ways to pursue joy in Christ:
1. Praise God for the cross: for his mercy and grace in saving you.
2. Thank him for all his spiritual benefits: forgiveness, adoption, the Word, spiritual gifts, the church.
3. Ask Jesus to fill you with his own joy (JN 15:11).
4. Thank him for his steadfast love that never ceases.
5. Thank God for your temporal blessings: your spouse, kids, health, sight, food, strength, home, computer and coffee.
6. Praise God for his attributes: his greatness, sovereignty, goodness, love, wisdom and power.
7. Praise Jesus for being a compassionate high priest who intercedes for you.
8. Thank him for all the specific good he is producing in you through trials: patience, perseverance, and faith.
9. Thank God for his past faithfulness.
10. Give to the kingdom.
11. Give to the poor.
12. Serve others (PHP 1:25).
13. Don’t dwell on whether you are joyful or not. Try to forget yourself.
14. Thank the Lord that he is making you like Christ.
15. Seek God’s presence in prayer (PS 16.11; PS 43.4).
16. Read the Word – it produces joy (PS 119.111; JE 15:16).
17. Thank God that he will never turn away from doing good to you (JE 32:40).
18. Ask others to pray for God to fill you with joy.
19. Ask the Holy Spirit to produce the fruit of joy in you.
20. Confess your sins to God and ask him to restore the joy of your salvation (PS 51:12).
21. Memorize God’s promises to give you joy and ask him to fulfill them (JN 16:24; RO 14:17; 15:13; PS 4:7; 30:5; 68:3; 97:11; 126:6).
22. Consider others who have it much worse than you.
23. Pray for others who are suffering.
24. Contemplate the joys of heaven and the world to come.
25. Read John Piper’s book, When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight for Joy.
(HT: The Blazing Center)
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