The Joy Full Life

Some think it's a hard life being a believer! Some have only gone far enough to be bothered, and not far enough to be blessed, and happy. Thinking that if we go on with God that in some way we will "miss out" on the pleasure of being alive. No one could possibly think that they know more about the future of the world than God. We don't have that kind of knowledge. Have we been brainwashed into thinking that God is out to destroy us or has a evil plan for our life? I would hope not.

Then we can joyfully accept our daily walk with gladness. We have committed our way unto the Lord. Surely He will lead us every day in the way of His chosing. He will be pleased to give us His presence and joy. Why would we chose any other way? So then we are to be a thankful people, and delight in our life in the Lord, no matter where He leads us. Or to stay put where He places us. The love of the Father is seeking to bless us, and those around us, through us. What could be better? "The kingdom of God is righteousness, joy and peace in the Holy Spirit." This is a life of joy, and fruitfulness, abounding in the good things of God.

Having addressed a wrong attitude, I would like to address a limited faith. It's recorded in Heb 4:2

"For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. Now we who have believed enter that rest,"

Why would we limit God's work in us and for us by our stubborn wills? Here we have God's promise of rest by believing the fulness of the gospel. Look at Israel, God provided deliverance, then food and water, there were no sick or infirm, their cloths didn't wear out, they lived in His glory. Then they conquered the promise land, and gained houses and lands that they didn't build. And became the greatest nation on the face of the earth, and all kingdoms brought there treasures into her. Doesn't this sound like a good God. Well He not also prosper everthing that He causes us to put our hand to? Of course!

Israel is a shadow of the church, a type. We have the reality in Christ that Israel fore-shadowed. We have the greater glory of the Son of God by the Spirit in us. What we can see of the blessings to Israel is also the will of God to the Church. To bring her to reflect and show-forth the glory of the Son. This is the rest of God, that God Himself supplies our every need. And causes us to walk in the victory that was obtained for us in Christ Jesus. No worries, no trouble that God in us can't conquer. While we enjoy His presence.

Consider Jesus; he was full of wisdom, and he chose the Father's will in the crucifixion. Why? He knew that the Father's plan would develope him to his highest achievement, the Savior of all men. What a lofty goal! And for this God has exalted him to the highest place. Don't we like to be around those who bring out the very best in us? Such is the nature of God. To cause us to live life to our fullest potential, and God knows what our limit's are, and what is a realistic goal for each of us.

And how is this done exactly. By the word. And through those who take the word and combine it with faith, and bring forth fruit. "The word of God is alive and active and powerful." All that is needed is the word of faith in our hearts and in our mouths to bring to pass the things that God has given in the Son. God in us uses our mouth and hands, and feet to accomplish His purposes in the earth. But we must be yielded and willing to believe that nothing is impossible with God. And that God is pleased to show Himself strong on our behalf. "To them that believe all things are possible." So let's put aside all our reservations about the good plans of God toward us, and with faith embrace the walk into the things that God uses to develope and change us into the image of His Son. Anything else is a waste of the life that God has for us.