June 7, 2013
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The Joy of Jesus
by Leonard Ravenhill
Joy! What a scarce commodity that is. There are many who say that they are abiding in Christ. There are few who show that they are abounding in Him. Joy! How elusive. How indescribably blessed is the believer who has his soul filled with it.
Isaiah had predicted, “With joy shall ye draw waters from the wells of salvation.” Our blessed Lord in His high priestly prayer requested from His Father for His disciples, “That they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” He prayed this for every soul that should ever believe on Him. “. . .for them also which shall believe on me through their word.” (John 17:20).
Joy is not created by possessions, or by positions, but by a Person—Him! Let me add, however, that joy is not an inflexible, unvariable thing. It is not a deposit placed in the soul after salvation without any chance of deterioration. It can stand all pressures satan or circumstances bring against it; but, and ponder this well, the sun of joy in the soul can be eclipsed by our own disobedience.
Joy requires at least two conditions: submission and service. “If ye abide” --submission—means staying put when it might seem smart to quit. It means believing God when it appears far wiser to believe everybody else. It means defying one’s feelings and fears and saying triumphantly, “Thy will be done!”
Joy comes through service. Most Christians are activists; they get caught up in some kind of church work. But not all of it is good. Not all of it is essential. Even missionaries find themselves tangled in lesser things than winning the lost. Unprayerful souls soon get diverted from the supreme task He appointed for them.
Comments (5)
Good observation! The works that God has called us to are not burdensome, but joyous. It may seem "spiritual" to burn oneself out for Jesus, but if we assign ourselves the tasks and attempt to do other than what He has planned, we will lose our fervor and our joy. (see Ephesians 2:10)
@quest4god@revelife - How did I know you were going to like this post? I just knew "deep inside of me.
Hi Carolyn, just stopping by to say Hi. I don't know how much longer we will be on Xanga... but I see that you have been faithful to share God's word all these years!! Just thought I would stop by to say "Good Job"!!
@BeeyondSight - Well, thank you, Bee! It's been great seeing you again. I hope all is well with you. If we don't meet again here on Xanga, I'll look for you in heaven. Make sure and come over to the Xanga corner and sign in. Did you ever know Forhisglory2 ... her name was Hazel aka Hazie. She went Home last year in November. She's holding down the fort til we get there. I sure do miss her. Blessings, Bee, as you go on about your way. He's coming soon.
@RaZeHeLL - Oh my... I didn't know that about Hazie.
Well, you are right she is rejoicing in Glory! Yes indeed He is coming soon and we will all be gathered together, but till we get there we have work to do to spread the Gospel! So as they say .... we'll see you "here, there, or in the air.". Blessings, Bee 
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