Joy

Believers Ministry Daily Devotional

Donna Braman

THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE AND I SHALL REJOICE IN IT!

THE EMPOWERING EMOTION OF JOY

Read: John 15:9-17

Jesus promised us His joy. However, such gladness and joy evades most Christians.

There are some important points to understand about joy. This gift to every believer in Christ has a spiritual source, the Holy Spirit, and is produced from within by Him. Being supernatural in nature, divine joy exists independently of our circumstances. Happiness, on the other hand, comes from external causes, is earthly and increases or decreases as events or circumstances change. The success of a sports team, recognition by others, completion of a project, a new house or car, a wedding or birth of a child, a new job, a pay raise, all represent sources of earthly happiness.

Holy Spirit-developed joy comes when we: FOCUS ON OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD and we begin that journey of transformation from the world into his spiritual kingdom and a loving relationship forms with Him. When we are redeemed by the blood of Christ he plants that incorruptible seed of his Spirit into our hearts, that first process of regeneration begins and our names are written in the Lamb's book of life, and we are forever His. Nothing can separate us from Him in this life or in eternity.

OBERVE HIS TRANSFORMING WORK IN US AND OTHERS. Take notice and discern and draw pleasure from what God is doing, he rescues us from bondage and sin, then he puts us on the Potter's wheel and renews our minds through his word and Holy Spirit, then he puts a spit shine on us so we are His light that shines before the lost and dying world. When you are completed through these processes of regeneration you are whole in body, soul and mind and are in the likeness of him. Did you know that when a Caterpillar is transformed, its brain melts down to mush and as metamorphasis begins its brain is transfigured as it begins to form into a beautiful, visible life form with a totally new body and brain. This is what happens to us with regeneration of Jesus blood when we receive his spiritual DNA. When the old man is dead you then begin to operate and live daily in the Kingdom and not the world system. Satan's domain is the earth centered life as he is the prince of the air. He steals the mind of those that try to find happiness through self and things, and he does this through pride (the me thing), the eye (coveteousness), and the flesh (the temporary feel good state). He did it to Eve and he tried it on Jesus and he'll do it to you but Jesus, our intercessor went to the depths of the earth and he took back the key of life from Satan that he had turned to death, and that new life is ours, all we have to do is believe and live through him and the earth IS OUR DOMINION, and that is the depth of Jesus' love for us. We experience the height of his love everyday as he sits to the right of the Father on the heavenly throne and intercedes for us daily. Somebody needs to shout for joy!

SERVE THOSE HE SENDS TO US. When we can let go of praying for own needs and focus on the needs of others you find yourself blessed beyond measure and your needs began to be met. Jesus said, " I came to serve, not to be served." That is why when Satan tempted him and said, "if you are the son of God then turn that stone into bread," Jesus said, "it is written, do not tempt the Lord Your God." Jesus inherited the whole world by not performing a miracle for himself. It is not about you, but about your assignment here on earth. Pray for discernment of what the Lord has assigned for you to do in this earthly life for another or others. Joy and blessings cannot come through any other way. Think for a moment of what you do for others to create happiness in them and then imagine what crown or lack of a crown is waiting for you in heaven. Forget your own troubles and go bless someone else and watch joy fill you to the brim and your issues dissappear and the Holy Spirit anoint you to overflow.

MEDITATE ON GOD'S LIVING WORD. Through scripture, we receive an outpouring of His love and precious truths and when we begin to live biblical principles, we can then start putting our faith into action. When we begin to live daily the principles Jesus outlines for us in the gospels we experience that unspeakable joy that makes people take notice and say, I want what they have.

SEED WORD:

The Holy Spirit desires to produce joy within you. Take a few minutes to ponder the wonder of your new birth, share that wonder and joy with someone, whatever problem or issue you have

solved in your life and spiritual walk, go find someone who is struggling with those issues and lift them up and show them how Jesus brought you through. Now you're getting closer to discovering what you were created for and to whom you are assigned. Then you have become a usable vessel for Jesus' kingdom. Then check your emotional barometer. Are you singing hallelujah yet?

If you would like to share a word go to: djbraman@gamail.com, or to read weekly lessons and daily devotionals, or attend seminar, Back to Covenant go to: www.google.com and scroll down to Believers Ministry Devotionals.