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November 7, 2024
- By Ed Powell
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"These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." John 15:11
How many Christians do you know whose lives overflow with the love of God? Unfortunately, the majority of believers are living on the "outer rim" of all that God wants to do in their lives. God desires that we dwell in the "inner core" where His presence and power are being manifested and experienced. "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4).
The fact that we see so few who are enjoying this abundant spiritual fullness, we must ask, "Is this a problem with God or is it a problem with us?" I think you will conclude very quickly, we are the problem. Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).
God has made every provision for us to have an abundant life that is filled with His peace that passes understanding...His love that flows from His everlasting spring...and His grace to sustain and enable us. An abundant life that knows His mercy that endures forever...a hope that makes us not ashamed...and His comfort in times of grief. A life that experiences His compassion when in great need...His strength when we are weak...His presence when we are lonely...His sufficiency for every encounter...and so much more!
His desire is that our cup might be filled to OVERFLOWING. It is the overflow of "His life" within us, flowing through us, that is the encouragement, blessing, inspiration, and challenge to others. Therefore, it is our responsibility, to appropriate what He has purchased "for us" and provided "to us." We are to draw deeply from "His fountain of living water," that "from our innermost being shall flow rivers of living water." David said, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; MY CUP OVERFLOWS" (Psalm 23:5).
He has prepared a place for us in the very presence of our enemies (where He stands to hold us strong, and assure us of His never failing grace). He anoints our very being with the power of the Holy Spirit (which oil is a symbol of) and fills our cup (the whole of our life) to overflowing with His abundant supply. Wow! That should cause us to rejoice and be exceedingly glad. This is what God will do, if we would but yield our will to His authority and lordship.
Joy comes from the Lord. It does not proceed from people, our circumstances, or from anything we may do. It is initiated by God to us, as He has freedom to reign in our lives. Happiness, on the other hand, is the result of "happenings" that result from things that we encounter. People often "make us happy" by what they say, or do, or bring into our lives. Favorable and encouraging circumstances we engage in "make us happy."
Joy is the result of our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Let us seek to live our life on the highest plane, with a determination that our lives may be characterized by a hunger and thirst for the "overflow" of His life within, giving our utmost for His highest, as we "abide in Him and He in us."
"These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full."
© 2007 by Ed Powell. Used by permission.
This page was reprinted by permission from: http://litmin.org/dare.php?date=2024-11-07
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