Monday, 2nd January, 2023
By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
"For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Romans 10:10 KJV)
In the realms of salvation is joy. That’s because all the blessings of God, all the blessings that exist in Christ, are in salvation. So, we’re full of joy all the time because we have all things. The Bible says, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17).
There’s no room for frustration in our lives. We don’t give vent to sadness, anger or bitterness. We give vent to the joy of the Lord—joy unspeakable and full of glory.
Consider what the Spirit says through Paul to the saints in Thessalonica: “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost” (1 Thessalonians 1:6). Despite the affliction, they were full of joy. Isn’t that what James also said? James 1:2 NIV: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”
That’s how come Paul and Silas could be singing praises to God while in prison, with their hands and feet in stocks. They joyfully praised God, not so He would deliver them (even though He did), but because that’s the life of the new creation—it's the extrusion and manifestation of true joy; it just flows.
If that hasn’t been your experience, it’s because you’re not acting on the Word. Being joyful is your life. The Bible says, “Therefore with joy shall thou draw water out of the wells of salvation” (Isaiah 12:3). Without joy, you can’t experience the awesome blessings that God has delivered to you when you received salvation.
Joy is one of the intrinsic attributes of your recreated spirit; you only need to express and exude it always, irrespective and independent of circumstances. That’s where your strength lies—strength for an ever-victorious life: “…for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
PRAYER/CONFESSION
"Righteous Father, I’ve put on the new man, which, after you, is created in righteousness and true holiness. Therefore, I'm full of joy, and strengthened by the Holy Spirit today! My life is the testimony of your grace and goodness, and I rejoice always, with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Hallelujah!"
FURTHER STUDY:
1 Peter 1:8; Romans 14:17
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 2 & Genesis 3-5
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 1:15-25 & Genesis 2
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