JOY – Episode 9 – The 72 Returned With Joy.

 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23).

It is at least interesting that the fruit of the Spirit of Joy is positioned between Love and Peace. Could it be coincidental that we must find love which comes before joy in order to find peace in our lives?

When and from what sources do you find joy? Is it in a job well done? From your career, hobby, family, possessions or good fortune?

This word, JOY, in the Bible and from the Greek language in which it was written, is ‘chara’,  (pronounced, ‘khar-ah’), means  joy, delight, gladness, a source of joy. The picture is “to extend favor, lean towards, be favorably disposed”. More properly, it means the awareness of God’s grace and favor. Joy is found when God’s grace is recognized.

Read with me over the coming episodes, examples of what the scriptures say about JOY.

“Now the seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name!” (Luke 10:17)

What is this kind of joy, and what is the source of this joy? In order to answer this question, first we must get the context of Luke 10:17.

Luke 10:1, Now after this the Lord appointed seventy-two other (disciples), and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come. And He was saying to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Go; behold, I am sending you out like lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no money belt, no bag, no sandals, and greet no one along the way. And whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house.’

“The one who listens to you listens to Me, and the one who rejects you rejects Me; but the one who rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.”

Luke10:17, Now the seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name!” And Jesus said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Behold, I have given you authority to walk on snakes and scorpions, and authority over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”

Luke 10:23, Turning to the disciples, He said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see the things you see; for I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see the things that you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things that you hear, and did not hear them.”

Notice that Jesus sends the 72 disciples out like lambs in the midst of wolves. They are to take no provisions and no means of defense. Their only means is the authority He has given them and from this authority and it this authority, the disciples find joy.

But Jesus says His authority not to be the source of their joy. But the source of their joy is that their names are recorded in heaven!

Jesus teaches His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what good will it do a person if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his soul? Or what will a person give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS.

“Truly, I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” (see Matthew 16:24-28).

This is wisdom. Everyone lives but once, and then comes judgement (see Hebrews 9:27). And if our focus is only on our accomplishments in this life, even if we gain the entire world and all that it has to offer, but lose our soul, then we will have lost everything. (see Mark 8:36-38). Everything is from dust and will return to dust (see Ecclesiastes 3:20). But, if we knew of the greatest of all treasures that gives a hundred times as much as all we ask or could even imagine in this age and in the age to come, eternal life, wouldn’t we leave all we have and go buy the field containing that treasure? The kingdom of heaven is that field, and Jesus and the Gospel is the treasure. (see Mark 10:29-31). This is where we find lasting joy. This is where our hope and joy spring eternal!

This old world in which we live is filled with many tribulations, sorrows and tears. But Jesus has spoken these things to you, so that in Him, you may have joy and peace. Take courage; He has overcome the world!

These are the oracles and the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. They are the pathway to eternal life and true joy. They are the lamp to your feet and the light to your path! It is not enough to know about them, you must come to know them.

^“Turning to the disciples, He said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see the things you see; for I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see the things that you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things that you hear, and did not hear them.” (see Luke 10:23-24). So it is with us today.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS: If you have any comments or questions, please use the comment section below.

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JOY – Episode 8 – When they hear, receive the word with Joy.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23).

It is at least interesting that the fruit of the Spirit of Joy is positioned between Love and Peace. Could it be coincidental that we must find love which comes before joy in order to find peace in our lives?

When and from what sources do you find joy? Is it in a job well done? From your career, hobby, family, possessions or good fortune?

This word, JOY, in the Bible and from the Greek language in which it was written, is ‘chara’,  (pronounced, ‘khar-ah’), means  joy, delight, gladness, a source of joy. The picture is “to extend favor, lean towards, be favorably disposed”. More properly, it means the awareness of God’s grace and favor. Joy is found when God’s grace is recognized.

Read with me over the coming episodes, examples of what the scriptures say about JOY.

“Those on the rocky soil are the ones who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and yet these do not have a firm root; they believe for a while, and in a time of testing they fall away. Luke 8:13

What is this kind of joy, and what is the source of this joy?

This kind of joy is found in the heart and mind of the unrepentant and unsaved person. Their joys are based on the whims of life. Whatever feels good or sounds good at that moment, brings them joy, as long as it does not require a personal investment of self, time, thought or personal sacrifice.

The joy of the Spirit of God is not based on feelings. The source of this joy is based on faith – a deep, abiding faith. The faith that is he certainty of things confidently expected, the proof of the things which are not yet seen, the faith that gives understanding, and is pleasing to God (see Hebrews 11).

There will be times when life and circumstances bring uncertainty and can threaten us with fear and consternation. But true joy comes from a confident assurance and reminder that our God will always make a way. We draw near to God and know that,

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand].
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust [with great confidence, and on whom I rely]!”
For He will save you from the trap of the fowler,
And from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you and completely protect you with His pinions,
And under His wings you will find refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and a wall.
You will not be afraid of the terror of night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction (sudden death) that lays waste at noon.
A thousand may fall at your side
And ten thousand at your right hand,
But danger will not come near you.
You will only [be a spectator as you] look on with your eyes
And witness the [divine] repayment of the wicked [as you watch safely from the shelter of the Most High].
Because you have made the Lord, [who is] my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
No evil will befall you,
Nor will any plague come near your tent.
For He will command His angels in regard to you,
To protect and defend and guard you in all your ways [of obedience and service].
They will lift you up in their hands,
So that you do not [even] strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread upon the lion and cobra;
The young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
“Because he set his love on Me, therefore I will save him;
I will set him [securely] on high, because he knows My name [he confidently trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never abandon him, no, never].
“He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
“With a long life, I will satisfy him.
And I will let him see My salvation.”  (Psalm 91)

Know this and be filled with the Joy that brings you peace.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

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JOY – Episode 7 – Jump for Joy, for your reward in heaven is great!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23).

It is at least interesting that the fruit of the Spirit of Joy is positioned between Love and Peace. Could it be coincidental that we must find love which comes before joy in order to find peace in our lives?

When and from what sources do you find joy? Is it in a job well done? From your career, hobby, family, possessions or good fortune?

This word, JOY, in the Bible and from the Greek language in which it was written, is ‘chara’,  (pronounced, ‘khar-ah’), means  joy, delight, gladness, a source of joy. The picture is “to extend favor, lean towards, be favorably disposed”. More properly, it means the awareness of God’s grace and favor. Joy is found when God’s grace is recognized.

Read with me over the coming episodes, examples of what the scriptures say about JOY.

“Rejoice on that day and jump for JOY, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For their fathers used to treat the prophets the same way.”  (Luke 6:23).

Jesus is seated on the Mount and delivers the most beloved and iconic messages of His earthly ministry. Most commenters, Bible teachers and preachers point out that this sermon or series of sermons is primarily about moral and ethical living, which is true enough. I, however, want to point out that beyond the obvious and profound lesson on ethics and morality, Jesus’ Words are a deep look into the psyche of the human mind, soul and spirit. They are prophetic in their nature and effect when absorbed by the student or disciple. They have even had a positive effect on the lives of millions who have followed these teachings, but who are not Christians.

These teachings, which are given in greater length and detail in Matthew chapters five through seven. But Matthew chapter five, verses one through twenty are a synopsis of His entire ‘Sermon on the Mount’, and are a picture of salvation and the process of entire sanctification.

The context of this verse is found in the preceding verses: Luke 7:22-23, “Blessed are you when the people hate you, and when they exclude you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and jump for JOY, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For their fathers used to treat the prophets the same way.”

Jesus’ promise is that if you follow Him (and thereby live according to His teachings), you can be assured that you will be excluded by others, you will be insulted, and scorned as an evil person for doing good and by association, for expecting the same of others. This will not always be a pleasant experience here on earth. But, this is the way. When lived out with the right motives and attitude, your faithfulness and good works will be greatly rewarded in heaven! (Please note that this will not earn your way into heaven. That comes from faith in Christ Jesus, alone. Your faithful obedience to His Words will, however, earn you great reward).

So, yes, jump for JOY!  You will receive the reward of eternal sanctuary in the presence of God. A new heaven and a new earth; And the tabernacle of God will be among His people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.

And He who sits on the throne says, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Then He will say, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give water to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life, without cost. The one who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.” (see Revelation 22).

Our world is spiraling out of control. There are wars and rumors of war, nations are rising against nations; there are new diseases coming upon us, sickness, poverty, famines, earthquakes, lawlessness, and deceit. But in the midst of all of this, there is profound hope. These things are the signs of His coming. He is coming on the clouds, and at the sound of the trumpet, every eye will see Him, and He will gather His elect from the four winds and corners of the earth, and we will be assembled before His Throne, saying Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty!

Rejoice and be full of Joy! Our redemption draws near!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUS:  JOY – Episode 6 – Good News of Great Joy.

NEXT: (coming soon).  JOY – Episode 8 – Receive the Word with Joy.

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PS: Here is an excellent video by The Bible Project on the Sermon on the Mount. Give it a look and learn!

 

JOY – Episode 6 – Good News of Great Joy.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23).

It is at least interesting that the fruit of the Spirit of Joy is positioned between Love and Peace. Could it be coincidental that we must find love which comes before joy in order to find peace in our lives?

When and from what sources do you find joy? Is it in a job well done? From your career, hobby, family, possessions or good fortune?

This word, JOY, in the Bible and from the Greek language in which it was written, is ‘chara’,  (pronounced, ‘khar-ah’), means  joy, delight, gladness, a source of joy. The picture is “to extend favor, lean towards, be favorably disposed”. More properly, it means the awareness of God’s grace and favor. Joy is found when God’s grace is recognized.

Read with me over the coming episodes, examples of what the scriptures say about JOY.

“And so the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people” Luke 2:10

The context of this verse is that on this night, some shepherds were out in fields near Bethlehem watching over their sheep when an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord was shining around them. The shepherds were very afraid.  The angel told them not to be afraid, and that he had some very good news for them, that would give everyone joy.  The news was that your Savior was born in David’s town. He was the one anticipated, the Messiah, their Lord.

During the prophetic period of Israel’s history, the Jewish people were promised that God would raise up a redeemer from the lineage of David who would bring physical deliverance from their Gentile enemies, restore the Temple, and reestablish the kingdom rule of David (Isaiah 9:6-7; Isiah 11:1-2, and Jeremiah 23:5).

In the time of the second Temple, messianic hope was very strong. The Jewish people were looking for a political Messiah who would deliver them from the iron heel of Roman occupation and oppression. For the Jew, Messiah was to be from the family of David, a military and political leader who would rule as king, and one who would bring everlasting peace to Israel, so this, to them, was very good news and initially brought them exceeding joy at the prospect.

So, what was the source of their joy? Was it the radiance of the angel? No, it was the promise of a Savior!

The truth is that God had sent His only Son to save those in the world, and everyone who would believe in Him would not perish, but would have everlasting life! God did not send His Son to judge, but to save people from destruction, to give them a hope and a promise of a new start in life, forgiveness of their sins and an eternal life with God.

It turns out that is better news than anyone could have previously imagined. The New Testament describes being saved this way:

The word “saved” comes from the Greek word, “sozo”, (pronounced “sode-zo”), and it literally means to make safe and well, to heal, preserve and to rescue; to deliver out of danger and into safety, used principally of God’s rescuing powers from the penalty and power of sin and into His provision of safety; rescued from destruction and brought into divine safety.

Imagine, being made safe, well and whole, full of meaning and purpose in your life, in your marriage, with your family, at work, in your career, and with your friends. Being filled with hope even in times of distress, trials and tribulation!

Is this too much to imagine? Is this too great a promise? You will only know it if you know Him, and then you will be filled with a Joy that is otherwise unimaginable!

So, what is the source of your Joy, today? Is it what you have or what you can accumulate? Is it the simple joys of life? Or is it the promise that your sins can be forgiven, and you can find a new start in life? One without guilt, shame or sadness. A life full of purpose and meaning, full of promise with a hope and a future!

This is true Joy, to know Jesus and to trust in Him.

The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous, And His ears are toward their cry for help.

The face of the LORD is against evildoers, to eliminate the memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears And rescues them from all their troubles.

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The afflictions of the righteous are many, but the LORD rescues him from them all.

Psalms 34:15-19

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

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JOY – Episode 5 – They Left the Tomb with Great Joy

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23).

It is at least interesting that the fruit of the Spirit of Joy is positioned between Love and Peace. Could it be coincidental that we must find love which comes before joy in order to find peace in our lives?

When and from what sources do you find Joy? Is it in a job well done? From your career, hobby, family, possessions or good fortune?

This word, JOY, in the Bible and from the Greek language in which it was written, is ‘chara’,  (pronounced, ‘khar-ah’), means joy, delight, gladness, a source of joy. The picture is “to extend favor, lean towards, be favorably disposed”. More properly, it means the awareness of God’s grace and favor. Joy is found when God’s grace is recognized.

Read with me over the coming episodes, examples of what the scriptures say about JOY.

And they left the tomb quickly with fear and GREAT JOY, and ran to report to His disciples. (Matthew 28:8)

Following the burial of Jesus, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb where Jesus had been buried, and a spectacle occurred. First an earthquake, an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and rolled away the stone that seal the tomb. The tomb’s guards froze in place from fear, but the angel told the women not to be afraid. He told them that Jesus has risen, just as He said He would, and they would find Him in Galilee! So, the women left the tomb quickly with fear and GREAT JOY, and ran to report to His disciples.

It would be easy to turn this into a story, albeit true, still a story is just a report of a past event which may give the reader good information and perhaps even a short-lived dose of excitement. But it still fades with time into just another Bible story. Let’s not allow that to happen. This event echoes and reverberates in time. Jesus foretold this would happen, and it happened! It is the miracle of miracles. It was and is a prophecy which has come to pass, and you should know by now, prophecies are rarely one-and-done. They tell the truth to you and through you, and will continue to do so until Jesus comes again for His own.

So please, read these verses again, and hear them as if they were written specifically to you – because they are written to you – and all of His disciples. Gain wisdom and understanding from these Words of Jesus.

What was the source of their Joy? Was it the empty tomb? Was it the radiance of the angel? It was neither of those things. The source of their Joy was that Jesus had risen from the dead, just as He said. The source of their Joy was that He has gone ahead of them, and they would see Him again!

Jesus has told us, ahead of time, that He would be crucified and buried, and that He would rise to life on the third day.  He has told us that He has gone ahead of us and that we will see Him again! The source of our Joy is that Jesus has risen from the dead, just as He said. The source of our Joy is that He has gone ahead of us, and we will see Him again!

Now, you also, are to leave that tomb quickly, with Great Joy, and do not be afraid, but go to your ‘Galilee’, which is the world around you, and report to everyone that He has gone ahead of us and that you will see Him again! Go and tell that He has risen from the dead as He said He would!

Allow these prophetic words to be fulfilled within you and to come alive in your life! And you will find the source of your Joy when you go and tell others He is risen, and we will see Him again!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

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JOY – Episode 4 – The Joy of The Master

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23).

It is at least interesting that the fruit of the Spirit of Joy is positioned between Love and Peace. Could it be coincidental that we must find love which comes before joy in order to find peace in our lives?

When and from what sources do you find joy? Is it in a job well done? From your career, hobby, family, possessions or good fortune?

This word, JOY, in the Bible and from the Greek language in which it was written, is ‘chara’,  (pronounced, khar-ah’), means  joy, delight, gladness, a source of joy. The picture is “to extend favor, lean towards, be favorably disposed”. More properly, it means the awareness of God’s grace and favor. Joy is found when God’s grace is recognized.

Read with me over the coming episodes, examples of what the scriptures say about JOY.

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, so I will put you in charge of many things; enter the joy of your master.’ (Matthew 25:21).

It seems odd, in our day and time, to call someone a slave. But in the day and in the culture which this was written, it was a common practice. However, there were many instances where a slave was a member of the household of the slave-owner, and were properly cared for and treated very well. But, the slave was expected to perform his or her duties as instructed by the owner.

Furthermore, this word, slave, comes from the Greek word, doúlos, which properly means someone who belongs to another; a bond-slave, without any ownership rights of their own. Ironically, is used with the highest dignity in the New Testament, namely, of believers who willingly live under Christ’s authority as His devoted followers. This is the case, here. A mutually beneficial relationship.

This verse is actually a simile from a parable, offered as a teaching. The context of this parable is found in the preceding verses, Matthew 25, verses 14 through 20:

“For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. To one, he gave five talents (see footnote ‘c’), to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. The one who had received the five talents immediately went and did business with them, and earned five more talents. In the same way, the one who had received the two talents earned two more. But he who received the one talent went away and dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.

 “Now after a long time, the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have earned five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter the joy of your master (see footnote ‘e’).’

This relationship is further defined when the doúlo-slave is found to be trusted with such a large sum of the master’s money. It is a relationship built on trust and interdependency.

The master is pleased, in this case, with the performance of his slave. But more importantly, the master is filled with joy, ‘chara’. He is delighted, filled with gladness, the relationship of trustworthiness is the source of his joy. The master ‘extends his favor, as he lean toward and is favorably disposed’ toward his servant. And the servant is made aware of the master’s grace and favor.

“For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them”, is a simile within a parable and is one secret, hidden in the oracles of God, about having, holding and enjoying joy in your own life.

Make this joy your own by remembering that True Joy is found when you are found to be trustworthy.

Make this joy your own by remembering that True Joy is found when God’s grace is recognized. Accept God’s grace and extend it to others!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

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JOY – Episode 3 – The Hidden Treasure

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23).

It is at least interesting that the fruit of the Spirit of Joy is positioned between Love and Peace. Could it be coincidental that we must find love which comes before joy in order to find peace in our lives?

When and from what sources do you find joy? Is it in a job well done? From your career, hobby, family, possessions or good fortune?

This word, JOY, in the Bible and from the Greek language in which it was written, is ‘chara’,  (pronounced, khar-ah’), means  joy, delight, gladness, a source of joy. The picture is “to extend favor, lean towards, be favorably disposed”. More properly, it means the awareness of God’s grace and favor. Joy is found when God’s grace is recognized.

Read with me over the coming episodes, examples of what the scriptures say about JOY.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells everything that he has, and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44)

What kind of treasure could cause you to sell everything that you have in order to buy a parcel of land in order to obtain what is buried there? And what is the source of joy, found here? Is it earthly riches of great material wealth? Or is it something greater – much greater?

Keep in mind that this is a simile, comparing two things. In this case, the Kingdom of Heaven compared to a treasure hidden in a field. One is from the spiritual realm, the unseen world; and the other is from the natural world, the seen world.

It is also important to recognize that the kingdom of heaven, the spiritual realm, where all things originate; the natural world is where they manifest. The spiritual realm is the beginning of all things, and the natural world is the end of all things, where ‘dust returns to dust’.

This parable is telling us that there is something in this natural world, a treasure of unimaginable value, which is hidden from the natural mind and therefore, out of view of the natural eye.

Understanding that the natural mind cannot understand or fathom what is hidden, then you must know that this ‘man who found it and hid it again’ had gained the ability to see and understand what he had found. How is this possible? 1 Corinthians 2:14-15, tells us that

“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.  But the one who is spiritual discerns all things, yet he himself is discerned by no one”.

This man had gained a spiritual mind.

John 14:16-17 tells us the secret. Jesus has said that

“I will ask the Father, and He will give you a Helper, so that He may be with you forever; the Helper is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him; but you know Him because He remains with you and will be in you.” 

By this you are born again, and the Spirit of God dwells within you, giving you the eyes to see and ears to hear!

Still, what is this treasure of great value? Here is an answer taken from Got Questions.Org:

The unparalleled importance and power of God’s Word in the life of those who love, honor, and obey it is the theme of Psalm 119. In verse 11, the psalmist acknowledges, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you,” stressing the purifying quality of the Word of God to keep believers from straying into sin. Outward obedience comes from having the Scriptures buried deep within our hearts like a priceless treasure.

How can we have God’s Word hidden in our hearts? Let’s start by gaining a better understanding of what the psalmist is saying. The word for “hidden” in the original Hebrew means “to treasure, to regard as highly valued, to hide, keep, save up, store.” Translations range from “I have treasured your word in my heart”, to “I have stored up your word in my heart”, to “I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart”.

God’s Word is the agent of His Spirit used to cleanse the hearts of all who believe in Christ and are saved (Ephesians 5:25-27). And it is through keeping God’s Word securely planted in our hearts and living according to what it says that believers continue to walk in holiness (Psalm 37:31; and Psalm 119:9).

The Lord commanded Israel, “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 11:18-20). This passage mentions several of the ways we can hide, treasure, and store up God’s Word in our hearts. Let’s explore these in detail.

Read

One of the first steps in hiding God’s Word in our hearts is reading the Bible. We get to know God and understand His plan for our lives through the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12; and Psalm 119:105). Every Christian ought to pursue a consistent method of reading through the Bible.

Listen

Proverbs 2:1-5 conveys the benefits of listening to the Word of God: “My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God”.

Romans 10:17 says, “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ”. The spoken Word of Christ, the peaching of the gospel message, has the power to produce faith and reveal Christ. In Jesus Christ’s day, Scripture was read aloud in the synagogues and recited in households. When we listen to the Scriptures, either in music or read out loud, we reinforce God’s Word in our hearts.

Write

Proverbs 7:1-3 states, “My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands, and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.” Writing down our thoughts as we read and listen to the Bible will help clarify and strengthen those biblical truths in our hearts, (Exodus 34:27; Deuteronomy 6:6, and verses 8-9; and Habakkuk 2:2).

Talk About

Discussing God’s Word with our children, spouse, friends, and small group members will further strengthen, illuminate, and solidify its teachings in our hearts and minds (Deuteronomy 6:7).

Study

The Bible urges us to study the Scriptures for greater understanding (Acts 17:11). The apostle Paul told Timothy, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Use a study Bible and other resources to help you accurately apprehend what Scripture is saying, not superficially, but historically and in the proper context.

Meditate

The Bible also encourages us to “delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night” (Psalm 1:2). We are to think about God’s instructions and promises all day and night long (Psalm 119:97 and verse 148). As we ponder God’s Word continually, treasuring, storing, and hiding it in our hearts, it will literally transform how we think and behave (Romans 12:2). (end excerpt).

Believe

“If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20-b)

Where does this joy come from? It is hidden deep within you, knowing that through Christ Jesus, you are now eternally safe, secure, made whole, your life filled with purpose and all things are now possible for you!

Let’s enter into this joy!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

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Episode 2

The Rocky Place

It is at least interesting that the fruit of the Spirit of Joy is positioned between Love and Peace. Could it be coincidental that we must find love which comes before joy in order to find peace in our lives?

When and from what sources do you find joy? Is it in a job well done? From your career, hobby, family, possessions or good fortune?

This word, JOY, in the Bible and from the Greek language in which it was written, is ‘chara’,  (pronounced, khar-ah’), means joy, delight, gladness, a source of joy. The picture is “to extend favor, lean towards, be favorably disposed”. More properly, it means the awareness of God’s grace and favor. Joy is found when God’s grace is recognized.

Read with me over the coming episodes, examples of what the scriptures say about JOY.

“The one sown with seed on the rocky places, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy”. (Matthew 13:20).

What is the source of joy in this one? So we can get a better understanding of this verse, let’s look at the complete parable of the sower:

“Listen then to the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one sown with seed beside the road.  The one sown with seed on the rocky places, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution occurs because of the word, immediately he falls away. And the one sown with seed among the thorns, this is the one who hears the word, and the anxiety of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. But the one sown with seed on the good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces, some a hundred, some sixty, and some thirty times as much.” (Matthew 13:18-23)

The source of joy in this one is the hearing of the word of the kingdom!

The gospel is the “good news” because it contains the exceedingly wonderful message of God’s redemption of sinful humanity through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. The gospel is the heart, the central core of Christian preaching.

The gospel is good news because in it we find God’s promise of forgiveness from sin. John testified that Jesus is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!” (John 1:29; see also Luke 24:46–47; Isaiah 53:4–6; Acts 13:38; Hebrews 9:28). Through the gospel, we receive God’s power to live a new life in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

The gospel is good news because “to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God” (John 1:12–13).

Everyone who believes in the gospel and submits to its demands receives new life in Jesus Christ. We are adopted into God’s family (Romans 8:14–17; Galatians 3:26). We are “born of the Spirit” (John 3:5–8) and receive the “gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38; see also John 7:37–39), who guarantees our heavenly inheritance (Ephesians 1:13–14).

The gospel is the greatest love story ever told (John 15:13). What could be more excellent news than its promise of eternal life in Jesus Christ?: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

There are many who hear the Gospel and initially are filled with joy over this Good News. But because they do not understand it, the evil one is able to come and snatch away what has been sown in his or her heart.

It is because a person has no firm root in themselves that when affliction or persecution occur, as they will come, the joy of the word will immediately fall away.

But if you hold firm to this Good News, take it into in your heart, your mind and incorporate it into your life, it will produce the fruit of righteousness in your life. You will be made into a new creation and your life will begin to produce the fruit of the Spirit of God which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. You will find yourself in right standing with God and with others.

You can hear the word of the kingdom and take it casually, and it will fade away, and your life will resume its dreadful trek. Or you can engage the word of the kingdom and find a new life, full of purpose, meaning and hope!

It is your choice. Begin to pray and read and study the word. Make it your own. Become a child of God.

Choose wisely and prosper!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUS:  Joy, Episode 1 – The Maji and The Christ Child.

NEXT:  Joy, Episode 3 – A Hidden Treasure.

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JOY – Episode 1 – The Maji and The Christ Child

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23).

It is at least interesting that the fruit of the Spirit of Joy is positioned between Love and Peace. Could it be coincidental that we must find love which comes before joy in order to find peace in our lives?

When and from what sources do you find joy? Is it in a job well done? From your career, hobby, family, possessions or good fortune?

This word, JOY, in the Bible and from the Greek language in which it was written, is ‘chara’,  (pronounced, ‘khar-ah’), means joy, delight, gladness, a source of joy. The picture is “to extend favor, lean towards, be favorably disposed”. More properly, it means the awareness of God’s grace and favor. Joy is found when God’s grace is recognized.

Read with me, over the coming episodes, examples of what the scriptures say about JOY.

“After hearing the king, the maji went on their way; and behold, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on ahead of them until it came to a stop over the place where the Child was to be found.

“When the maji saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

 “And after they came into the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary; and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh”. (Matthew 2:10-11).

What was the source of JOY for these maji? Was it the star? Was it where the star came to a stop? Or was it because of the Christ Child?

When the maji saw the star, they knew. They knew the prophecy was true. These magi came from the east, and when they had arrived in Jerusalem they said, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

They were filled with ‘chara’. The grace of God was being manifest through the birth of His Son, the promised savior of the world! God was extending His favor, leaning toward the earth, as He was favorably disposed to extend His grace to all humankind. And as the maji recognized and became aware of God’s grace and favor, they were filled with an inexpressible joy!

Where do you find joy? Is it in a job well done? From your career, hobby, family, possessions or good fortune? Or is it through recognizing and becoming aware of God’s grace toward you, having granted you a savior?

May we fall down and worship Him as we find joy, today!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT: JOY – Episode 2 – Matthew 13:20 – “The one sown with seed on the rocky places, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy”.

(Please bookmark or subscribe for future episodes).