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Women in Discipleship (sm)
Weekly Devotionals 2005
Week 37
There is a special "joy" that comes to me when I hear about someone who knows Jesus Christ and is refreshed, encouraged or blessed by the power of the Word of God. In a small and wonderful way I can relate to some "joy" verses that the apostle John shared with us. Listen to his words of greeting:
Scripture to ponder: 1 John 1:4 "And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." 2 John 1:12 "Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink; but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full." 3 John 1:4 "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." (KJV)
The powerful testimony given by John in his 3 Epistles give to us a practical teaching on how to live healthy lives. John had joy along with his teaching companions when he heard good reports regarding the Gospel of Jesus Christ being shared.
Then in 2 John he writes a brief but powerful letter sharing his joy and sending word that he would come to them and share the Gospel with them. (This we strive to do as well through mission trips, retreats and visitations.) John was delighted to sharing his joy in Jesus his Savior and Lord.
And finally in 3 John 1:4 John shares the greatest joy of all, that seeing and hearing about his fellow believers walking in righteousness was the greatest joy that he had in his life! You see, his focus was on the risen Lord and I see this as joy in full bloom!
Just today I read a letter from Phyllis, a missionary to the Maco tribe. She has joy in her testimony of God's faithfulness when in a time of sharing a large number of Maco people began to come forward and profess faith in Jesus Christ. Her present difficulty is extreme BUT through it her joy is permeated throughout the Christian community and heaven. We are blessed as well. This is joy in full bloom indeed!
May we each have courage to shine forth the joy in our present circumstances today!
Blessings to each of you,
Sandra Davis for the team at Women in Discipleship
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