O' The Joy Of It All

Joy is defined as, "To fill with ecstatic happiness, pleasure, or satisfaction." Noah Webster (1828) describes joy as, "The passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good; that excitement of pleasurable feelings which is caused by success, good fortune, the gratification of desire or some good possessed, or by a rational prospect of possessing what we love or desire; gladness; exultation; exhilaration of spirits; A glorious and triumphant state." Although most people may equate joy as happiness or ecstatic happiness, joy actually goes way beyond happiness on ever level. Reason being, happiness is based solely around ones existing circumstances, the material or physical realm. Remove the thing(s) that brought happiness, happiness then dissipates.   

Joy on the other hand is not based on the physical realm, because it is spiritual. The Apostle Paul tells us, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..." (Galatians 5:22-23)  Nehemiah tells us, "...the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) Joy is not something that is based on the physical realm nor is it conjured up, but a realization of the Truth. Joy is a product of the recreated human spirit when one comes to Christ and is born again. So, why is it that many believers do not have joy? Mostly, because they are looking for joy in the wrong place(s). What they miss, is what is pointed out above. They are looking for joy based on material circumstances not realizing that it comes by-way-of a relationship with Jesus Christ. It comes knowing Him and the best way to know Him is through the Word of God. Honestly, a believer without joy is a contradiction in terms. If you are right with God, you ought to have a continual, conspicuous, contagious joy. Any time we look at that natural to fulfill what only the spiritual can fulfill, we will find ourselves on an emotional roller-coaster caught between happiness and dissatisfaction. Joy is nothing of the sort.  

One of the things that many believers have trouble understanding and applying to their daily life, is what James tells us about joy, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials." (James 1:2) Many believers question, "Why does James say this? Doesn't God realize just how severe and or traumatic my circumstances are?" Certainly, God knows every situation that life brings even before we have to face them. (Matthew 6:19-34) He fully understands what our struggles are. (Hebrews 4:15) He will not let us be under the pressures of life that He knows we cannot handle. (1 Corinthians 10:13) So, why do many believers respond to the various trial of life without joy?

The writer of Hebrews gives us some insight concerning this very thing. "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1) Believers are to run the race without allowing ourselves to be hindered by any obstructions, and without giving out or fainting on the way. We are to encourage ourselves by the example of the multitudes who have run the same race before us, and who are now looking out upon us from heaven, where they dwell, and are cheering us on. Believers cannot run the race, "the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:14) with the concerns of the world and or sin in their life. Therefore, it becomes impossible to have "the joy of the Lord" as our strength to overcome every trial in the way that James points out.

But look what Hebrews continues to reveal to us, "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2) Naturally, Jesus is the greatest example that believers have to live in the abundant life that He said we would have. (John 10:10) Notice, believers are to look to Jesus, not the problem, not the trial. Surely, if you are facing a trial, it is not to say that it does not exist when it truly does. The trial is real. Again, believers are to look to Jesus not the trial. He is the One who will strengthen our faith. But look at the next portion of this scripture, "who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame..." How could Jesus have joy when He was facing the horrific pain, shame, agony and death of crucifixion? 

He had joy because he was not looking at the pain, shame, agony and death. He was looking at the end result, "sitting down at the right hand of the throne of God." This meant that redemption would now be eternal and available to all mankind. It meant that justice was satisfied (Hebrews 1:3) and the world was reconciled to God the Father. (2 Corinthians 5:18) This was the joy that was set before Jesus. This is why He could endure the indescribable suffering and shame of the cross. So, why does God tell us through James to count it all a joy when you fall into various trials? Because we are to look at the end product or promise in the same way that Jesus did and not focus on the trial. 

When believers look at what a trial can produce in their life rather than the discomfort of the trial, joy is the natural product, just as Jesus had joy, though He face the cross. No matter what the trial is, if believers would turn to God's Word, find the solution and stand on and look to His promises rather than the problem at hand, joy will abound. Jesus tells us, "And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." (John 16:23-24) For instance, say you are lacking in finances, God says, "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom." (Luke 6:38) "God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8) "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19) 

These are but a few of the promises of God concerning finances, but are enough to drive home the point. We take God's Word, confess with our mouth and believe with our heart that God is able to do what He says. (Romans 4:21) We then get an image in our mind of the finished product, our financial need met. We then go about our business knowing that God heard us and will give us the petitions that we have asked of Him. (1 John 5:14-15) We know the problem exists in the natural, but we do not focus on the natural, only on the spiritual, God's Word, His promises. This is what Jesus tells us in a Parable, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” (Mark 4:26-29)    

The man first scattered (sowed) seed, God's Word (Mark 4:14) and went about the routines of life. He was not idle after sowing the seed and even though he did not know everything there is to know about the earth bringing forth a crop, he knew that his labors of sowing and going about his business, would eventually produce a crop. Every believer has a choice. We can continuously confess (sow) the problem, which means we agree with the problem, and reap a harvest, the problem itself,  or we can confess (sow) God's solutions to the problem, His promises found in His Word, and reap a harvest, the manifestation of His promise. James tells us one of the aspects of "counting it all joy when you fall into various trials," is, "knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:3-4) What a wonderful promise, "that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." PTL

So, when we face a trial, and we will if we plan to serve Jesus, let us no longer focus on the problem, although it exists, and "look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." Looking to Jesus is the same as looking to the Word of God "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And the Word became flesh..." (John 1:1, 14) In doing this, the joy of the LORD will rise...

Let Us Pray

Prayer is a very important aspect of the Christian life. Simply put, prayer is communication or communing with God. The Bible reveal various types of prayer, prayers, supplication, intercession and thanksgiving. Each type has its own place, but we should always expect our prayers to be heard and answered anytime we pray . The Apostle John tells us, "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." (1 John 5:14-15) God's Word is His will, so to be effective in prayer, we should decide what we are going to pray and then pray according to His Will (Word).

The Apostle James also tells us, "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:6-8) There are two main ideas that we should glean from this. First, we must always pray in faith. To pray in faith is to be fully convinced that what God's Word says is absolutely true and then act upon it even when the circumstances are completely contrary. You must resist doubt and believe that you have God's answer. Next, we need to have our mind made up as to what we desire from God. We must be decisive and not waver. James tells us that when a person wavers they are double minded and unstable in ALL his ways, (ouch), and should not expect to have the prayer(s) answered.   

Jesus gives us an important key that unlocks the doors of heaven and grants our every need. "And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." (John 16:23-24) Jesus is the believers Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), Intercessor (Hebrews 7:25), Advocate (1 John 2:2) and He is Lord (Philippians 2:10). He stands between us and the Father. Therefore if we want to be sure our prayers reach the Father's ears we must prayer according to the conditions that we find in His Word.

When Jesus said, "And in that day you will ask Me nothing" He was referring to the day when He would be seated at the right hand of God as our Mediator, Intercessor and Advocate. It is from this position that believers are to ask the Father in the Name of Jesus. Also notice that Jesus says, "Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." So, can believers be filled with joy when they have a financial burden lurking over them or some other need that needs to be met? Well, according to Jesus if we ask the Father in His name "you will receive, that your joy may be full." Let us remember that we must also exercise faith when asking and ask according to God's Will.

The Father's desire is to meet every need of His children because He wants them to be full of joy. However, if we are going to worry or fret over the situation, we will find ourselves hindering God from helping us and be rob of the joy He wants for us. The Apostle Peter tells us, "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7) The Apostle Paul tells us, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7) The fact is, if we are going to worry instead of letting the Lord have the problem, it will do little good to pray because we will not be praying in faith. 

There are many things to pray about, but in our prayers let us not forget to pray for Israel and especially, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem..." (Psalm 122:6) As we apply the principle shown hereon to our prayers do not be surprised when you are filled with the joy of the Lord even when the circumstances look mountainous. So do not lose heart, for Nehemiah said, "Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) PTL

The Joy of the Lord

Mountain climbing is a sport that some enjoy, while others do not. The truth is, if you are born again you will climb some mountains before your departure from this life. How one climbs a mountain is directly related to the amount of faith they have in the Word of God, that is Jesus (The Word became flesh, John 1:12). James tells us, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-3) To most believers this scripture is very familiar. However, did you know that although this letter was written to the church, it is directed to those who have not taken the time to developed there faith. Let's be honest, no one wants to experience trials but it is inevitable that they will come. The question that each believe must consider is, "Do you really have joy in the midst of a trial?"

Joy is a wonderful thing and is often mistaken for happiness. Happiness is a product of what one experiences based on their surroundings, that is, things that are expressed through the senses or put another way, the experiencing of material things. Joy however, is a product of the recreated spirit that is imparted by the Holy Spirit and has nothing to do with ones senses. (Galatians 5:22) By definition I believe this is the main reason why most believers struggle when a trial comes. They let their flesh (senses) have control over their circumstances (surroundings) and become unhappy. But this expresses the very point. Happiness is based on our surroundings. However, change the surroundings in a negative way and unhappiness becomes the outcome.

Notice also that James uses the term "Various Trials." In other words, there will be different types of trials that believers will experience. However, if a believer is going through the same trial again and again, it is due to their failure of letting go of the sense realm and looking to the LORD.  The apostle Paul puts it this way, "...I  have learned the secret of contentment in every situation..." (Philippians 4:12) In other words, Paul learned the secret of being independent of his circumstances. How was he able to do this? "For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need." (Philippians 4:13) The failure of most believers is not a lack of faith per se, but trying to live the Christian life through the sense realm which actually erodes one's faith. When believers look to the circumstances instead of Christ they can expect to be unhappy and miss the very reason for the trial. Trials are to mature the believer's faith so they can be perfectly sound in spirit, soul and body. "...that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:3)

Jesus said, "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." (Mark 11:23) I know that many have come to believe that Jesus was using this as an analogy of speaking to the mountains (difficult life situations) and they will leave (move). However, the difficulties of life are the trials that James tells us to count it all a joy because trials mature the believer by increasing their faith. Also, in context as to why Jesus would make such a statement (He had cursed a fig tree that did not have fruit) He is literally stating a fact of how the God kind of faith (Mark 11:22) can move a literal mountain. Jesus who was present during creation. (John 1:3) spoke and the mountains were. So, faith in the one who created everything seen and unseen can move a literal mountain. I certainly do not know any believers who need to move a literal mountain out of the way, but faith can do just that.

Jesus faced the most difficult life situation that a person could possibly face as He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, "Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, "Sit here while I go and pray over there." And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me." He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done." (Matthew 26:36-43)

Jesus knew the will of God. He was not praying a prayer to change the situation (a difficulty of life) but a prayer of consecration and dedication. Notice what He says at the end of His pray, "not as I will, but as you will." He was making Himself available to the Father to do the Father's will no matter how difficult this life situation may have been. Let's face it, this was definitely an ominous life situation. Look at what the writer of Hebrews states, "...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame..." (Hebrews 12:2) As hard as this may be to believe, in this most horrific trial of life, Jesus had joy fulfilling the will of the Father. He had to endure the agony and shame of the cross in His physical body as well as endure an even greater agony of having all sickness and sin of every person placed upon His spirit. (Isaiah 53:4-6, 9) During Jesus' entire life on earth as the Son of Man He never focused on the situations of this life, but the solutions provided by the Father, the Father's will being done. Believers are to "...look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" not the difficulties of life and then they will experience joy in the midst of a trial.

Having the kind of faith to move a mountain takes time to build. Trials are one of the ways that builds a believers faith. To experience joy in the midst of a trial is not something that one conjures up, it is already a part of the recreated spirit. With that said, we must understand that it comes down to whether or not we walk in the flesh (senses) and fulfill the works of the flesh or walk in the Spirit, standing on God's Word letting love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control have place over our senses. Like everything else, it comes down to a matter of choice. We can believe with our heart (spirit) and have joy in the midst of a trial or continue to let the flesh (senses) rule our lives. It is just that simple.

Tis the Season to be Jolly

Deck the Halls" or "Deck the Hall" (which is the original version of the lyrics) is a traditional Christmas, yuletide, and New Years' carol. The melody is Welsh dating back to the sixteenth century,  and belongs to a winter carol, "Nos Galan." The English lyrics were written by the Scottish musician Thomas Oliphant. They first appeared in 1862, in volume 2 of Welsh Melodies, a set of four volumes authored by John Thomas, including Welsh words by John Jones (Talhaiarn) and English words by Oliphant. The lyrics "Tis the season to be jolly" typically refers to the time before Christmas, which can be defined as anywhere from October 1st to December 24th.

But why do we tend to limit October 1st to December 24th the season to be jolly? For believers, should not the season to be jolly be throughout the entire year, everyday? Jolly is described as joyful, joyous. The Bible tells us to, "Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises." (Psalm 98:4) The Apostle Paul tell us, "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4) He also tells us that "joy" is a fruit of the spirit. (Galatians 5:22) The Apostle James tells us, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials." (James 1:2) 

So, no matter where we find ourselves, no matter what the circumstances of life may bring, for believers, everyday is the season to be jolly. The most important reason behind this is what God did in Christ. What the Father did in Christ, is the most spectacular, most incredible, most staggering thing that could ever be done for mankind, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16) We also must remember, that though Jesus is not physically here on earth, that the Father has given us the Holy Spirit who works in and through us to continue the work of Jesus on earth for God's glory. (John 14:19-28)

Matthew's gospel records a prophetic word from the Prophet Isaiah, "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23) This was not the best person that God could find on earth. This was not the purest angel among the heavenly hosts. No, no, this was God Himself putting on flesh, (John 1:1, 14)  becoming a man to save humanity from the powers of darkness, the tyrannical power of Satan himself. Although the Christmas season is exciting to many believers, let us not lose sight that there are many believers who hurt a little more during this time of year for various reasons. We also need to be mindful that there are many who do not know the Savior who may also struggle during this season.

So, I want to encourage every one of us, every believer, go! Go and share this great news to all we meet. Not the gift giving part, but "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11)..."for He will save all people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)  Amen?

Have a very Merry Christmas and let us all remember to take some time to reflect on and remember that Jesus Christ is the real reason why we celebrate Christmas...    

Count it All a Joy

Joy is defined as, "To fill with ecstatic happiness, pleasure, or satisfaction." Noah Webster (1828) describes joy as, "The passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good; that excitement of pleasurable feelings which is caused by success, good fortune, the gratification of desire or some good possessed, or by a rational prospect of possessing what we love or desire; gladness; exultation; exhilaration of spirits; A glorious and triumphant state." Although most people may equate joy as happiness or ecstatic happiness, joy actually goes way beyond happiness on any level. Reason being, happiness is based solely around ones existing circumstances, the material or physical realm. Remove the thing that brought happiness, happiness then dissipates.   

Joy on the other hand is not based on the physical realm, because it is spiritual. The Apostle Paul tells us, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..." (Galatians 5:22-23)  Nehemiah tells us, "...the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) Joy is not something that is based on the physical realm nor is it conjured up, but a realization of the Truth. Joy is a product of the recreated human spirit when one comes to Christ and is born again. So, why is it that many believers do not have joy? Mostly, because they are looking for joy in the wrong place. What they miss, is what I pointed out above. They are looking for joy based on material circumstances not realizing that it comes by-way-of a relationship with Jesus Christ. It comes knowing Him and the best way to know Him is through the Word of God. Honestly, a believer without joy is a contradiction in terms. If you are right with God, you ought to have a continual, conspicuous, contagious joy. Any time we look at that natural to fulfill what only the spiritual can fulfill, we will find ourselves on an emotional roller-coaster caught between happiness and dissatisfaction. Joy is nothing of the sort.  

One of the things that many believers have trouble understanding and applying to their daily life, is what James tells us about joy, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials." (James 1:2) Many believers question, "Why does James say this? Doesn't God realize just how severe and or traumatic my circumstances are?" Certainly, God knows every situation that life brings even before we have to face them. (Matthew 6:19-34) He fully understands what our struggles are. (Hebrews 4:15) He will not let us be under the pressures of life that He knows we cannot handle. (1 Corinthians 10:13) So, why do many believers respond to the various trial of life without joy?

The writer of Hebrews gives us some insight concerning this very thing. "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1) Believers are to run the race without allowing ourselves to be hindered by any obstructions, and without giving out or fainting on the way. We are to encourage ourselves by the example of the multitudes who have run the same race before us, and who are now looking out upon us from heaven, where they dwell, and are cheering us on. Believers cannot run the race, "the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:14) with the concerns of the world and or sin in their life. Therefore, it becomes impossible to have "the joy of the Lord" as our strength to overcome every trial in the way that James points out.

But look what Hebrews continues to reveal to us, "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2) Naturally, Jesus is the greatest example that believers have to live in the abundant life that He said we would have. (John 10:10) Notice, believers are to look to Jesus, not the problem, not the trial. Surely, if you are facing a trial, it is not to say that it does not exist when it truly does. The trial is real. Again, believers are to look to Jesus not the trial. He is the One who will strengthen our faith. But look at the next portion of this scripture, "who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame..." How could Jesus have joy when He was facing the horrific pain, shame, agony and death of crucifixion? 

He had joy because he was not looking at the pain, shame, agony and death. He was looking at the end result, "sitting down at the right hand of the throne of God." This meant that redemption would now be eternal and available to all mankind. It meant that justice was satisfied (Hebrews 1:3) and the world was reconciled to God the Father. (2 Corinthians 5:18) This was the joy that was set before Jesus. This is why He could endure the indescribable suffering and shame of the cross. So, why does God tell us through James to count it all a joy when you fall into various trials? Because we are to look at the end product or promise in the same way that Jesus did and not focus on the trial. 

When believers look at what a trial can produce in their life rather than the discomfort of the trial, joy is the natural product, just as Jesus had joy though He face the cross. No matter what the trial is, if believers would turn to God's Word, find the solution and stand on and look to His promises rather than the problem at hand, joy will abound. Jesus tells us, "And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." (John 16:23-24) For instance, say you are lacking in finances, God says, "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom." (Luke 6:38) "God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8) "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19) 

These are but a few of the promises of God concerning finances, but are enough to drive home the point. We take God's Word, confess with our mouth and believe with our heart that God is able to do what He says. (Romans 4:21) We then get an image in our mind of the finished product, our financial need met. We then go about our business knowing that God heard us and will give us the petitions that we have asked of Him. (1 John 5:14-15) We know the problem exists in the natural, but we do not focus on the natural, only on the spiritual, God's Word, His promises. This is what Jesus tells us in a Parable, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” (Mark 4:26-29)    

The man first scattered (sowed) seed, God's Word (Mark 4:14) and went about the routines of life. He was not idle after sowing the seed and even though he did not know everything there is to know about the earth bringing forth a crop, he knew that his labors of sowing and going about his business, would eventually produce a crop. Every believer has a choice. We can continuously confess (sow) the problem, which means we agree with the problem, and reap a harvest, the problem itself,  or we can confess (sow) God's solutions to the problem, His promises found in His Word, and reap a harvest, the manifestation of His promise. James tells us one of the aspects of "counting it all joy when you fall into various trials," is, "knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:3-4) What an incredible promise, "that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." PTL

So, when we face a trial, and we will if we plan to serve Jesus, let us no longer focus on the problem, although it exists, and "look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." Looking to Jesus is the same as looking to the Word of God "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And the Word became flesh..." (John 1:1, 14) In doing this, the joy of the Lord will rise...

Knocking on Heavens Door

Prayer is a very important aspect of the Christian life. Simply put, prayer is communication or communing with God. The Bible reveal various types of prayer, prayers, supplication, intercession and thanksgiving. Each type has its own place, but we should always expect our prayers to be heard and answered anytime we pray . The Apostle John tells us, "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." (1 John 5:14-15) God's Word is His will, so to be effective in prayer, we should decide what we are going to pray and then pray according to His Will (Word).

The Apostle James also tells us, "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:6-8) There are two main ideas that we should glean from this. First, we must always pray in faith. To pray in faith is to be fully convinced that what God's Word says is absolutely true and then act upon it even when the circumstances are completely contrary. You must resist doubt and believe that you have God's answer. Next, we need to have our mind made up as to what we desire from God. We must be decisive and not waver. James tells us that when a person wavers they are double minded and unstable in ALL his ways, (ouch), and should not expect to have the prayer(s) answered.   

Jesus gives us an important key that unlocks the doors of heaven and grants our every need. "And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." (John 16:23-24) Jesus is the believers Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), Intercessor (Hebrews 7:25), Advocate (1 John 2:2) and He is Lord (Philippians 2:10). He stands between us and the Father. Therefore if we want to be sure our prayers reach the Father's ears we must prayer according to the conditions that we find in His Word.

When Jesus said, "And in that day you will ask Me nothing" He was referring to the day when He would be seated at the right hand of God as our Mediator, Intercessor and Advocate. It is from this position that believers are to ask the Father in the Name of Jesus. Also notice that Jesus says, "Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." So, can believers be filled with joy when they have a financial burden lurking over them or some other need that needs to be met? Well, according to Jesus if we ask the Father in His name "you will receive, that your joy may be full." Let us remember that we must also exercise faith when asking and ask according to God's Will.

The Father's desire is to meet every need of His children because He wants them to be full of joy. However, if we are going to worry or fret over the situation, we will find ourselves hindering God from helping us and be rob of the joy He wants for us. The Apostle Peter tells us, "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7) The Apostle Paul tells us, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7) The fact is, if we are going to worry instead of letting the Lord have the problem, it will do little good to pray because we will not be praying in faith. 

As we apply these principle to our prayers do not be surprised when you are filled with the joy of the Lord even when the circumstances look mountainous. So do not lose heart, for Nehemiah said, "Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) PTL

The Joy of Mountain Climbing

Some people like to climb mountains and some don't. The truth is, if you are born again you will climb some mountains before your departure from this life. How one climbs a mountain is directly related to the amount of faith they have in the Word of God, that is Jesus (The Word became flesh). James tells us, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-3)

To most believers this scripture is very familiar. However, did you know that although this letter was written to the church, it is directed to those who have not taken the time to developed there faith. Let's be honest, no one wants to experience trials but it is inevitable that they will come. The question that each believe must consider is, "Do you really have joy in the midst of a trial?"

Joy is an incredible thing and is often mistaken for happiness. Happiness is a product of what one experiences based on their surroundings, that is, things that are expressed through the senses. Joy however, is a product of the recreated spirit that is imparted by the Holy Spirit and has nothing to do with ones senses. (Galatians 5:22) By definition I believe this is the main reason why most believers struggle when a trial comes. They let their flesh (senses) have control over their circumstances (surroundings) and become unhappy.

Notice also that James uses the term "Various Trials." In other words, there will be different types of trials that believers will experience. However, if a believer is going through the same trial again and again, it is due to their failure of letting go of the sense realm and looking to the LORD.  The apostle Paul puts it this way, "...I  have learned the secret of contentment in every situation..." (Philippians 4:12) In other words, Paul learned the secret of being independent of his circumstances. How was he able to do this? "For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need." (Philippians 4:13)

Most believers failure is not a lack of faith per se, but trying to live the Christian life through the sense realm which actually erodes one's faith. When believers look to the circumstances instead of Christ they can expect to be unhappy and miss the very reason for the trial. Trials are to mature the believer's faith so they can be perfectly sound in body, soul, and spirit,  "...that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:3)

Jesus said, "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." (Mark 11:23) I know that many have come to believe that Jesus was using this as an analogy of speaking to the mountains (difficult life situations) and they will leave (move). However, the difficulties of life are the trials that James tells us to count it all a joy because trials mature the believer by increasing their faith. Also in context as to why Jesus would make such a statement (He had cursed a fig tree that did not have fruit) He is literally stating a fact of how the God kind of faith (Mark 11:22) can move a literal mountain. Jesus who was present during creation. (John 1:3) spoke and the mountains were. So faith in the one who created everything seen and unseen can move a literal mountain. I certainly do not know any believers who need to move a literal mountain out of the way, but faith can do just that.

Jesus faced the most difficult life situation that a person could possibly face as He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, "Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, "Sit here while I go and pray over there." And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me." He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done." (Matthew 26:36-43)

Jesus knew the will of God. He was not praying a prayer to change the situation (a difficulty of life) but a prayer of consecration and dedication. Notice what He says at the end of His pray, "not as I will, but as you will." He was making Himself available to the Father to do the will of the Father no matter how difficult this life situation may have been. Let's face it, this was definitely an ominous life situation. Look at what the writer of Hebrews states, "...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame..." (Hebrews 12:2) As hard as this may be to believe, in this most horrific trial of life, Jesus had joy fulfilling the will of the Father. He had to endure the agony and shame of the cross in His physical body as well as endure an even greater agony of having all sickness and sin of every person placed upon His spirit. (Isaiah 53:4-6, 9) During Jesus' entire life on earth as the Son of Man He never focused on the situations of this life, but the solutions provided by the Father, the Father's will being done. Believers are to "...look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" not the difficulties of life and then they will experience joy in the midst of a trial.

Having the kind of faith to move a mountain takes time to build, but trials are one of the ways that builds a believers faith. To experience joy in the midst of a trial is not something that one conjures up, it is already a part of the recreated spirit. With that said, we must understand that it comes down to whether or not we walk in the flesh (senses) and fulfill the works of the flesh or walk in the Spirit, standing on God's Word, and let love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control have place over our senses. Like everything else, it comes down to a matter of choice. We can believe with our heart (spirit) and have joy in the midst of a trial or continue to let the flesh (senses) rule our lives. It is just that simple.