Click Below to Listen
October 20, 2020
Today’s Promise
I Have the Joy of Jesus
John 17:13
I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.
Jesus Prayed for You
In the last few hours before His trial and crucifixion, Jesus prayed for His disciples and everyone who would follow Him. As followers of Christ, we can claim that prayer today.
In that prayer, Jesus prayed that God would protect those who followed Him and that they would receive the full measure of His joy.
Jesus was a joyful man. He was not the pious, sorrowful person as depicted in so many films. Crowds and individuals were attracted to Jesus because of His joyful countenance. I believe Jesus was the most joy-filled person who ever walked the earth.
Joy
There is a difference between being joyful and happy; you are happy when everything is going your way. Joy is not dependent on your situation. Joy comes from the confidence that God is working in your life to bring about his good plan for you. Joy gives you the strength to face the most challenging times in life with the assurance that God is in control. Joy comes springing up from within, no matter what is going on around you.
The source of Jesus’ joy was his uninterrupted fellowship with God the Father. That same source of joy is available to us today.
Fruit of the Spirit
You can’t work on being joyful. You can say, “Today, I am going to be joyful.” Joy is something you receive. The source of joy is the Holy Spirit freely filling and working in your life. The second fruit of the spirit is “joy.” The fruit of the Spirit grows in your life as a result of the Holy Spirit filling you.
Jesus’ prayer for you today is that you live in the same measure of Joy that He did as He walked on this earth. Imagine living in the joy of Jesus every day.
Today, live in the joy of Jesus, no matter what your situation.
Look at that promise again.
“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.” – John 17:13
Make these confessions.
- Jesus is prayed for me to receive His full measure of joy.
- I have the joyful fruit of the Spirit growing in me.
- No matter my situation, I have confidence God is working for my good.
- Today, I receive all the joy Jesus prayed for me to receive.
In Jesus name,
Amen
The Christian life is a joy-filled life. Jesus walked in joy and invites you and me to live in the fulness of His joy.
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Why not encourage your fellow church members to pray for their pastor. Please encourage them to sign up at www.prayingforpastors.com. Imagine how encouraging it would be for your pastor knowing people in his church are praying for him daily.
Are you walking in the joy of Jesus today? What is your biggest challenge in receiving this promise? Share your thoughts in the comments below.