And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7
When my soul is in the dumps, I rehearse
everything I know of you,
From Jordan depths to Hermon heights,
including Mount Mizar.
Chaos calls to chaos,
to the tune of whitewater rapids.
Your breaking surf, your thundering breakers
crash and crush me.
Then God promises to love me all day,
sing songs all through the night!
My life is God’s prayer. Psalms 47:6-8 The Message
“And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14b
But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. Jude 1:20-21
How do you encourage yourself in the things of God throughout your day? How do you tap into that existing ‘joy of the Holy Spirit’? Do you rehearse the victories God has given you in your life? Do you praise Him for all the things He has done, and given you? Do you set yourself to worship Him and enter into His Presence?
Life seems to be speeding up, and the evil is increasing in so many evident ways. No longer will one be able to stay hidden and be able to ‘straddle the fence’ and stay neutral and not declare which ‘side’ they are on. Are you able to boldly proclaim that Jesus is your Lord in every circumstance and place? Or are you afraid of what they might think of you? Do you wrestle with the desire to be ‘liked’ by others over your relationship with Jesus?
The time to be bold and courageous is today. Not in an arrogant prideful manner, but in a humble quiet strength of His joy. Walk worthy of His joy. Knowing deep within your soul and spirit to Whom you belong. Allow His peace to permeate your entire being, casting every fear far from you. Praying in the Holy Spirit whether in your mind or by your mouth – being non-stop throughout your day. Become His emissary and ambassador to those you see today, allowing His Presence to reach out to each of them you pass by. Do you know how powerful His Presence is within you? Do you doubt His ability to affect those around you through His Presence? What are His instructions for you today? Have you asked Him? Are you willing for Him to move through you to and for others today? Or are you still so focused ONLY on yourself?
Today is the day that He has given you. How will you use it? For His glory? Or only for yourself and your agenda?
Begin now by submitting your plans to Him and ask Him for His plans for you this day. Be still … and listen to the Holy Spirit within you. Be determined to ‘walk with Him’ for your entire day today.