Advent J O Y / Everlasting Joy. Even in the WildernessJesus was anointed by God with ‘the oil of gla
Advent J O Y / Everlasting Joy. Even in the WildernessJesus was anointed by God with ‘the oil of gladness,’ –that He might give us ‘the oil of joy.’ In all our efforts after holiness, the wheels will move heavily if there be not the oil of joy; this alone removes all strain & friction–& makes the onward progress easy & delightful. Study to understand the Divine worth of joy. It is the evidence of your being in the Father’s presence, & dwelling in His love. It is the proof of your being consciously free from the law & the strain of the spirit of bondage. It is the token of your freedom from care & responsibility–because you are rejoicing in Christ Jesus as your sanctification, your Keeper, & your strength. It is the secret of spiritual health & strength, filling all your service with the childlike happy assurance that the Father asks nothing that He does not give strength for–& that He accepts all that is done, however feebly, in this spirit.True happiness is always self-forgetful: it loses itself in the object of its joy. As the joy of the Holy Spirit fills us, & we rejoice in God the Holy One, through our Lord Jesus Christ, as we lose ourselves in the adoration & worship of the Thrice Holy, we become holy.This is, even here in the wilderness, “the Highway of Holiness: the ransomed of the Lord shall come with singing; the redeemed shall walk there; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy & gladness.”-Andrew MurrayIsaiah 61 / The Good News of DeliveranceThe Sovereign Lord has filled me with His Spirit.He has chosen me & sent me to bring good news to the poor, to heal the broken-hearted, to announce release to captives & freedom to those in prison.He has sent me to proclaim that the time has comewhen the Lord will save His people & defeat their enemies.He has sent me to comfort all who mourn, to give to those who mourn in Zion–Joy & gladness instead of grief, a song of praise instead of sorrow.They will be like trees that the Lord Himself has planted.They will all do what is right, & God will be praised for what He has done.They will rebuild cities that have long been in ruins.My people, foreigners will serve you.They will take care of your flocks & farm your land & tend your vineyards.And you will be known as the priests of the Lord, the servants of our God.You will enjoy the wealth of the nations & be proud that it is yours. Your shame & disgrace are ended.You will live in your own land, & your wealth will be doubled; Your joy will last forever.The Lord says, “I love justice & I hate oppression & crime.I will faithfully reward my people make an eternal covenant with them.They will be famous among the nations; everyone who sees them will know that they are a people whom I have blessed.”Jerusalem rejoices because of what the Lord has done.She is like a bride dressed for her wedding.God has clothed her with salvation & victory.As surely as seeds sprout & grow,The Sovereign Lord will save His people, & all the nations will praise Him.#adventjoy #everlastingjoy #eveninthewilderness#thegoodnewsofdeliverence ##theransomedoftheLordshallcomewithsinging #vineyardfullerton -- source link
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