The Joy Of Jesus Can Go With You
Sunday, October 12
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Devotion
Once we throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, we can fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. We can join Jesus in considering the joy set before us: the joy of heaven, the joy of being with Jesus, the joy of being victorious over lukewarmness, and the joy of sitting down with Jesus on His throne (Revelation 3:21).
Jesus brought this joy with Him to the cross, and we can bring this joy with us as we persevere through every trial, trusting that Jesus will answer our prayers for wisdom (James 1:2-5). But sometimes, joy is a choice. We choose joy when we choose giving thanks and praise over grumbling and complaining. We choose joy when we speak words of life rather than giving in to temptations to evil speaking and gossip. We choose joy when we encourage and admonish those less mature in the faith to grow up, keep themselves from idols, and continue walking in the truth.
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I confess that I often choose things other than joy. Thank You for the word of correction brought in the sermon last Sunday and in this week's devotions. Thank You that the joy of Jesus is still available to me. Open my eyes to see everything that still hinders my joy and the sin that so easily entangles me in grief. Speak Your words of life into my heart and remind me of all I have to give You thanks and praise for. Help me be a light to encourage others toward joy, both by my example and by explicit encouragement.
In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Every day, even when joy seems hard to find, we can find joy in the promises of God. Rejoice that God sees you. Rejoice that He cares for you. Rejoice that He is a skilled artisan, and invite Him to shape you into a noble person He can use to help others. Rejoice that Jesus has prepared a place for you in heaven. Rejoice in the Lord always; I will say it again: rejoice!
Resources
- Join Free Chapel for services today, either in person or online via the Free Chapel App or YouTube.
- If you sense God is calling you to trust Him further, pinpoint an area of your life that he’s asking you to trust Him in. Here are some ways Free Chapel can help:
Relationships and Support: Join A Connect Group.
Academic and Foundations: Free Chapel College or School of Discipleship Online.
Generosity and Trust: Give Now.
Time and Talents: Serve.