Joy in the Holy Spirit
Romans 14:17
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
Have you ever experienced the joy of the Holy Spirit? Romans 14:17 tells us that the kingdom of God is about “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
What brings true joy to our lives? Having our sins forgiven.
Listen to what the Bible says:
Psalm 32:1–2:
“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.”
Isaiah 1:18:
“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
Acts 3:19:
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
And 1 John 1:9 tells us:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
We can also experience the joy of the Holy Spirit when we reflect on God's great love for us.
John 3:16 says:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Our sins forgiven—and on top of that, eternal life!
What a reason to rejoice in Jesus!
Let's take time today to thank God for the joy of the Holy Spirit. And let's make a fresh commitment to love God and follow His Son, Jesus Christ.
Richard Templin Hancock
Encouraging you to have faith in Jesus Christ and follow Him daily.
Christian - forgiven - grateful
Welcome. My name is Richard Templin Hancock and I’m here to encourage you to have faith in Jesus Christ and follow Him daily. I'm glad you're here—let's walk this path together.
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The Joy Of Praising
The Joy Of Praising
Psalm 95:1–2 (BSB):
“Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout to the Rock of our salvation! Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him in song.”
As I was praising the Lord Jesus this morning, I couldn’t help but think about what a joy it is to praise the Lord.
I can praise Him out loud, under my breath, or even in my mind.
And we can praise God at all times.
Psalm 34:1–3:
“I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. My soul boasts in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice. Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together.”
It’s hard to stay angry with someone or hold a grudge when we are praising the Lord. It seems that God can wash those negative thoughts away as our minds become filled with praise.
Let’s encourage one another to praise the Lord today.
Hebrews 13:15:
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name.”
Psalm 95:1–2 (BSB):
“Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout to the Rock of our salvation! Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him in song.”
As I was praising the Lord Jesus this morning, I couldn’t help but think about what a joy it is to praise the Lord.
I can praise Him out loud, under my breath, or even in my mind.
And we can praise God at all times.
Psalm 34:1–3:
“I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. My soul boasts in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice. Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together.”
It’s hard to stay angry with someone or hold a grudge when we are praising the Lord. It seems that God can wash those negative thoughts away as our minds become filled with praise.
Let’s encourage one another to praise the Lord today.
Hebrews 13:15:
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name.”
God's Years Have No End
God's Years Have No End
Psalms 102:25-27 :
"Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.
They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:
But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end."
Psalms 90:4:
"For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night."
John 8:58:
"Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am."
Hebrews 13:8:
"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."
Psalms 102:25-27 :
"Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.
They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:
But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end."
Psalms 90:4:
"For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night."
John 8:58:
"Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am."
Hebrews 13:8:
"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."
Praise the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God who sent Messiah Jesus. His years have no end!
Our Cup Of Blessing
Our Cup Of Blessing
Psalm 16:5:
“LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine.”
Isn't that wonderful? Psalm 16:5 reminds us that the Lord Himself is our truest inheritance and blessing. Our ultimate treasure isn't found in earthly possessions, achievements, or circumstances, but in God alone.
We can thank God today because all spiritual blessings reside in Jesus Christ. As 1 Corinthians 1:30 declares, "God has united us with Christ, who has become for us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption." In Him, we are made right with God, set apart for holiness, and freed from sin’s power.
And what does God guard? He faithfully preserves His people and the eternal gifts He has given us. He promises His abiding presence, His help in trouble, and His provision for every need, and reminds us that nothing can separate us from His love.
Furthermore, Jesus promised to return and gather us to Himself. Our ultimate hope isn't simply escaping this world, but enjoying eternal fellowship with our Savior in the new heavens and new earth.
“LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine.”
Isn't that wonderful? Psalm 16:5 reminds us that the Lord Himself is our truest inheritance and blessing. Our ultimate treasure isn't found in earthly possessions, achievements, or circumstances, but in God alone.
We can thank God today because all spiritual blessings reside in Jesus Christ. As 1 Corinthians 1:30 declares, "God has united us with Christ, who has become for us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption." In Him, we are made right with God, set apart for holiness, and freed from sin’s power.
And what does God guard? He faithfully preserves His people and the eternal gifts He has given us. He promises His abiding presence, His help in trouble, and His provision for every need, and reminds us that nothing can separate us from His love.
Furthermore, Jesus promised to return and gather us to Himself. Our ultimate hope isn't simply escaping this world, but enjoying eternal fellowship with our Savior in the new heavens and new earth.
So let's remember where our true blessing lies. Our greatest treasure isn't what we possess, but who possesses us. In Christ, we believers hold every blessing necessary for salvation, perseverance, and eternal hope.
Whatever today brings, give thanks: your cup overflows with the goodness and grace of Jesus Christ—our true cup of blessing.
Whatever today brings, give thanks: your cup overflows with the goodness and grace of Jesus Christ—our true cup of blessing.
Leap For Joy
Leap For Joy
Malachi 4:2 NIrV
"But here is what will happen for you who have respect for me. The sun that brings life will rise. Its rays will bring healing to my people. You will go out and leap for joy like calves that have just been fed."
I was thinking about how God has blessed us so completely in Jesus Christ that those of us who have trusted in Him for salvation have every reason this day to “leap for joy like calves” in our hearts.
Malachi 4:2 NIrV
"But here is what will happen for you who have respect for me. The sun that brings life will rise. Its rays will bring healing to my people. You will go out and leap for joy like calves that have just been fed."
I was thinking about how God has blessed us so completely in Jesus Christ that those of us who have trusted in Him for salvation have every reason this day to “leap for joy like calves” in our hearts.
As believers in Jesus Christ we have:
***Forgiveness of sins: Christ has borne the guilt and punishment His people deserved (Isaiah 53:5–6; Romans 8:1).
***Justification before God: The believer is counted righteous solely through faith in Christ, not personal merit (Romans 3:21–26; Philippians 3:9).
***Reconciliation with God: Former enemies of God are brought near and have peace with Him through Christ’s blood (Romans 5:1,10; Ephesians 2:13–18).
***Adoption: God receives believers as His children and gives them the Spirit of adoption (John 1:12–13; Romans 8:15–17).
***Freedom from sin’s dominion: Christians still battle sin, but sin is no longer their master (Romans 6:6–14).
***The presence and help of Christ: The risen Lord does not abandon His people in suffering, temptation, or death (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5–6).
***A guranteed inheritance and resurrection: Christ’s people will be raised bodily and receive an incorruptible inheritance in His kingdom (1 Peter 1:3–5; 1 Corinthians 15:51–57).
***The coming victory of God: Malachi itself looks beyond present trouble to the day when God will judge evil and vindicate His saints (Malachi 4:1–3).
We can leap with joy because Jesus Christ has rescued us from God’s wrath, made us God’s children, freed us for holiness, and guaranteed our everlasting future.
***Justification before God: The believer is counted righteous solely through faith in Christ, not personal merit (Romans 3:21–26; Philippians 3:9).
***Reconciliation with God: Former enemies of God are brought near and have peace with Him through Christ’s blood (Romans 5:1,10; Ephesians 2:13–18).
***Adoption: God receives believers as His children and gives them the Spirit of adoption (John 1:12–13; Romans 8:15–17).
***Freedom from sin’s dominion: Christians still battle sin, but sin is no longer their master (Romans 6:6–14).
***The presence and help of Christ: The risen Lord does not abandon His people in suffering, temptation, or death (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5–6).
***A guranteed inheritance and resurrection: Christ’s people will be raised bodily and receive an incorruptible inheritance in His kingdom (1 Peter 1:3–5; 1 Corinthians 15:51–57).
***The coming victory of God: Malachi itself looks beyond present trouble to the day when God will judge evil and vindicate His saints (Malachi 4:1–3).
We can leap with joy because Jesus Christ has rescued us from God’s wrath, made us God’s children, freed us for holiness, and guaranteed our everlasting future.
What a blessing! What a gift!
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