In the light
Life is bright.
Be made new.
Learn to see
Things from God’s
Point of view.
His insight
Brings joy.
(2 Corinthians 4:6)
Jesus said that His disciples would have joy and that their joy would be full. (John 15:11) The Bible says that Christ’s disciples “rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” (1 Peter 1:8)
Jesus defined discipleship when He said: “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves, and take up their cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23) That, although it doesn’t sound like it, is the key to joy.
“Deny themselves:” Self-focus leads to the unhappy conditions of pride and/or self-pity, not to joy. Continually shift your focus away from self so God’s joy and the rest of the fruit and gifts of the Spirit can freely flow from within you.
“Take up their cross daily:” Let your struggles, frustrations, pain, and suffering daily deepen your fellowship and heart-to-heart connection with the risen Jesus. (Philippians 3:10) Let them cause you to hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6) and to seek the kingdom (the inner government) of God like never before. (Matthew 6:33)
“Follow Me:” Train yourself to consistently be aware of and obey the inner voice of “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) Be led by the Spirit, (Romans 8:14) not by your own thoughts, feelings, desires, and opinions. Let God the Holy Spirit ignite the words of the Bible to continually burn in your heart. (Luke 24:32)
