Let Your Love Increase & Overflow

Our love for ourselves and for other people should be increasing and overflowing as we mature in Christ and in our relationship with Him. Here are some key Scriptures:

A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Mt 22:39 NLT)

We can’t learn to love our neighbor, until we learn to love ourselves—by the grace of God. God loves us as we are, even though He knows all about our weaknesses and our past. God’s love is mature and steadfast and doesn’t accept offense.

And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more [displaying itself in greater depth] in real knowledge and in practical insight . . . (Phil 1:9 AMP)

As the verse quoted above says, our love will display itself in greater depths as the years and our experiences in Christ continue. This will make us better spouses, parents, neighbors, and witnesses for the Kingdom of God.

And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you. (1 Thes 3:12 CSB)

As we grow in our awareness of God’s steadfast and unfailing love for each one of us, individually, the Lord will trigger a yearning in our hearts to show God’s precious and anointed love to everyone with whom we come into contact. May your joy abound and be shared with everyone you meet!

Pursue a Peaceful Life

There are great spiritual benefits to pursuing a peaceful and peace-filled life.

Not only should we each pursue this way of life, according to the Bible, but we should endeavor to generate a peaceful atmosphere wherever we go. Now, let’s look at what the Bible says to us on this subject.

Seek peace and pursue it. (Ps 34:14 ASV)

Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil; but to the counsellors of peace is joy. (Pro 12:20 ASV)

Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers, but the root of the righteous bears fruit. (Pro 12:12 NIV)

“Happy are people who make peace, because they will be called God’s children.” (Mt 5:9 CEB)

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. (Heb 12:14 ESV)

Those who advise a peaceful resolution to problems or issues receive the reward of joy. That is a beautiful blessing to desire and to receive.

The basis of peace in negotiations generates a good harvest in all of its endeavors. Peacemakers are happy because they are known as children of God.

We’re instructed in God’s Word to work toward peace with everyone, as well to make every effort to live a holy life. The result of obeying the Bible is that we are enabled to live a life that is rewarding, fulfilling, and blessed by God. Praise the Lord!

Joy & Safety

This may seem like a quirky combination to write about, but I hope that you’ll take time to study this along with me.

Not only does the Lord want us to be filled with joy, but He also wants us to know that we are safe and secure thanks to Him.

You have put joy in my heart, more than when their grain and new wine are abundant.
⁸In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, have me dwell in safety. (Ps 4:7-8 NASB)

This Bible passage above acknowledges that the Lord has placed joy in our hearts. He is the author of joy! Also, it talks about our sleeping peacefully because the Lord causes us to live in safety. What wonderful blessings!

For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. (Ps 92:4 NIV)

We may rejoice and have joy because of God’s righteous and upright acts.

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. (Pro 3:24 NKJV)

This verse again speaks about our sleep being sweet and peaceful because our faith in God allows us to be free of fear. Glory to God!

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. (Ps 3:5 RSV)

Even our ability to awaken on any given morning is because the Lord sustains our very life. Think about that!

I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. ⁹Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. (Ps 16:8-9 ESV)

In this Psalm, David is discussing the fact that he was aware of God’s presence with him at all times. David felt God’s face before him, and God’s presence at his side. As a result, it filled David with joy and rejoicing. This also made him feel secure (protected, sheltered, and safe). We are just as beloved by God as David was. God’s presence is always with us, and His Spirit dwells within each and every one of us. We are His temple. (1 Cor 6:19 NKJV) Hallelujah!

God’s Comforts

What are God’s ‘comforts’ as mentioned in Psalm 94:19? From my study of this passage, the word refers to the promises of God, and the ability to remember and to mentally reenact our prior experiences of God’s care and kindnesses to us. Such thoughts give us consolation, and they revitalize our minds and our thoughts.

In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul. (Ps 94:19 NKJV, emphasis added)

As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. (Isa 66:13 NRSV) The Lord promises to comfort us when we are distressed.

From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Ps 61:2 NASB) During tribulations, we must allow our hearts to turn to the Rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ.

Just as I am satisfied with the choicest of foods, so my lips will praise you joyfully. ⁶When I think of you in bed, I will meditate on you in the night watches. (Ps 63:5-6 ISB)

A good life habit to cultivate is to praise the Lord joyfully AT ALL TIMES, under all circumstances. It will bring us joy and it will strengthen our faith. When we can’t sleep in the night, we should meditate upon the Lord and upon His Word. God promises in many places in the Bible that He will comfort us and that the Holy Spirit is our comforter.

Turn to the Lord and trust Him to soothe and to encourage you when painful life experiences threaten to sink you. He will not fail you.

The Importance of Words

The Bible is unambiguous about how important our words are. The unique thing about words is that they affect not only the HEARERS but the SPEAKER as well. We would do well to not only read these verses but to meditate upon them.

Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim. (Pro 15:4 MSG) Words can cut and maim or they can heal and comfort. Words can be constructive and informative, lending courage and information to the hearer.

A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word! (Pro 15:23 NIV) If we make positive, uplifting remarks it brings us joy and is received as a benefit by the hearer.

By his fruitful speech a man can remain satisfied, and a man’s handiwork will reward him. (Pro 12:14 ISV) When our words bear the fruit of encouragement, peace, and joy, we will eventually earn a reputation as an encourager and a person full of faith.

Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips. (Pro 24:26 NIV) Honest words, spoken in love, carry a blessing to the spirit of the hearer.

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. ¹²As an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear. (Pro 25:11-12 MEV) Those who wish to please God and be good examples to others should speak the whole truth, utter appropriate praise, reflect wisdom, and edify the listeners; these words will always be “fitly (properly) spoken.”

Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Eph 4:29 NASB) This verse reminds us that we should not speak any nasty or unpleasant words. Instead, our words should edify (enlighten, improve, inform) the listeners so that those who hear will be honored, enhanced, or blessed.

As we honor God’s Word by obeying it, the Lord will show His pleasure and bless us in ways that we can’t imagine. Spread kind, life-giving words wherever you go today. Praise the Lord!

How to Give Joy to Your Parents

Most children would like to give joy to their parents. Not only small children, but adult children also wish to give enjoyment to their mother and father.

I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are living according to the truth. (3 Joh 1:4 CEB)

The father of a righteous child will celebrate greatly. One who fathers a wise son will find joy in him. (Pro 23:24 EHV)

The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the grief of his mother. (Pro 10:1 NKJV)

A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. (Pro 29:3 NIV)

These various Scriptures all refer to the subject of giving joy or gladness to our parents. These are the ways, according to the Word, that we can give true gladness to our mom and dad:

To live according to the truth (of the Word of God);
To live a righteous life with wisdom;
To gain wisdom (the best source of wisdom is the Bible); and
To love wisdom and embrace it in all of your ways.

Not only will these acts bring joy to your parents, but God will bless you as you obey His Word. Glory to God!

Two Paths

In life, there are only two paths to choose from. Please, recognize this statement for the truth that it is.

We may choose to live for God and the Kingdom of righteousness; or we may sink to serving satan who is the enemy of God and the enemy of all that is good and true, peaceful and holy.

The ancient Hebrew word for satan means “accuser” or “adversary.” Why would we want to serve the being who is named “accuser”?

My heartfelt question is “Why would anyone choose to serve the kingdom of darkness?” Let’s look at what the Scriptures have to say. I’m going to put the Bible verses in categories to help to clarify this study.

About the Kingdom of God & Jesus

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace . . . (Gal 5:22 NKJV)

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (Joh 10:10b NKJV, emphasis added)

. . . and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:7 NKJV)

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. (1 Cor 14:33 NKJV)

About the Kingdom of Darkness & satan

For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. (Jas 3:16 NKJV)

You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (Joh 8:44 ESV)

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. (Joh 10:10a NKJV)

Warnings from Scripture

Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Eph 6:11 ESV) We have to protect ourselves with the spiritual tools that the Lord has given to every believer.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Pet 5:8 NKJV) We believers need to be vigilant and review our lives on a fairly regular basis so that we don’t allow even the smallest entry for the devil.

Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. (Rev 12:20 NKJV, underscoring added) Know that the enemy will surely receive his eternal punishment which is described here.

Conclusions

The Bible informs us of key things we should know about the enemy and his realm. In the kingdom of darkness, the atmosphere is full of envy, self-seeking, confusion, lies and every evil thing. The beings who populate that realm enjoy killing, stealing, lying and destruction. The future holds a grim reality for satan and for all who choose to serve him:

The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Rev 20:10 NKJV) This is an eternal, never-ending punishment.

The Bible informs us that Jesus came to impart life not only here on earth, but for all eternity to those who accept Him as their Lord and Savior. That is why John 10:10 says “more abundantly.” When we serve Jesus and His Kingdom, we experience love, joy and peace. We become a member of the family of God. And lastly, when we become a child of God we experience the peace that passes all understanding. (Phil 4:7) Glory to God most High!

Faith is a Gift

Remember that faith is a gift from God! It is a precious gift and vital to our daily life in the service of the Kingdom of God.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God . . . (Eph 2:8 NKJV)

Each and every believer has been given a measure of faith. Be sure to make good use of what you have been given. Use your faith constantly either for yourself or on behalf of other people, which is the highest and best use for this beautiful gift.

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. (Rom 12:3 NKJV, emphasis added)

Some believers have even been given an unusual gift of faith that stands well above the norm. To all such believers, I encourage you to pray, pray, pray for other people and help them to receive everything that they need from the Lord—the chief need being salvation!

. . . to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit . . . (1 Cor 12:9 NKJV)

We must serve God by USING the spiritual gifts that He has given to each and every one of us. It is our responsibility and our joy to discover what our spiritual gifts are and then to use them in spiritually productive ways on behalf of the Kingdom of God and of His people.

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. (1 Cor 13:2)

We must use all of our spiritual gifts—whatever they may be—with LOVE! God is love (1 Joh 4:8), and all who serve His kingdom must flow in LOVE.

Note that love is the FIRST fruit of the Holy Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. God bless you!

Our Lives Reflects our Hearts

All of our actions—whether good and kind or hurtful and evil—flow out of our hearts.

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. (Pro 27:19 NIV, emphasis added)

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. ²³For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; ²⁴for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. ²⁵But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. (Jam 1:22-25, underscoring added)

. . . he who fashions the hearts of them all, and observes all their deeds. (Ps 33:15 RSV)

For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” (Mk 7:21-23 NIV)

As the Bible tells us, we need to be obedient, active Christians who LIVE THE WORD every single day of our lives. Our lives will surely expose whatever is in our hearts.

This doesn’t imply that we’re perfect and never make mistakes. Absolutely not. It means that we start with a fresh slate every day, and continue loving and serving the Lord Jesus persistently and consistently.

When we do sin, we stop and repent before God. After we have received forgiveness and cleansing, we begin again in perfect fellowship and harmony with the Lord, our merciful Redeemer. Because Jesus lived on earth as a human, He understands the nature of temptation. (Heb 2:18; 4:15; Mt 4:1)

Because we know our own flaws and weaknesses, we’re able to extend mercy and encouragement to others. We know that as we surrender to God’s will and resist the enemy, he must flee from us. (Jam 4:7)

We serve our loving God and the body of Christ by praying for our fellow man, whether believers or unbelievers. We also pray for our civic and government leaders that God will lead them and send them wise counselors, and give us peace on the earth.

As we hide God’s Word and His precious promises in our hearts, our hearts will overflow with the joy, mercy, and love of God. Our faith will be nourished and strengthened. Our daily lives will reveal and replicate the condition of our hearts. Glory to God!

The Blessings of Fellowship

There are great blessings that result from fellowship and unity with other believers. We need the companionship of close friends and relatives who are fellow Christians. Let’s look at the Scriptures.

If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up. (Eccl 4:10 NIV)

Here the Bible reminds us that having a close companion or friend will provide us with support, help, and strength.

. . . not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Heb 10:25)

This passage in Hebrews reminds us that gathering regularly with other believers provides encouragement and validation of our faith as well as support.

Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thes 4:18)

Meeting with other believers provides us with comfort, security, and reassurance.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. (1 Thes 5:11 RSV) Christian fellowship provides inspiration from the Bible, the nurturing of our faith and the joy which lightens our hearts. What beautiful and loving blessings from God!

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Tag: Joy