If someone were to walk up to you and out of the blue ask that question, how would you respond? You’d probably think they’re off their meds lol. But you should probably try it. The Holy Spirit lives to have fun with and through us. It’s a great opening line for witnessing don’t you think? But first you’d have to be excited about what you’re about to share.
When I was growing up around church folks, they exhibited little or no joy about serving Jesus. Frankly most were taught that “religion “ was somber. You had to show the seriousness of sin and hell. Well that may be true, but the folks they were trying to impress were having more fun serving the devil than they were having living for Jesus.
I am 63, which is actually 36 in spirit years ( I know you’re scratching your head going what?) yeah I’m actually aging backwards. Aren’t you? I thought we all did. Oh well. Can’t help you there. He makes me feel young. This is His promise to me and I’ll let you listen in: “He forgives my sins—every one. He heals my diseases—every one. He redeems me from hell—saves my life! He crowns me with love and mercy—a paradise crown. He wraps me in goodness—beauty eternal. He renews my youth—I’m always young in His presence.” Psalm 103:3-5 MSG
Jealous? You shouldn’t be! He’s promised that to you too! Aren’t you excited? Here’s another promise He’s made me. Are you ready for this? “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you [who are willing to learn] with My eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8 AMP
Are you willing to learn? Then that promise is for you too!
Here’s another one. “Your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.” Isaiah 30:21 AMP
Are you a listener? Then that’s for you too!
Here’s another:
“You shall serve [only] the LORD your God, and He shall bless your bread and water. I will also remove sickness from among you.” Exodus 23:25
Do you serve and honor the Lord? Then sickness may come but it can’t stay! I know, we live that truth in my house. My sister coined this phrase whenever she hears I had to go to the hospital, which isn’t often by the way, it takes years to get me there, and I’ll tell the doctors at the onset, they’ll find nothing. She’d say; “Who’s there that needs my sister?” lol she’s right I always leave after introducing someone to Jesus. He’s my witness that I speak the truth. My testimonies are long so I won’t waste your time but you know how to reach me. Let’s continue shall we?
“Delight yourself in the LORD, And He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; Trust in Him also and He will do it. He will make your righteousness [your pursuit of right standing with God] like the light, And your judgment like [the shining of] the noonday [sun].”
Psalms 37:4-6 AMP
I could go crazy with these verses. I’m living all of it! He has truly given me the desires of my heart. Again, I have testimonies and may I remind you, no one can refute your personal testimony. Just saying. Are you excited yet? Wait there’s more!!!
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand]. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust [with great confidence, and on whom I rely]!” For He will save(me) from the trap of the fowler, And from the deadly pestilence. He will cover (me) and completely protect (me) with His pinions, And under His wings (I) will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and a wall. (I) will not be afraid of the terror of night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, Nor of the destruction (sudden death) that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at (my) side And ten thousand at (my) right hand, But danger will not come near (me). (I) will only [be a spectator as (I) ] look on with (my) eyes And witness the [divine] repayment of the wicked [as (I) watch safely from the shelter of the Most High]. Because (I) have made the LORD, [who is] my refuge, Even the Most High, (my) dwelling place, No evil will befall (me), Nor will any plague come near(my) tent. For He will command His angels in regard to (me), To protect and defend and guard(me) in all (my) ways [of obedience and service]. They will lift(me) up in their hands, So that (I) do not [even] strike (my) foot against a stone. (I) will tread upon the lion and cobra; The young lion and the serpent(I) will trample underfoot. “Because (I) set (my) love on (Him) therefore (He) will save(me ); (He)will set(me) [securely] on high, because (I ) know (His) name [I) confidently trusts and rely on (Him) knowing (He) will never abandon (me ) ,no, never]. (She) will call upon Me, and I will answer(her ); I will be with(her) in trouble; I will rescue(her ) and honor(her ). With a long life I will satisfy(her ) And I will let(her) see My salvation.” Emphasis mine
Psalms 91:1-16 AMP
I don’t need to stand on or recite the prayer of Jabez. Remember everyone was going crazy about that a few years ago? That was his prayer because his momma gave him a jacked up name. He needed to find a different identity, something to remove the stigma. He found it in prayer to the God who changes names, stigmas and delivers from identity crisis, the God who won’t allow our present location to determine our future destination. So is your name Jabez? 1 Chronicles 4:9. His name in Hebrew literally means sorrowful. I have a complete covering in Psalm 91, plus a plethora of other great and precious promises He’s made me in His Word. We just love fads and slogans in which there is no power in and of itself..we think it’s magic. Don’t live for Jesus , just read the book and you’ll be blessed like Jabez. Mr. Bruce sold a lot of books that year, someone got me a copy for my 50th birthday. Do you have a copy? 😁I wonder how many people actually are living Jabez’s prayer? 🤔First off God blessed him because He was more honorable than his brothers. Not because he asked for material blessings. It begins with, like Solomon’s prayer, a heart turned towards God. And faith in the God who answers prayers.
People will get excited about what excites you! If we find no pleasure or joy in our walk with Jesus, then why should others be? If He doesn’t make your heart sing, well, you haven’t yet met my best friend. You haven’t had an encounter. He’s my JOY!! Happiness is conditional, the joy of the Lord needs no right conditions. We can be facing the worst possible situation, yet have joy. Why? Because Joy is a Person: “Then Ezra said to them, “Go [your way], eat the rich festival food, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be worried, for the JOY of the LORD is your strength and your stronghold.” Nehemiah 8:10. This admonition came out of a time of mourning and contrition over their spiritual condition before Jehovah, they were hearing things written in the Law they had never heard before. You can’t live what you don’t know. But Ezra knew that a sorrowful heart can only be made glad through The Joy giver. Now that they knew, and adhered, They could be excited!!
Aren’t you excited?!!! Why not? Don’t you know who your ABBA is? Who saved you? Who knows your name? Who loves you and cares for you unconditionally? Who heals your hurts and binds up your wounds? Who delivers you daily from the unknowns of life? Who crowns your life and satisfies your mouth with good things? Who refreshes and restores your soul? Who stays awake all night watching over you while you sleep? Who is with you always? Who’s your Way maker? Who’s your provider? I know the Answer? Do you? If He’s not your everything then He’s nothing. There’s no room for Him and something or someone else. He’s all encompassing. He fills it all. Because of who He is in us, we have been entrusted with a greater propensity to love deeply, care purposefully, give freely, forgive quickly, listen intently, and reconcile respectfully. We see the glass half full. We look for the good in others, loving like we’d like to be loved. His love and life in us makes us EXCITED! Excited to share the Joy we know. Excited to be ALIVE!!
Father, in Jesus I’m so excited! I’m excited because I have been given this Gift, Your inexpressible Gift. Words cannot accurately describe Him. He makes my heart sing a thousand melodies. Jesus! My song my praise. The greatest Love I’ve ever known. How can I be silent? How can I not tell everyone I meet why I am excited? You have made me glad. Thank you for being my Joy! I live for You. Amen
“May the God of hope fill you with all JOY and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.”
Romans 15:13 AMP
Written by permission of the Holy Spirit
W. Tennant