Enjoyed a blazing hot Monday with C & C. Thank you God, for their hospitality & fellowship. On Tuesday trekked north, to John & Debra's home. What joy God gives us in true, tested friends. They have provided a pleasant basement suite, complete with desk, bed, closet, chest of drawers, refrigerator & love.
Already good conversations, questions & responses, prayer- with much more to come. Finally had the oppty. to do a little study on God's joy. Up until recently I have not ever seen God as joyful. Loving, yes, persevering, patient, triumphant but not joyful. Yet David writes that at God's right hand are pleasures forever more. (Ps. 16:11) Joy is the second of the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22. Nehemiah tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. (8:10) For the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the cross, scorning its shame. (Hebrews 12:2) Paul writes that the "kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Rom. 14:17) Jesus says, "These things have I spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:11) Although I believe that joy is only one aspect of who God is, I think He lives in delight.
Today in the midst of pre-Cal errands, i had the privilege and blessing of lunch with brothers Ken & John. we discussed vision- what God has been impressing on us- and walking together with Him. While we all feel tough times are ahead for the Church, the country & the world, we believe that God is at work. He desires to see the charismatic & evangelical wings of the Body come together. He wants to build the Kingdom by taking people out of darkness into light. He wants to restore gifting to the Body, and build on the right foundation. (Eph. 2:20) He wants us to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. (Heb. 12:2a)
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