Jesus taught more about the kingdom of God than anything else. In the Lord's Prayer, He prayed “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” I believe the answer to that prayer is upon us now. Romans 14:17 states, “The Kingdom of God is not food or drink, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Righteousness --- addresses the sin issue (SPIRIT)
Peace --- addresses the torment issue (SOUL)
Joy --- addresses the affliction issue (BODY)
So why is joy such an important part of The Kingdom of God? Psalm 16:11 says, “You will show me the path of life; In your presence is fullness of JOY; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Fullness of JOY exists in God's presence. There is a lot of sickness in the world, in spirit, soul and body. Proverbs 17:22 “A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”
How then shall we live? Nehemiah 8:10 “Don't be dejected and sad for the JOY of the Lord is your strength. Behold God is my salvation I will trust.”
Sometimes we need to be reminded who we are is Christ. We represent the Kingdom of God on earth. What do people see in us? Fear, slander, lack of faith, doom and gloom, no thankfulness, NO JOY. People are looking for answers. Are we showing them the Jesus of the Bible through our lives? So why is JOY of the Lord so important? Remember, the Fullness of JOY exists in God's presence. The JOY of the Lord shines in you through the Holy Spirit who draws people to Christ Jesus because we represent The Kingdom of God, which is Righteousness, Peace and JOY. Some have lost their JOY. It's time to be healed. It's time for restoration.
Psalm 28:7 “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with JOY. I burst out in song of Thanksgiving. How then shall we live?
Start reading your Bible every day. Pray for others and get in the fight to help bring others into the Kingdom of God. Why? Because YOU are God's JOY!
“But if nothing changes, nothing changes!”
For prayer or to talk, call (719) 369-5692.
With love and respect
Ray Linebaugh
Ray is chaplain for Marine Corps League, president of Harvest Connections Ministry, founder of God and Country Music Festival and board member of Fremont Civic Theatre.