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Filled with Joy

“At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way.”
Luke 10:21, NLT

smile-1560733-639x852As Jesus taught His disciples and listened to their reports, the Bible says He was “filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit.” When we seek to follow after Christ with our lives, we bring joy to the Lord. What an incredible legacy to leave – knowing that our time here on earth brought God joy! Every day we are given opportunities to serve others, minister to the lost, and comfort the hurting. Today let’s seek to make the most of those opportunities. Pray that the motivation of our hearts will be to glorify God and that the joy of the Lord will be so evident in our lives that it draws others to Christ and brings a smile to God’s face.

Prayerfully,

Madison

 

 

photo credit: http://www.freeimages.com/photographer/jackigirl-47829

Reasons to Rejoice

“But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.”
Luke 10:20, (NLT)

kenyan-running-man-1434616-640x480As the disciples return from their mission with joy and excitement, Jesus reminds them of the true reason to rejoice, “Because your names are registered in heaven.” Today let’s take a moment to pause and reflect on the gravity of our own salvation. Our names have been inscribed in the Lambs Book of Life – that alone is an incredible reason to celebrate! One day we will enter the gates of heaven and forever spend our time worshiping the King of King and Lord of Lords. Spend some time reflecting on your own personal testimony. Thank God for bringing us from death into life and reconciling us once again to Himself, and praise Him for all the incredible things we have to look forward to as heirs to His throne.

Prayerfully,

Madison

 

 

Photo credit: http://www.freeimages.com/photographer/amandak27-49868

Given Authority

“When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to Him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use Your name!” “Yes,” He told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.”
Luke 10:17-18 (NLT) 

authority-1235389-639x426Jesus gives us authority over the enemy, but only through His Name – His Power. “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) Satan would like nothing more than to distract or discourage us and to abolish our mission to share Christ with others. We must resist him and he will flee from us, but only in the power and name of Jesus Christ our Savior. Today, thank God for the authority He has given us over our enemy, and pray that we may gird ourselves daily with the Armor of God, so that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Prayerfully,

Madison

 

Photo credit: http://www.freeimages.com/photographer/txpotato-36227