Daily Bread - APR/10/07

1 John 1:4 - And these things we write to you that your joy may be full .

Our joy is made full through the relationship that has been granted us by the gift of salvation (John 15:11; 16:24). The depth of the fellowship that we have been given with God has no limits (Ephesians 3:16-20). As we grow in grace we come to realize that through this wonderful act of God's love and mercy He has made us one with Himself so that we may enjoy the beauty of His love which brings joy unspeakable (Colossians 2:10; 4:12; John 1:16; 1 Peter 1:8).

The cares of this life would impose the burdens of earthly things and unrealized dreams, but God has made a way for us to live in a heavenly realm and inherit His promises (Colossians 3:1-4; Mark 4:19; 1 Peter 1:4). We have been given the sweet fellowship (koinonia) of the Holy Spirit who brings to us the indwelling presence of the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Through this fellowship our joy is made full.

As we walk with the Holy Spirit every day we discover more and more how much God loves us, and as we do, the manifestation of this fullness of joy continues to increase in our lives (Ephesians 1:18; 4:15; Colossians 2:19; 1 Thessalonians 4:10). One of the greatest joys is the discovery that Father has taken us and brought us into the shelter and comfort of oneness with Himself (John 14:16, 20, 23; 15:4, 10; 17:21, 23; 1 John 3:24; 2 Corinthians 9:10). Today you can realize more of this fullness of joy by embracing what God has said about you. Jesus Christ - the Almighty God and our Lord and Savior - wants us to accept that he has made us part of His family (John 20:17; Galatians 4:6; Hebrews 2:11). We should so fully embrace His love and endearment to us that we say: "I'm in Him and He is in me by this our joy is made full" (John 6:56; 1 John 4:13,17).

Be joyful!

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org