Soldiers of God

Soldiers of God
Ever ready for the Charge

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

The Fullness of Joy Volume 1, Issue 2

Nehemiah 8

4 Ezra the teacher of the Law stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam.

5 Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. 6 Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

7 The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. 8 They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear[a] and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.

9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.

10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

11 The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.”

12 Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.

Studying the Word of God, allowing the Holy Spirit and other saints to help explain what God has hidden from the "Wise of the World", produces joy in us. This joy that is received when understanding God's Will and His Ways, gives strength to His children. When the joy of the Lord is your strength, you have a source that cannot be tampered with or taken away. God knew His children would face many trails and tribulations in this life, according to His Will for every man and woman that believes in His Son Jesus Christ, a source of power is given to use to be able to stand in the midst of any storm, trial, or temptation. Many young Christians turn from the faith because they came to God so that their lives would not have any more drama. As we all know when we made our decision for Christ we stepped onto a whole new platform of temptations and trials. God uses other saints (hence the importance of community) to guide us through these tough beginning seasons. By teaching us God's Will and His Ways for raising and maturing His children, we then find out the more we walk with God and spend time in His presence, the stronger this source of joy is produced in us, which we now use in the face of all trials. Joy is vital to the walk of all of God's children, it is the sustaining power that we use to stand against the enemy, and how we can rejoice in the midst of our sorrow to life. Today, seek to understand God's Holy Word and take refuge in a joy that will strengthen you in all seasons of life!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of experiencing the fullness of joy on purpose!!!!!


Psalm 16

A Michtam of David.

1 Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.

2 O my soul, you have said to the LORD,
“You are my Lord,
My goodness is nothing apart from You.”
3 As for the saints who are on the earth,
“They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.”

4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god;
Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer,
Nor take up their names on my lips.

5 O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You maintain my lot.
6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Yes, I have a good inheritance.

7 I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
8 I have set the LORD always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will rest in hope.
10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
11 You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

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