2/21/2025
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:18 NIV)
There is a joy that cannot find full expression in intelligible language but still there is a rationale behind this joy. One time, Jesus sent out seventy-two of His disciples to go preach and demonstrate the power of God. “Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name” (Luke 10:17). Jesus' response and reaction was very instructive. “And He said to them, "I beheld Satan having fallen as lightning out of heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you” (Luke 10:18-19). The Lord didn’t trivialize their celebration instead He gave them a perspective that the demons ought to leave when they casted them out.
He gave them what to shout about. Luke 10:20-21 says, “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.”
In essence, Jesus was saying to His disciples, celebrate who you are and not what you could do. Focus on the truth about you rather than manifestations. And this is where many of God’s children slip up too. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Many, even preachers, never behold that all things have become new.
The old you that used to have ADHD is dead. Behold all things have become new. The old you that used to be addicted to substances is dead. Behold the new you can drop any habit at any time.
Just the way that Jesus demonstrated what to celebrate to the seventy-two, the Holy Spirit enjoins you to celebrate who you are and just lift up your hands to God in joy. You didn’t become this wonderful and marvelous creation without God. So ponder who you are in truth and just magnify God in tongues where you are, right now. Acts 10:46 says,”...they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God…” The best way to magnify the Lord is to speak in tongues. Lift your hands right now, speak in other tongues and thank God for this amazing new creation that He has made you to be. Thank Him that you have no past and that you are subject to Him alone, and nothing else.
Have a great day!
Faith-Filled Confession
I am a new creation with the life of God in me now. What shall I fear? For in vain do things try to keep me under because the One that is in me is greater than the prince of this world.
Hallelujah!
Prayer Direction
Intercede for our brethren that are facing various trials in all our churches, that they remain unshakeable, unshaken, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Declare that they will continue to shine as light in the midst of the darkness in the world. (1 Cor 15:58, Philippians 2:13-14; Heb 6:10)
Pray for those who have been inconsistent in their faith; that they be no longer children tossed to and fro and that Christ may be formed in their hearts as they are strengthened in those things that are most surely believed among us. (Lk 1:3, Eph 4:14
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