Joy and Gladness

Pastor Mike Macintosh related the story of a woman who was told, “Have a nice day!”

Obviously in a foul mood, the woman shot back words along the line of, “No thanks. I’ve got other plans!”

How many of us have been faced with a blessing from God... either through His Spirit or via another person... and yet chose to wallow in our squalor rather than to receive what God has for us. It reminds me of a New Years Eve party at a ritzy hotel. As I arrived and walked through the entrance, I saw three distraught young women. One was wailing piteously. I inquired and was told that they were upset because they were about to enter a new year and they didn’t have boyfriends. I thought that if they would clean up their tears and straighten up their countenances, maybe some single man would want to talk with them. They didn’t like my suggestion and decided to leave the hotel before the clock struck midnight.

So what?

In the Bible, King David had experienced God’s punishment for a series of sins that started with lust and ended with murder. Yet, he didn’t resolve to die in his wretched situation. No, David cried out to God for two things.

What were those two things?

Make me to hear joy and gladness and be satisfied; let the bones which You have broken rejoice.

Psalm 51:8 (Amplified Bible)

David wanted to hear Joy and Gladness. He wanted to be able to rejoice... knowing that the joy of the Lord is our strength and stronghold (see Nehemiah 8:10). Well, we all know that David’s sorrow eventually returned to joy as he received God’s forgiveness (although, his behavior ultimately resulted in his family falling apart).

On a larger scale, Israel suffered when time after time they rebelled against God and were taken into captivity by their enemies. And, when the Lord ransomed them and allowed them to return to Zion, they received joy and gladness.

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing, and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Isaiah 35:10 (Amplified Bible)

Mary was told of the joy and exultant delight that would come from the birth of Jesus. But that rejoicing extends to day to the many who receive Him as Savior and Lord. I am reminded of a pastor in Iran who was originally a jihad leader. A member of his terrorist cell had confiscated a bunch of New Testaments that a believer had distributed. He burned all except for one, which was shown to the leader. The leader read it to find out what the infidels were up to. He started in Matthew and, by the time he reached chapter ten, he realized that he was not reading words of a man. Rather, he understood that he was reading the word of God. Today, this man is a pastor... and I have no doubt he is also rejoicing over the coming of the Messiah.

And you shall have joy and exultant delight, and many will rejoice over his birth

Luke 1:14 (Amplified Bible)

During some of the deepest and darkest periods of my life, I have sought the Lord and He has responded by giving me joy and gladness. While living in the Republic of Singapore, we wrote a song to that effect... a song that is a part of our Psalms from the Pen of the Ready Writer series.

Storm clouds are raging all around me
Dark breakers rolling on the black sea
But i won’t fear
‘Cause my Jesus gave me joy

Although the devil’s on the war path
My neighbors mock at me and they laugh
But i don’t care
‘Cause His Spirit gives me joy

Joy and Gladness
Not for what i see
But for what He’s done for me

Joy and Gladness
Oh yes, i believe
That’s what Jesus is to me

Joy and Gladness
That no one can destroy

Oh, He lives in me
And He fills my heart with joy

i focus on His precious promise
i’ll never be like doubting Thomas
Yes, i’ll stand firm
‘Cause my Jesus gave me joy

My Savior dwells within my praises
He guides me thru life’s darkened mazes
All praise to Him
For He fills my heart with joy

Joy and Gladness
Not for what i see
But for what He’s done for me

Joy and Gladness
Oh yes, i believe
That’s what Jesus is to me

Joy and Gladness
That no one can destroy

Oh, He lives in me
And He fills my heart with...

Not happiness for those things
i see or can possess
But joy in the Holy Ghost
Who gives me peace and rest

Are you feeling weak? Has the economy got you down? Is the strife in the Middle East causing you panic? Are you upset over politics or some other thing pertaining to this life? Well, take some time to seek the Lord that you may experience what Ezra told the people of Israel to receive...

Then [Ezra] told them, Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.

Nehemiah 8:10 (Amplified Bible)

Joy and gladness is a Fruit of the Spirit. If you are a Christian and are filled with the Spirit of God, then allow Him to manifest that fruit in your life.

If not... then why wait? Receive it right now.

BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST and EXPERIENCE that JOY AND GLADNESS that God has for you.

Amen.

A Word About the Gifts of the Spirit

We begin with this foreword:

The word of God is the Tree of Life; and this Tree of Life is in the church today in the person of the Holy Spirit. He was given to the church on the Day of Pentecost to complete the divine order of the church of our Lord. His work is to glorify Christ, the Living Word of God and the Corner Stone of the church; to convict men of sin and to reconcile them unto God through His chosen vessels; to teach truth; to intercede for the saints with groanings too deep for words; to give strength; to aid and comfort---to manifest the attributes of our Heavenly Father in the Body of Christ; and to give gifts to men for the edifying of the same Body. Therefore there is nothing of more importance in the church than the doctrine of the influences and special gifts of the Holy Spirit. These doctrines should be received and regarded with the utmost respect.

From our studies we have learned that there was division in the church at Corinth; they were not of one mind and one accord. Usually at the root of division are a people of exaggerated self-importance---ego; and its first cousin, arrogance, most often accompanies this ego. Where such people are seated in the congregation or in the pulpit there is division; and division brings with it many, many other problems. After addressing the problems of quarrels, immorality, and the error in their communion services and etc. the Apostle Paul begins to address the abuse of the gifts of the Spirit. He had no doubt been consulted in regard to them by some of the members of the church at Corinth, and probably various questions had been proposed, which he now proceeded to answer.

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware.”

____________________(1^st Corinthians 12:1 NASU)

The whole discussion here shows that he refers to the various endowments, gifts, or graces that had supposedly been bestowed in different degrees on the members of the church at Corinth ---including the distinctions in graces, and in degrees of office and rank, which had been made in the church in general, as well as the extraordinary endowments of the gift of tongues which was presumed to have been bestowed upon many (1^st Corinthians 14).

We use the words “supposedly” and “presumed” because of the abuses. Among carnal minded members of the church the gifts had become a status symbol. Therefore many were claiming to have that which they had not received. No doubt there were many that their gifts were genuine. But the abuses had caused many to stumble.

Therefore the subject is of so much importance that it demands particular attention and special care. The Apostle Paul states that he would not have them ignorant (KJV) in regard to the nature of those special gifts of the Spirit; he instructs them on the attitude with which they should be received; and of the rules to which they who are thus favored should be subjected; and the feelings and views which should be cherished in all the members of the church in regard to them.

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.”

____________________(1^st Corinthians 12:4 NASU)

There are different endowments conferred on the members of the Body of Christ. Produced by the same Spirit---the Holy Spirit of God. The reason he refers to these various endowments is evidently to show those whom he addressed, that since they are all produced by the same Holy Spirit, have all the same divine origin, and are all intended to serve some important purpose and goal in the Body of Christ, the church, that therefore, none are to be despised; nor is a man to regard himself as elevated to a lofty position that would authorized him to treat another with contempt. The Spirit of God has divided and conferred those gifts according to His sovereign will; and His arrangements should be regarded with submission, and the favors of these gifts, which He confers, should be received with thankfulness and a willingness to serve.

“And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord.”

____________________(1^st Corinthians 12:5 NASU)

The phrase “varieties ministries” properly denotes that there are different positions of service that are to be regarded with special respect in the ministries that Christ has appointed. Those ministries are specified in 1^st Corinthians 12:9-10,28.

⁹ to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, ¹⁰ and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. ²⁸ And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues.

____________________(1^st Corinthians 12:9-10,28)

The statement “and the same Lord” refers to the Lord Jesus, by whom these various orders of ministers were appointed, and under whose control they are. The reason for this statement is to show that all these offices had their appointment from Him; and that since all were His appointment, and all were necessary, no one should be proud and think of himself as being in an elevated station; and no one should be depressed, or feel degraded because he has been designated to, what seems to be to the carnal minded, a more lowly office. All who have been endowed with special gifts of the Spirit should feel honored to be chosen of the Lord, but at the same time they should view themselves as humble servants of the people, for that is their calling.

“There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.”

____________________(1^st Corinthians 12:6 NASU)

There are different operations on the mind and heart, and different powers given to man, in building up the Body of Christ. Or it may be, possibly, that the Apostle Paul refers to the works of God mainly for “illustration,” and by the word “effects” means the works that God has performed in creation. His works are various. They are not all alike, though they come from the same power. The sun, the moon, the stars, the earth are different; the trees of the forest, the animal wild life, the birds of the air, the inhabitants of the sea are different; the flowers, and shrubs, and herbs are different from each other; yet, as much they may vary, they are formed by the same hand; are the productions of the same God, are to be regarded as proofs of the same wisdom and power. The same variety or multiplicity should be expected in the people of His church; and we should expect that the endowments would be various also.

As stated before, the same God produces all these operations. They should not, therefore, be undervalued or despised; nor should anyone be unduly elated, or pride himself on what has been conferred on him; in other words, they definitely should not be viewed as a status symbol.

God’s work is seen everywhere. It is seen in the delicate insect’s wing the same as in the mighty limbs of the elephant; it is seen in the lowly violet the same as in the loftiest tree of the forest. All God’s children therefore, should regard themselves as under God’s direction, and should submit to His arrangements. If God’s people regard their endowments as gifts from Him they will be thankful for them, and they will not be inclined to despise or attempt to look down upon others who have been placed in, what seems to be to some, a more humble position in the church.

“But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

____________________(1^st Corinthians 12:7 NASU)

The word “manifestation” means properly that which makes manifest, conspicuous, or plain; that which illustrates, or makes any thing seen or known. Thus, conduct manifests the condition or state of the inner man; and the actions are a manifestation, or “showing forth” of the inner character and feelings. The idea the Apostle confers upon the reader here is, that there is given to God’s children, such gifts, endowments, or graces as shall “manifest’ or “make known” the work and nature of the Holy Spirit’s operations on the mind and heart; through such endowments the Spirit makes known the attributes of God to the peoples who have eyes to see and ears to hear (Galatians 5:22-23). All that He produces in the mind and heart is a manifestation of His character and work, in the same way as the works of God in the visible creation are a manifestation of His perfections.

The Apostle is speaking only of those who are the church of the Living God, and His declaration should be confined to them alone. Whatever may be true of the Holy Spirit’s work on the hearts and minds of peoples of the world, this statement should be confined wholly to God’s children, the Spirit of God gives to each child of His such graces and endowments as He pleases; that He distributes His gifts to all, not equally, but in a manner which He shall choose; and that the purpose of this is, that all that belong to Christ should use His endowments for the common good of the Body of Christ.

James C Sanford

Consider the Works And the Gifts

Consider the works that Jesus did, and then consider the works that we who say that we believe should be doing.

¹² “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do , he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father (John 14:13 NASU).”

James is writing to the church here.

¹³ “Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises.

¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord;

¹⁵ and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.

¹⁶ Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much (James 5:13-16 NASU).

¹⁷ “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.

¹⁸ Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.”

(James 5:17-18 NASU)

Do we really believe? Then why do we still suffer? Does our unbelief hinder us? Is there a body of believers practicing these truths today? Or do we just have a “form of Godliness but deny the power thereof.”

Then James points to the prayers of Elijah as an example, a man of like nature as our own:

Where are the Elijah’s of today?

Now consider the gifts of the Spirit:

The gifts of the Spirit are for the edifying of the body of Christ, the church. Tell me, where are the gifts truly working in the church of today? We are not speaking of emotional demonstrations with no lasting results, but true gifts working with life changing results.

⁶ “There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.

⁷ But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

⁸ For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit;

⁹ to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,

¹⁰ and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues.

¹¹ But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.

¹² For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.

¹³ For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.”

(1^st Corinthians 12:6-13 NASU)

If we were baptized into one body and all made to drink of one Spirit then why are there divisions among us?Could it be because of carnal mindedness (1^st Corinthians 3:1-4) or unbelief (Matthew 13:58)?

Consider the works and the gifts---can we now say we believe?

Lord, I do believe; help my unbelief.

James C Sanford