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The Power of Joy
by Patricia King
STUDY INCLUDES:
A. Prophetic Encouragement
B. Devotional Teaching
C. Weekly Scripture Meditation
A. PROPHETIC ENCOURAGEMENT
As the Kingdom of God manifests itself on the earth more and
more, we will begin to see greater evidence of "the joy set
before us". (Heb 12:2) We carry the very essence of joy itself
and can bring it into every situation around us due to the
Christ that lives within. As the world grows darker, the need
to carry light is greater and this includes supernatural joy.
The enemy will work hard to steal our joy by tempting us to
give in to discouragement and weariness but we will live in
the reality of "The joy of the Lord is my strength" (Nehemiah
8:10) to a greater and greater degree. God is calling His
church to step into His river of gladness, and then splash His
joy to the world around us. The Kingdom of God is
righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost and we are
called to manifest His Kingdom here on earth Šso spreading joy
is a vital part of manifesting the Kingdom!
B. DEVOTIONAL TEACHING
A Call to Joy
Over the past couple of weeks, I've had a worship song
from the '90's resounding through my head, hearing Ron
Kenoly's wonderfully rich voice, singing as only he can: "The
Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy
Ghost, that's the Kingdom of God! Don't you wanna' be a part
of the Kingdom?"
We are called to live in God's joy. This is a fruit of the
spirit (Galatians 5:22) and not of our own nature. To be
enveloped with a spirit of joy when pressures & challenges
surround us is a sign and a wonder unto itself! When we
delight ourselves in the Lord, we will not come under a spirit
of discouragement, but walk in supernatural Kingdom joy.
Did you know that in the heavenlies, God has designed a river
that has JOY as its outcome? "There is a river whose streams
make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High
dwells." (Psalm 46:4) I love The Message paraphrase: "River
fountains splash joy, cooling God's city". After experiencing
some hot summer weather, the imagery of how God wants to
refresh us with His joy is a pleasing picture, indeed! Let's
learn to access this river in the spiritual realm to a greater
degree than ever before.
Weighty Issues Surround Us
In these days, we are facing global situations that could
have very serious ramifications. Terrorism, wars, and threats
of war. The increasing chance of a pandemic annihilating
entire regions is before us. The plight of the poor has caught
the church's attention like never before. AIDS orphans number
in the millions. Pornography & the sex trade is much more
rampant that we ever thought. "
All of these are weighty issues! Yet we are called to bring
light into each of them and joy is definitely part of His
Kingdom's light. If our focus is on the situation, we may feel
overwhelmed in thinking, "how can my one little act of
kindness, my one little prayer, my one little check make a
difference globally?" And before we know it, we've become
weighed down and our joy is lost.
Within the church, there have been some weighty issues, as
well. The church is going through a massive transition that
has left some believers wondering just where they fit. Many
are being called to step out into areas that are beyond their
comfort zone and may feel as if they are floundering for a
season. Intercessors have stood in the gap, cried out to God
for justice, and perhaps haven't yet seen the full result of
their prayers. And in the midst of all these situations, some
have lost their joy.
Yet God has called us to walk in His peace and joy and to
bring His Kingdom to earth in each situation; from large to
small; from global to personal. We could easily fall into
discouragement if we do not stand in God's encouragement. And
part of the way He fills and refreshes us is through His
spirit of JOY. Joy in the midst of heavy world situations. Joy
in the midst of tragic circumstances. Joy in the midst of
serious situations and huge challenges.
We can be a sign and a wonder to those around us as we walk in
His supernatural joy. And when the essence of this joy touches
other lives, people will be drawn to know the source of our
joy, Jesus Himself.
Heaven's party atmosphere.
I believe heaven contains an atmosphere full of joy,
delight and celebration. Joy in gazing upon Jesus. The delight
of the saints. Angel celebrations when people come to faith.
Delight in God's will always being performed. It's a place of
joy that we cannot even begin to imagine!
Scriptures clearly tell us that the angels rejoice every time
a believer is welcomed into the kingdom. What does that look
like? I see in my spirit a radiant glow of delight surrounding
these creatures of the Most High, a delight so profound it's
almost tangible. And the Word says that God laughs in the face
of His enemies. What does that sound like? His laughter is
strong and bold and very confident in the sure outcome of all
situations. Lord, fill me with this rejoicing and laughter
that resounds in heaven!
In Patricia's first children's book, "Adventures with the King
- Heavenly City", there is a wonderful chapter that paints a
picture of the party atmosphere where God and His angels
reside. It is based on an actual prophetic experience of the
party currently taking place in heaven and you can view the
illustration of heaven's joyful party atmosphere that our
prophetic painter, Ruth-Ann Fryer, has created. We are called
to experience this supernatural realm of joy and then to
manifest it here on earth.
Fullness of Joy in His Presence.
We need to experience this place where God can invade our
souls and impart doses of His supernatural joy much more often
than we currently do. Not only do we need it for ourselves,
but also for the world that desperately needs to see a
demonstration of God's joy in these times of great darkness
and lack of hope.
Remember that when Paul teaches on the fruit of the Spirit,
joy comes second in the list! Where the Spirit of the Lord is,
there isŠ JOY! Perhaps it's easy to gloss over this little
word, but I believe the Lord is reminding His Body that He
wants us to be carriers of the Spirit's joy to the world
around us in greater measure than ever before.
Personal Application
If you're tired and weary, lacking in joy, there is a
simple cure. Soak in His presence. Refresh yourself in Him.
Focus on Jesus, and His love towards you, and let Him remind
you of the many blessings that He brings to your life. As you
set your mind on things above, you will receive your fill-up
of joy.
One of my favorite messages from Graham Cooke is how he has
learned to "get into peace" in less than ten seconds, no
matter what situation he finds himself in. Walking in
supernatural peace is definitely a demonstration of the
Kingdom of God. And so I've found myself challenged as God has
been speaking to me about walking in supernatural joy, to
press into the Spirit, find His joy there, and then walk in
it, no matter what situation I find myself in.
The message of "good tidings of great joy" is not for the
Christmas season only. Because of Him, we can walk in great
joy, 'joy unspeakable and full of glory' right here and right
now.
Let's tap into that supernatural river of joy! Let's get
swallowed up in a spirit of joy. In delighting in the Lord. In
rejoicing in His presence. And in bringing His Kingdom of joy
down here on earth as it is in heaven.
C. SCRIPTURE MEDITATION
1. Week One: Psalm 16, Psalm 46:
2. Week Two: Psalm 37, Romans 14:17
3. Week Three: Luke 15:10, Galatians 5:22
4. Week Four: Philippians 4
And Remember
God loves you with an everlasting love!
PATRICIA KING
Extreme Prophetic Television
patricia@extremeprophetic.com
www.extremeprophetic.com
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