The Difference-Maker
“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63 KJV
Written by David Berg August 2011
Some Christian denominations, as well as some other religions, teach that suffering and sadness are measures of spirituality or religiosity, but it’s supposed to be just the opposite. God doesn’t intend for religion to be grievous, and Jesus certainly didn’t make it that way.
I don’t see how people can be truly happy until they have their deepest needs met. Even if they have everything they could wish for materially, they need something to satisfy their spiritual hunger. Thank God, Jesus does that!
My religion makes me happy, and even my work makes me happy because I know it does people some good. When I’m sick or suffer loss or face other serious problems, I may not feel very happy for a while, but even that doesn’t destroy my overall happiness. My physical condition or present circumstance may leave a little something to be desired, but I can still be happy in spirit.
I have very little to be unhappy about. The only thing I can think of that I want is for other people to be as happy as I am. That’s the only real longing or need that I have—the desire to help others understand how much Jesus has to offer, so they can be happy too. That’s why I take every opportunity to urge others to open their hearts and lives to Him, because I know they will discover the same happiness I have found. If people see that I’m happy and they’re not, they wonder what makes that difference, and they want it for themselves. The difference, of course, is Jesus.
* * *
Joy of the Lord
Having the joy of the Lord is part of our example as Christians, but that’s not the only reason we should pursue it; we also need it ourselves. “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”1 That joy is found in spending time with Jesus—“In Your presence is fullness of joy.”2 It’s found in taking in His Word—“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”3 And it’s found in putting the Word into practice—“If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”4—Maria Fontaine
The high road
True, lasting contentment isn’t found in our possessions or circumstances, but in staying close to God and following His plan for our lives.—Virginia Berg
1. Nehemiah 8:10
2. Psalm 16:11
3. John 15:11
4. John 13:17 KJV
God will use everything you've got if you'll let Him.
"The gifts and calling of God are without repentance" (Rom.11:29), meaning God doesn't change His mind when He passes out the talents.--He knows who to give them to. And since God was preparing you for His Service even before you were saved, He's undoubtedly going to use your hidden talents at some time or other, sooner or later, if you'll just be patient and faithful! (Gal.6:9)
The Lord needs you, and would surely like to use you to help other people. There's so much work to be done, and God needs every ounce of talent that you've got! So you would be wise to sit down and say, "Now God, what do You want me to do?"--Stand back and size up the situation: "This is my calling, but not that. These are my talents, but not that. This is what God wants me to do, this, but not that."
Lord, You know what's best. Give each of us the faith and vision we need, to catch a vision for whatever ministry we are best suited, the faith to exercise it and the willingness to take the initiative to do it! In Jesus's name! God's Will be done!--And it will, in spite of any of us; but don't miss the blessing by missing your part! May you invest your talents well and reap great reward! Hallelujah! Use all your talents!
Activated TFI