Demonstrating The Joy

… he drew his sword and was about to kill himself… ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved? He was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God.

Acts 16:27-34

The Philippian jailer asked what it took to be saved. How compelling is the gospel!? For him to become a Christ-follower as Paul and Silas were would mean that he too could wind up in jail, but not as the jailer! The Lordship of Jesus in his life might mean that he would be beaten at times and thrown into a dark prison. Why would he ask for that? Clearly Paul and Silas demonstrated something very appealing and compelling. This man went from the intent of suicide to the place of joy because he had come to believe in God.

My life in Jesus needs to be more compelling! Regardless of circumstances I need to praise God in full view of everyone. This contagious kind of faith will influence people as God would have. To lead people to joy, I need to have it! I need to demonstrate the joy of the Lord. Nehemiah wrote that the ‘joy of the Lord is your strength!’

Father, raise my eyes to the truth. Forgive me for quenching the Holy Spirit’s joy in my life and in the life of my family. Forgive me… help me… allow me to see and live by the truth. Thank You for the Gospel which is good news.