Devotional for April 7

Be Filled With the Joy of the Lord 

3 Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.
4 For this was a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob.
5 This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I understood not.
8 Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me;
9 There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god.
10 I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. Psalm 81:3-5, 8-10 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The burning sensation in your muscles with the last few reps of a really intense bodybuilding exercise is just your body’s way of testing your mind’s resolve to get bigger and stronger. Learn to patiently endure. In the same way, our faith must be tested if we are to grow spiritually bigger and stronger (Hebrews 10:36). The word of God says we are to rejoice when the trials that test our faith come, because they lead to an expected end and the victory is sure (James 1:2-4). Nothing is impossible with a properly placed faith in God (Matthew 17:19-20). We must actively seek to conform the whole inner life to the pattern established for us by our Savior Jesus Christ in order to grow in grace (Romans 12:1-2). Strengthen the heart in this way, and the head and hands will follow (Proverbs 4:23).

Question

What is the difference between happiness and joy?

Answer

Happiness in this world depends on favorable circumstances and good feelings, which can change like the wind (Proverbs 27:1; Proverbs 25:28). Joy on the other hand, is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Joy depends on a right relationship with Jesus Christ and remains even when the winds of circumstances and feelings change bringing persecution and suffering (John 3:36; Hebrews 11:24-27; 1 Peter 5:6-11).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give me this bread, that he may live in me, and I in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. from the Book of Common Prayer