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ARE YOUR FRUITS SHOWING? ~ The OIL of JOY ~
by Teresa Altman The fruits of God's Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) *** When Adversity rages its trials for me, Though fire and suffering it brings, My eyes will I fix on the joy of His Love, As the Spirit of God in me sings. -Teresa Altman *** Have you ever known anyone who, even in the depths of adversity, radiated an unexplainable joy? Do you wonder what it is that supplies and sustains that joy in troubled times? Many have written on the subject of Joy, as a spiritual fruit, from a perspective of faith. I want to touch on the 'Oil of Joy' as a byproduct that is received from experiencing the fullness of God's Love while in communion with His Spirit. God promises that His presence will fill us with joy (Psalm 16:11; Acts 2:28) and the power of the Holy Spirit will multiply our peace and sustain our hope (Romans 15:13). An astonishing sensation of joy is present in a continuous communion with God. The spirit of joy, manifested by His presence, overcomes adversity through the strength of His passionate love. When I surrendered to Christ and invited the Holy Spirit to control every aspect of my life, I felt an unexplainable, all-consuming love for Him. The 'oil of joy' (Isaiah 61:3; Hebrews 1:9) began filling my entire being; body, soul and spirit, with an inexpressible and overflowing love (1 Peter 1: 8-9). The constant reminder of His love for me creates a deep desire to feel His presence, to know Him, and to please Him. I delight in His love and trust Him for deliverance from all trials and tribulations. It is from my communion with God and the experience of a peace which surpasses all understanding that the spirit of joy prevails, even in the face of adversity(Philippians 4:7). *** "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness" _ Psalm 30: 11 *** "To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified" _ Isaiah 61: 3 *** "You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence" _ Acts 2:28 PRAYER: Abba Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask that the fruits of Your Spirit be revealed to the world, through me, as a witness of my communion with You. Thank you for the fullness of Your love and the spirit of joy I receive from Your presence in my life. I praise You, Father, that I have victory over adversity through the redeeming sacrifice of my Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. Teresa Altman, http://www.faithwriters.com/websites/my_website.php?id=28787 , an engineer for 25 years, answered God's call to write in 2007. A mother of two and grandmother of six, she lives in Northwest Tennessee. @2007 by Teresa Altman Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |