My brother, you have shown love to God’s people, and your help has greatly encouraged them. What a great joy and encouragement that has been to me. Philemon 7 ERV
As I sat down to write Friday’s devotion I realized Wednesday’s was never published, so sorry for the missed day. But I am a firm believer that things don’t “just happen”, God always has plan even in a delay only He truly knows the perfect timing and who may need to see or hear something at a certain time. So if you needed to read this today, please know how much you are loved by God who orchestrated the delay in publishing this so you would receive it when you needed it.
When we think about experiencing joy, we usually don’t think about having joy because of what someone did for someone else. Yet that’s exactly the joy Paul experienced because of the love Philemon showed to other Believers to encourage them. And isn’t that what Christmas is all about, experiencing joy by watching others experience the joy of Christmas; getting to know the Savior that was born to save us from everything that is trying to destroy us.
Paul was able to have joy, even while he was sitting in prison, because that’s where most Biblical Scholars believe he was. One of Paul’s greatest joys was sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others and seeing their lives not only be changed, but transformed. But now the only ones he could share Jesus with were the guards. Yet he chose to find joy in watching and celebrating with others who were helping people find the hope and encouragement found in the person of Jesus Christ.
Why not this Christmas you be the person who finds joy in sharing Jesus with others. But then don’t stop there, experience the joy and encouragement that comes from not only watching others share Jesus, but also for those who are hearing the “Good News of Great Joy”!
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