To Fight for Joy

             Seeing Jesus through the eyes of the heart and mind- to fight for joy

Strong's Hebrew: 8057. שִׂמְחָה (simchah) -- Joy, gladness, mirth ...

Though simchah is Hebrew, its theological substance flows into the New Testament. The angels proclaim “good news of great joy” at Christ’s birth (Luke 2:10), echoing Isaiah’s announcement.[i]

              Seeing Jesus through the eyes of the heart and mind- to fight for joy. There are ample Scriptures which talks about two different kinds of sight; eyes of the heart, and the eyes of the mind; Matt: 13:13; Eze: 12:2; Jer: 5:21.

Therefore, speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:  For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them; Mat 13:13-15.

Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house; Eze 12:2.

Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: Jer 5:21.

          Seeing is essential because, God is glorified by being seen because this involves understanding, and God communicates in the hearts of people who can see. God’s glory is revealed in the nature;

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge; Ps. 19:1-2. 

Paul says, that the ‘invisible attributes of God in this Universe display God’s glory”; 

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so, that they are without excuse: Rom.1:20.

         When we look at God’s display of His glory from the minutest atom to the supernova, we clearly see the glory of God with much joy. It is our ungodliness and unrighteousness, whereby we suppress the truth; 

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Rom. 1:18,

and that becomes tragic. 

          This joy killing blindness, the veil can be removed in the presence of Christ, which is through the good news of the Gospel. While Satan can do all that, he can to hinder us from enjoying that joy, when the light shines in our hearts, that gives the knowledge of the glory of God; But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ; 2 Cori.4:3-6. 

           God also reveals Himself through His Word, and the relationship between the Word and the glory of God is explained in Exodus 33-34; when Moses asked God in Mt. Sinai to show God’s glory to him. When we hear the Word of God, and when the hearing succeeds, we begin to see His glory, because it is written, Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of God; Rom 10.17.

         Being enthralled in God’s glory brings ultimate joy to a believer, and is a special gift of God, and we are constantly being transformed in to His image and into His glory. Jesus expressed the love of Christ for His Disciples, in His final prayer in John 13.

Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world; Jn. 17:24.

        Seeing Jesus with the eyes of our heart is very much related to knowing Him;

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God; Eph.3:19.

        So, our challenge is, to fight to see and enjoy the glory of the ‘Risen Christ’.

References:

Piper, John. When I don’t desire God: How to fight for joy (Wheaton: IL, Crossway Books,2004).

The Matthew Henry Study Bible, King James version: The best of Matthew Henry’s Notes in a Handy One Volume Reference Bible, (Iowa Falls, U.S.A, World Bible Publishers, Inc; 1994).[1] 

End Notes

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[i] Bible Hub https://biblehub.com › hebrew https://www.bing.com/search?FORM=I657DF&PC=I657&q=Hebrew+word+for+joy

Mount up!

                                                              

                                              Mount up with wings like Eagles  

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint, Isa. 40:31.

The eagle is a symbol of strength.The eagle,  is powerful, swift, far-sighted, and cares for its own. In many cultures and civilizations, the bird has represented strength and power. Countries like, Russia, Rome, Mexico, Scotland, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Albania, the United States, and the Philippines are some examples that have an eagle as an emblem.

As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: Deut 32:11.

Hebrew words:

קָוָה (qavah) –

                To wait, to look for, to hope, to expect Usage: The Hebrew verb "qavah" primarily conveys the idea of waiting with anticipation or hope. It is often used in the context of looking forward to something with eager expectation.[i]

חָכָה (chakah) –

                To wait, to tarry, to long for. Usage: The Hebrew verb "chakah" primarily conveys the idea of waiting or tarrying with an expectation or hope. It often implies a sense of patience and anticipation, suggesting a hopeful waiting for something or someone.[ii] 

Eagles are known for their ability to fly at high altitudes and for soaring in solitude or with other eagles. Some of the lessons are that eagles have excellent vision and focus, feed on meat, are reborn through metaphorical death of the old self, and nurture the next generation.[iii]

Shall mount up with wings.—Better, shall lift up their wings, or, shall put forth wings’ feathers, the last, like Psa, 103:5. This implies, that the eagle renewed its plumage in extreme old age. Spiritually, and Biblically this means that for the faithful there is no failure, and faith knows no weariness. It is written, in God’s word, that without faith it is impossible to please God.

To the moulting of the eagle and the growth of the new feathers, which we meet with in Psalm 103:5 (cf., Micah 1:16) as a figurative representation of the renewal of youth through grace.[iv] 

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him; Heb. 11: 6.

Matthew Henry states; Where God had begun the work of grace, he will perfect it. He will help those who, in humble dependence on him, help themselves. As the day, so shall the strength be. If we go forth in our own strength, we shall faint and utterly fall; but having our hearts and our hopes in heaven, we shall be carried above all difficulties and be enabled to lay hold of the prize of our high calling in Christ Jesus.

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[i] Bible Hub https://biblehub.com › hebrew

  Strong's Hebrew: 6960. קָוָה (qavah) -- To wait, to look for,

[ii] Bible Hub https://biblehub.com › hebrew

  Strong's Hebrew: 2442. חָכָה (chakah) -- To wait, to tarry, to long for

[iii] The Canadian Encyclopedia https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca …

   Eagle - The Canadian Encyclopedia

[iv] Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament: (Isa. 40: 31).

Separation!

 

The Bible encourages us to separate ourselves from doubt by focusing our thoughts on God’s promises and the truth of His character. By leaning into our faith and …[1] 

Greek: Meaning: (a) I separate, put apart, (b) mid. or pass: I separate myself, depart, withdraw. Word Origin: From the Greek word "χώρα" (chóra), meaning "space" or "region."[2]

Separation of Light from Darkness!

In the Hebrew Bible, "owrah" can signify the light of day, the light of life, or the light of God's presence and revelation. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Hebrew culture, light …[3]

Gen:1;10, 11 Speaks Volume on: Things which cannot be joined together!

1.     Light and darkness- Gen.1: 3-5.

2.     Waters above heavens and waters below were separated!(In the time period of Noah, both joined and great flood happened). Gen. 1:6-8.

3.     Earth and the Ocean/ waters were separated. Ge. 1: 9-13.

 

4.     Male and Female: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them; Gen.1:26-27.

5.     God separated the Earth into continents and Islands.  By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations; Gen. 10: 5;

6.     Gen. 11; the languages were divided!

 

7.     Garden of Eden: God separated life, from man. God separated man from eating the fruit of life, in his sinful state, and He separated man! God separated death form life! Gen. 2; Psa. 95: 7-11; Heb. 4: 1-12.

                       Worse Separation!: This is separation from God.

 

            Separation from God is a state where a person is distanced from His Creator. This means lacking the intimate fellowship, because humanity was formed to dwell in relationship with Him. Sin entered the world; Gen: 3. The beautiful relationship that existed with God, was fractured at Fall. This results in both spiritual and physical alienation from our Creator.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord; Rom. 6: 23.

 

              SIN: We have to remove sin from our lives; and sin is related to mental illnesses. Please note that I am not saying all mental illnesses are because of sin. Sin separates us from God. Any sin in our lives can deteriorate our mental health. Living in sin; tolerating bad communication, words, gossiping, what we watch,  the eye gates, and ear gates, are open doors to sin. We are called to a life of purity, holiness, righteousness, and this will lead us to life!

 

            The immediate consequences of sin are in our daily life and also it has eternal ramifications beyond this life. The gravity of this separation is because of sin. There is deep need for reconciliation and rescue within us. This separation can be repaired, by reconciliation through the work done on the Cross by Jesus Christ! Sin can separate us from God. But we all sinners have a hope!

 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life; Jn 3:16.

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[1] biblestudyforyou.com https://biblestudyforyou.com › bible-verses-about-separation

30 Powerful bible verses about separation (Full Commentary)

[2] Bible Hub https://biblehub.com › greek

Strong's Greek: 5563. χωρίζω (chórizó) -- To separate, divide, …

[3] Bible Hub https://biblehub.com › hebrew

Strong's Hebrew: 219. אוֹרָה (owrah) -- Light - Bible Hub

Joy of interpersonal care

 
The uplifting joys of interpersonal care and intimacy is forgotten in our world today. This is because of the world full of hurting people, and humans begin to move around with various boundaries around them. Unconsciously we perceive the world of people around us in a rather stereotyped fashion, which we learned from childhood. We also entertain a certain belief on what patterns of behaviour should be appropriate in this world which would meet our own personal needs. We can all blame the Fall for this! 

  
Today we are in the neuro-divergent world. Often, when humans believe a lie, their basic assumptions are built on this. Their belief first of all is incorrect; and hence the assumptive truth and the actions will be incorrect as well.

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free;
Jn. 8:32.
Understanding the problems of people especially when they are in the journey of downward spiral is a gift form God. Liberating truth from the Scriptures are the promises and we all should not be slaves to the past. We are slaves to Christ, who has released us from the bondage of sin and death. Personality change is possible by spending time with Jesus Christ.
Fear, worry, anxiety, depression, bitterness, anger, resentment, bitterness, and guilt can prevent humans from entering the joyous life found in Christ alone. The diagnostic part on the counselors’ side will be to uncover the wrong beliefs supporting the sinful patterns of behaviour. The right procedure to deal would be to teaching right beliefs, exhorting right behaviour, which is consistent with the right beliefs, and coming to a gratifying joyous place which the right living produces.

God is able to understand the complex emotions of mankind, and He has given His word and His promises to navigate difficult situations. At this point the real need for unconditional love and the presentation of the Gospel of love in Jesus Christ is a must.
Life in our sin-stained life is preceded by death.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour;
Jn. 12: 24-26.
 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord;
Rom. 6:11.

Difference between Spirit and Soul

            Mind means the thoughts one have: brain can think and heart thinks too. Body is the tent that makes the chemicals, which reacts to the thoughts, who is having those thoughts, that is the Spirit and the Soul. Soul and spirit are the silent spaces where the thoughts operate.

For example: When I am talking to someone I am orchestrating certain sequence of thoughts…between the ideas we have, that is me.

For serious thought: The thinker of the thought who can make infinite choices, in very little space between my thoughts is the infinite choice maker and that is the Spirit and Soul. Who has given that to humanity?

Spirit: What kind of spirit are we talking about?!

In simple words: There are only 2 kinds of spirits.

Spirit…once you accept Jesus Christ in your heart, He dwells within you, by His Spirit.

If a person is not in Christ, they belong to the kingdom of this world and the spirit of this world reigns in them: That spirit is the spirit of the world, the god of the age, or the gods they worship, or mamon, and their spirit dwell within them.

Foundational Truths!

Meanings of Soul Greek:

Psuché is a Greek noun meaning soul, life, self, or inner being. It is derived from the verb psuchō, meaning to breathe or blow. Learn its definition, usage, origin, and cultural and historical …[1]

Soul: mind (both conscious and sub- conscious), will, intellect and feelings and emotions): the intellectual property God has endowed to humanity.

         Soul is the centre of a person and it connects the body to the Spirit and vice versa. In the soul there is something called will, with that will of the person, we can stop God from entering our life even! He has placed that will within us, to make a free choice. He is God Almighty, and He is Holy and he will not go against and contradict Himself!

              The soul is the eternal part of us!  It is who we really are?!  

And fear not them which kill the body but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell, Matt.10:28.

            Soul does not cease to exist, when the body dies. Our soul is the core of our being. Soul (mind, will, intellect, emotions, feelings)  is able to have a relationship with the Triune God, with the help of the Spirit of God, in Christ Jesus.

           Soul has an eternal value, a purpose, which we cannot fully fathom or comprehend in this life. God is sovereign over our life and death.

Elisabeth Elliot says, Spiritual strongholds begin with a thought. Once thought becomes a consideration it develops into an attitude, which leads them to action. Action repeated becomes a habit, and habit establishes a “power base for the enemy.”

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[1] Bible Hub https://biblehub.com › greek

The Fount of Grace

 

                   The result of Fall, in the Garden of Eden, was the loss of communion with God through the Holy Spirit. As a result we broke away from the real source of life and blessedness, and is in a condition of spiritual death, Eph. 2:1,5, 12; 4:18. We tried to quench our thirst on our own and found nothing but mud and mire, and the filthy sediments of a standing lake. Life becomes harder and our range of vision is limited to see the horizon and the rainbow!

Hebrew words:

חֵן (chen) -- Grace, favor, charm. Word Origin: Derived from the root חָנַן (chanan), which means "to be gracious" or "to show favor." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - G5485 (χάρις, …[1]                         

        Learn the Hebrew meaning of grace (hen) and how it differs from mercy (rachum) in the Bible. Understanding God’s grace in the Bible starts with unpacking the Hebrew word for “grace,” khen (חֵן). (To pronounce this word, say “hen” while clearing your throat a little at the beginning.)[2]

     The Hebrew word "maqor" primarily refers to a source or fountain, often used metaphorically to describe the origin or wellspring of something. It can denote a physical spring of water or be used symbolically to represent the source of life, wisdom, or blessing![3]

            Often, in life it is harder to practice what we believe. Our hearts can be the unexhausted fountain of sin, a fount of corruption, flowing on in every pattern of behavior, as written, I was conceived in sin, Psa. 51:5. Satan’s darts can quickly inflame us, and the shield we hold may easily drop from our hands. Sin will take one farther, in the momentum of crescendo, which is a steady increase in force and intensity, than one initially wanted to be in.

          Hardened heart has the capacity to stop one from living an abundant life in this part of eternity! No one is exceptional to the reach of our Saviour, as He descended below all things and is in a Divine position to lift each one of us. He is able to claim one from the darkest of abyss.

            

          The fount represents the source or wellspring. Grace means God’s undeserved favour or blessing and often signifying a place or being from Divine grace which flows freely to mankind. Symbolically, this represent the source of wisdom, life and blessing. This fount that flows from the throne room of God, clear as crystal, is unlike any another fount, which can wells up within us, bringing mercy, and life-giving love. One can celebrate and carouse in this fount and find freedom in Christ!

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           [1] Bible Hub https://biblehub.com › hebrew

             Strong's Hebrew: 2580. חֵן (chen) -- Grace, favor, charm - Bible Hub

           [2]Bible Project https://bibleproject.com › articles › biblical …What is the Definition of Grace?

           [3] Bible Hub https://biblehub.com › hebrew Strong's Hebrew: 4726. מָקוֹר (maqor) -- Source, fountain, spring

 

When I am Thirsty....

           Reminiscing a time, while running  for my connecting flight, experienced this deep thirst, which was  painful, hurting and sore. It was as if my tongue was cleaving to the roof of my mouth, and it was not at all pleasant but agonizing. 

           Thirst – Hebrew: Yisemah – thirsty, overwhelming desire for either the natural, or for the hidden knowledge of God. Every English translation says the “people were thirsty”  past tense. One version even says they were tormented by thirst. (Chaim Bentorah).      

         The Exodus story of Israel in (Ezekiel 17:13) speaks volumes on crossing the desert on the way to the promised land. We can see perspicuously that people were murmuring and complaining at this place, Rephidim, against Moses. This muttering is basically, because they were in fear, being filled with the desires of the flesh! 

          Thirst is one of the most powerful natural appetites, the cravings for water or other drink. Besides its natural significance, thirst is figuratively used of strong spiritual desire. The soul thirsts for God, recorded in (Psalms 42:2; 63:1). Where are we camped now in our personal journey? Are we camped at Rephidim? 

       But they were filled with desire, desire for the flesh. May be the situation around us are not in favour of us, in all areas, and it is possible everything around us are against our normal desires. Is it possible that we are like the people of Israel, fretting over the fear of funds drying up, health failing, relationships falling apart, even before they do?  Are we fretting over no water even before we get thirsty? 

      What do we thirst (Yisemah) for?  Are we (thirsting, desiring) for natural security? We all need security and protection in this fallen world. Is our desire and thirst on the flip side of yiseman, is to discover the hidden secrets in God’s Word, and the God who loves us? Do we seek to use this experience of thirst, to know God, and improve our personal relationship with Christ? If our thirst is on the flip side of physical thirst most of the times, it is a sign for growth and learning.

         No one need to shuffle through lives in an unconscious stupor- susceptible to emotional highs and lows, suffering in anxiety, fear, worry, hatred, bitterness, anger, guilt and other heart issues, which can negatively impact our soul strength. It is because, in Mark 15:23, Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe, was thirsting at the Cross. Thirsting for what?

       The One who made the waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and oceans, was in thirst. Many saints and scholars have noted, and most of us can agree that Jesus is groaning for something greater and even more significant, than the physical thirst. This thirst is the similitude, for the thirst of all the souls. This thirst was full of pain, misery, agony, distress, suffering, anguish, torment, and torture for the souls of humanity, the world, John 3:16. In His great thirst He brought the fountain of Living Water which flows from God’s Throne Room. Keeping our feelings, desires, and thought pattern tethered to the truth of God’s Word will be our lifeguard, and the key for a joyful heart.