Happy Sunny Friday!
Have you sensed an overflowing joy from our risen, powerful Lord this week? I have. We’ve had our share of “too busy,” various mishaps, and house renovation debacles over the past seven days. Yet God has graciously given my heart a palpable awareness of His presence and goodness.
Nehemiah was a man commissioned by God to lead a construction project. But this building program was unlike any we’ve experienced: rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.
Was he busy? Absolutely. Did he encounter obstacles and delays? Yes, indeed.
Opposition and difficult decisions? You bet he did!
But upon the completion of this massive project, the people gathered to hear the Word of God. The gift of repentance swept over the crowd. They responded to God’s law with faith and personal consecration.
Then Nehemiah instructed them with these timeless words:
“Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Neh. 8:10)
The joy sourced in God doesn’t diminish or disappear with our ever-changing circumstances. His joy brings strength when we’re confused and tired. God’s ever-flowing joy over us sustains and propels us forward on His mission. The joy found in our Creator-Redeemer inspires us to celebrate in worship to the Giver of all good things.
Each Lord’s Day, we gather to celebrate the reality of God: He is alive, all-powerful, and always with us. His manifest presence among us brings an unexplainable joy. His Word read, explained, and applied to our hearts by the Spirit leads us into His joy. Herein we discover our strength, a high-tensile strength that withstands the storms and difficulties of life, a strength not sourced in us but in our God.
Last Sunday, I experienced that immeasurable joy. God sustained me throughout the week by the strength of His joy. I invite you to come and experience God’s joy, too.
Sense the work and power of the Spirit among us as we celebrate who Christ is and who we are in Him.
Come and learn of Him. You will find rest, joy, and strength for your soul.
Here at Mayfair Bible Church, we’ll have a place ready for you this Sunday at 10:45AM. THRIVE Kids check-in begins at 10:30AM. See you then!
Love in Christ,
Pastor Michael
P.S.
This morning, I filmed a new Connection Points video. Click the red play button to discover what exciting things are ahead for this Sunday and beyond at Mayfair:
