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On
May 22,2008, while visiting relatives in the southern city of the United
States of America, I again was privileged to write an article. The
written article is entitled "Serving
God and Soul Joy".
I am of the firm belief that the Holy Scripture, the Bible, is "The
Authoritative Word of God"
that enlightens, encourages, and helps to be a "Sustaining
Guide" for
mankind throughout the ages. "The
Bible" is
a road map to Heaven, and Christ Jesus paved and does pave the path to the
Glorious Eternity. For more information about "Salvation",
please click the word "SALVATION"
and you will be directed to a web page that clarifies the importance of "Salvation".
And now, "SERVING
GOD AND SOUL JOY" . . .
SERVING
GOD
AND SOUL
JOY
. . .
written
by Johanna Hobrath on May 22, 2008
Scripture
tells us that the Apostle Paul admitted that there is still carnality in the
human being. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans as follows . . .
"For
we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
"For
that which I do I allow not: for what I would that do I not; but what I
hate, that do I.
"If
then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
"Now
then that it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
"For
I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing; for to
will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find
not."
Romans
7:14-18
To
summarize the Apostle Paul’s inner desire, we find the Scripture Verse in Romans
7:22 that
states: "For
I delight in the law of God, after the inward man:"
Is
there, then, hope for the carnality of mankind? Romans
8:1 and 2 gives
us extremely, encouraging words as follows . . .
"There
is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk
not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
"For
the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law
of sin and death."
Praise
God! A person can be free from condemnation and may have Eternal Life
through Jesus Christ!
While
writing this article on May 22nd, my thoughts were directed to the earthly
family.
When
a dedicated mother has a baby, the mother and/or father will get up at all
hours of the night, etc. This, then is a dedicated effort to fulfill
one’s obligation. Furthermore, the spouses will be dedicated to each
other and jointly fulfill the obligation of raising a child.
As
a Christian, what is the dedicated obligation of serving God? It has
been said that the dedicated obligation toward God is horizontally and
vertically.
1)
Horizontally - Every-day life including our relationship toward other
people!
2)
Vertically - Our Relationship toward God!
God
does not demand the service of an individual. God gave the free will
to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. (Genesis 1:26)
You
or I, too, have a free will in every-day life; and, you or I may choose to
serve the living God. The choice is an option that an individual may
enjoy if and when choosing the "Path of Righteousness". For
a "Reference Article, click AChristianDiaryPg3
entitled "The Path Of Righteousness" .
When
walking on "The Path of Righteousness", it is a privilege to walk
the "Path of Righteousness". Such a privilege is a
"Soul Joy". ("Soul Joy" is a terminology per JH.)
"Soul Joy" is a joy that can be experienced if and when a person
takes quiet time and has precious communication with the Lord of
heaven!
A
person no matter how "righteous" he or she may be, one's motives
may not always be understood. Are
you ever misunderstood? I, at times, am also misunderstood.
And, yes, I, too, at times, have hurt emotions that I bring to the Lord.
And, what a joy when I continue to depend on the "Soul Joy" that
comes from the God of Heaven through Christ my Lord and via His Holy Spirit.
If
you take a look at life, the span on earth is but dust compared to the
"Eternal Glory in Heaven". I choose, and joyfully continue
in the "Soul Joy" that my Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ
gives to me.
How
can you have the "Soul Joy"?
1.
Accept Jesus into your life - Ref: click "SALVATION"
2.
Grow as a Christian via reading the Bible
3.
Attend a Bible-believing Church - Scripture tells us: "Not
forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is;
but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day
approaching." Hebrews 10:25
4.
Walk in the "Soul Joy" that
God gives through His Daily Bountiful Blessings. The
result of serving God does continue to be a "Soul Joy", and it is
a high privilege for any child of God!
P.S.
In 1990, I attended a Christian Camp Meeting. During that time, I
wrote in my old, well-worn Bible "Camp 1990 - Jewels". Next
to the writing of "Camp 1990 - Jewels", a Scripture Verse reads as
follows:
"Behold
I have refined thee, but not with silver: I have chosen thee in the
furnace of affliction." Isaiah 48:10
May
the true "Soul Joy" continue during my earthly journey, as I
travel to my home that is called Heaven! Deuteronomy
10:14 states: "Behold the heaven and heaven of heavens is the
LORD’S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is."
I
recommend seeking the joy of the Lord and He will give you the desires of
your heart.
