Good morning all!
Father, we give thanks today for all You have done for us, for all You have given us and for all Your love for us. We pray today would be a declaration of Your power and strength in us, that we would face the day with nothing but joy in our heart for You and praise in our mouth. Thank You Lord for the gift of life and the gift of Your son Jesus Christ, Amen.
Matthew 25
Mat 25:6 KJV – And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
When our night season comes, there’s always a cry, that’s when Christ will come to find you.
Mat 25:7 KJV – Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
The church all gets ready and have their lamps in hand to find Him.
Mat 25:8 KJV – And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
The foolish, NOT sinners said to the five with oil can we have some of yours our lamps don’t shine without it.
Mat 25:9 KJV – But the wise answered, saying, [Not so]; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
But they answered can’t do it, not enough to light our lamps and yours: instead go and get some for yourself.
Mat 25:12 KJV – But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
And so, the 5 that had oil went into the Bridegroom’s chamber and the 5 without oil Jesus told them I don’t know you…not my bride.
Bottom line
Most of us would say we have faith and I believe we do, the real question is does your lamp burn bright?
Mat 5:14 KJV – Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Here’s what I do know about God, He doesn’t ask us to do anything that He hasn’t equipped us to do. That’s right, we should light up the world we live in and NOT just a little bit…He says let me set you on top of this hill for all to see. Now that example God has given us this morning is a lamp with no oil, it’s the same as your BBQ grill with no gas. You can trim the steaks, marinate them, put them on the grill and flip them all day long but they’re really not worth much if you have NO flame. I believe the message this morning is if we say we have faith but live without joy, we’re just like the foolish virgin with no oil…we come knocking but He don’t know us. Now, of course God knows each and every one of us but without joy we don’t have a relationship with Him. You didn’t think He was going to take a Bride that’s grumpy and never satisfied, did you? Who wants to be married to that? And notice when the Bridegroom chose to measure our faith, at midnight…that’s right in our darkest hour. If you’re like me think when I’m in my darkest moments of life I don’t have to show you any joy, I’m entitled to my tears and complaints and attacks on humanity. But that’s NOT the example God shows us here, while I know you may experience some real hurt the truth is God has equipped you so you can maintain your status as His bride.
Isa 61:1 NIV – The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. God Himself is the One who anoints us (covers us in oil, joy) to speak GOOD news NOT bad. We should release prisoners that are stuck in darkness…just like the midnight hour. I believe we are both, sometimes I’m the one releasing and sometimes I’m the prisoner because I don’t share any joy with you. So, what’s the difference?
Pro 29:6 NIV – Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad. The difference is how we look at life, the eyes of faith will always SHOUT for joy and be glad even when life doesn’t go their way, while the evildoer (lamp w/no oil) they are trapped in their own sin…the way we feel never has anything to do with the sin of others, that can’t trap you…it’s your own view on life that will get you every time. While I believe joy is a sense of gladness, I also believe it’s an ability that God has given us. Scripture declares the joy of the Lord is our strength, it’s our ability to face all life’s trials and troubles and hold our heads high and still shout for joy. Remember, joy is a fruit of the spirit NOT an emotion, emotions are fleeting while joy is eternal. I pray our joy lights up the world today and sets people free, they’ll understand that before you try and explain your faith to them…so don’t run out of oil or you ain’t getting in-Ha!
Point to Ponder – How’s your health? Pro 15:30 NLT – A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health. The more you smile and speak well of others the better your health, make sure you work-out today.
Let’s all live with joy, In Him Phil
Faith – Family – Friends
