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Joy and Peace, Fabruary 16
The Fruit of the Holy Spirit
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Romans 15:13
The Lord has determined that every soul who obeys His word shall
have His joy, His peace, His continual keeping power. Such men and
women are brought near Him always, not only when they kneel before
Him in prayer, but when they take up the duties of life. He has prepared
for them an abiding place with Himself, where the life is purified from
all grossness, all unloveliness. By this unbroken communion with Him,
they are made colaborers with Him in their lifework.
Words cannot describe the peace and joy possessed by him who
takes God at His word. Trials do not disturb him, slights do not vex him.
Self is crucified. Day by day his duties may become more taxing, his
temptations stronger, his trials more severe; but he does not falter; for he
receives strength equal to his need.
Those who are learning at the feet of Jesus will surely exemplify
by their deportment and conversation the character of Christ.... Their
experience is marked less with bustle and excitement than with a subdued
and reverent joy. Their love for Christ is a quiet, peaceful, yet all-
controlling power. The light and love of an indwelling Saviour are
revealed in every word and every act.
There have been times when the blessing of God has been bestowed
in answer to prayer, so that when others have come into the room, no
sooner did they step over the threshold than they exclaimed, “The Lord
is here!” Not a word had been uttered, but the blessed influence of God’s
holy presence was sensibly felt. The joy that comes from Jesus Christ
was there; and in this sense the Lord had been in the room just as verily as
He walked through the streets of Jerusalem, or appeared to the disciples
when they were in the upper chamber, and said, “Peace be unto you.”
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