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Colossians 1:9 That is why we keep on talking to God about you since the day we heard about you. We ask him that you may know everything he wants you to do. We ask him that you may be very wise and that the Spirit will help you to understand.
10 We ask him that you will live the way the Lord wants you to live, so that you will please him in everything you do. We ask that you will do everything that is good. We ask that you will see the fruit from what you do. We ask that you will know more and more about God.

 11 God has wonderful power. And we ask him to give you all the strength you need to go through all your troubles, to be very patient in them, and to be happy.

 12 Thank the Father who has made us ready to be with the people of God who live in his light.

Worldwide English (New Testament) (WE)

We will cover this Philippian phenomenon in a later article,but for the present, let us move on through the New Testament with some other passages that remind us of joy and rejoicing. Matthew 13 records some of the parables of Jesus that tell us what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. For years this chapter has held my attention, but never so like now. Verse 20 describes the reaction of a person who hears the Word of the Kingdom and with joy receiveth it. But there arises a problem. He not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the Word, by and by he is offended—Matthew 13:21. You see, from the beginning, Jesus let’s us know that tribulationand persecution will come along with receiving the Kingdom of Heaven into one’s life.

There is another parable contained in Matthew 13:44. See this, and embrace into your heart what Jesus was teaching:

Again, the Kingdom of Heaven (of the heavens) is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

There are several significant matters calling for oue attention in this verse. The Kingdom may be hidden, not open for all to see, unless they seek for it with all their heart.  Discovering the Kingdom brings immediate joy. Whoever discovers God’s Kingdom, makes sure he will not lose “so great a deal.” Whoever will know the Kingdom in his own life, must realize it will cost all that he has. This means it will touch every area of one’s life. No one who withholds ought of his life from the Kingdom of God can know the Kingdom at all. The Kingdom of God is all-pervasive.

But, oh what joy to the person who selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field! What might we get from the Lord in return? The Father tells it clearly: All that I have is thine (Luke 15:31).

FATHER, blessed FATHER GOD, how gracious and kind You are to us who would possess the Kingdom! Please make this known to these dear ones. I see they are wanting to have only a part of Your Kingdom’s rule over them. Please let them know this cannot be. Draw them with desire greater than any desire for the things that oppose Your Kingdom.

 

 

Berean Ministries
PO Box 38
Elk Park, NC 28622-0038