Forever Joyful

Lately, the Holy Spirit has been highlighting different facets, characteristics, and truths about Himself that every Believer should be manifesting and living in daily. The characteristic that He has been teaching me is JOY. Not only is it a fruit of the Spirit, but it's also an internal state of being. See, happiness and joy are two different, yet similar manifestations. They can be easily mistaken to be interchangeable, but in my opinion, they are very different. It is my conviction that happiness is an external manifestation that is produced from the outside in, due to a favorable circumstance or situation. It makes us feel "good" temporarily. On the other-hand, joy is an internal state of being that is manifested from the inside out from an understanding of who we are and what we have obtained through the death and resurrection of Jesus. When we feast on the finished works of the cross, it's impossible not to produce joy. This type of fruit cannot be altered due to conditions or circumstances because it's an internal state of being that isn't temporary, but eternal. The only possible way of not producing this fruit is by not abiding in the true vine, which is Jesus Christ Himself.


If we only do what we feel like doing, we're not believers, we're feelers. With happiness, we tend to need "something" to be happy about, therefore, it's circumstantial. However, with joy, we live from a state of being, not circumstance. See, in the world, feelings precede actions. In the Kingdom, feelings follow actions. So, if you want joy, REJOICE! There is so much to be joyful about. In John 15:11, Jesus says, "These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." God has given us the fullness of joy through His Son, Jesus and has given us complete access of the fullness of HIS joy. Our evidence for things to be true aren't determined by our circumstances but on God's promises. I'm not saying that we shouldn't deny negative facts, but we should focus on a greater reality; God's truth! 


Lastly, we need to understand that we cannot produce this fruit of joy apart from the Holy Spirit. You see, when Jesus speaks about the fruits of the Spirit, we need to understand that it's not our fruit to bear.  It's the fruit OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. It doesn't say the fruit of Nate or the fruit of (your name). We cannot produce or bear our own fruit, but only the fruit of the Holy Spirit. In John 15:5, Jesus clearly states this, "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." We cannot produce this fruit apart from Him. The only way we can manifest these fruits is through intimacy and connectivity with the Holy Spirit. If we have a relationship with the Holy Spirit and allow Him to manifest Himself through us, the fruit will flow freely and naturally. 


With that being said, you were designed to be the most joyful beings on this planet and were made to live from a place of complete ecstasy and pleasure! It's such a glorious thing! REJOICE!

A New Hope

First off, I just wanted to apologize for not blogging much at all last semester. I am going to be more intentional about blogging this semester and keeping you all updated on what I am learning, experiencing, and receiving here in Redding, CA at the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry.

The first week being back, I was able to receive such an amazing revelation and impartation of hope that each Believer should be manifesting each day through every circumstance and situation that arises in their lives. There's never a hopeless circumstance or situation, just hopeless people. Our "evidence" for things being true is not according to our circumstances, but according to God's promises. We shouldn't deny negative facts in our lives, but we should choose to focus on a higher reality; God's truth!! That truth is embedded throughout the Word of God and in the person Himself.

See, hopelessness actually empowers a disempowered devil. We shouldn't do for the devil what he can't do for himself! There's always hope in every area of our lives because of the blood of Jesus and as Believers, we are continually washed by His blood. Therefore, hope is continually being washed over us and through us. In fact, if there's anywhere in your life that isn't glistening with hope, then you are believing a lie. Why? Well, Philippians 4:19 says, "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." See, God doesn't supply according to our needs, but according to His riches! His riches are abundant and everlasting, so therefore, you will never lack anything apart from Christ Himself! 

See, hope is the constant expectation that great is coming, and as Believers, we should be glistening with hope in every area of our lives because of what Jesus did for us and through us when we received Him. We are blessed because of what He did, not anything we do. All we have to do is believe, accept, and receive the abundance and inheritance that He has so freely given. So, next time you feel discouragement, worry, doubt, or any unbelief into your thoughts, words, or actions, begin to declare His perfect provision and ever abundant riches over your circumstances, situations, areas of need, and your very life!

Walk in the confidence and hope in every area of your very being. Our Daddy provides according to His riches and those riches are forever abundant! Bless you all!