Joy Defined

Annually, I read through the Gospels and this year I noticed something in a different way. When YESHUA first began in ministry, fulfilling the call of God on HIS life, He had 12 disciples, and crowds of thousands following Him. As long as the signs, wonders and miracles prevailed He was popular. In His third year of ministry, when He left Jericho on His way to Jerusalem, the believers heralded Him as KING, the unbelievers walked away, and the religious leaders falsely accused Him. Shortly thereafter, following the Passover meal, one of his disciples departed to betray Him. In the garden of Gethsemane, none of the remaining disciples could stay awake to pray with Him. As in all things when it is easy, the crowds following are large. When it is not easy, the ones you counted on have fallen asleep. Not one disciple encouraged YESHUA to go to the cross, even though it was the complete fulfillment of HIS destiny. The redemption of humanity was the most important action of His lifetime on earth. It was the time when HIS obedience carried the greatest weight, and mattered the most. Although I truly wish it was not true and that it was someone else's story, I have noticed the same in the last 24 years of ministry. In the beginning, everyone was excited, supportive, encouraging and wanted to be in my inner circle of friends. Now, most of those that were there in the beginning have taken other paths, some faithful few have moved to heaven, and in the times when I have needed prayer, resources, encouragement, friends the most...it has been the least. As I have purposed to walk out the Calling of God in my life, the betrayals have increased, just as they did with YESHUA.

I am grateful HE remains my trustworthy model, mentor, and friend. I am grateful HE is always faithful and true as I have learned true eternal joy is found only in complete obedience to YeHoVaH, ELOHIM! 
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Scriptures: Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
“Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full" (John 15:9-11, NASB).