I’m Daniel Whyte III and you’re listening to The Man in the Mirror, Episode 80
This podcast is directed to all young people, but primarily to young black men, young black women, and their parents. We are thankful for all the people who are standing up for justice and racial equality. But this podcast is about the man in the mirror. What are you doing for the glory of God, to make life better for others, for your family, and for yourself? This podcast is about living life in such a way that it cuts back on the chance of being harassed or killed by the authorities or anyone else and helps you to live the good life of peace and joy.
Psalm 119:9 says, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.”
Jim Rohn said, “You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself.”
Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'”
In keeping with our theme of dealing with the man (or woman) in the mirror, we are going to continue discussing the building of important biblical character traits in your life. Today, we are looking at the quality of Joyfulness, Part 2 from the Institute in Basic Life Principles.
The Giving of a Wise Answer
When we give wise and helpful answers, we have joy. “A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” (Proverbs 15:23).
The Tests of Persecution
The very trials that most people fear and react to are designed by God to be sources of joy. “Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2–3).
The Spiritual Growth of Our Disciples
Our goal in life should be to bring as many people as we can to the Lord Jesus Christ and to help them grow spiritually. While this requires much effort, the reward is great joy. John stated, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (III John 4).
The Power of the Holy Spirit
When we respond to trials and persecutions by thanking God and rejoicing, He will reward us with the power of the Holy Spirit. “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you…” (I Peter 4:14).
The Confidence of a Job Well Done
The ultimate joy for every believer is to meet the Lord at the end of his life and to hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21).
Personal Evaluation: How Joyful Are You?
Do people see a bright countenance when they look at you?
Do you cry out to God whenever you are faced with a difficult situation?
Do you experience God’s working in response to your cries to Him?
Do you look for opportunities to share these experiences with everyone you can?
Do you use the names of God in your prayers?
Do you enjoy times of rich, wholehearted fellowship with the Lord?
Do you memorize the rhemas God gives you from Scripture?
Do you thank God for every trial you experience?
Are you discipling others in their spiritual growth?
Do you put your whole heart and mind into the jobs you are given?
Now, in closing, in order to be saved — in order to get right with God — you cannot look at the man in the mirror, but the Man Christ Jesus. First Timothy 2:5 says, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, here is how.
John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that -whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Just believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead by the power of God for you so that you can have a home in Heaven. Pray and ask Him to come into your heart today, and He will. Romans 10:13 says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
God bless you.
BCNN1 WP 