Several years ago, I was the worship leader at a church. I loved it. To lead people in worship was a joy, and I always tried to present myself as a joyful leader. It’s easy when you love to worship Jesus. Joy is almost automatic.
Well, anyway, after church one Sunday, Loretta, my wife, and I were eating at a local restaurant when one of the long-time members of the church came into the restaurant with her husband. They walked over to our table and began to talk.
She said, “This morning at church as you were leading worship, I could see that you were happy and enjoyed what you were doing.” I smiled and was feeling real good. I thought I was getting a compliment. Then she went on. “And that just disgusts me to no end.”
She said, “When Jesus entered a town he walked in with six disciples flanked on the right and six on the left. He didn’t smile and He certainly didn’t lift His hands and look happy when He sang.”
At first I thought she was joking, but I could tell by the look on her face she wasn’t.
As Christians we are to be like Jesus. But what was Jesus like? Was He a happy person? Did He get depressed? Did he show joy and happiness? Or was He stern and solemn all the time? Well, let’s look to the Bible and see what it says.
In Luke 10 Jesus sent seventy disciples out into the cities He was planning to go to. He gave them instructions and when they returned, they gave Him a good report. They said that even the demons were subject to His name.
In verse 21, the Bible says that Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit. The Greek word used in this verse suggests “shouting and leaping with joy.” Can you imagine that? Jesus – shouting and leaping with joy! If you can’t, you probably have a religious image of Jesus.
In Matthew 19:13, little children were brought to Jesus and He prayed for them. When the disciples tried to keep the children away, Jesus rebuked them. He said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of heaven.” Here it is strongly implied that the children wanted to go to Jesus. Would children be drawn to a grumpy, rigid, mean old man? Of course not! Children are attracted to joyful people who smile and laugh.
In John 15, Jesus taught his disciples about love and in verse 11 He said, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” Jesus said He was joyful and He wanted us to have His joy.
Listen, God loved us so much that He made a way for us to live throughout all eternity and never die. Through faith He made a way for us to have special gifts that would help us supernaturally. He gave us His Word that He would heal, prosper and deliver us.
He gave us His Holy Spirit as a comforter, helper and intercessor. He gave us supernatural love. He gave us peace, not peace like the world gives, but once again, supernatural peace.
James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” If we really believe this is true, how can we not jump for joy?
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.