“My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands” (Isa. 65:22).
Part One
One sector of the Christian Church has outlawed any kind of enjoyment. Their worship is icily cold. Their lifestyle is somber. Their conversation is solemn. Their daily existence is joyless.
Such legalistic believers cannot smile because they do not have anything to smile about. By way of contrast, this verse promises an inward happiness of long duration.
It is sad that man’s religion has taken the joy out of living. Some people cannot enjoy music, art, poetry, humor, possessions, or relationships. One lady feared enjoying her children too much lest the Lord should take them away.
One man commented, “I just adore my wife and am greatly in love with her. Do you think Jesus will become jealous because I love my wife so much?” The answer came back, “No. Jesus would be jealous of His reputation for bringing happiness to a marriage if you did NOT love your wife.”
Examine your heart and ask yourself the searching question: Am I able to enjoy my church? my family? my home? my work? my friends?
Satan wants to rob Christians of everything that could make for happiness in life. Our heavenly Father, because He loves us so dearly, wants us to enjoy life in all its fullness and abundance (John 10:10).
His blessings upon us are expressions of His love for us. The way to enjoy all the good things the Lord gives us and does for us is simply to remember to keep Him in the center of our existence. When God is central, joy is universal.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.