For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 (New American Standard Bible)
In his book Simple Prayers, Ken Boa directly relates this to passage the people who he has the privilege to have a ministry with.
I have to admit, I do not often think that way, but I like where Dr. Boa has taken this. Clearly the glory and joy in our life should be from God, all joy emanates from pleasing Him, all glory should be His, and His alone.
But can a source of it in our lives come from ministering to people He loves, working that they may grow closer to Him as he draws them in, using us as His tools?
Oh yeah, it sure can.
So by ministering to others, I can generation a continual source of glory and joy in my life. By being obedient, I can be rewarded through His love with more than I can ever generate on my own.
My joy.
His glory.
That works for me.
