4/2/23 ECP weekly devotion (Weeklies) to my ECP family originated-authored by Charles L. Robinson Jr. of Edifying Christian Publications:
The joy that God gives you should not be placed in a condescending disposition. This means that the joy God gives you should not be lesser or inferior to circumstances that tempt your joy. Biblically proven, some circumstances have a problem with joy flourishing in tempting circumstances (this pictures contentment and joy not being consumed with or drawn into alternative dispositions.) In other words, some circumstances become literally irritated when experiencing responding contentment and joy. Bringing more clarity to this principle, some circumstances have a problem when purpose is to "shake to distress" yet responding results say "not shaken, not distressed".
The Apostle Paul knew the tempting circumstance(s) that he faced purposed to "shake to distress" him (no care and not fair.) However, he chose to not allow the contentment and joy given to him by God to be lesser or inferior to his tempting circumstance(s) of distress. The Apostle Paul kept the joy given to him by God above his bonds and afflictions.
The Apostles knew tempting circumstance(s) that they faced purposed to "shake to distress" them (no care and not fair.) However, they chose to not allow the contentment and joy that God given to them to be lesser or inferior to their tempting circumstance(s) of distress. Circumstances had problems with the Apostles "not shaken, not distressed" disposition to the point that the tempters became more irritated as the Apostles became more content in their tempting circumstance(s.) The Apostle Paul and the Apostles did not allow their tempting circumstances to take joy away from them because the circumstances did not give them their joy, God gave them their joy. In other words, none of these things (of distress) moved them.
ECP family, I exhort you to not allow any circumstance to take away your joy that God gives you. As a child (children) of God, not only does God give you joy but God paid for your joy. Love you all, In Christ.
"And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish the course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of grace of God". Acts 20:22-24
"And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge me. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard". Acts 4:18-20
"And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name". Acts 5:40-41
"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood". Acts 5:28