The Master's Happiness

by Jon Hathorn on August 14, 2020

"Come and share in your master's happiness" - Matthew 25:23

Prayer and Feasting - Day 12

One of my favorite Sunday School songs as a child was

"If you're happy and you know it clap your hands (clap, clap),

If you're happy and you know it clap your hands (clap, clap)

If you're happy and you know it and your life will surely show it,

if you're happy and you know it - clap your hands (clap, clap)"

It went on about stomping your feet, standing and shouting, saying "Amen".

I used to be ridiculously loud and energetic with this song. It was so much fun to sing. My friends and I would clap with vigor, stomp with intensity, yell with our voices as loud as possible. We understood the song, and we enjoyed it every time we sang it.

I am not positive how much of our singing was about enjoying the Lord and how much of it was just having a great time. The reality is this - I enjoy the Lord and I love the Lord - and it is my desire to share in His happiness. I don't want any barriers between the Lord and myself. Oh, I mess up and I am glad He has forgiven me. And I will mess up again and I am glad for forgiveness then as well.

The Master's happiness speaks of the unity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It speaks of there being no division and no barriers there. I want to have no barriers in my relationship with God. I want to share a life of unity with Him. Today, let's focus on asking for forgiveness.

Prayer theme - Forgiveness

Today's Prayer - "Dear Lord, I want to say I am sorry for any wrong attitudes that I have, for poor behavior, lousy and selfish words, and simply being selfish. I confess to You that I have done wrong and I am sorry. May I appreciate and live a life of love and obedience to You. Lord I confess the sins of not only my life but for tolerating the poor actions of those I know. Lord - help me live the way I should. In Jesus' name - Amen."

About the Author

Jon Hathorn

As I child, I really wanted God to like me and I feared that I wasn't good enough for Him. During high school, I attended church camp. It was there that I realized I was sinner in need of God's grace. I prayed to God, admitting my sin, accepting His death on the cross for my sin, and asking Him to guide my life. I have lived here in Stockton all my life graduating from Delta and UOP, and eventually getting a Master's in Bible and Theology. It was during a mission trip that I met Bev, who became my wife, Our two daughters were born right here in Stockton. I have served the Lord locally in a couple of churches and as a high school Bible Teacher. I love encouraging other people, sharing the Word of God, watching sports, eating Mexican food and spaghetti, spending time with our family and going on walks with our grandson. Philippians 1:6 is the prayer of my life and it says, "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ."