For those who like backstories! Some years back, Arthur Burk’s friend was expecting a beloved grandchild. The Father led Arthur to invest in blessing that little girl with joy while she was in the womb. The blessings of Pure Joy started with that gift that he gave her! When she was born, she radiated joy—which was the “proof in the pudding” to Arthur that spirit investment works! Later, Arthur recorded the Joy blessings on tape—yes, tape! We discovered his blessings when we were expecting our second son, and began soaking his spirit in the Joy and Peace blessings. After he was born, we met Arthur, and shared with him that we’d diversified the blessings’ use by investing them in our students in youth ministry. That began the road to converting the Joy blessings into book format. Our hope and vision in it was that any new mother (or grandmother or anyone) could take the book and easily start using the spirit blessings together with the brief teaching and ending encouragements–and get results in their children (and themselves!) without having to earn a Ph.D. first! Below is an excerpt from Pure Joy—and as, the spirit is ageless and eternal, notice that we’ve changed the salutation from “Child” to “Beloved.”

Joy of Justice

Beloved, I call your spirit to attention in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Listen as I read the Word of God to you.  Job 37:23:  “In his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress.”

The book of Job describes a time in which bad things happened to a really good person.  He did not suffer loss due to sin.  Instead, Job suffered great loss in his family, finances, and health due to his virtuous nature.

During his whole life, Job chose to live faithfully and uprightly, honoring the Lord in his heart, in his family, and with his wealth.  The accuser hated Job.  He told God that Job would not serve God if he lost his possessions and health.  So, God allowed a time of testing in which the enemy was permitted to steal Job’s family, health, and assets.  Then, as is his nature, the enemy injures and then accuses God to us as the perpetrator.

Justice is an attribute of God.  He is righteousness.  He is love.  He is justice.  While He allows trials to purify and to train us, He does not end the story there.  I bless you with the joy of knowing and trusting the justice of God.  In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I bless you.  Amen.

Beloved, I call your spirit to attention in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Listen as I read the Word of God to you.  Psalm 89:14-17:  “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.  Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.  They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness.  For you are their glory and strength.”

After the time of testing, God’s justice restored to Job a double portion of all the enemy stole.  When we go through trials through no fault of our own, entrusting ourselves to God who judges righteously, then He is free to restore much more than what was stolen originally.

I bless you with the joy of knowing that your Father is the God of justice.  I bless you with encouragement from the Scripture which records Job’s life.  I bless you with joy to know that there is purpose in trials.  I bless you with the joy of understanding from Job’s life that there is a beginning, a purpose, and an end to each difficulty you may face.  In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I bless you.  Amen.

Beloved, I call your spirit to attention in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Listen as I read the Word of God to you.  Psalm 36:5-6:  “Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.  Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep.”

I bless you with the joy of freedom from fear of justice.  Justice is not simply handing out a sentence of jail time to a criminal.  Justice is the nature of God.  His justice deals judgment to the enemy for his stealing, killing, and destroying.  His justice releases judgment in favor of His beloved children.  In fact, He keeps better records than we do.  He knows the gifts, the callings, the blessings, the relationships, the health, and the resources which were stolen from you and your family.  When you respond to Him in trust and faith like Job, He is free to repay you and your family lines for what was stolen in much greater measure.  In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I bless you.  Amen.

(excerpt from “The Joy of Justice” in Pure Joy by Crystal Wade and Arthur Burk, copyright 2007)