The Way, The Truth, The Life = JOY in JESUS

            Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  It’s the only way to find genuine JOY!

        You do want genuine joy, don’t you?  Often people try to find joy and happiness in the wrong things like material possessions, social status, power and prestige.  But those are not the things that bring us true joy….there is only ONE WAY.  You’ll find it by reading John 14:6….it comes straight from the heart and lips of Jesus.  He said:  "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

            As the WAY, Jesus is our path to the Father.  As the TRUTH, he is the reality of all God’s promises.  As the LIFE, he joins his divine life to ours, both now and eternally!

            If you feel lost and don’t know which way to turn,  cling to the truth that Jesus will not only lead you and show you the way….HE IS THE WAY.  But we have to accept Him as our leader and let Him have complete control of our life.  Our world offers us all kind substitutes…and they might make us happy for a short time.  But happiness is not the same as JOY!  Happiness depends on what’s happening….JOY depends on relationship with Jesus!  Nothing or Nobody can promise to ALWAYS be with us as the Way, the Truth, and the Life….no one that is except JESUS!

            Continually be reminded that there is only ONE WAY to have genuine joy….and that’s to drink the JOY JUICE of JESUS!

 

 

"This is the Way to JOY...Walk In It!

          Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Do you think there’s a right way or a wrong way to drink it? God’s way is the only way!

            Throughout the Bible we are given instruction about which way to go.  Much wisdom can be found in the pages of God’s Word.  Like in  Isaiah 30:21 we read:

            "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'"

Do you recognize God’s voice when He is trying to show you the way?  In this passage of scripture, the people of Jerusalem had left God’s path…and he had to correct them.   He will do the same for us today!  We must be willing to listen and follow his voice of correction! 

             When Judah was prosperous and comfortable, they wouldn't listen to God. So He allowed them to go through times of adversity and affliction; the results---they began to hear God and be guided by Him again. It's always better to be uncomfortable and in tune with the Lord than to be comfortable and out of step with God.

            Many times we are going to experience painful trials. But we must remember that God always acts out of his love for us.   Next time you go through a difficult time, try to grow from the experience, learning what God wants to teach you.  God may be showing you his love by patiently walking with you through adversity (Bible footnote Life Application NIV) and pointing the WAY---one step at a time.

           May we all remember that God will show us the way to JOY….but we must be listening to His voice and willing to follow!

Your JOY Will Be Complete

          Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  May I urgently urge you to drink in the JOY of JESUS with urgency? 

             There are many things in this life that we have to approach urgently. One of those is when a new baby is ready to be birthed into this world.  The mommy and baby need immediate attention and, even when everything is perfectly normal and healthy, there are still urgent matters which must be attended to!

             Jesus even used this analogy in John 16: 21-24.  “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world…….. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name…..  Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

            Many of us find ourselves in situations that are painful….physically or emotionally. Like a mom in labor, we have to bear the pain along with the process.  And throughout that painful time, there is a since of urgency to get through it as quickly as possible!  Jesus reminds us in this passage of scripture that in time, we will forget the depth of the pain, because it will be replaced with joy.  He tells us that we can always go before the Father and ask IN HIS NAME! 

            “Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”  That’s the urgent message that each of us should pass along to others.

             

Jesus Wants to Give You HIS JOY

          Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  As you drink in God’s love, the joy will taste even sweeter!

            Many of us SAY that we love the Lord.  We go to church and do nice things for others.  But do you know the “barometer” by which we can measure our true love for God?  The passage in John 15:10 tells us:

“If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love." This is Jesus talking…and listen to the next verse  (Verse 11…you will see why I LOVE it! )  "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

            It is with much urgency that we should share this truth!  We show our love for God by OBEYING HIS COMMANDS!  And how do we know those commands?  By reading and studying the Word of God…and by practicing them daily.  Jesus taught this because He knew the joy of relationship with His heavenly Father; and He wants us to have that same joy.  That’s an awesome thought…that we can have JESUS’ JOY. 

            It’s kinda like being thirsty and seeing a nice, cold bottle of water sitting on the counter.  We know we can have it.  All we have to do is pick it up, open it and drink it!  What good is it doing us just sitting on the counter?   It looks good, but does nothing to quench our thirst.  In a similar way, our Bible can sit on the shelf or the end table, looking nice and good.  But it does us absolutely no good, sitting there unopened.  It’s only when we pick it up, open it and drink in the truth that we experience the JOY of JESUS!

              

            Let's open the Word of God and let His JOY become our JOY.

Don't Let the Thief Steal Your JOY!

          Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Please don’t wait!  Drink it in NOW… before a thief comes and snatches it from you!

            You do realize that there is an enemy on the prowl, don’t you!? He wants to steal your joy…and my joy….and the joy of each one who is striving to walk the Christian life.

            John 10:10 says:  (KJV)

   “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

          Do you know who was speaking in this passage?  It was Jesus!  He wants us to have an abundant life….which include a double portion of His love and joy!  How do we prevent that thief from stealing our joy?

            Many of us put alarm systems on our homes, places of business and even our churches.  That way the alarm goes off if a thief or vandal tries to break in.  Some people keep a weapon handy, just in case.  There are security cameras in banks and schools and stores, so if a robbery is attempted, the camera records the incident.

            Likewise, we should put an alarm system on our hearts and minds.  The Word of God is our security camera and if we are reflecting the truth of scripture in every aspect of our lives, when the enemy tries to break in and steal the truth from us, our alarm will sound! Our weapon is the “sword of the Spirit” and I can promise you this is the most powerful, spiritual safety measure you could ever desire! 

            Today, I am urgently reminding you to protect your heart and mind with the truth from scripture and drink in the JOY of the Lord continually.

Share a "Double Portion" of HIS JOY!

            Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  It’s with urgency that I pray for the Lord to bless you with a double portion!

            Throughout the Bible, specific references are made to a “double portion.”  That simply means….twice as much! When God birthed JoyJoy Ministries in my heart, He gave me the passion of sharing a DOUBLE PORTION of His JOY at every open door!

            At this stage of life, I sense such an urgency to share the love and joy of Jesus…not only through radio broadcasts and my writing, but through the daily routines. We can ALL share the JOY of the Lord everyday….along the way! 

• Let’s tell our children and grandchildren OFTEN how much they are loved…..reminding them of Christ’s love, too!
• In caring for aging parents, remind them of the precious memories they helped to make for you and the joy they still bring to your heart.
• Be sensitive to the needs of single parents or those who have lost loved ones. Offer your help and pray for them often.
• Joyfully greet friends and strangers with a smile and offer an encouraging word.

      Isaiah 6:17 spoke of a double portion of joy and blessing upon Israel: “Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy.”

       Let’s pray for that “everlasting joy” to overflow from our hearts so that we might share a “double portion” with others!

URGENT MESSAGE: Find JOY in Relationship with JESUS!

            Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  It’s urgent and important that you drink in as much as possible!

            When we talk about the urgent things of life, we are often reminded of responsibilities and necessary things that need to be done for the benefit of our family, our friends, our jobs.  If you have young babies, you know that there is an urgent need to feed them and take care of their physical needs. We have “urgent care” clinics and emergency rooms that attend to our needs when we’ve been in an accident or become suddenly ill.  If a fire alarm goes off, no matter where you are….there is an urgency to get out of the building.

            Urgent means: “Compelling immediate action or attention.” The word conveys a sense of pressing importance.  If I told you that I have an URGENT MESSAGE for YOU, would you listen?  I hope so, because it would be very important and for your good.

            The truth is: I DO have an urgent message!  It’s the message of JOY….and it can be found in JESUS!  Please don’t wait….tomorrow may be too late!  That’s the urgent part!

             In John 15:16 (NIV) Jesus said: "You did not choose Me, but I chose you..."  Meditate with me on that truth!   Jesus loves you so much that He chose to die for YOU…an agonizing, painful, cruel death on the cross! That is the supreme example of “sacrificial love”! My urgent plea is that you will let this truth penetrate your heart and your mind so that you will absorb and exude the JOY of the LORD!

            I urge you to ask Jesus into your heart and allow Him to become your Lord!

The Lord Looks at the JOY-filled Heart

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Clear away the clutter and you’ll see it there waiting for you!

            This week we’ve focused on getting the clutter out of hearts and minds so that we can see Jesus more clearly!  It is mighty easy to allow the urgency of our daily routine to overpower our good intentions of spending time with the Lord. 

I’m afraid that many times we are more concerned about what “other people” think than what God desires for us.

            1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us:   “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Let’s ask ourselves: Do we primarily care about what man thinks?  Or are we more concerned about what God sees in us?  When God looks at you and me, does he see:

• Someone who loves Him with all our heart, soul and mind?
• A generous person who is concerned about the needs of others?
• An honest, caring, compassionate friend who strives to live a Godly life?
• Does He see the fruit of the Spirit being lived out through us?

     When our lives are full of clutter and our thoughts are going in a hundred different directions, we get side-tracked and fall off God’s path for us.  Let’s sweep away the busyness and spend time at the feet of Jesus so that we will be focused on what HE wants and know is best. I’m sure His will includes ABUNDANT JOY!

      When the Lord looks at our heart, let’s have the clutter cleared away so that He can see His reflection!

A Desire Accomplished is JOYfully Sweet

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  If so, pat yourself on the back and enjoy your good choice!

            Proverbs 13:19 says: “A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul.”   You most likely have experienced the satisfaction of a job well done…..or at least done to the best of your ability!  We savor that sweet taste of fulfillment and accomplishment.  And there is nothing wrong with that if we are “doing everything as unto the Lord.” 

            When we strive toward the praise of people and want accolades and glory for ourselves, then we are moving toward pride. Many people keep running and racing…outside of God’s plan ….simply to climb the career ladder or to be deemed “successful” by the world’s standards. 

            From experience, I can share with you that working toward success for any other reason than to glorify God, does NOT bring you lasting fulfillment and JOY! But there is nothing that even compares to being in the center of HIS will and allowing Him to use you to accomplish His purpose!  That’s when we glorify Him and that’s when we burst forth with JOY in the Lord!

            Think back to a time when you were rewarded by “the world”.  How long did it last? Only a short time, I imagine.  But when we are filled with love for the Lord and want to be used for His glory, then even the seemingly little things become sources of joy….because they bring glory to Him!

            Will you bring JOY to Jesus by serving Him and doing His will?  If so, open your heart for a double portion of His JOY!    

Light Your Path with the JOY of JESUS!

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Take the time to let the joy of the Lord fill your heart….to overflowing!

             Hurry, hurry, hurry!  Work, work, work!  Run at full speed and don’t slow down until you are totally exhausted! Does that describe your busy lifestyle?  Some of you are in the busy stage of life of raising a family and trying to keep all the “plates spinning” without falling and crashing.  But when we don’t take the time for rest and refreshment, our minds begin to be so cluttered that we don’t find room for JOY.

            We’ve talked about the enemy of “busyness”.  When our days and nights are packed with so much that we don’t have time for spiritual things, we are headed down a dark path!  To “light up” our life, we need to take the time, MAKE the time to rest, both physically and spiritually.

            Jesus told us:  "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

            Whenever we are following Christ, we can be assured that He will NOT lead us astray!  He will show us what is important and how to sift through the clutter and prioritize!  Instead of running full speed into the darkness, with little or no direction, we can choose to follow Jesus, the light of the world.  He wants us to rest in Him and find  the “light of life” & immeasurable JOY!

            Turn on “The Light” and see clearly the path of JOY!

           

My Determined (JOYful) Purpose is to Know HIM!

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  As you drink it in faithfully, you will find yourself truly “enjoying the journey”!

            Chuck Swindoll says that “Christ-likeness is a journey, not a destination.”  And I SO agree with that!  My dear daddy used to tell me that the joy is in the journey, so we need to buckle up and get ready for some roller coaster rides, some Sunday afternoon pleasure rides, and some pot-hole, bumpy rides.  But no matter how fast or slow life seems to be carrying us, we can hold on tight to the hand of God as He leads us and protects us along the way.

             Is it really that simple?  Yes….but no one said it was always EASY. We are faced every day with complications and distractions….there’s a “heap” of clutter in most of our lives. 

            Swindoll tells us that there are various sources of “mind-clutter” that interrupt our spiritual growth process.  One of those sources is….B U S Y N E S S!  Do you have a hard time saying “No!”   Often we don’t want to disappoint others, so we say yes even when we don’t really want to.  Unlike God, we have our limits.  And if we use up all our time, energy, patience and mental abilities on things that are not in God’s best plan for us, then we will find ourselves growing cold and resentful.

            A good “medicine” for the condition of “busyness”…is to start each day with a clean plate and ask God for only His best servings. Open your Bible, study His Word and commune with Him in prayer. 

            As Paul says in Philippians, make it your “determined purpose to know HIM”!  That’s what brings genuine JOY!

           

Clean Out the Clutter to Find JOY!

            Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Indeed there is JOY in the Lord, but sometimes we have so much clutter in our lives that we have difficulty seeing it!

            Often we spend more time worrying about the clutter in our homes than we do the “junk” in our minds.  Spring cleaning is great! But I’d like to suggest that we make it a continual process where our minds and hearts are concerned!

             A good way to attack our “clutter issue” is to do as Paul says in Philippians 3:10.  I love the way the Amplified Bible expresses it:

   [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection…

            As we absorb that passage, we find some powerful “JOY” pointers:

• Push past the clutter and determine in your heart to know Him more deeply! That’s when joy will become a constant in your life.
• As you draw closer to Him, the wonder of His goodness and greatness will bring fresh joy to your heart.
• His power will be evident as you grasp what He did for you on the cross. His selfless sacrifice should fill you with joy!

 

        EnJOY your journey with Christ as you allow Him to clean the clutter from you life and replace it with a closer walk with Him.

Leave a Legacy of JOY!

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Dream big and drink a double portion of God’s JOY!

            When we are in the center of God’s will….fulfilling His call on our lives, indeed we do drink in the JOY that comes from serving Him. 

            So many of us never attempt anything for God because we don’t think we’re talented enough or smart enough or gifted enough!  God plants a dream in our heart and we think, “Sure, God!  That’s a great idea, but you need to find someone better than me to do that!”  Throughout the Bible we read of many who heard God’s call but didn’t think they were qualified to fulfill it. 

            Remember Queen Esther who was approached by her cousin Mordecai to plead before the King for the lives of the Jewish people?  At first she felt very inadequate and afraid.  But then she was reminded in Esther 4:14 by Mordecai: ^"who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

            Is God calling you for “such a time as this”?  What dream has He laid upon your heart? If you’re not sure, seek His guidance.  If you are sure, then step out in faith.  He will guide every step of the way and even give you the boldness that you may need!   When Esther agreed to put herself in the position where God could work through her, she accomplished something amazing…and went down in history as the “queen who saved her people”.

            What legacy will you leave?  Let’s pray that it’s a Godly one…filled with JOY!

            I'm issuing you a challenge to discover the dream God has created you for… and pursue it with boldness and JOY!

When God Gives You A Dream...REJOICE!

          Have you had your JOY JUICE today? Or are you dreaming of when you can slow down long enough to enjoy it?

            Busyness is such a distraction at times, isn’t it?  We have such good intentions of pursuing our goals and dreams, and then we find ourselves so busy with the urgency of life that we just don’t have the time to follow through.  Our dream is destroyed...or at least put “on hold”.

            But…if God gives us a dream, He wants to help us to see that the dream is realized!  We need to be aware of those stumbling blocks along the way called “dream destroyers”.  Things such as:

• Fears and doubts; “negative self-talk” or discouraging thoughts.  To combat these, focus on the truth found in Philippians 1:6 that says: “be confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
• Another destroyer is discouragement from others---Many times people are  trying to protect us from disappointment. But we need to surround ourselves with cheerleaders who are strong prayer warriors who want God’s best for us. 
• And then, of course….the main dream destroyer is old Satan himself.  He tries to work through our circumstances to dissuade us from our dream.  He wants us to give up! 

 Be encouraged by the verse in Psalm 37:5 which says: “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him!” The Message translation says: He’ll validate your life in the clear light of day and stamp you with approval at high noon!”

      Doesn’t that fill your heart with JOYful anticipation?

     Do NOT let anything or anyone destroy the dream that God has given you.  Drink your JOY JUICE and dare to dream!

Drinking in the JOY of the Lord...Our Primary Calling

          Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  It will bring joy to our Heavenly Father if we drink it faithfully!

            Do you realize that we bring JOY to our Father when we are living out the dream that He placed in our hearts? You see, fulfilling our dream is not really about making ourselves happy.  It’s not even about feeling significant or gratified. It’s not for the admiration or praises of other people. Those are benefits of the living out our dream, but that’s not what’s important.  Our motivation should be to fulfill the call that God has placed on our lives… for His glory!

            In Matthew 22:37 we are told about our primary calling and that is to 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.     

Our secondary or specific calling is HOW we carry out our expression of love for God—through our thinking, speaking, living and acting entirely for Him.  We can’t separate the dream from the One who has whispered that dream into our heart.  If there was no Dream Giver, there would be no dream.  (Author Cindy McMenamin)

            May I challenge you to think back to your childhood…what did you really want to be when you grew up?  Is that dream still in your heart today?  Then it may be God’s plan for you! Let’s give our dreams to Him….after all, He is the One who placed it in the garden of our heart.  As we pursue a closer walk with Him, He will water that dream seed and help it to grow until it comes to fruition.  Oh, what a JOYful day that will be!!!! 

            Let's remember that our primary dream should be to drink in the JOY of Jesus! 

Dare to Dream.....JOYfully!

          Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Our Heavenly Father has created a special flavor just for you!

            Our Creator made each of us in a unique way so that His purpose could be accomplished in us and through us.  He has put a dream in our hearts.  Have you discovered your dream?

            If you’ve ever found yourself thinking “I wish I could do more with my life”, you’re not alone.  If you’ve ever had the idea that there might be something that you’re missing, then God might be nudging you toward that dream that He has placed in your heart! 

            Author Cindy McMenamin( When a Woman Discovers Her Dream)  says that “there are two kinds of people when it comes to discovering one’s dreams:  Those who dare to dream.  And those who have given up.” Which are you?

             Paul teaches us in Philippians 1 that we need to learn to be content in the circumstances we find ourselves in.  BUT he goes on to tell us in chapter 3 that we should “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  Doesn’t that sound as if we are to keep pressing toward accomplishing the dream God has given us?  When we begin to prayerfully consider and intentionally pursue that dream, will God show us His plan...one step at a time. 

            Let’s not miss out on the many opportunities of JOY He intends for us!  Be available and He will guide you and equip you!  DARE TO DREAM….but make sure those dreams are from The JOYful Dream-Giver!

            I am praying, hoping and dreaming that God will pour out His JOY JUICE into your life as you pursue the God-given dreams He has placed in your heart!

Dream of JOY!

          Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Maybe you like it so much that you even dream about it!

            Are you a dreamer? Do you have something that you’ve always wanted to accomplish…A goal in your heart that you find yourself thinking about often; wishing & hoping that ONE DAY you’ll be able to be fulfill that desire? 

            I believe that we all have dreams.  Some of you know exactly what your dream is…others may have not discovered yours yet.  But God has created each of us with certain strengths, likes, desires and passions that make us unique.  Don’t you think He intends for us to use these special qualities?

            Ask God for wisdom about how to accomplish the dream He has placed in your heart.  He wants us to call out to Him; He’s just waiting for us to ask for His guidance and direction.  Proverbs 3:6 tells us:

  “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths”.

So the first step to accomplishing your dream…is to acknowledge God.  Then, step out on faith and live for Him…trusting Him in all that you do.  When you determine to walk daily with Him, your dream of serving Him with your talents, abilities and passions will become a reality.  God will do His part….but we must be willing and ready to do OURS.  When you get to that place where you are living your dream, it will be like snuggling up to a pillow of JOY!

            Drink your JOY JUICE and “dream big”…trusting that the Lord will direct your path.

 

Choose To Share His JOY.....Generously!!!

            Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Generously share some with others!

            We’ve talked a lot about choices this week….choosing to practice joy in the midst of trying circumstances, choosing to allow God to cleanse your heart, choosing an attitude like Jesus, choosing to make each day count for Him.

            Today I’d like to encourage you to choose to be generous…and I’m not just talking about financially!  "True generosity begins with the heart.  It’s about serving others and looking for ways to add value to them.  That’s the way to achieve significance in your life." (John Maxwell in Making Today Count)

            Matthew 6:21 tells us: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Where is your treasure?  Is it in your bank account, your material possessions, or is it in your relationship with God?  He tells us that we are to love Him with our whole heart and that we are to love OTHERS as ourselves!

  

        Andrew Carnegie was one of the wealthiest men in history. He earned most of his fortune in the steel industry but he didn’t keep his money for himself. Carnegie gave away most of it to establish many libraries, schools, and universities.  He is quoted to have said: “No man becomes rich unless he enriches others.”

            We can enrich people’s lives in many ways…and most often, people value our time and attention more than our money!  In this day and time, we are tempted to live for ourselves.  But  be warned: A selfish life is NOT a JOYful life! 

            May I urge you to CHOOSE to be generous and share lots of JOY JUICE with others!

Choose JOY...The Best CHOICE!

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Hope it was top of your agenda this morning!

            We’ve been talking this week about our choices and how important it is to take responsibility for our attitude!  John Maxwell reminds us that “If you want today to be a good day, you need to take charge of the way you look at it.”

            Think for a moment about the people in your life that have really made a difference for you.   When we display a good attitude, we are showing that we value the people God has put in our lives. “You can’t dislike people and have a good attitude at the same time.  Have you ever met anyone who always treats people badly but has a positive attitude? I don’t think so!  Likewise, you cannot have a bad attitude and encourage others at the same time.  Encouraging others means helping people, looking for the best in them, and trying to bring out their positive qualities.  That process drives negative thoughts right out of your head!”  (Make Today Count by John Maxwell)

            Philippians 2:5 tell us: “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”  Would you say that you pass that test?  Does your attitude replicate the attitude of Jesus….one overflowing with the fruit of the Spirit….love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control? 

            Let’s pray that the Lord will help us to become more and more like Him every day.  May we CHOOSE to treat everyone with the same kind and JOYful attitude that Jesus modeled before us.

            Drink the JOY JUICE of Jesus and see how your attitude becomes more & more like His!

This is the JOYful Day the Lord Has Made!

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  It’s your choice!  Will you drink it or do you choose NOT to?

            So often we like to blame others for our bad choices.  “They MADE me do it!” we say.  “I really didn’t have a choice.” We can play the blame game all we want to, but the reality is that we are responsible for our own choices in most cases.

            One important choice that we make daily is the kind of attitude we display.  If we want our day to be a JOYful one, then we should take charge of the way we approach it and focus on the promises of God. I’m afraid some days we determine to enjoy our misery instead of looking past it!

             Yes, I understand that there are some things we have no control over…But we can do something about our attitude!

            John Maxwell…in his book Make Today Count tells us that we should think, act, talk and conduct ourselves like the persona we want to become…hopefully, a shining example of God’s love!  When God places a goal or vision in your heart, approach each day with a joyful, positive attitude and BELIEVE that with God’s help, you can accomplish that goal!

            Maxwell reminds us that our interaction with others sets the tone of our day.  He calls it the “music of your life”.  Stop just a minute and listen to the song you’re singing.  It is a song of JOY?

            Come on and sing with me the verse in Psalm 118:24:  “This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it!”

Beware of Distractions That Steal Your JOY

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Don’t let anything distract you from drinking it in!

            We all have distractions in our lives…things that keep us from accomplishing what we set out to do for the day.  Many of us really intend to start the day with a quiet time of Bible reading and prayer, but as soon as we crawl out of bed, the distractions begin! Our family needs us, the phone rings, we have an early appointment….one thing after another pulls us in countless directions. 

            John Maxwell writes that “you can make every day of your life a masterpiece”! He says that there are two ingredients necessary to make every day count: Decisions and Discipline. They can’t be separated because one is worthless without the other!

            Here’s the formula that he says works:

·        Good Decisions – Daily Discipline = A Plan without a Payoff.

·         Daily Discipline – Good Decisions= Regimentation without Reward.

·        But Good Decisions + Daily Discipline = A Masterpiece of Potential.

            Let’s make a good decision to allow God to be in control of every part of each day and then be disciplined to practice the JOY of the Lord in all circumstances.  When we learn to live each day in the center of His will, we will tap into that Masterpiece of JOYful potential that the Lord intends for each of us.

            Beware of any  distractions that may keep you from enjoying this beautiful day that the Lord has made.  Let us determine to REJOICE and be glad in it!

Sing a Song of Springtime JOY

          Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  It’s such a refreshing drink on a beautiful spring morning!

            Don’t you love the change of the seasons?  Springtime…especially… is such a time of refreshment and renewal.  Flowers bloom, the grass turns green.  And oh, the beautiful melodies of the songbirds welcoming the new season! It fills my heart with joy.  I woke up this morning to a choir right outside my bedroom window.  It was if the birds were praising God for such a beautiful day.

            Did you awaken with a song in your heart?  Or are you in a “winter” moment?  Are circumstances burdening you down?  Do you have a heavy heart?  If so, may I remind you that we don’t have to wait until everything is perfect in our lives to praise the Lord!  We can choose to “practice joy” even when our hearts are breaking. This takes a lot of faith and the determination to find the JOY in all situations.  Only when we have a personal, committed relationship with Christ, can this be possible!

            As we celebrate a new spring, maybe it’s time that we open up the windows of our hearts and let in the fresh cleansing power of the Holy Spirit.  Let’s allow Him to wash away the dirt and grime that has accumulated in our hearts, and give us a fresh start…with Him as The Cleansing Agent.  The writer of Psalm 33:3 challenges us:

 “Sing to him a new song; and shout for joy.”

            Won't you join me in a song of joy as we welcome the fresh JOY of Jesus into our hearts!