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Wednesday, June 12, 2013

The Root of God's JOY Makes Sweet JOY JUICE



            Have you had your JOY JUICE today? It comes from the root of God’s JOY
 sweet peace and complete faith in Him.

            Hebrews 12:15 speaks of a “root” that we want to avoid!  Look at the New Living Translation: “Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.”

            So often that “root of bitterness” grows in our hearts before we even realize that it has sprouted! We allow anger to be unresolved and we respond to others inappropriately! That’s when damage is done to relationships and if we don’t ask God for His help, we’ve got a dilemma on our hands!

            Anger produces negative energy.  We need to redirect that energy into good behavior and wise choices. Especially when we profess to be a Christian, people are watching to see how we react in stressful situations.  That reminds me of a story told by my friend, Mary Southerland, in one of her online devotionals.

            A minister was making a wooden trellis to support a climbing vine.  As he was pounding away, he noticed a little boy watching him.  The youngster didn’t say a word so the preacher kept on working, thinking the boy would leave—but he didn’t.  Pleased at the thought that his work was being admired, the pastor finally asked, “Trying to pick up some pointers on gardening?”  The little boy said, “Nope.  I’m just waiting to hear what a preacher says when he hits his thumb with a hammer.”

            May we always be aware that people are watching!  God, please help us to react with JOY no matter how tough our circumstances!

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