Whatever is True....and Joy-Filled!

         Have you had your Joy Juice today?  Hope you’re feeling well today….but if not, you can still choose to drink in the joy of the Lord!

            Often we base our decisions on our “feelings”.   But genuine faith is not about feelings.  It’s a conscious decision!  It’s kind of like “will-power”, but I like to call it “God-power”.  When we go on a diet and are trying  to lose a few pounds, we have to make a conscious decision to eat healthy and exercise. We don’t FEEL like cutting out those tasty foods and going to the gym; but if we want to reach our goal of shedding those pounds, we have to be determined to make the right choices.

            In a similar way, we must remember that JOY does not come automatically. We have to make a decision to stay focused on Christ.  It has a lot to do with our thought life! What kind of thoughts are you focusing on? Are you listening to gossip and criticism? Are you still nursing that “grudge”?  What about the movies you are watching and the books you are reading?  Are they helping you to grow in your relationship with the Lord…..or are they pulling you in the opposite direction?

Philippians 4:8 reminds us: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.”

            When we’re focusing on the right things, we will experience the JOY of the Lord!

            Drink in whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy…and be immersed in His joy!