J O Y!

            Have you had your Joy Juice  today? The more you drink it…the more you’ll want! I’m referring to joy in the Lord!

Do you remember which commandment Jesus said is the greatest? In Matthew 22: 37-39 we find the words of Jesus:

 “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

            Now, doesn’t this beautifully illustrate the formula for JOY: Jesus first , Others next, Yourself last  (J-O-Y = Joy)

            Putting others before ourselves doesn’t mean that we are to have a sense of low self worth.  God made each of us for a purpose and He loves us all…. so much that He gave His Son to die for us.  He wants us to realize our value in Him. We are all His children; Colossians 1:12 reminds us of what is to come for those who love Him : “…giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.”

        Yes, we are important to God…but He wants us to minister to one other by having a servant’s heart.  Let’s look for ways to help someone else.  If we make a conscious effort to prayerfully consider others’ needs before our own, God will give us countless opportunities to spread the joy of the Lord.

Drink in His joy faithfully and serve others!