Give JOY!

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Share some with others~ It’s a great way to give!

G-I-V-E

            When you hear the word “give”, what kind of emotion does it evoke in you?  Do you feel joyful over the prospect of being able to give to others?  It probably depends on WHO you’d be giving to, right?

            We love to give to our children, grandchildren and special friends. It’s a pleasure to be able to express how we care by giving them something that makes them happy.  But what about when we feel “obligated” to give and we find ourselves giving grudgingly rather than cheerfully.

            In Luke 6:38 we read, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

            Do you know what Jesus was referring to in this passage?  In the previous verses He had been urging His followers not to judge or condemn others, but rather to forgive. For example:  “People who have gracious and compassionate spirits, refusing to judge and condemn, will find gracious attitudes and compassion returned toward them.  People who forgive easily will find that they are forgiven their own offenses more easily.  The measure with which we give determines the measure with which we receive.” (The Bible for Hope, pp 1326)

            Do you desire forgiveness?  Then---be willing to forgive!  That’s one sure way of receiving a great big portion of the JOY JUICE of Jesus!

            Let’s give generously…and be ready for a good measure of JOY !

Every Day is a Good Day to Share the JOY of Jesus!

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  It’s a special treat whether you’re jumping with joy or feeling overwhelmed with problems.

            Whether you’ve started your day with joyful pep in your step or if you feel as if your “wagon is draggin’”…either way… I’ve got some good news for you! Every day is a good day to be treated with the blessings of God.

WHY ME, GOD?

On those tough days, please realize that your circumstances may be God’s way of refining you and preparing you for blessings beyond your wildest imagination.  We can choose to rejoice in those times….not because of the situation, but knowing that God is with us as we walk  through it.

As Peter wrote in 1 Peter 1:6-7:  "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷ These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."

When gold goes through the refining process, it has to be heated to a high temperature so the impurities will rise to the top and can be skimmed off.  In the same way, our problems turn up the heat in our spiritual life and cause a refining that may never take place otherwise.  We’re being purified and polished to reflect His love and joy!

Let’s not get discouraged by the time of trial in our lives, but accept it as a joyful treat from the ONE who loves us immeasurably. 

Go...and Spread JOY

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Let’s treat someone who really needs a special serving.

            We’ve been concentrating this week on the blessings of God in our lives. We’ve called them JOY treats.  Today let’s think about how to share a treat with someone else.  Can you think of a person who is having a tough time emotionally, financially or physically?  Ask God to show you how you can bring a ray of hope and joy into their life. 

·        A brief word of encouragement might be just the treat they need.

·        They may be in need of help with a project around the house.

·        Sometimes a casserole or a pie is the perfect treat…in more ways than one.

·         A grieving person may simply need the comfort of your company…a silent treat. 

What about helping a stranger?

            Remember the story of the Good Samaritan? The priest and the Levite were religious leaders. You would expect them to help the man who had been attacked and left bleeding on the side of road, but they went out of their way to avoid him!  But not the Samaritan…why is this so significant?

The Jews and Samaritans had been enemies for hundreds of years. The Jews of Jesus' society considered the Samaritans to be ceremonially unclean, socially outcast, religious heretics.  Yet, the Samaritan in Jesus’ parable took pity on the poor man who had been robbed and beaten. He gave freely of both his time and his money to help this Jewish man who was not only a stranger, but also an enemy from a foreign country. Jesus challenges us to "Go and do the same."

            Be a Good Samaritan by drinking and serving the JOY JUICE of Jesus.

Look for JOY Treats!

            Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Treat yourself to as much as you can hold!

            Blessings are like treats!  Today let’s be on the lookout for treats of JOY.  If we’re seeking them, we can find them hidden throughout our day. Sometimes we’re just too busy or in such a rush that we miss them!  Other times they are disguised as something else---maybe even a problem.

            We’ve all heard stories of how some person was delayed on his way to work or on a trip, and then found out later that he had avoided a bad accident.  I wonder how many times we’ve been treated to the protection of God?!  Today, let’s look for the obvious treats of joy that we miss frequently because of our busy, hectic schedules. Or maybe our JOY glasses need cleaning so that we can see more clearly. A few examples:

• Laughter among friends
• A smile and kind word…just when we need it
• The birth of a new baby
• A slice of your favorite pie
• A card from a family member or close friend
• The ability and strength to face a new day

Okay…are your joy thoughts flowing? Start making your own list of the hidden treats God has packed into this day especially for you. As Psalm 16:11 says:  "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

             How many joy treats can you find today?  Make sure the Joy Juice of Jesus is number one on your list!

The Sweet Treat of JOY

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  For a treat that’s sweet to the taste and that will fill you to overflowing, make sure to have the Joy Juice of Jesus within easy reach.

Treat = Blessings

            We’re using the word “treat” this week to describe God’s blessings.  Indeed, He pours them out into our lives every day, yet so often we have our eyes closed and we miss them! Let’s open our spiritual eyes so that we can focus on all the treats that He creates for those He loves….which is you and me!

            One such treat is family.  Though family members don’t always see eye to eye on everything, there is a bond like no other.  They share common memories.  They’ve experienced heartache and laughter, fun road trips and quiet days at home, loss and gain, as well many other things that tap into every emotion. All of that pulls individuals together to make a family.

            Now, I’m not so naive as to believe that all families are happy and get along well.  But the intent of our loving heavenly Father is that we should live in His love.  That includes forgiveness. Robert Muller said: “To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness.”   I like to call this the JOY of the Lord!

            So, as you think about your family today, be treated with the knowledge that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us beyond measure.  “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1)

            Treat yourself to a great big serving of Joy Juice and be sure to share generously with all your family members.

JOY---The Treat That Can't be Beat!

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  It’s a treat that can’t be beat!

            This time of year we notice God’s beautiful handiwork as He pulls out His paintbrush & strokes beautiful reds, oranges and golds onto the summer-time foliage creating the autumn leaves.  Fall is God’s special treat to us after the long, hot days of summer.  Each new season is a welcome change and brings with it special treats for the time of year.  He wants us to enjoy His creation….but so often we get caught up in the “busyness” and simply take it for granted.

God's Treats

            It’s the last week in October, but instead of spending our time thinking about “Trick or Treating”, why don’t we focus our thoughts on how God gives us treats every day?  Let’s pull out our JOY magnifying glass and take an up-close-and-personal look at how each new day is packed full of treats from our Maker.

            The first treat he wants to put in our treat bag is so big that you’ll want to share it with others.  It’s called: the LOVE of God.

            There are hundreds of verses in the Bible that tell of God’s love, but one of the simplest to remember is found in 1 John 4:8: GOD IS LOVE.

           

            God proved His love for us by sending His Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty for our sins.  You talk about a “treat that surpasses all”.  That’s a treat created with indescribable LOVE and JOY.

            Open your heart and receive the treat of God’s love...and JOY!

The Treasure of JOY in the Lord

            Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  No need to store it up and hoard it!  There will always be plenty, whenever you need it!

            For many Americans, the dream has been to own their own home and amass as much money and possessions as possible.  While it’s not wrong to want nice things, it is wrong to allow these desires to consume us.  Some people are so busy trying to acquire “riches and possessions”, that they completely neglect their spiritual growth.

         Please know that I’m NOT encouraging laziness!  An honest day’s work is rewarding when we are doing all for the glory of God.  My point here is that we should not be obsessed with making money so that we accumulate more and more stuff. 

            Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:19-21 teach clearly:

  "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

            So, may I be so bold as to ask: Where is your treasure?  Is it here on earth or are your storing it up in heaven?  Let’s keep in mind that life on earth is like a “vapor” compared to spending a JOYful eternity with Jesus. 

            Neither moth, nor rust, nor thieves can take your genuine JOY JUICE from you.  There will be storehouses full for you to enjoy throughout eternity!

JOY---It's a GREAT Deal!

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  It’s free for the taking but more valuable than any product ever sold.

            Often we hear advertisements for products that sound SO good!  Maybe it’s something we’d never even thought about needing or wanting, but when that advertiser makes his “pitch”, it grabs our attention and we begin to think we can’t live without it!  AND if we’ll call the number on the screen in the next 10 minutes, we can get TWO of them for the low price of $19.99!

            Now, I’m sure none of YOU have ever fallen for this tactic, but it is indicative of how a lot of people think.  We want more, more, more.  We want “stuff” that we didn’t even know existed.  Especially if someone we know has it! That’s called coveting.

            Our English word “covet” comes from a Greek word meaning “grasping for more.”  It springs from our selfish nature.  Jesus said…in Luke 12:15:"Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses".

            Do you know when & where coveting first began?  In the Garden of Eden!  Adam and Eve had EVERYTHING they could possibly need!  And yet they wanted the ONE THING they could not have!  Because of our own selfish desires, we tend to focus on what we don’t have instead of enjoying all the things we do have. Until we are content with what God has given us, we will never be able to experience the ABUNDANT JOY that He wants to be ours.

             “Take heed and beware of covetousness”…as you drink in the Joy Juice of Jesus!”

Put On Your JOY Glasses...not Your Jealous Glasses

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Hope you’re satisfied with the serving God has poured just for you!

            When we begin to look at our circumstances with our “jealous glasses” on, we become discontent with the provisions with which our Father has so abundantly blessed us. Remember the scripture in Hebrews 13:5 that says, “ Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,  ‘ Never will I leave you;  never will I forsake you.’ ”

            God is all we need!  His promise is that no matter how much or how little we have, He will be there for us.  This not only means material things, but it’s also true with relationships, responsibilities, and other heart’s desires.  Is He enough?  You better believe it!  He’s better than a big bank account, a closet full of THE newest fashions, diamonds on your fingers and friends by the carload.  You see, all those things can be gone in a moment…but GOD will NEVER leave you.  

Don't Worry!  Be JOYful!
 
            Live as if you truly believe the words of Jesus in Luke 12.         

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear… your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”

             God knows exactly what we need and when we need it!  So let’s be content as we drink in His abundant JOY!

Don't Pour Your JOY Down The Drain!

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Does your neighbor’s serving look sweeter than yours?

            Most of us would have to admit that we are not always content with what we have.  We see others with nicer homes, cars, clothes, more money, success and even better relationships.  When we begin to focus on what we DON’T have…instead of all our blessings… our JOY JUICE is poured right down the drain, because we have our eyes on “THINGS” rather than Jesus!

            Hebrews 13:5 tells us to: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.”

            The LOVE of money---that’s the key. It’s not wrong to have money or possessions, but when they consume our thoughts & our time, and we can never have enough to satisfy us, we are letting the LOVE of money consume us. The Bible tells us that’s wrong. 

 

John MacArthur says (in The MacArthur New Testament Commentary on the book of Hebrews):  “Covetousness and greed follow a principle of increasing desire and decreasing satisfaction…It’s an attitude.” He explains:  “When we focus on material things, our having will never catch up with our wanting. It is one of God’s unbreakable laws.”   

Another way of putting it: When we covet, we lose your joy.

            Focus on the JOY found in relationship with Jesus.  It’s better than anything money can buy!

Coveting Steals Your JOY

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Let’s not covet our neighbor’s serving, but simply enjoy our own!

            The 10^th commandment in Exodus 20:17 tells us: “Thou shalt not covet…” The commandment is very clear because it goes on to tell us what we are not to covet:

• Our neighbor’s house
• His wife
• His male or female servant
• His ox or donkey
• Or ANYTHING that belongs to our neighbor.

Okay….not sure I covet anyone’s ox or donkey; and I don’t know anyone with servants! But this commandment is still relevant for us today!

            How many times have we wished for a nicer house, and then someone we know builds or buys one that is just what we want?  Are we jealous because they have what we don’t have?  That’s coveting our neighbor’s house.

            What about your relationships?  Do you wish for the kind of relationship that someone else has with his/her husband, wife, friend, or family member?  That’s coveting their relationship. 

            When someone you know gets a new car while you’ll still driving that old piece of junk that could fall apart at any time, do you covet that new car?

            Whether it’s possessions or relationships or success or travel opportunities…if we want anything that someone else has, then we’re guilty of coveting.  And when we covet…we allow the enemy to steal our JOY!

            Taste your own serving of JOY JUICE and see how good God is!

Be a JOYful God-Pleaser!

Have you had your JOY JUICE?  Don’t worry about what other people think; drink it faithfully and shine with the JOY of Jesus.

People-pleaser or God-pleaser?   

        Most of us want other people to like us, don’t we?   We find ourselves bending over backwards sometimes to please others!  Why do we do it?  I guess it’s human nature to want approval.  But that’s no excuse for us to make ungodly choices…just to be a people-pleaser.

            The only one we need to please is God.  He’s the only one who truly knows the “real” us. “ Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart”, God says in Jeremiah 1:5.  This kind of “knowing” leaves nothing out!  He knows our good and our bad; our strengths and our weaknesses; our shortcomings and our potential.

PERFECT??? NOT!!!   

        We’ve been talking this week about how God chose Jeremiah for an important, specific role.  Was Jeremiah perfect?  No…and neither are we.  But God has a plan for each of us, too.  When God looked at Jeremiah, he didn’t see perfection; what He saw was a man with the right heart.  He had faith in God and he had a deep desire to please Him.  (footnote in Joyce Meyer’s Bible, page 1147)

A heart of JOY...     

      Do you have the right heart?  One of love and faith in God?  Do you desire to please God above all else.  Let’s strive to be God-pleasers, not people-pleasers.  Seek and find the JOY of the Lord by realizing that God knows you, loves you, approves of you and is ready to use you as His chosen instrument. 

            Today I encourage you to please the Lord by drinking and sharing the Joy Juice of Jesus!

Joyfully Qualified...through JESUS!

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Don’t be afraid to drink it; God has prepared it just for you.

Do YOU feel qualified?      

     We’ve been talking this week about how God called Jeremiah to be a prophet and how Jeremiah was afraid, because he didn’t feel qualified. He was scared about what the people would think. He knew he was not smart enough, wise enough to tell anyone what to do….yet God had chosen him to confront the people of Judah with their sin.  That was a challenge, wouldn’t you think?

       But God had “appointed” Jeremiah.  And if God calls us to a specific task, you can rest assured that He will equip us to handle the job.  Truly, God has a purpose for each of us, but some people are “appointed” for specific kinds of work. 

For the GLORY of GOD!         

  Whatever work we do should be done for the glory of God.  If God gives you a specific task, accept it joyfully and cheerfully…then do it with diligence. If you have not heard a call from God regarding your “assignment” of JOY, then seek to love, obey and serve Him---until His guidance becomes clear about your specific calling.

            My prayer for each of you is Paul’s prayer in the first letter to the Philippians:

(Chapter 1:9-11)

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ---to the glory and praise of God.

 May we each listen to and heed His call as we drink in the JOY JUICE of Jesus.

Appointed to JOY

            Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  God has set aside a serving that your name on it!

God has a plan!        

  As we recall the story of Jeremiah and how God appointed Him as prophet to Judah, we find so many messages that are for each of us personally.  When God enlightened Jeremiah as to His master plan for his life, that he was to confront the leaders and people of Judah, Jeremiah was scared!  He said, in verse, 6 of the first chapter:

“Ah, Sovereign LORD, I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.”

     

Who, ME?  

     How often has God asked you to do something and you respond like Jeremiah.  “Oh, God, I don’t know how to do that!  I’m not prepared.  I’m don’t have the skills or training or talent to do what you’re asking me to do!”

We don't have to be PERFECT!  

      Well, let me tell you something I’m learning along this JOYful journey, friends.  God doesn’t expect us to be perfect before He can use us!  He doesn’t expect us to be completely prepared for the task to which He calls us.  What He does desire is for us to be a willing instrument through which He can work.  When we’re depending on Him instead of ourselves and our abilities, He can accomplish so much more through us.

  Listen......

         So as God speaks to your heart about His plan for your life….no matter how young or how old you are…be receptive, be willing and be joyful.  God can use anyone.  And He will equip you with just the right tools to accomplish His purpose…with JOY!

            Be ready to drink in His JOY JUICE today…in whatever manner He chooses to serve it!

Set Apart...for a Life of JOY

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  God knows just how many servings you need…and He generously shares!

            In the book of Jeremiah we read in chapter one of how God called Jeremiah to be a prophet to Judah.  In verse 5 God said: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

            These words were to be an encouragement to Jeremiah, but they are also for us, today.  God wants us to know that He knows us…REALLY knows us.  He knew us before we were formed in our mother’s womb.  That kind of “knowing” isn’t a mere casual acquaintance, friends!  That’s knowing all about us, every little detail: how many hairs are on our head, the number of cells in our body, the decisions we’ve made in the past and those yet to come…It’s knowing things about us that we don’t even know ourselves.  AND the amazing thing is…He still loves us---warts and all!

SET APART          

God told Jeremiah that he was “set apart”.  So are we…That doesn’t mean  we’re all to be prophets like Jeremiah.  But what it does mean is that He created each of us with our own special purpose!  What has God “appointed” you to do?  Each day we should open our hearts before Christ and ask Him to show us how we can serve Him this day.  When you are in the center of His will, you will be serving JOYfully.

         Before you were born God set you apart….for a life of JOY. 

Are You Convinced of God's Love & JOY?

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  God knows if you have!

            One of the awesome things that I find so incomprehensible about our God is that He knows everything about us….and still loves us!  Though our human relationships are fragile, God’s love is unconditional and there is nothing that can separate us from His love.

            In Romans 8:38-39, Paul said:

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Not ONE thing can separate us......

            What a comforting passage of scripture!  Sure, every one of us will face hardships in many forms: sickness, heartbreak, disappointment, betrayal, loss of loved ones. When we are going through these times of trouble, we may feel abandoned; but there’s one thing we can always count on: God is there.  Remember what the scripture says: NOTHING can separate us from the love of God.

Proof Positive!

            Jesus’ death is proof positive of his “unconquerable love”.  "Nothing can stop Christ’s presence with us.  God tells us how great his love is so that we will feel totally secure in Him." (Footnote in NIV Life Application Bible). And with that security comes the indescribable JOY of the Lord that I love to talk about!

            No matter what you’re going through, understand that God is right there with you.  So allow Him to serve you a generous portion of His Joy Juice and rest in Him.

JOY in the Midst of Troubles

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Even if you’ve got troubles, please drink a generous serving!

PROBLEMS...opportunity for spiritual growth!

             There aren’t many days that go by that we don’t have challenges.  Some of our problems are small and easily solved.  Others seem insurmountable and we wonder if we’ll survive them.  Regardless of their magnitude, not one of our problems catches God by surprise.  And I’m convinced that each of them is an avenue of spiritual growth and an opportunity for us to deepen our relationship with Christ.

            Author and speaker Barbara Johnson reminds us that "a problem is like a pebble.  Hold it too close to your eye, and it puts everything out of focus.  Hold it at proper viewing distance, and it can be examined and classified.  Throw it at your feet, and see it in its true setting—just one more tiny bump on the pathway."

            She goes on to say: "Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, but faith looks up!"

Where are YOU looking?

When problems arise, large or small, is your first move to look up?! Our focus should  be NOT on that momentary trial, but on the deliverer and sustainer of our faith. As Hebrews 12:2 says: Let’s

look unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

              Look up and let the light of Jesus shine the way through your problems.  His radiant joy is always available!

Radiate the JOY of Jesus!

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Please drink in the joy of Jesus and his love. He’s ready to radiate through you today!  Will you let Him?

Does JESUS shine through YOU?

            So often our spiritual visibility is limited because of our lack of trust in God.  We know that He is an all-knowing, powerful God.  But many times we limit what He can do in our lives.  We tend to try to take care of things in our own strength and our own time instead of waiting on Him.

            True JOY in the Lord comes from understanding that:

·        He goes ahead of us…as our shepherd.

·        He is behind us…as our rearguard.

·        He is above us…as our covering.

·        He is beneath us…as our foundation.

·        He is beside us…as our friend.

·        He is within us…as our (strength).   

As one writer puts it: "God has placed many precious things in such a way, that they are a reward to the diligent, a prize to the earnest, and a joy to the finder.  The nut is hidden in it’s thorny case; the pearl is buried beneath the ocean waves; the gold is imprisoned in the rocky bottom of the mountains; the gem is found only after you crush the rock which encloses it; the very soil gives its harvest as a reward to the laboring farmer.  So truth and God must be earnestly sought." 
(Barbara Johnson, The Joyful Journey )

 Flip the "light" switch!

Are you earnestly seeking a relationship with Him?  He is there, waiting on you to flip the switch that will allow His light to shine on every area of your life.  Get ready to discover many hidden treasures of JOY!

             I'm hoping and praying that you will earnestly seek the JOY of Jesus and his limitless love!

Is Your JOY Light On?

Have you had your JOY JUICE today? You’ll see it more clearly if you turn on the light!

Are YOU in the dark?

            Going through life without God is like trying to find your way to an unfamiliar destination in the dark.  It’s much easier to travel in the daylight hours when you are going on a trip…especially if it’s a place you’ve never been before.  The cover of darkness is often our enemy when we’re trying to see road signs and specific landmarks.  Visibility is greatly impaired when there is not proper light.

            The same is true when it comes to our spiritual vision.  There are many things that can impair our sight:

• habitual sin,
• the wrong kinds of friends, 
• putting our faith in money or possessions, 
• being tempted by the lure of unwholesome, ungodly desires. 

That’s when we find ourselves in spiritual darkness and are in need of Jesus to light our way. 

Open my eyes, Lord.

            It’s important that we make regular Bible study a faithful habit. Even then, we may sometimes have difficulty staying focused or understanding how certain scriptures apply to us, personally. It’s at times like these that we need to pray as the psalmist did in Psalm 119:18:  

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law”.

            If we’ll allow Him to shine His light along our path, we will receive new understanding of the wonderful truths found in His Word.  And as He illuminates the scriptures for us, our joy will grow and we’ll be radiating His love toward others.

             Drink your JOY JUICE faithfully and watch the light of Jesus shine brighter and brighter with each passing day. 

Can You See It??? I'm Talking about JOY!

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Can you see it?  It’s right there on the pages of God’s word!

            In the book “The Joyful Journey” Barbara Johnson quotes the words to an old song entitled, “If We Could See Beyond Today”:

            If we could see, if we could know, we often say,

            But God in love a veil does throw across our way.

            We cannot see what lies before, and so we cling to Him the more.

            He leads us till this life is o’er, trust and obey.

 A JOYful Veil

These words are a beautiful reminder of God’s love.  He throws a veil across our way so that we can’t see the future. He knows we couldn’t handle it! Step back in time a few years.  If we had known what our world would be facing economically, morally and physically, we would have been very depressed.  In our personal lives, if we had known the upsets and trials that were coming our way, we would have dreaded the years ahead.   

WHY?

Why are we not able to see the future?  Because God loves us and He wants us to trust and obey him one day at a time. We should wake up to each new morning and receive it as a gift from Him! 

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

“Yesterday is a canceled check, and tomorrow is only a promissory note.  TODAY IS CASH!” (Barbara Johnson)  Spend it wisely and JOYfully!

            Ask Jesus to shine His light brightly on your day and look for ways to share His JOY JUICE with others along the way!

Turn the Light on for JOY!

            Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Turn the light on so that you can see it in your spiritual pantry!

            As I left my house early one morning a few weeks ago, the visibility outside was extremely poor.  Smoke from a nearby fire, mixed with fog at the dawn of a new day, made it almost impossible to see more than just a few feet in front of me.  I had to drive carefully and cautiously.  I turned on my lights and moved along at a snail’s pace.

            When I came home that afternoon, the fog had lifted and I could see clearly because the sun was shining brightly.  I didn’t have to guess what was ahead, because I could easily see the road in front of me, up close and in the distance.  

Darkness and Uncertainty

            There are going to be times along our life path that seem dark and uncertain.  We won’t be able to see what the future holds and we will find ourselves moving slowly and cautiously.  If we try to go it alone, it’s like trying to drive in the smog without any lights.  But if we’ll ask Jesus to go ahead of us, He will shine HIS light onto our path and show us the way.  “I am the Light of the World.” Jesus says in John 8:12 “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Here I am, Jesus!

            When we first allow Jesus to take control, we may find ourselves having to slowly learn to trust His leading.  But, as we mature spiritually and give Him every area of our heart and life, the “SON” will shine brightly on our path. We’ll be moving ahead a lot more JOYfully because of our complete trust in Him.

           Let the light of Jesus shine brightly on your path and share His JOY with those who need His light.