The Joy of Jesus....My Determined Purpose

                Have you had your Joy Juice today?  Clean away the clutter and get ready for true joy.

                Will you admit that sometimes your mind is cluttered with unnecessary junk?  Things we choose to worry about, stress over and have no control over are classified as “clutter”.    

                In Philippians 3:10 we find the remedy for spiritual mind-clutter: “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…”

                The most important words in that verse to me regarding “mind-clutter” are the words, “For my determined purpose is that I may know Him”.   That gives us clarity, focus, a goal to aim toward.  Have you chosen a “determined purpose” for your life?  Some people choose to focus on success by the world’s standards….a job with a high paying salary….a fancy car…striving to climb the career ladder…. But let’s remember the world’s idea of success and God’s idea are not the same.

                When our “determined purpose” is to “know Him more” then we find more peace, more compassion, more contentment…..MORE JOY!  We won’t find genuine joy until we relinquish our “purpose” to Him and unclutter our minds by making Him our focus. 

               Be determined to find more joy in relationship with Jesus!

Perfect Peace/Abundant Joy

                Have you had your Joy Juice today?  Hope you are feeling peaceful, as well as joyful!

                “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you.” (Isaiah 26:3)  Is your mind “stayed on God”?  In other words, are we focused on Jesus, rather than on our problems?  When our thoughts revolve around anything other than our Savior, then we may find ourselves anxious, overwhelmed and discouraged. 

                Henri Nouwen says it like this: “Keep your eyes on the prince of peace, the one who doesn’t cling to his divine power; the one who refuses to turn stones into bread, jump from great heights, and rule with great power; the one who touches the lame, the crippled, and the blind; the one who speaks words of forgiveness and encouragement. He is the source of peace.” 

                I find it very intriguing that of the 27 books in the New Testament, 18 begin with a greeting of peace.  Yes, the authors, Paul, Peter and John wrote these book.  But let’s never forget they penned these words under the inspiration of GOD! Therefore, the greeting of peace is from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! 

                The word “peace” occurs nearly 400 times in the Bible.  David Jeremiah says, “The Bible is the Word of God of peace. Memorizing some of these truths is like installing a personal antiterrorism unit in your own mind!"

               May we “stay” our mind on Jesus, on His word and His truth.  We will then find ourselves in “perfect peace” with “abundant joy”.

               

A Quiet Heart, Filled with God's Peace & Joy

                Have you had your Joy Juice today?  Promote peace everywhere you go…and you’ll be amazed at how much joy you may find!

Proverbs 12:20 tells us:  “Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.” 

                The truth is this scripture is powerful.  As we examine it in the light of our own actions and words, do we find true joy?  Do our words build up and edify?  Or do they “plot evil” as the verse states? 

•   We may find ourselves in the middle of uncomfortable circumstances and our gut reaction is to lash out with unkind words.  PROMOTE PEACE says the Word of God.

•  Our family member may have made a really selfish, foolish choice which affects all those who love him or her.  PROMOTE PEACE says the Word of God.

•   Our work situation may be less than peaceful; there could be decisions made which are unpopular and truly are not conducive to success.  PROMOTE PEACE says the Word of God.

One wise pastor says, “Quiet tension is not peace.  It’s just compressed anxiety.  Too often we think we’re trusting when we’re really only controlling our panic.  True peace is not only a calm exterior, but also a quiet heart.”  

        Let’s pray for a quiet heart….one which promotes peace and reaps joy.