Friday, June 10, 2011

Joy In Giving

“Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and

their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.”

2 Corinthians 8:2 (NIV



The apostle Paul speaks of the gift the Macedonian churches gave to support his ministry. The people were facing times of uncertainty, but they had JOY. This elation of their spirit overflowed and people caught it and chose to share with Paul and his fellow missionaries. Paul appreciated the monetary gifts because they were sacrificial in nature.

When we choose to donate time, funds, or talent and that action comes at a cost beyond the gift, that decision and the gift become special. As we work for the Lord, we find joy that guides us as we do His Will.

As we hear of opportunities to work for God we have to seek His guidance to discover where He wants us to serve Him. Whatever way He leads us to help; when we do this we find immeasurable joy in our lives.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Heavenly Joy




“And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders

and goes home. In the same way, I tell you, there will be

more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over

the ninety-nine who do not need to repent

Luke 15:5, 10. (NIV)



The parable of the lost sheep speaks to our hearts as we see people won to Christ. God accepts us with joy. He’s thrilled to rescue us from our life of sin. The angels join in with exuberance when one caught in sin turns away and asks Jesus into his or her heart.

This joy the angels have is greater than what they feel for those who already belong to God, They really get excited because another soul has been redeemed from the enemy and the kingdom of God has grown.

As God’s children, we are to witness to those around us who have fallen in sin. We are to live our lives in such a way that they see God and His work in our lives. Our lives are to make people of the world want what we have-Christ in our hearts- for themselves.

Monday, June 6, 2011

God Surprises Us With Joy





“for his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;

weeping may remain for a night but rejoicing comes in the morning.”

Psalm 30:5 (NIV)



When we sin, God notices our transgression. He finds a way to show us where we fail Him. After we repent, our Father guides and protects us as we live for Him.,

While we work for, fellowship with, and follow our Lord, God grants us favor. He allows us to enjoy certain blessings, reserved for His children.

Hubby and I recently enjoyed one of those blessings-I sometimes call them ‘God moments’. We chose to go out for lunch at a buffet place on the far side of town.

As we sat there eating and talking, he looked up and asked me, “Is that who I think it is?”

“It’s Connie’s sister, Judy.” Connie and Judy and their two sisters were close friends of Hubby’s late sister, Martha. Hubby and Judy had graduated from high school together.

He went and spoke to Jill. She got out of line and came over to me and gave me a big hug. We talked and, a little later, here came Candy. She asked about our extended family. I told them about Son moving out of state and about his new job.

As we left the restaurant, we passed by their table. I jokingly went up to Judy and said something cute.

I told Connie that we were due to have some sad times soon. Martha’s birthday was coming in five days. I even went so far as to say, “We’ll all have a month of it.” She nodded.

I call this meeting a ‘God moment’ because they thought a lot of Martha and miss her almost as much as we do. He ordained this meeting and gave us His love and comfort in an otherwise humdrum day.

I will remember the joy I felt that day for a long time.

God Alone

  Jesus and the children at our church's prayer walk.          I will both lie down in peace and sleep;  For You alone, O LORD make ...