Joy for the Journey

As Christmas approaches may we remember what is important in life.  Faith, family and friends are at the top of the list.  May we draw near to those we love and let them know just how much they mean to us.  Most importantly may we draw near to God who sent us the greatest gift that has ever been given...Jesus Christ, His Son and our Saviour.  Let us embrace His plan for us and be thankful.  May we shout Glory to God in the Highest!  Merry Christmas to all and a blessed New Year.  Lisa

Philippians 2:9  "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name."

October, 2008 Joy for the Journey Newsletter

     "...the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit."  Romans 5:5  Think back over your journey with the Lord and contemplate the many ways you have changed.  The closer we are to God and the more time we spend in His Word and in prayer, the more changes we begin to notice.  Has your heart softened toward people that you held a long time grudge toward?  Do you surprise yourself at times when you stay calm and peaceful in situations that once would have made you very angry?  If you are wondering how that has happened, just read Romans 5:5.  Through God's Holy Spirit He has filled your heart with His love and it just can't stay contained.  It is shed abroad wherever you go.  The more we draw near to our God, the more uncomfortable we feel in the world.  You may squirm now when you hear the Lord's name used in vain or cringe when you hear unkind words spoken.  Yes, the Lord through His Holy Spirit is transforming you into His likeness.  God is creating a masterpiece in each one of us and He will not stop until the day of completion.  Don't you just love the new work that the Potter is creating in you?  I think you are terrific!  Keep growing and glowing!!!

A Change in You

I've really seen a change in you and I like what I see

Your soft and gentle spirit make quite an impression on me

Every time I see you, a smile on my face just appears

I feel so much better whenever you are near

For you show me kindness and lift me up when I am feeling down

You turn my thoughts toward things above and point me to higher ground

Often I've wondered how could anyone ever grow so sweet

But I know that it's all the time that you've spent at Jesus feet

You feed on God's Word and talk to Him every night and day

And now I know that it's the love of God that makes you act this way

His love fills every corner of your great big heart

And that love shines everywhere you go and never will depart

You are more and more like Jesus and you're growing all the time

His love is shed abroad in your heart and it has spilled over to mine

by Lisa Williams

II Corinthians 2:14 - But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the frangrance of the knowledge of Him.  For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

II Corinthians 3:18 - And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

John 14:23 - Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.  My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

James 3:8 - Come near to God and He will come near to you.

Keep Growing and Glowing!

As I watched the coverage on TV of hurricane Ike, the following scripture came to mind.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;  the flames will not set you ablaze.  For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..." Isaiah 43:2-3

My thoughts went to those people in the path of this tremendous storm who may not know the Lord. They must have felt overwhelmed and hopeless at times.  Where do you find hope and peace when you don't reach for the hand of the Lord?  God is the One who brings true peace to your heart when the storms of life hit.  He never leaves us or forsakes us.  Meditate on the following verses and be encouraged:

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.  Psalms 46:1-3

Sometimes God stills the storm; sometimes He stills the child and lets the storm rage.

"...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10

I just wanted to remind everyone today that life through Christ is abundant and wonderful!  But what does that mean?  It means that we can feel peace in the midst of uncertainty, joy in times of sorrow,  and hope when situations seem hopeless.  There is life, freedom and security in Jesus Christ.  Have a blessed day as you bask in the warm glow of His love.

God has a perfect plan for each one of us and we can trust in Him fully.  This plan was put in place before you were even born.  Nothing will surprise Him.  Thank God for His Divine Plan and pray that your will be aligned with His will.  When things don't go the way you expected them to go, believe that God is doing what is best for you in every situation.  May He bless you richly as you wait for His plan to unfold. 

I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jer. 29:11 

"...the joy of the Lord is my strength."  Neh. 8:10

During these many years of illness, I believe that the joy of the Lord has carried me through many tough days.  The joy that we can have as a child of God is so uplifting, even to the point of carrying us high above our circumstances.  Rejoice in the awesome power and majesty of the King of Kings and all He has done and will do in your life.  Expect to see glimpses of His glory each and every day as you bask in His precious love. 

One of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 18:28 which says, "...my God turns my darkness into light." 

God can shine His Light upon you no matter how dark your world may seem.  Wherever you are and whatever your circumstances, look for His Light and move towards it.  Let it warm your soul and refresh your spirit.  God redeems our lives from the pit and gives us joy even in the valleys.  So today rejoice in the Lord and receive the light.