Joy for the Journey

April Newsletter Coming Soon!

     When I was little and attended Vacation Bible School at church, we would always sing a song that went "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart."  Living the abundant life that we have in Christ Jesus means that we can have that joy down in our hearts.  It is the joy of the Lord...real, deep, abiding joy that can remain no matter what we are going through.  The apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Corinth said, "I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds."   (2 Cor. 7:4)

     This overflowing fountain of joy is ours through Christ Jesus.  Receive it today friends; grab hold of it and never let it go.  Your life will be forever changed!  Be blessed and encouraged! 

      

  

Here in Nashville we have six inches of snow.  It is just beautiful!  For the past 10 or 12 years I have seen cardinals as somewhat of a reminder from God.  Through these beautiful red birds He reminds me of His love, faithfulness and presence in my life.  They show up at the most incredible times...just when I need them most.  I believe the Lord sends them to me because He knows how much I enjoy them.  During this time of snow I have watched these colorful birds play in my backyard all day.  What a glorious display of God's splendor!  These bright red birds against the white backdrop of snow is just amazing.  I praise God for His marvelous creation and His faithfulness in sending them.  Today may you stop and consider the wonderful works of God and the incredible displays of His splendor.

 

Job 37:14  "...stop and consider God's wonders."

    The other day I heard a commercial that started by asking, "if you could make one phone call  to Heaven, what would you want to ask God."  We have all probably at some point had questions on our minds that we would like to ask God.  Most of us have had circumstances in our lives that we just could not understand.  We press on and put our trust in the Father knowing that His plan for us is perfect.  But what one question would we ask if given the opportunity?  My first response reminded me of a young child's question from the backseat of a car on a lengthy road trip.  I would ask God, "when will we be there?"  How  much longer will it be before we stand face to face with our mighty Creator and kneel at the feet of Jesus our Savior?  I have a happy life and want to accomplish much more while on this earth, yet my soul longs to be with Jesus.  The apostle Paul said that he learned to be content no matter what his circumstances were.  We must find peace and contentment as we dwell in these earthly tents.  But I believe that we can also live with our eyes so focused on eternity that we have somewhat of a homesick feeling.  The closer that we draw to God and the more time we spend in His presence, the more we feel like strangers in this world.  So how much longer...only God knows.  Keep pressing on and keep your eyes focused on eternity.


Judges 5:21 "...March on, my soul; be strong!"

2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Philippians 4:11 "...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."

Philippians 3:13-14 "Brothers, I do not consider myself  yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do:  Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Psalm 84:5 "Blessed are those whose strength is in You, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.

     Only in Jesus is there true peace.  He came that we might have life in abundance and live above the worry and stresses of this life.  The Lord has not promised that we will not face struggles, in fact, He tells us that "in this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)  So through Him we can have abiding peace and joy no matter what we face in this life.  Peace and joy are ours...we just have to take hold of them and embrace them confidently as children of God.  Be blessed and refreshed today as you press forward in His strength!

I can face the waves, for I trust the One

who made the ocean.

     The Lord has promised not to forget us.  As parents we never forget our children.  Even when we are separated by time or distance, we never forget about them.  God's love for us is far greater than the love we have for our precious children.  At times when we find ourselves in circumstances beyond our control and nothing seems to be going well for us, we may wonder if God has forgotten us.  When difficulties persist, it can seem like He has disappeared from our lives.  But in Isaiah 49:15-16 we are assured that He remembers,  ...I will not forget you!  See,  I have  engraved you on the palms of my hands..."  The very hand of God has your name engraved on it.  I have often seen the quote that says, "If God had a refrigerator door...your picture would be on it."  How true!  You are so special to God and His thoughts are on you!  Nothing goes unnoticed, no tear goes unseen and no pain you experience slips by Him.  He is a God of the small stuff, the big stuff,  and the in between stuff.  Rest today in the knowledge that God's thoughts are on you, His arms are enfolding you and His hands are holding you.  Trust Him and be not afraid.  You are never forgotten!












Isaiah 49:15-16 - Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?  Though she may forget, I will not forget you!  See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before me.

Psalm 48:14 - For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end.

Matthew 28:20 - ...And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

The October newsletter will be coming soon.  Sorry I have not posted in a few weeks but our family has been dealing with the flu.  But stay tuned and stay encouraged!  God loves you and so do I!

     We certainly serve an Awesome God.  His infinite power is greater than our finite minds can grasp.  He speaks the wind into motion and pours out from the clouds the rain that waters the earth.  Under God's direction the lightening flickers across the sky and the thunder rumbles.  I watch in amazement and then consider His power that is at work in my life.  He brings blessings in abundance and makes a way where there seems to be none.  He fills my cup to overflowing so that my heart is bursting with His joy.  My God lifts me up in an abundant outpouring of His love and mercy.  He restores my soul and refreshes my spirit.  To Him be all praise, honor and glory for He alone is worthy!

Psalm 40:5  "Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders You have done.  The things You planned for us no one can recount to You; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare."

 

     Be blessed and refreshed today for the God of Glory loves you so much and wants only His very best for you.  May you feel His loving arms enfolding you and lifting you up in His peace and joy!

"...therefore encourage one another and build each other up..." I Thes. 5:11