Joy for the Journey

     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."

     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

     Life is hectic and busy for most people in this day and age.  There seems to be constant noise surrounding us and endless rings from cell phones to plague us.  Being still in the light of God's presence can get to be quite difficult.  But stillness is so necessary in our day to day lives.  Kneeling at the throne of God in prayer, being in His Word, and being quiet in His presence is as vital to our souls as the vitamins we need to keep our bodies healthy. The chronic illness that has kept me homebound the past twelve years have provided me with so much time to be still.  That stillness has been an incredible blessing in my life.  So make time each and every day at least once a day to be still before the Lord.  Soak up the rays of His light and your outlook for the day will be bright.  

     God is limitless!  He has a fresh supply of all that we are needing at any given moment and He has an unlimited supply of it.  This week I have chosen to focus on the Lord's unlimited joy.  As a matter of fact, I have claimed this a "week of joy" as I do from time to time.  I don't know what this week will hold, but I know that God will be holding me securely in His palm.  If I am trusting in Him and looking for His blessings at every turn and receptive to what He would have me to see...it will be a week of joy.  God wants that for me and for you, not just this week, but always.  That doesn't mean that nothing bad will happen, but that in all circumstances I can be content and joyful because I am HIS.  Claiming my week of joy is simply a way of declaring that I will be open to the joy and blessings that my God wants me to see.  Let God make it a great week!

Psalm 16:11  "You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand."