| Original Date: September 30, 2009 |
| Email Subject: Joyless.....Joyful???? |
Dear Friends,
It is interesting to watch as a Christ follower so many believers struggling with "JOY" today. A friend of mine said that so many believers look like "they have been sucking on lemons all day." I sure don't want to be one of those who carries that kind of persona through my day and I hope you don't either. Yet sadly, many wake up each day with a complaining, critical, negative, joyless spirit.
What are some of the reasons you ask? I believe joylessness happens when we believe that other people will bring us joy. If my spouse just did this or that, I would be joy full. Or, If my kids were more respectful I would have more joy. Or, if my boss just would acknowledge my efforts once and awhile I would have more joy. Or if the church I attend just did what I wanted, how I wanted it, I am sure I would have joy. How about this, maybe if my life's circumstances were better, like I had more money, or toys, I would have joy... Now friends, if we're looking for joy from either people or circumstances we will be sorely disappointed, it just ain't gonna happen (not good english I know, but you get the point)!
The kind of "JOY" that will last each and every day is available in abundance if we just understand the source (it's sure not in others or life's circumstances we have found). Jesus prayed in John 17 one of the four requests in this great High Priestly prayer, ""That they may have My joy made full in themselves." The "THEY" are His Disciples Jesus is talking about (Christ followers). Earlier we read in John 15:11 that, "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." Jesus gives us significant direction for lasting, deep dwelling, true Joy that will never leave us and that is found "ONE" way, and that is "Abiding in His love according to His truth!"
Learning, each and every day, moment by moment to dwell on, think on, grow in, deepen in understanding the greatness of His love for us. Could that be one of the reasons that the Apostle Paul prayed, that we as Christ followers, "would comprehend with all the saints, the breadth, length, height and depth of His love?" I kind of think so!!! I recall that the second fruit of the Spirit is "JOY" wow, the fruit that comes out of my life as I abide in Christ is JOY!
So friends, no matter what circumstances of life we find our self in or the people we might be around that are not easy to be with, His JOY can be made full in us as we grow deeper in love with our Lord seeing His truth for our every day life! That's the kind of joy that will flow in us to flow through us to touch those He puts us around. I like that kind of look better than the one that looks like we are sucking on lemons as Christ followers don't you? What a difference we will make in our World if we allow "His Joy to be made full in us!"
Have a "JOY FILLED" day/life my friend (that is totally possible by the way as we abide in the source of JOY richly available to each of us daily)!
Your Friend,
Pastor Doug
-What a great time to study 1 Peter in our worship service each week. "Being gripped by Grace" has life changing ramifications for the Christ follower for sure. This week we will be studying chapter 2:1-10 seeing how our "Position in Christ should impact our daily living!"
-Have you become complacent, filled with apathy in your Christian walk? Take a minute to ponder what we are saved from and what we are saved to and watch those clouds blow away! By the way understand as well what the non believer is headed toward, that helps me to stay focused on His call on our life as Great Commandment and Great Commission Christians!
-Calling all married, engaged and seriously dating couples. I want to invite you to be a part of "The Heart of a Great Marriage" conference Saturday the 17th of Oct. at CBC's facility. Our home as well as the World we live in greatly needs to see couples living as salt and light well for His glory! Registration details can be found on our web site or in the foyer each weekend at Church. Invite friends to be a part of this with you! |
|
|