finding joy I came across this topic, and was reminded that joy, holy joy, is not to be hidden away. It doesn’t matter if my circumstances are discouraging or difficult or daunting or demanding or disappointing or desperate or devastating. Joy remains in my heart – Jesus joy. There are times I can’t find that joy, but I know that joy is still there. There was a children’s song that went – “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart. Where?” etc – and ended with “down in my heart to stay!” First of all, Jesus suffered on this earth. Job went thru unspeakable circumstances, and he still had Jesus joy. When Paul was in prison, he knew that having joy didn’t depend on his circumstances. Moses, Noah, Jacob, Timothy, Adam and Eve – the Bible tells of numerous men who suffered. Actually, all mankind suffers. Christians suffer. We were told that we would suffer. But we need to remember that we still have joy – Jesus joy. He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Job 8:21 NIV Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief. Proverbs 14:13 NIV Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. Psalms 126:5 NIV He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him. Psalm 126:6 NIV

fear?

Now all has been heard;
   here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
   for this is the duty of all mankind.
For God will bring every deed into judgment,
   including every hidden thing,
   whether it is good or evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NIV

As Christians, we are to fear God and obey His commands.  That’s what Christians are to do.  And, God knows every thing about us, both the good and the bad.  

What does ‘fear’ God mean?  When I was young, I thought I was supposed to be scared of God.  But, I was very wrong.

To fear God is to be reverent of Him and in awe of Him and respect Him and obey Him and worship Him.  We are to allow God to impact our lives and follow Him and understand that He hates sin and He will judge our sins.

Yes, I fear God, but I’m not afraid of Him.  I live my life for Him and He lives within me.

finding joy - reprise

I came across this topic, and was reminded that joy, holy joy, is not to be hidden away. It doesn’t matter if my circumstances are discouraging or difficult or daunting or demanding or disappointing or desperate or devastating. Joy remains in my heart – Jesus joy. There are times I can’t find that joy, but I know that joy is still there.

There was a children’s song that went – “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart. Where?” etc – and ended with “down in my heart to stay!”
First of all, Jesus suffered on this earth. Job went thru unspeakable circumstances, and he still had Jesus joy. When Paul was in prison, he knew that having joy didn’t depend on his circumstances. Moses, Noah, Jacob, Timothy, Adam and Eve – the Bible tells of numerous men who suffered. Actually, all mankind suffers. Christians suffer. We were told that we would suffer. But we need to remember that we still have joy – Jesus joy.

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.
Job 8:21 NIV

Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief.
Proverbs 14:13 NIV

Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
Psalms 126:5 NIV

He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.
Psalm 126:6 NIV

reflections

As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.

Proverbs 27:19 NIV

Maybe you can look at a person’s face and venture a guess about how they’re feeling.  What’s the meaning behind the expression?  Can you detect if a smile and a laugh mean happiness?  Can you detect sadness?  Anger?  Loneliness?  Compassion?  Anxiety?  Confidence?  Burdened?  A face can conceal emotions.

But!  How about one’s heart?  The heart is the person.  In the midst of all the emotions one can experience, can others see Jesus in there?  He should take up all the space!  Life throws a lot at us, but it all comes back to Jesus in the heart.            

Jesus, please fill my heart...with Your peace, love, and promises... 

quick quotes

God understands our prayers even when we can't find the words to say them. 

Author Unknown

The feeling remains that God is on the journey, too. 

Teresa of Avila

Prayer is when you talk to God; meditation is when you listen to God.

Diana Robinson

I've decided to start blogging again.  Soon.