Got joy?
You need the joy of the Lord. Seriously. You do. No matter what comes your way - don't let anything steal your joy. Nehemiah 8:10 says "...the joy of the Lord is your strength." That is so true.
Just this last week, I came back from a great two weeks of camp. Upon arrival, I walked into more bad news than I could fathom - and I mean bad! Problems here, problems there. People mad, health issues, family issues, relationship issues, etc. But I made a conscious decision to not let it steal my joy. God gave me the strength to smile, to push on, and to really be happy. Not to just smile on the outside, but on the inside too!
It's so important that we don't neglect to spend time with the Lord. If we want his joy, we need to be like him. And the only way to do that is to be around him - a lot!
Don't be self-seeking either. There are too many people nowadays who push their own agenda while claiming it's of God. I've been guilty of that many times - and every time it ends in bitterness, rage, anger, malice, envy, and the like. It's not a road to travel by any means.
The Bible says in Matthew 6:33 " But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
In other words, if you don't like how things are going - don't simply try and change them yourself! Seek God first. Align yourself with his will. Gain his joy & understanding. Then tackle the issue at hand - by following God's leading.
This will truly help you (and the people you are in contact with) keep the JOY OF THE LORD!
In His Grip,
Pastor Elgin
Just this last week, I came back from a great two weeks of camp. Upon arrival, I walked into more bad news than I could fathom - and I mean bad! Problems here, problems there. People mad, health issues, family issues, relationship issues, etc. But I made a conscious decision to not let it steal my joy. God gave me the strength to smile, to push on, and to really be happy. Not to just smile on the outside, but on the inside too!
It's so important that we don't neglect to spend time with the Lord. If we want his joy, we need to be like him. And the only way to do that is to be around him - a lot!
Don't be self-seeking either. There are too many people nowadays who push their own agenda while claiming it's of God. I've been guilty of that many times - and every time it ends in bitterness, rage, anger, malice, envy, and the like. It's not a road to travel by any means.
The Bible says in Matthew 6:33 " But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
In other words, if you don't like how things are going - don't simply try and change them yourself! Seek God first. Align yourself with his will. Gain his joy & understanding. Then tackle the issue at hand - by following God's leading.
This will truly help you (and the people you are in contact with) keep the JOY OF THE LORD!
In His Grip,
Pastor Elgin