Choosing Joy!

I have one prayer for you today and that is that you would truly and authentically experience the joy of Jesus!

 

Listen to these miraculous words of scripture that were written just for you!

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4, NIV)

 

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13, NIV)

 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things, there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV)

 

“Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. “(John 16:24, NIV)

 

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11, NIV)

 

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17, NIV)

 

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.” (1 Peter 1:8, NIV)

 

“Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10, NIV)

 

“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.” (Psalm 30:11, ESV) 

 

Did you hear God's heart for you today? God wants you to not only know His joy but to choose his joy!

 

My friend Calvin chooses joy every day. His laughter is infectious. I tell people that Calvin is a rolling bucket of sunshine! Oh yes, did I mention that Calvin is in a wheelchair? That is why he is a “rolling” bucket of joy! My friend Calvin always reminds me that Jesus is the source of all joy.

 

Where does joy come from? Joy comes from knowing the God of Joy! Joy comes from knowing that God is near! Joy comes from knowing that God has everything under his control! Joy comes from knowing that we can ask anything, and God will answer which brings us joy! Joy comes from allowing the Holy Spirit to use you to encourage someone else! Joy comes from knowing that I don't need to live off of my own strength but that the inexhaustible joy of God is available to me every single day! Joy comes from knowing that I am loved and accepted through Jesus! Joy comes from knowing that God's miraculous promises are MINE! Joy comes from knowing that God is my refuge and help and that He is always with me!

 

friend, can you choose joy today? Take a moment and write down a few things that bring you joy. My list goes like this:

•          My wife Laurel and her passion for Jesus

•          A phone call from my kids

•          A joke from my friend Brian

•          A hot cup of coffee on a cold morning

•          My Bible

 

Now, notice one thing about everything on your list...it all comes from Jesus! So, let the joy of your heart open up your mouth and tell God “thank you” for being your source of JOY! Joy is a feeling and a decision. My prayer is that you embrace and choose joy ALL DAY LONG!!!

 

friend, I love the joy of reminding you....you are a miracle!