J is for Joyful and K is for Kindness
June 21
"Be joyful always" (1 Thessalonians 5:16) seems like an impossibility when measured with the world's requirements for joyfulness. A friend who has been an African missionary says what he loves most about his years in Uganda is the joy radiated from these people who have nothing when it comes to materialism. Their love for the Lord is a sufficient source for their joy.
In John Piper's book, Don't Waste Your Life he writes "There was a time love felt like this-when I could not conceive of any joy greater than the honor of my name. When I was so absorbed in me that is was inconceivable for joy to rise by my admiring rather than my being admired.....But now (thanks to your mighty grace!) I see it is an imitation."
He goes on to write about the inversion of sin and how it robbed our souls of the one joy God had designed to satisfy us for eternity. "In my presence there is fullness of joy; at my right hand are pleasures forevermore. Delight yourself in me! Be glad in me and leap for joy; I am your sure and great Reward! Come taste, and even now rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory."
We can probably count on one hand the people we know whose true and constant source of joy is the Lord.
"Be joyful always" (1 Thessalonians 5:16) seems like an impossibility when measured with the world's requirements for joyfulness. A friend who has been an African missionary says what he loves most about his years in Uganda is the joy radiated from these people who have nothing when it comes to materialism. Their love for the Lord is a sufficient source for their joy.
In John Piper's book, Don't Waste Your Life he writes "There was a time love felt like this-when I could not conceive of any joy greater than the honor of my name. When I was so absorbed in me that is was inconceivable for joy to rise by my admiring rather than my being admired.....But now (thanks to your mighty grace!) I see it is an imitation."
He goes on to write about the inversion of sin and how it robbed our souls of the one joy God had designed to satisfy us for eternity. "In my presence there is fullness of joy; at my right hand are pleasures forevermore. Delight yourself in me! Be glad in me and leap for joy; I am your sure and great Reward! Come taste, and even now rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory."
We can probably count on one hand the people we know whose true and constant source of joy is the Lord.
When I thought of photos related to joy I immediately started towards human exhibitions of joy...wedding pictures, baby pictures, even fun animal pictures. Then it hit me...while I have not photos of God himself, I do have photos of His Word which is a part of him that brings us joy!
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Galatians 5:22-23
So today we will dress ourselves in joy and kindness and others will find us attractive!
So today we will dress ourselves in joy and kindness and others will find us attractive!
