It’s SPIRIT WEEK here on GUWG. For the next few days, we’ll be taking a closer look at each fruit of the Spirit.
Today’s featured fruit: JOY.
What exactly is joy? Joy isn’t an emotion. It isn’t happiness. It isn’t pleasure. It’s waaaaay deeper than that.
Joy comes from God. It’s available 24/7, no matter the circumstances.
We continue our 40-day journey with Jesus to the Cross and beyond.
Yesterday, we discussed Jesus’ first words. Today’s topic: Jesus’ first miracle.
Jesus, his mom and the disciples were invited to a wedding. Weddings were an even bigger production back then, lasting up to an entire week.
The drama starts:
Rejoice in the Lord always!
I will say it again,
rejoice!
(Philippians 4:4)
Today’s verse is pretty simple.
What are we supposed to do?
It’s CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN here on GUWG. Here’s today’s featured Bible verse:
She gave birth
to her firstborn, a son.
She wrapped him in cloths
and placed him in a manger,
because there was no room
for them in the inn.
(Luke 2:7)
Is there room in your heart for Jesus? Or is it sort of like the inn in the Christmas story — too packed to let the Savior in?
In the days leading up to Christmas it often seems that the dominant feeling is STRESS rather than JOY. I don’t know about you, but here’s what my schedule for the next few days looks like: Work. Shopping. Work. Decorating. Work. Holiday parties. More work. More shopping. More holiday parties. Cooking. Cleaning. Collapsing.
If we’re not careful, Christmas can fly right by us and then all of a sudden it’s December 26 and there’s nothing left to do but to watch parades and lame bowl games on TV.
Don’t let that happen this year. Leave room in your hearts for rest, reflection and the reason for the season: JESUS.
Below is some great age-old advice. We sing it every Christmas season. Let’s live it out this year.
Joy to the world,
The Lord has come!
Let earth receive her King.
Let every heart
prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing.
(Isaac Watts)
It’s CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN here on GUWG, where from now until December 25 we’re preparing our hearts for the arrival of the Savior of the World.
I spent most of yesterday feeling a combination of fear, dread and grumbliness. The (admittedly lame) reasons?
God wants to replace our fear, dread and grumbles with JOY. Here’s what the angel said to the shepherds when he announced Jesus’ birth:
Do not be afraid.
I bring you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people.
(Luke 2:10b)
So, what exactly is joy? Joy isn’t an emotion. It isn’t happiness. It isn’t pleasure. It’s deeper than that.
Joy comes from God. It’s available to us 24/7, no matter the circumstances.
What does the Bible say? Joy is a major theme in God’s word. It sings in the Psalms, graces the Gospels, epitomizes the Epistles and reverberates in Revelation. Here’s just a sampling:
C.S. Lewis called joy “the serious business of heaven.” Billy Sunday said: “If you have no joy in your religion, there’s a leak in your Christianity somewhere.”
Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you to overflowing with joy and then …
We conclude OLD TESTAMENT WEEK here on GUWG with a prayer from David, whom God called a “man after my own heart.” Pray through each precious word with all YOUR heart.
I will exalt you, O Lord,
for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
O Lord my God, I called to you for help
and you healed me.
O Lord, you brought me up from the grave;
you spared me from going down into the pit.
Sing to the Lord, you saints of his;
praise his holy name.
For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.
You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.
AMEN
(Psalm 30:1-5, 11-12)
It’s NO GRUMBLING WEEK here on GUWG.
Ever feel like you’re running on empty?
I find that I’m most prone to grumble when I try to navigate life under my own power. Here’s what we get when we let our sinful nature take the wheel:
hatred
discord
jealousy
fits of rage
selfish ambition
dissensions
factions
envy
and much much more
(Galatians 5:20-21)
What should we do? Use an alternative fuel source . . .
BE
the fruit of the Spirit
FILLED
is love, joy, peace,
WITH
patience, kindness, goodness,
THE
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control
SPIRIT
(Ephesians 5:18b, Galatians 5:22-23)
