JOY

J esus first

O thers second

Y ou last

This is true JOY. ~ Lois Kelly,

Kindergarten teacher

Oh, how the “shoulda, woulda, couldas” of life can rob our intended joy and steal our peace, the gifts of God.

When our dreams are stolen and our hearts are broken we need not stay there ~ that is what we do when our minds linger there, when we day dream over the shouldas and our words carry in them, a wistfulness for yesterday.

God allows all that happens in our life and He carries us forward, when we choose His path for us. He moves past, over, around and thru the could-have-beens and brings us to the openness of now ~ The empowered, with-God days, where Joy resides.

In Him all things are possible ~ all healing and purpose are found. The heart break and hurts that are so deep, are the very well-spring that we serve from. Living in them, instead of offering them up for service, is where our bondage traps us. There is no Life there, only sorrows of the past.

Be devoted to one another in love.

Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 12:10 ~ NIV

Joy was never meant to be self-serving, ‘me’ oriented. Joy, real joy, the JOY of Jesus is all encompassing. When we look at our circumstance, our feelings and see them only from a ‘what’s in it for me’ perspective, we’ve already missed it. But, when we put Jesus first and His desires for others next, our hearts are filled to overflowing! Really, what’s more joyful than sensing His presence in a situation and seeing real JOY released into the lives of others!  As for being last? We’re never last in God’s eyes. HE is the One Who directs our steps, plans our days and invites us to enJOY every moment with Him…in all things.

Our God, King of kings, Lord of lords is the Light in the darkness ~ we need only step towards Him and lean into Love’s Joy and allow ourselves to heal…to learn the unforced rhythms of Grace, as He lives in us and thru us. ♥

But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me,
    and through each night I sing his songs,
    praying to God who gives me life.

Psalm 42:8 ~ New Living Translation

Clothing of Christ

My heart breaks amidst all the discord and dissension. Friends and families going at each other over their opinions. It is all so sad…

We are not called to live like this! We are called, yes commanded, to love one another. God didn’t tell us to agree on every topic, as a matter of fact just the opposite. We are to love, to seek out the other’s perspective and be Light and Love to one another.

So I give you a new command: Love each other deeply and fully. Remember the ways that I have loved you, and demonstrate your love for others in those same ways. Everyone will know you as My followers if you demonstrate your love to others.

John 13:34 & 35 ~ The Voice Version

It would probably do us all a wondermous amount of good to remember that Christ did not come to condemn this world. To live as Christ means, neither should we.  Because here’s the deal with that…God has all the rights to condemn the world. He’s Perfection, we’re not. Our opinions, our perspectives are limited to what we can see, know and formulate. We cannot know another person’s heart and motives and they cannot know ours. And the only truth we can ever truly know is Christ.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,

but to save the world through Him.

John 3:17 ~ New Living Translation

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.

 No one can come to the Father except through me.

John 14:6 ~ New Living Translation

And no matter what our thoughts are on any subject, what is with all of this finger pointing and claiming to be “right”? It would be a great idea to stop and ask our own soul, “What is my heart’s motive in all this?...Where is my ‘need’ to be right coming from?”

You have searched me—my heart and soul—awakened me from dreaming and tested me.
    You’ve found nothing against me.
    I have resolved not to sin in what I say.
⁴ The path violent men have followed,
    I will not travel. Violence is not my way.
Your ways and Your voice now guide my journey.

Psalm 17:3 & 4  ~ The Voice Version

When we assume that we have all the answers, we quickly move to thinking the other person must be wrong. And even if that were so, we’re still called to love and not condemn and to encourage those around us into the loving arms of Christ… “I have resolved not to sin in what I say.” . Spewing at and judging others accomplishes the opposite and works as a way of self-elevation. (I’m right + you’re wrong = I’m better)   

All this erects walls, where there should be paths of Peace ~ Digs chasms of chaos, where Grace would build bridges to peoples souls.

 Be humble. Be gentle. Be patient.

Tolerate one another in an atmosphere thick with love.

Ephesians 4:2 ~ The Voice Version

Father, may our prayer be for the clothing of Christ…

 

 Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Colossians 3:12