Obedience brings Joy

As Chrstians we are expected to be joy filled. But do you sometimes feel someone or something has stolen your joy. What do you do to bring it back?

Well, today Susie Jennings, the famous "blanket lady" shared her secret at a Chritian Women's cub luncheon here in Irving, Tx. Joy turned a ministry of deivering blankets to the homeless of Dallas into an international ministry, Operation Care, that has reached thousands of children in 9 countries and over 130,000 men, women and children in the Dallas metropolitan area. She attributes this to listening to God and giving him unconditional obedience. What follows is JOY that comes from Jesus, others and yourself.

"Every time your name comes up in my prayers, I say, “Oh, thank you, God!” I keep hearing of the love and faith you have for the Master Jesus, which brims over to other believers. And I keep praying that this faith we hold in common keeps showing up in the good things we do, and that people recognize Christ in all of it. Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel, doubly so when I see your hospitality to fellow believers." Philemon 1:4-7 (Message)

Reunion

Summer is often a season of reunions for families and other groups or organizations. We spent several days in San Antonio with the reunion coordinator for Jim's destroyer group looking at multiple possibilities to bring a group of 60 or more from across the countty to reminisce about their naval experiences and enjoy a fun time together. What kind of reunion are you attending this summer? A family reunion, a college or high school reunion, a friend or previous employment or former church? Who do you hope will be there and what do you hope the outcome will be?

Psalm 60 is a beautiful passage reminding us what a Godly reunion can be. Have you ever considered planning a reunion witih God? Who do you expect will come? What do you expect the outcome will be?

"I’ll give you only the best—no more hand-me-downs!
Gold instead of bronze, silver instead of iron,
bronze instead of wood, iron instead of stones.
I’ll install Peace to run your country,
make Righteousness your boss.
There’ll be no more stories of crime in your land,
no more robberies, no more vandalism.
You’ll name your main street Salvation Way,
and install Praise Park at the center of town.
You’ll have no more need of the sun by day
nor the brightness of the moon at night.
God will be your eternal light,
your God will bathe you in splendor.
Your sun will never go down,
your moon will never fade.
I will be your eternal light.
Your days of grieving are over.
Psalm 60: 17-19 (Message)

First Priority

"Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
    and obey it with all my heart.
Direct me in the path of your commands,
    for there I find delight.
 Turn my heart toward your statutes
    and not toward selfish gain." Psalm 119

Ever have difficulty figuring out God's plan for you? Seems that from this passage understanding comes through our hearts, not our heads. It would also seem that we need to turn out hearts toward his statutes. And where do we find these statutes that helps us to know and obey what he wants from us? Must be from scripture...God's Holy Word.

So, where do we go to find our God's plan for us? Reading his word and turning our hearts to him and away from thoughts of worldly gain, praying for understanding and guidance and seeking his heart...his love. Not impossible, is it? Let go of worldly thinking and desires and instead open your mind and heart to God's love for understanding and direction. Make that your priority every day, all day. It's how to begin and spend your day.