Greetings to all, welcome to this new day! Wherever we are and whatever we find ourselves facing on this "grateful" Thursday, may we have and share God's gift of Joy. Amen
Being happy and having Joy is essential to life. Many of us have plenty of stuff, while others have lost and are continuing to lose so much every day.
Much of our Joy comes from having stuff and relationships with others. Truth be told, many of us would find it hard to give the meaning of what Joy really is. We know that we like it, we want it, and we spend a large part of our lives looking for it.
We look for it in many places, such as our possessions, jobs, and relationships. There is nothing wrong with us having possessions, a satisfying career, or relationships; however, our relationship with God should be the most important.
As God's children, we receive good gifts that don't leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled, and it pleases Him to provide us with those good things!
James 1:17 (GW)
17 Every good present and every perfect gift comes from above, from the Father who made the sun, moon, and stars. The Father doesn't change like the shifting shadows produced by the sun and the moon.
Isaiah 12:1-6 (NKJV)
1 And in that day you will say: "O LORD, I will praise You; Though You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me.
2 Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; 'For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.' "
3 Therefore, with joy, you will draw water From the wells of salvation.
4 And in that day you will say: "Praise the LORD, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted.
5 Sing to the LORD, For He has done excellent things; This is known in all the earth.
6 Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion, For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!"
Lesson: The above scripture is a hymn of praise: It gives us a clear and expressive description of the people's joy when Jesus comes to reign over the earth.
Still, today, and every day, each of us is encouraged to express our gratitude and thankfulness to God respectfully for the gift of Joy that Christ brings to earth.
As we face each day living in the gift of Joy, we can thank God, praise God, and tell others about God.
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