I hope you are having a good February and I hope you are enjoying this new “short and snappy” blog where we focus on one nugget of truth with “a Word, a Song and a Laugh.”
I know that as you read the blog each week, you will be encouraged as you look up the Scriptures, listen to the songs and have a chuckle!
Today, let’s talk about a serious topic: Why so serious?
A Word: “...for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NLT
Have you ever noticed that while topics like: the Bible, heaven, hell, eternal matters and the like are “serious” things, God is not an uptight stick-in-the-mud, but rather His whole atmosphere and kingdom is one of: JOY! Is it time for you to lighten up, un-wrinkle your face and live in the joy of the Lord?
Joy belongs to you!
Think about it.
Joy in the Beginning: “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” Job 38:4-7, NLT
Joy at Jesus Birth: “Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!” he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.’ ” Luke 2:9-10, NLT
Joy Before the Cross: “… Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:2, NLT
Joy After the Cross: “So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.” John 16:22-24, NLT
Joy in God’s Presence: “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” Psalm 16:11, NLT
Joy at Salvation: “In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.” Luke 15:10, NLT
Joy from God’s Word: “When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight … “ Jeremiah 15:16, NLT
Joy is a Fruit of the Spirit: “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:22, NLT
Joy is Our Strength: “…for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Nehemiah 8:10, NLT
Joy Filled Jesus: “You love justice and hate evil. Therefore, O God, your God has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.” Hebrews 1:9, NLT
So, today, why not make a decision to live in the joy of the Lord? Let joy define you. Joy is not a weakness, it’s a strength and a sign of real faith! Don’t fall for the “religious” idea of being serious, stoic, unemotional, passionless, fearful or boring … be like Jesus … anointed with more joy than anyone else!!
A Song: To help you experience the joy of the Lord, listen to these four songs with your heart and sing along. These are NOT the predictable songs you might think of -- so keep a humble heart and let joy fill you up!
Oh Happy Day, by Aretha Franklin - the original song was written all the way back in 1969!! A classic for sure and the more you sing it the happier your heart will be!
Joy Song, by Motion Worship. A great song to sing and dance around your house with!
Let There Be Joy, by Ray Gene Wilson. We love Ray Gene — he’s a good friend of ours and we love the spirit of faith that flows out of his music. Enjoy!
I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, by Kid’s Church classic! Surprise! This is a great song for your kids and YOU! Don’t be too dignified, keep a childlike faith and sing along!