True Joy
As we come to the end of this year and begin our next, let us not forget where
true joy comes from. Joy is usually associated with happiness, but it goes much
deeper than that. We spent time with family and friends the past few weeks,
and had a good time, and thus we consider this season a time of joy.
But, true joy comes from our hearts and not our emotions. The Bible speaks of
joy as being a virtue and a good work. The Bible teaches us to possess joy,
but not necessarily share joy. True joy comes from our understanding that we
are doing the best we can to please Almighty God. It is not the once in a while
practice of a religion that makes us acceptable to God, it is the respect that
we give HIM, and we honor and glorify HIM when we keep His commandments.
Many years ago I heard it expressed this way.
Jesus first
Others second
Yourself last
Matthew 6:33 Jesus says: “But seek ye first the kingdom and His
righteousness….
Colossians 1:18 reads: “He is also head of the body, the church;
and He is the beginning, the first born from the dead; so that He Himself might
come to have first place in everything”
Philippians 2:3 reads: "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit,
but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important
than himself”
1 Peter 5:6 reads: Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand
of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time”
My friends, if you will live with the principle (or formula) above, your life
will be filled with joy. Put God first in your lives, and then look to serve
others. In the end, your reward will be great.
We know that God is not willing that any perish (2 Peter 3:9). You must believe
that Jesus is the Son of God and died on the cross for your sins. (Acts 8:37).
You must repent of your sins (Luke 13:3), you must confess
Jesus as Lord (Matthew 10:32) and you must be baptized for
the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Then you must remain faithful
and continue learning how to serve God(2 Peter 3:18). Let us help you
on your spiritual journey. May God bless you in your study of His word.
Please visit us at:
By Carey Scott via the Madisonville Meteor; December 31, 2008
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