BIBLE STUDY with JJ DANIEL @ Word2day.com

enJOYing The Journey

JJ Daniel, Washington

Word2day.com

THE JOY OF THE LORD ~ IS A CHOICE

jj88.jpg.jpg Do you know someone who always looks like they were baptized in lemon juice?! Could someone say that same thing about you?

Most of us once thought... well, if I were married I’d be happy! After you’d been married awhile you may have thought: If I were single I’d be happy! LOL!! If we depend on earthly-relationships to make us happy or to bring us joy, we will live our life on a roller-coaster, and be disappointed every time. We find true and lasting joy, only in our relationship with our Heavenly Father, and His Son Jesus Christ.

Sometimes we ask God to give us something, then when we have the very things that we thought we wanted – we find that it didn’t bring the joy that we were looking for. Often the “stuff” that we depend on for a joy-fix, turns into unwanted, and excess baggage! All the “stuff” that earth has to offer will never buy joy! Oh, stuff serves to bring us a moment of enjoyment, but it just doesn’t last. The Bible says that “Moths and mildew will take your stuff” – and it certainly does! I believe that the Father really does want His kids happy, and He doesn’t mind us having a lot of stuff; when the stuff has you, then there is a problem!! Jesus said: “I came to give you life, an abundant life!” and “I Speak these things, so that your joy might be full, and that your joy would remain.” Sounds to me like He wants His Bride to enjoy life! Ya think? John 10:10; 15:7-12

Thinking of “life” and what it offers, the words of an old song come to mind: “Is that all there is?!” What a terrible way to go through life!

Here in America, it seems that we are so focused on making money and spending it, being productive, and getting more and bigger stuff every day – that we really don’t take time to ‘stop and smell the roses.’ It seems that folks in New Zealand and Australia have a better understanding of taking time off to enjoy life. Maybe we could just all go take lessons from them, eh?

My take on this topic – is that we have to CHOOSE JOY! Just as we choose to walk inside of the Peace of God… or not!! Jesus brings JOY and PEACE with Him, inside the covenant that He purchased for us on the Cross. Just like Salvation, we have to recognize it, accept it, and choose to walk in it.

HOW TO GET INSIDE OF JOY AND STAY THERE:

1. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT?

§ “Guard your heart (mind / thoughts), with all diligence, for out of it comes the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23

§ “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ! “ 2 Corinthians 10:5

§ “Be careful for nothing (don’t be anxious); but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your heart and mind (thoughts) through Christ Jesus. Think on these things, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest (honorable), whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:6-8

2. WHAT DO YOU SAY?

§ “Death and life are in the power of your tongue; you will eat the fruit of it!” Proverbs 18:21-22

“Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Matthew 12:34

Do you SPEAK JOY into your life, or do you constantly speak death, defeat, sickness and sorrow over yourself and your family?

§ “Give thanks in all things, for this is the will of the Father for you, in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 5:20

Where ever we are in life today, we can each see our life as half-full / half-empty; as wonderful and blessed or empty and worthless. It’s a mind-set that we can adopt; a life-style that we can choose, and train our self in. GOD LOVES YOU! HE CHOSE YOU!! JESUS LOVES YOU, He laid His life down for you; He will never leave you or forsake you – and you will spend eternity with Him in heaven (assuming that you recognize that He is the only begotten Son of God, and have accepted Him as your Lord and Savior. John 3:16; Romans 10:9). This alone brings joy! Amen? Where would we be without Jesus?!

If you want things to be different in your life…CHANGE! Move toward the dreams you carry, and be thankful along the way!

If we adopt a lifestyle of being thankful – there just isn’t room for anything but the joy of the Lord! Find the GOOD, concentrate on that, be thankful for that! Commit the rest to the Father, and work with Him to change it.

§ “I formed you in your mother’s womb…” - “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Isaiah 46 & Psalm 139

§ “He is working to perfect all things that concern you.” Psalm 138:8

§ “The things that seem impossible to man are possible with God!” Matthew 19:26

Shalom! SHINE ON!!

JJ Daniel – On my way to Heaven ~ Enjoying the journey!

~ Victory~

I refused to be discouraged
To be sad, or to cry;
I refuse to be downhearted,
and here's the reason why...

I have a God who's mighty,
Who's sovereign and supreme;
I have a God who loves me,
and I am on His team.

He is all wise and powerful,
Salvation is the game;
Though everything is changeable,
My God remains the same.

My God knows all that's happening;
Beginning to the end,
His presence is my comfort,
He is my dearest friend.

When sickness comes to weaken me,
To bring my head down low,
I call upon my mighty God;
Into His arms I go.

When circumstances threaten
to rob me from my peace;
He draws me close unto His breast,
Where all my strivings cease.

And when my heart melts within me,
and weakness takes control;
He gathers me into His arms,
He soothes my heart and soul.

The great "I AM" is with me,
My life is in His hand,
The "Son of God" is my hope,
It's in His strength I stand.

I refuse to be defeated,
My eyes are on my God;
He has promised to be with me,
as through this life I trod.

I'm looking past all my circumstances,
To Heaven's throne above;
My prayers have reached
the heart of God, I'm resting in His love.

I give God thanks in everything,
My eyes are on His face;
The battle's His, the victory is mine;
He'll help me win the race.

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