Posts tagged ‘joy’

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10

This verse comes among Jesus comparing himself to a shepherd. The shepherd’s job was to protect the sheep from harm, which involved restricting their movement to some degree. If the shepherd let the sheep roam free, they could not be fully protected.

Our life as Christians is similar. At times we may perceive “limits” that our faith places on us. We may hear from others that we are missing out in something amazing. We may get jealous and tempted.

A roaming sheep probably enjoyed its freedom, too. Until the wolf came.

The path of following Jesus does suggest there are things we should not do. Rather than perceive them as limits, we should see them as ways of keeping us safe. Jesus doesn’t prevent us from enjoying life — there is plenty to enjoy. Instead, we are guided to avoid what can cause us harm.

Be God’s — every day.

Rejoice always…
1 Thessalonians 5:16

Sounds so simple… Yet how hard can it be?!?

God wants us to be happy. He has given SO much — look around. It is all from God. Clearly God wants us to find pleasure. Why else would he create and enable things like TV, pugs, chocolate, popcorn…

Though it can be hard, see joy in what surrounds you. You have been gifted by God, who wants to see you take pleasure in the life you’ve been given.

Be God’s — every day.

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other.
Ecclesiastes 7:14a

Our God is the God of all. From spring flowers to summer tornadoes, from giving to stealing, from reward to punishment. All good things come from him, and yet our trials are also guided by his hand.

As our faith matures, we understand how the “bad” in life is often veiled “good” — when the Lord closes a door he opens a window (I clearly haven’t fully purged the Sound of Music from my brain since Salzburg…).

In all things, REJOICE that God is there!

Be God’s — every day.