September 12, 2012
"The gifts I have received {in a Roman prison} are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:18-19
Imagine sitting in a dank Roman prison, waiting to be killed, and eyt to feel joy! How did Paul achieve this? Most of us humans feel happy when our want and desires for creature comforts are met. But Paul reminds us that our happiness then must depend upon certain earthly happenings. We can't always control what happens here. But joy depends upon Christ. It is always available to us because, because He is always available to us. He hears all our prayers.
Giving is pleasurable because we do it out of love for a friend, known or unknown, or for God. God knows our hearts. He knows what our motives for giving are. Selfish motives do not bring His blessings.
Jesus made many promises to us. He will never leave us. He will give us strength when we need it. We have all been blessed to have been born here in America. All good things in my life have come from God. How about you? Count your blessings! You can't help but feel joy when you count them!!
There is joy in my relationship with Jesus. Joy in being directed by the Holy Spirit. Joy that he has given me a mission. He gave you one too! There is joy in knowing that once we complete our mission on planet Earth, we will join Him in His glorious kingdom. Yes, and there is also joy in giving. When you help someone out, don't you feel joy?
Of course the greatest gift God ever gave us was Jesus!!
Dear Father, Let me be continually thankful for all you have given me. I know all good gifts are from you. Most of all, thank you for Jesus and thank you for letting me experience His love. Let me be continually sensitive to hearing your voice and your promptings. Let my money and my service be pleasing to you. I pray in the name above all names! Amen.
Author: Carol Bechberger
As a Christian I can't...
8 years ago
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