"Ever wonder what might happen if you used your Bible
as often as you use your cellphone?"
Our verse today is one of those life-giving exhortations to recognize what a gift today is and to respond appropriately. In 4th Grade Sunday School (yes, I'm still in 4th Grade!!) this past weekend, our lesson was on Paul and Silas singing hymns and praising God even after being beaten and thrown in prison (Acts 16:16-40). Our table activity was to make a "JOY" folder and put scriptures in it that talk about joy. Joy is possible even when the circumstances of our lives are not good.
I recently read about Lauren Scruggs, a young fashion blogger from Dallas, who lost an eye and an arm in a propeller accident. Listen to one of her recent "tweets":
"Humbled and thankful to share the journey
God has chosen 4 me. Hope it helps others learn,
as I have, that He is enough."
John Piper says: "God created us to live with a single passion to joyfully display his supreme excellence in all the spheres of life." Not just when everything is going our way! As believers, we have been given the Holy Spirit to indwell us and to produce His fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23) If we're not producing it, guess who makes that decision? Does anyone else need a JOY folder?
For further study: Psalm 86:1, Psalm 100:2, Psalm 107:22, Habakkuk 3:18, Matthew 5:12, Romans 12:12, Philippians 4:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:16, James 1:2.
Be blessed in your understanding of God's word.
Love,
Holly
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