Saturday, August 31, 2013

Finding Joy Through Jesus

My Utmost For His Highest
 
‘Living a full and overflowing life does not rest in bodily health, in circumstances, nor even in seeing God’s work succeed, but in the perfect understanding of God, and in the same fellowship and oneness with Him that Jesus Himself enjoyed. But the first thing that will hinder this joy is the subtle irritability caused by giving too much thought to our circumstances. Jesus said, “. . . the cares of this world, . . . choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful” (Mark 4:19). And before we even realize what has happened, we are caught up in our cares.’ CHAMBERS
 
The spiritual fruit – Joy is the result of a deep confidence in God that is produced through an abiding relationship with Jesus. (John 15:4)  “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” Nurturing … fortifying our relationship with Jesus is what should be most important in our lives, but very often it is what we tag on as we find the time to include Him or are faced with some trial.
 
Our seeking Him should be proactive not reactive. That means we should see Jesus as crucial to every aspect of our lives and so each day begins with strengthening our connection to the Vine.  The alternative which is probably the most common course of action is to wait until something happens and then we seek Him out.
 
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
 
Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)

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