Joy – the english dictionary describes “Joy”:
* a deep feeling or condition of happiness or contentment
* something causing such a feeling; a source of happiness
* an outward show of pleasure or delight; rejoicing
3 John 1:4
Greater joy have I none than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
Luke 1:44
As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
John 16:22
So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
John 16:21
A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.
Galatians 6:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness & self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Joy is the source of happiness. These definitions also state the joy is a deep feeling or condition. The presence of joy does not come and go on a whim. Additionally, joy is the outward manifestation of an inner pleasure or delight.
-I found it’s true joy when we can give without expecting return-it is in our human (sinful) nature to expect return or paybacks and be told “thank you”. The Joy knowing of true giving and that possibly one day the return will be paying it forward, passing it on. Possibly not seeing the end result – gives far more joy!
-As I prayed and thought of joy, many verses state that joy can come and overpower the most painful, grieving times in our life, I have found this true when you have lost a loved one or gone through a tramatic situation, you would never dream you could have deep joy ever again.
Life Begins At The End Of Your Comfort Zone – Neale Donald Walsch
As someone growing up sitting in the back pew of the church this saying is So Not Me! I take Great comfort in knowing that had I Not stepped beyond my “Comfort Zone” – I would have Never found Joy unspeakable! True Joy reminds me when the Petty Family would say it was a “God Moment”! Those moments when you Wholeheartedly KNOW it was God involved, intervened in a situation Huge or Small. This is Joy Unspeakable! The feeling and “with-out-a-doubt” knowing God was with us and the situation! I pray all of you seek this Joy!
Why is this sale of any importance for the church, etc. Here is just a thought ~ We realize the single most important reason for coming to church is Salvation and Learning the God given principles and the ministry of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus! As human-people also come to the church and stay when there are programs of interest, the needs (structure, appearance & financial obligations) of the church are met. 2 kings 12 speaks about necessity of repairs of the temple. Our goal is to have the funds to be able to accomplish and continue to do work for the Lord in ways of Ministry, Discipleship, Outreach, feeding the hungry, church repairs and helping our congregation – just to name a few!
Your Prayers are Greatly appreciated! God Bless You this busy and exciting Month of June!
