WALLS

I like this quote.

“The walls we build around us to keep sadness out also keeps out the joy.”

J Rohr

Joy comes from the Lord, often through our relationships to other people. The Apostle Paul wrote,

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? …For ye are our glory and joy.” (1Thes. 2:19-20)

Although the Lord is the source of joy, God often uses people to deliver HIS JOY into our lives. It is true that relationships can be a source of sadness and hurt; yet without them, we cannot hope to experience joy or the fulfillment of completing the mission God has given to each of us. However, the walls we build to keep people out have the unfortunate side effect of keeping the Joy of the Lord out as well.

His mission and ours are always about people and relationships. We must “risk” some sadness and hurt in order to reap the greater benefits of Joy and fulfillment.

UNSEEN EYES

Think about a time when you were doing something that you knew to be wrong. Do you remember the paranoia, the overwhelming dread felt during that time? Can you recall how every little creak was magnified, every shadow a spy, and the feeling that at every window an unseen eye may be watching! When looking at something you should not, even a familiar and friendly voice alarms. You find yourself running from shadows and startled by every little noise.

 “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1)

On the other hand, when you are doing the right things you enjoy an inherent peacefulness. There is no feeling of dread or anxiety over someone seeing. In fact, you generally experience a sense of security even if you do not recognize it and are emboldened and often excited when someone does notice.

The question then is this: "What is making you uneasy or paranoid?" Is there something you are involved in that is keeping you on edge? Wouldn’t it be nice to simply relax & rest for a while? It may not be the first answer that comes to mind but doing the right thing may just heal that anxiety.

No Time to Take People for Granted

Our time in this life is short and uncertain. We all at times take those around us for granted and allow our schedules or the demands of others to distract us from the most important relationships in our lives.
It is important that we find ways to prioritize those relationships without abandoning the plan of God for our lives or shirking our legitimate responsibilities and duties.
I thank God for my family. And I intend to focus on attaining a right balance in my life especially with regard to my wife and children. I do not want them to doubt, for even one moment, that my love for them is absolute, unconditional and eternal. Jackie, Nathanael, Isaac & Luke are the greatest loves of my life in the world.
Jay

Youtube video

Marriage Intimacy Hurting Healing

http://youtu.be/NQPizeCpkyE

FRUSTRATIONS - In Perspective

Isn't it amazing how quickly we get frustrated and upset? It seems so many live most every day in this state of frustration where nearly every part of life is raw and hypersensitive. There is the constant din of complaints and the tearing down of people that seems to fill the air around us. It makes us feel that the black cloud of discontent that hovers overhead could transform at any moment into a full-blown tornado, resulting in widespread wholesale destruction in our lives.

For me, getting the Son shine back into my life requires focusing on the true, the honest, the right, the pure, the lovely, the good reports and the things that affect positive change in my thinking and in those around me (Philippians 4:8). Thank you Jesus, and all those around me for patiently enduring as I go through this process day after day!

Who Do You Love?

(Matthew 5:46, 48) “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? Be ye therefore perfect [fully mature], even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”

       

It is natural for us to be close to those that bring benefit or at least perceived benefit to our lives.  We even read in 1John 4:19 “We love him (Jesus), because he first loved us.”

However, as believers we are to become more like Jesus. You see, He was able to love us even when we did not love him. If fact we were his enemy long before we loved him. We had no real benefit to offer Jesus, and yet, he loved us; loved us so much that he gave His life that we might have everlasting life. Possibly, the greatest benefit is that because of Jesus’ unconditional love, we can experience real love from its source, God Himself!

Because this gift is a direct connection to Love, we now have the capacity to love others as Jesus loved us. This is our opportunity to love unconditionally! We are the hands, conduit, of the love of God to all those that have not been blessed to know that love. What a privilege! We need to seize this opportunity and love others as Jesus does.

Anniversary 30 years

Today I celebrate a truly blessed life. My wonderful wife Jackie and I have been married for thirty years today. God has competed me with one that fills in all my gaps and weaknesses as a father and pastor. With Jackie's love and support we continue in the labors of life and ministry. Without her consistent encouragement and loving compassion it would be impossible to press on day after day and year after year. This past Father's Day marked fifteen years as Senior Pastor of Joy Baptist Church. We have seen much change and weathered many storms together. Together being the operative word. Because of our love one to another all these years, side by side, step by step, hand in hand we are able and blessed to serve the King of Kings as shepherd without loosing our heart, our love and our zeal for people.
I thank God daily for the blessing of a faithful, loving helpmeet that has never given up on me in spite of difficulties and opposition.
Thank you Jackie
With all my love,
Jay