The joy before us.

 

You rub your head, you see the beauty before you, is it possible that God made it all for us? Jesus has made it possible for you to find out.

Psalms chapter 92 verses 1-5.

It is good to say, "Thank You" to the Lord, to sing praises to the God who is above all god's. Every morning tell Him, "Thank You for Your kindness," and every evening rejoice in all His faithfulness. Singing His praises, accompanied by music from the harp and lyre. You have done so much for me, O Lord. No wonder I am glad! I sing for joy.  

When you think of Jesus, what thought is it that sinks into you, about who He is and what He can do for you? 

   Do you continue to do things that you know are not right? We cannot help it. It is in our "way of living" to "want." But to what extent do we allow "want" to consume us? 

   The best gift ever was given to all people when Jesus was born. At first only a few people knew who He was and they may have wondered what was in store for Him. His first miracle, blew the people away and they wondered, who is this guy? The more miracles He did, the more people wanted what He could give, yet they did not understand who He was and what He was truly offering. 

    He was ridiculed and mocked, as He suffered in pain. They taunted Him with being His royal majesty and that if He claimed to be the Messiah, the Son of God, the Savior of all people, then why not save yourself? It hurt Him terribly to watch, as people denied Him, yet He knew that it was necessary for the generations of people to come. The true meaning of joy was put to death on a cross in order that we might have salvation. 

    Our struggles with "the want" to satisfy our own desires, are on-going, yet Jesus gave us an example in His own struggles as He overcame them with God. Are you ready to take up your cross and walk in the light of God?  It won't be easy. You have spent a lifetime building up those things that are blocking your way, so it is going to require work, patience and a strong "want" to overcome. 

    Psalm 53 talks of how people did not understand Jesus and considered Him to be just another person who was rocking the system. It was so sad to watch the people reject Him. He knew His reason for being here, but others did not see Him as God's Son. In their own mixed up thoughts, they thought that His troubles were created by His love for people, and the leaders of the time convinced them that He was being punished by God. They could not understand that He was their Savior. All they saw was a man who could do miraculous miracles of healing and yet His teachings rubbed the religious leaders the wrong way. Who by the way had a lot of control and power in those days. 

   Jesus knew that His suffering was going to lead many generations to come into walking a life of peace with God. That is God's plan and Jesus, who is filled with God, and fulfilled God's wishes. The joy that Jesus wants all people to know is that through Him peace and happiness is found in God.

   Like Jesus, who in God's eyes, was looked upon like a tender green shoot, sprouting from a root in dry and sterile ground. (Psalms 53 verse 2)  We too are seen by God as beautiful, just waiting for Him to give us the life He promises. 

   You may not think that there is hope, you may not be aware of God's promises and who Jesus is, and that makes us no different than the people of old, who did not understand Him or want to accept Him. Jesus healed so many, Jesus did things that were the impossible and in the long run, Jesus was risen to the heights of heaven.

  By accepting Jesus as your Savior, you are stepping into the Light of God. A place that is filled with miracles and joy. It is the place that Jesus teaches about and that God has promised to all people. It is the place where tears will fill your eyes with thankfulness. You will experience things that you never thought possible but are truly the miracles of God. The draw of old ways will still tempt you with "want" but the Light in which you are walking now, is way more than anything you would ever have expected. 

   The same loving strength that brought Jesus through such terrible agony will be with you and fill you with the joy He always had. 

   Thank You Father for Jesus and for lifting the darkness away so that we can clearly see You. 😊

Psalms chapter 23 verses 1-6. (The living bible paraphrased.)

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He restores my failing health. He helps me do what honors Him the most. Even when I am walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way. You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as Your guest; blessings overflow! Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with You forever in Your home.  

Luke chapter 23 verses 34 and 35.

"Father forgive these people," Jesus said, "for they do not know what they are doing." And the soldiers gambled for His clothing, throwing dice for each piece. The crowd watched. And the Jewish leaders laughed and scoffed. He was a good man at helping others," they said, "let's see Him save Himself if He is really God's Chosen One, the Messiah."  

John chapter 2 verses 10 and 11.

"This is wonderful stuff!" he said. "You're different from most. Usually a host uses the best wine first, and afterwards, when everyone is full and doesn't care, then he brings out the less expensive brands. But you have kept the best for the last!" 

This miracle at Cana in Galilee was Jesus' first public demonstration of His heaven-sent power. And His disciples believed He really was the Messiah.