Listen.

The simple things make us happy. Enjoy what you like to do. You are God's joy. 

Ecclesiastes chapter 8 verses 11-13.

Because God does not punish sinners instantly, people feel it is safe to do wrong. But though a man sins a hundred times and still lives, I know very well that those who fear God will be better off, unlike the wicked, who will not live long, good lives---their days shall pass away as quickly as shadows because they do not fear God. 

Ecclesiastes chapter 1 verses 3-7.

For what does a man get for all his hard work? Generations come and go but it makes no difference. The sun rises and sets and hurries around to rise again. The wind blows south and north, here and there, twisting back and forth, getting nowhere. The rivers run into the sea but the sea is never full, and the water returns again to the rivers, and flows again to the sea.....everything is utterly weary and tiresome. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied; no matter how much we hear, we are not content. History merely repeats itself. Nothing is truly new; it has all been done or said before. What can you point to that is new? 

   

Your life with God, because of Christ, is new! 

   And every day is now lived with a thankful heart to God, Christ and the Holy Spirit. You are left in awe, amazed that you never knew this before. In Ecclesiastes chapter 12, King Solomon suggests that we should not let the excitement of our youth forget about our Creator. We are to honor Him before the evil years come---when you will no longer enjoy living. He talks about our aging bodies and how our desires for food and lustful pleasure will disappear. In conclusion, He suggests that we fear God and obey His commandments, for this is the entire duty of man. For God will judge us for everything we do, including every hidden thing, good or bad. 

   What is it that has a grip on you? Is it addictions or relational frustration? Maybe you are in financial debt. Maybe you want to work but can't find a job? You could be filthy rich or living comfortably, it does not matter who we are, we all have stress and issues to deal with. Do you worry? Are you protective of your stuff? 

   Psalms chapter 90 says, "Seventy years are given us! And some may even live to eighty. But even the best of these years are often emptiness and pain; soon they disappear, and we are gone." 

   So joy is found in love. But this cannot be any type of love it has to be the eternal love of God put into us through Christ. Human love often hurts and can leave us sad and bewildered. But the love God offers us through Christ is the joy of life with Him now and with us forever. 

   Psalms chapter 90 ends with, "O Jehovah, come and bless us! How long will You delay? Turn away Your anger from us. Satisfy us in our earliest youth with Your lovingkindness, giving us constant joy to the end of our lives. Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good. Let us see Your miracles again; let our children see glorious things, the kind You used to do, and let the Lord our God favor us and give us success."

   We cannot stop or slow down the days from coming. But we can know that God created the days ahead and with Him we can trust in His guidance to protect us. And that leaves us with a grateful heart filled with gratitude. 

   Do not miss out on one moment of joy. Even in the midst of ridicule and torment, Christ is with you, in the presence of God. In 1 John chapter 1, the apostle says, "We are telling you about what we ourselves have actually seen and heard, so that you may share the fellowship and joys we have with the Father and with Jesus Christ His Son." 

   You have a story to tell, share it. But before you do, remember that others may not believe in God as you do. So ask Christ for help with your words and actions. Be prepared and always reflect with kindness the love God has placed in you.  

   Thank You Father for Jesus. Thank you that today is the day that You created and we get to live in it with You. 😊 

    

Luke chapter 7 verses 33-35

Jesus is talking to the religious leaders saying, "John the Baptist used to go without food and never took a drop of liquor all his life, and you said, he must be crazy! But I eat My food and drink My wine and you say, 'What a glutton Jesus is! And He drinks! And has the lowest sort of friends!' But I am sure you can always justify your inconsistencies."

Isaiah chapter 46 verses 12 and 13.

God speaking through the prophet Isaiah said, "Listen to Me, you stubborn, evil men! For I am offering you My deliverance; not in the distant future, but right now!"

Isaiah chapter 40 verse 29.

God gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak.