#scripture #joy

 I don't know about you, but nothing thrills my soul more than to study scripture with others! It is even better when you are able to "sit at the feet" of someone who has been studying for much longer than you have. This past week, I had the blessed opportunity to be encouraged and challenged by two strong, Christian friends. In a future post, I hope to be able to share some of what we covered.

I want to know more about Him. I desire to go deeper in my relationship with Christ. I don't want to be a stagnant Christian. I want to accomplish His will for my life.

Today's devotion in the book Jesus Calling was very uplifting and I want to share it with you.

"I AM CREATING something new in you: a bubbling spring of Joy that spills over into others' lives. Do not mistake this Joy for your own or try to take credit for it in any way. Instead, watch in delight as My spirit flows through you to bless others. Let yourself become a reservoir of the Spirit's fruit.
     Your part is to live close to Me, open to all that I am doing through you. Don't try to control the streaming of My Spirit through you. Just keep focusing on Me as we walk through this day together. Enjoy My Presence, which permeates you with Love, Joy, and Peace."

   Our happiness is temporary for it is based on our circumstances alone.  When you allow God to fill you with HIS joy it is lasting. 
I love the first part of the devotion where it says, "Do not mistake this Joy for your own or try to take credit for it in any way." Only our heavenly father can fill us with a joy that is lasting!

Praising His mighty name for the great things He is doing!

"Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice; and let men say among the nations, The Lord reigns!"

1 Chronicles 16: 31

m.e.