Windows On The Soul

The joy of the Lord is not real if we are chasing around trying to find the most "joyful" church or seeking it in lively music. Rather, joy is a spiritual fruit: ie. it is the result of spiritual growth. As we open more and more parts of our lives to God's graceful redemption, allowing Him to sanctify all aspects of our being, so His joy will grow in us. Out of that real joy will come praise and song, not the other way round. Jesus said, " Those who hear the word of God and obey it, will be joyful " ( Lk.11:28 ). ----xxxXxxx---- Neh.8:10 "The joy of the Lord is my strength" Ps.16:11 "Joyfulness is found in your presence" Ps.89:16 "In your name they shall rejoice all day; they shall be exalted in your righteousness" Ps.40:8 "I delight to do your will; Your law is within my heart" Jhn.4:36 "...both he that sows and he that reaps may rejoice together" Jhn.15:11 "I have spoken ...

It's the "great Australian dream" isn't it, the goal of every newly-wed couple - to "get on our feet". We have so many euphemisms - "getting ahead", "financial independence", "standing on our own two feet", and so forth. From childhood, peaking in our teens, we are exhorted to study hard to get a good education in order to get a well paid job. As newly weds, its scrimping and saving "just until we have enough for a deposit on a house". By then of course its having enough to give the new baby every opportunity. Finally, with the children off our hands, the prospect of retirement and living off our savings is looking us in the face. Right to the end, some are worrying whether they will have enough to pay for their funeral. What a worry-some lot we humans are ( Ps.39:6 ). This isn't the sort of life God wants us to lead ( Mt.6:25 ). The most joy-full life comes when we live by faith and trust ( Lk.12:29 ), when prayer...