20-Jul-14

Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. II Corinthians 8:1-2Where does our joy flow from?  Not from situations and scenarios.  It emenates from love and kindness of God.  God loves abundantly — running over.  David knew this when he wrote, “my cup runneth over.”  David was a man after God’s own heart, though David sinned he knew the joy of forgiveness and renewal in God’s love.  He was not defined by his sin, but his greatness was and is, in his faith and trust in God.One of the biggest blessings that is ours through the grace of God is our relationship with our grown children and their spouses.  How they bless us daily.  As they walk with the Lord each day in faithfulness, we are reminded over and over again of His Great Love.  Our prayer is always for our family, that they walk closely with the Lord Jesus.  For in doing so, even through sorrow, walking in the valley of doubt, their joy is in the Lord.  Their joy will overflow.  Loving like the Lord means seeing the heart and giving encouragement and never, ever giving up.When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. John15:10-12Grandma Daisy (Anna Daisy Siemens)  who walked in joy wrote this during her last illness:I want to dine on simple wholesome fare;/ All my open lines to God are trust and prayer. /  I like to run on blooming April daisy slopes / And walk through gloomy vales with heavenly hopes.I need a challenge of wide-open doors, / The soberness of tackling mundane chores; / Display my creation master’s brilliant art / And retain a copy for my homesick heart.Each time I thank the Lord for lessons learned / I find a sparkling gem I never earned; / This simple life is such a lovely thing. / I can only praise the Lord and sing.