Finding Joy

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
Several years ago I learned an unforgettable lesson about true joy.  Kenneth Mitchell had gone fishing and brought us back a five gallon bucket of blue runners (I think that's what they're called). I grabbed my knife and headed for the washroom, no problem. I love fish!
As I started scaling Junior Edsil Myers quietly opened the door and took his place beside me at the sink. Nothing he's ever done has been more significant or more treasured than just pitching in when it never even crossed my mind to ask for help. His presence brought such joy the task took second place.
In our work-a-day world we are often faced with many difficult or tedious tasks. Sometimes we hop to it not because we are so fired up to work, but just to get it out of the way. Then, maybe a song comes to mind, or it could be just a few words of a Bible verse.  At other times a spiritual song comes pouring out from a river of raw inner emotions. Whatever the case, we suddenly realise the Presence of the Lord has swept in and everything changes.
Joy my Friends is not always about doing what we want to do,  much more about who stands with us.
The presence of Jesus, He changes everything.

It's Called Faith

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk 

I am amazed how we sometimes compress or make our faith small to match our wish list. Here's what I mean. Somehow, its okay to believe God "for" what we need and hang on through thick and thin until the answer is received.

But do we realize God changes circumstances,  shaking things up in our lives to get us to conform to His Image?

He is just as at work when he closes a door as when he opens one; when he gives or he takes. Let's widen the reaches of faith from a good time, all's well concept to a God who works through all things, at all times, for our good and His glory. No it's not a cake walk. It's trusting the plan when we cannot see His hand.

Take a Break

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
There is a simple scripture about God giving his beloved sleep. Also we have Jesus saying come unto all you who are burdened with care and l will give you rest. For all our busyness there is definitely a place for the theology of rest.
We need mental breaks when we are laboring under weighty subjects needing unending concentration. So in between do something involving the other side of your brain. I bake and  go over the top in my kitchen lol
We need prayer breaks when we are so focused on our need we get tunnel vision and miss God's Awesomeness. Walk, look at a sunrise or sunset, look at the world around you. Or, put some music on and sit with your Bible on your lap.
Sometimes our bodies just ache. At least, mine does.  It's not always necessary to push past the pain. Sit down. Order in if you can. If you can't, make your favorite meal and then sit down.
The point I'm making is God created rest stops in all sphere of life. Take them and show God how much you appreciate His wisdom.

Road Signs

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
As I approached my turnaround point this morning I noticed a couple of property signs. And I thought Christians have those too. I love the "Private Property no Trespassing" sign on my life. I am my beloved's and he is mine.  Jesus says I'm in his hands and nothing can "pluck" me out.
The "No Parking" sign speaks to the fact I am God's temple. I wish I could be so spiritual I am always singing Hallelujah! But that's not the case. So when a whole caravan of negative emotions start competing for space, the Holy Spirit makes sure if they are not the crew from Whatsoever Things with names like honest, pure, virtuous,  good report, etc., then they cannot park.
We all know sometimes in spite of ourselves we can feel like we are losing the battle though not the war. The law of the Tow Away Zone says the Spirit of Christ is authorized to remove every thought,  every action, everything that exalts itself against Him. It is that Power which guarantees when the enemy comes in, like a flood ,the Spirit of the LORD lifts up a standard against him.
We are told to be mindful of the signs on the road both spiritual and physical. Walk not as fools but as wise. Know who you are, whose you are, and demand that the enemy respect your boundaries.
Walk strong in Christ.

The Gift of Service

Merit raises, performance bonuses, fee for service, and promotions, all have one thing in common. They are things we earn. If we are not careful our Christian life can reflect the same pattern - doing more to earn more. Who puts that pressure on us? Our acquaintances, those we lead and most of all, ourselves.
No one wants to admit to having "feet of clay" so we do everything possible to live an image.
Listen, God loves you and his favor is a free gift. One cannot earn a gift.
Yes, we work and try to be steadfast in our devotion to God but it's not because those actions will get us extra points.
What we do is from a place of deep gratitude for what he has already done. If works have made you the hamster in the wheel, you will only get burnt out. You won't be happier by simply going faster; you won't be fulfilled by being recognized. At least not for long.
That is why the Word tells us to do all we do as unto God i.e. to please him. That's it. Not for reward or promotion but as a gift to him. We don't expect payment when we give a gift, right?
Next week or next work day remember to pray: Lord, let all my service to others be a gift to you.
Amen.

Finding true joy

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
Duty can be the death of happiness let alone joy. Focusing on duty only causes us to dwell on where we would rather be instead of all the intricacies of the moments happening right around us.
Every minute we spend is time we cannot ever recapture. And every minute we live, as children of God, are ordered by him. Oh yes, he's there at the unpleasant jobs whether it is seeing to the bodily comforts of a disabled person or waiting until the individual yelling at us runs out of breath.
God is there when we have plans for time off and the call comes to take someone somewhere and minutes turn to hours as we serve.
We are not our own and no one is absolutely free to do exactly as he or she pleases. The key then is to find joy in the moment. It does not have to be big, overwhelming things. It's flowers, sunshine, a thank you that came packaged in a smile, and most of all the being alive to experience it all.
God is there in duty or in desire. Whichever road you are on today, focus on Him and even duty will bring unexpected joy.

He'll Carry you!

...He stirs up your nest. He disappoints your hopes. He brings down your confidence. He makes you fear and tremble, as all your strength fails, and you feel utterly weary and helpless. And all the while He is spreading His strong wings for you to rest your weakness on and offering His everlasting Creator strength to work in you. And all He asks is that you sink down in your weariness and wait on Him. Allow Him in His Jehovah strength to carry you as you ride upon the wings of His omnipotence. Dear child of God, I pray you, lift up your eyes, and behold your God! Listen to Him who says that He "fainteth not, neither is weary" (Isa. 40:28), who promises that you too will not faint or be weary, who asks nothing but this one thing, that you should wait on Him. And, let your answer be, With such a God, so mighty, so faithful, so tender, My soul, wait thou only upon God!