The body of Christ is made up of a diverse group of redeemed people.  Individually we come from different backgrounds and vocations. We have uniques gifts, interests and passions.  We also have different strengths and weaknesses.   Our lives have taken us down different paths in life and ministry.  From the “onlooker” some of our paths have been one of ease (looks are deceiving).  For others it has been one of many heartaches, disappointments and set-backs.  But, no matter which path we find ourselves currently on, life in general has a way of “robing” us of our Joy.  Even the everyday routines and responsibilities of life can “squeeze” the Joy from our souls.  But does this have to be the case?  Can we live our lives without losing our “Joy?”  The Bible says, “yes.”   I believe the key is found in Psalm 16: 11, “…in your PRESENCE there is FULLNESS of JOY…”   As a Christ follower Jesus has promised He would never leave us nor forsake us.  He has promised His Holy Spirit to dwell in us and among us.  He has promised us eternal life!  He said that we are joint heirs with Christ, and that at His “right hand are pleasures forevermore!”   By staying in Jesus’ PRESENCE we can “count it all JOY!”  brothers and sisters when the path of life takes us down the road of trials of various kinds.                     (cf. James 1:2)  Yes we can live a life overflowing with JOY because of the PRESENCE of Christ in our lives!   “You make known to me the path of life; in your PRESENCE there is FULLNESS of JOY; at our right hand are PLEASURES FOREVERMORE!”  - Psalm 16: 11 (ESV)

“We are writing these things so that our JOY may be complete (FULL)” -    1 John 1:4 (ESV)   Give the Lord a shout of PRAISE! 

In His Service,

Pastor Rodney