AN INSIDE JOB

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

I had a wonderful experience yesterday. I was one of the first attendees of REFUGE CHURCH, a new “gathering” of believers on the site of the REFUGE’s Nelsons headquarters and orientation center.

Those of you who read this DISPATCH know about the REFUGE (http://www.mensliveschanged.org/), but this is a new church plant headed up by a vibrant group of young people under the guidance of Wes Thompson. Yesterday was day 1 of REFUGE CHURCH and it was a remarkable beginning to say the least. More than 120 folks I would guess came together for worship, a word, and the breaking of bread. It was a great kickoff to what I know will be an impactful work in Grove City and beyond. And while REFUGE CHURCH will provide a safe and grace-laden haven for the men of the ministry, REFUGE CHURCH is dedicated to sharing the true GOSPEL, period.

And yesterday Wes shared not only his take on that GOSPEL but also a little nugget on the importance of seeking JOY in life.

In fact, Wes' talk brought me to this question this morning.

Are you seeking JOY or are you merely settling for happiness?

Now I know what you might be saying, aren’t they the same?

No.

Happiness is often tied to circumstances and others. Joy is supernatural and comes from the Lord.

Nehemiah 8:10

…the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Happiness can be as fleeting as a change in the weather or our attitude toward our surroundings. Joy is steady and weathers things like the weather.

Happiness is an outside job. Joy is an inside job.

Philippians 4:4

Be full of joy always because you belong to the Lord. Again I say, be full of joy!

You see that?

Be FULL of JOY.

Because JOY is from the LORD and is increased by belonging to the Lord. The bottom line is we can always COUNT on JOY even when circumstances rob us of happiness. Don't think so? Think again...

James 1:2

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

That is why I asked the question today are you seeking JOY or HAPPINESS?

Happiness can be quite elusive but joy is right here for the claiming!

Psalm 16:11

...in your presence (GOD) there is fullness of JOY!

So today instead of allowing outside influences and the impact of others set the tone for your day, let's allow GOD to pour JOY into our hearts and minds!

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy...

Then regardless what comes our way, we will truly "be happy".

Also will you pray for Wes and the team at REFUGE CHURCH that GOD will use them to transform and restore lives with this JOY that only GOD can bring!

I love you all!

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney