JOY 2

JOY

(PART 2 OF 2)

As a lad, I lay one day upon a bale of hay. The days baling was done and rest required. Rays of fading sunlight pierced through the cracks in the walls of the dilapidated barn where I reclined. Chewing on a golden straw of newly cycled hay, I marveled at a spider on its web. Glittering in the sun ray, the web was in sharp contrast to the glistening black, red spot spider. The spider had worked a wonder beneath God’s helping breath. I did not know the spider. I understood not its net. I was ignorant of its threat. As the sun closed the day, I lay still upon the bale. In sleep my thoughts returned to the spider. She never made a move; content to wait. Her net was set in perfection. Her faith was strong. She did not jump here and there looking for a place to build a better snare. God would deliver her food in time; she truly had no cares. She waited patiently right there.

Morning came and with it an onslaught of rain. A grumble was imminent, but then I saw the spider. Chewing content and joyful on a captured moth. She didn’t remember the long wait or the smell of molding hay. She would tarry there for another day.

I sauntered over to the fallen door and yawning, stretching and rubbing sleep filed eyes. An upward look revealed a dark rolling mass of clouds. My spirits dropped; no work today.

Then came the tinkling of a bell; breakfast was served. A speedy washing of hands and face admitted me to the feast. I recalled the spider with her meal and her joy. I surveyed a table set with vittles fit for a king. Ask thanks to God and asking his blessings upon the food, my heart overflowed with joy. I knew then that God had fed the spider and now was feeding me.

We take God’s offer of eternal life. We feel great joy. Then storms come and gloomy clouds flood our lives. Our web, the Holy Spirit, is perfect and strong. Shielded within Him in patience, joy will surly come in the morning. Ephesians 5:10 “Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.” is the key. Knowing what is acceptable to God is listed in His word; Holy Bible. Knowing God and His plans for us, shined new light on the spider, the web, the sun, the rain and the call to refreshments.

John 3:29 “He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.” The spirit that is in Christ Jesus must also reside in us. Romans 5:11”And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Romans 14:17 “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Tiredness, stillness and hope in better things to come will produce Joy where worry would, otherwise, grow.1 Thessalonians 2:19 ”For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? It is not the situation at hand, good or bad, that brings us joy but rather things to come. We know intimately the author of our faith which brings joy. Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” 1 John 1:4 “And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” Greet one another with a holy kiss. Lift up all believers. Know the peace and joy of fellowship. 2 John 1:12 “Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. God’s peace and Joy as was Paul’s is to see faithful children walking joyfully believing in His soon coming. 3 John 1:4 “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

Jude 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Know God, know peace (JOY) 01-06-2020 BLL