Joy

[P_G]

You know I came in to post a fellowship message because I was a bit broken hearted over some bashing I saw. Now I see even more here and am doubly glad that I did.

I noticed on my calendar that last Sunday was Rose Sunday. The day in advent that my Catholic brothers pause to think of the joy of the season. And I got to thinking I want to get in on that and pause with you for a moment too. Because rather than hurt I choose to dwell in love.

- - Praise G-d for the JOY! - -

How wonderous it is to dwell in the Joy of Christ! John the Baptist leapt for joy in his mothers womb just being near the unborn Messiah. Imagine even warm and safe in his mothers womb he wanted out, he wanted Y'shua. G-d was so near to him and even as a pre-born baby he was Joyful, because the son of G-d was near!

And as Mirriam (who you know as Mary) our dear sister pondered the things that Gavrial had spoken to her was surely frightened at the prospect but to be certain her obediance turned her worry into Joy. The Joy that can only come from G-d!

That we would rejoice in the Joy! That when we are sorrowed and troubled we would take Mirriams example and be Joyful for the blessing that G-d is bestowing even in a hard or difficult time. That we would simply be joyful to the point of leaping knowing that our G-d is so near. That we would all in this season just pause a moment as brothers and share the Joy of the L-rd!

So from my house to yours
From my Shul to your church

I wish you all from my heart and with tears
The Joy and the Peace of the risen savior.


Baruch YHVH Shalom

Pastor George

 

[geocajun]

Pastor George, you see bashing here?

 

[P_G]

yeah I read that thing about the Landover Baptist church
and also some recent threads that very much are bashing Catholics
Not necessarily in OBOB but elsewheres.


I am sorry I should have been more clear

PG

 

[Paul S]

Beautiful thoughts, George.

 

[geocajun]

yeah I read that thing about the Landover Baptist church
and also some recent threads that very much are bashing Catholics
Not necessarily in OBOB but elsewheres.


I am sorry I should have been more clear

PG

ahh OK. The Landover baptist thing is a mock website which we believe is owned by an atheist. There is no landover baptist church to my knowledge, and the site is there to mock Christians.

I do appreciate your words both to me in a PM and this thread.
Thanks again!

 

[Carrye]

You're great PG!

Gaudete Sunday is a fun little break in the season of Advent ... it's really anticipatory, and you can almost feel the closeness of the baby Lord. Lent has something similar, Laetare Sunday.

My pastor did something interesting with his homilies this Advent. The first Sunday was on peace, the second on justice, and the third on joy. The thread that flowed throughout was basically, "if you want peace, work for justice, the fruits of which will be joy". It's rather profound if one actually thinks about it.

 

[ZooMom]

Love you, Pastor George! Beautiful thoughts! Thank you.


Peace be with you!

Sandy

 

[ps139]

That was beautiful PG!!!
I'm glad you posted that here!

It reminds me of some of the best advice anyone ever told me....
"Never let anyone steal your joy!"

 

[geocajun]

bump

 

[MParedon]

Happy Birthday Nehemiah_Center!

 

[plmarquette]

joy of the Lord is not a giddy , fall down , laughing attack ....
but the assurance that irregardless of the problem , he is there - Psalm 139
the knowing he has the answers , power , wisdom to give us is we ask - Matthew 7.7-8
that His peace will direct us to the solution , and off of the problem ... our strength
that when we cry out he hears and answers us .. Psalm 119.5
that we have benefits for hanging with Him - Psalm 103
..... and some times we cry for we are convicted of our sin in His presence , and yes some times we laugh , as we are delivered from sorrow ... oil of joy for sadness ... Isaiah 61.1-3