There are two powers that can dominate our lives – and we cast the deciding vote every day as to which prevails. The first is the f–f–f–fear factor. Our phobias are legion. Fear comes knocking on everybody’s door at some time. The second is JOY! Not merely joy, but great joy. God sent the good news to ALL the people. The good news is that joy comes to us in Jesus! He’s heaven-sent for THE human problem that sires billions of human problems. And it’s well documented – the heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart.
Enter Savior Jesus! Ever seriously, personally consider this description of the Christ God sent special delivery at Christmas? God didn’t send a politician, an entertainer, a philospoher, an athlete, an educator, a military man or a priest or pastor to save us – all of the above need “saving” themselves. Why? They each possess the “human heart problem”. Scriptures speak so c l e a r l y: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him. For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled,shall we be saved through his life. Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” (Romans 5:8-11)
Another scriptural “Christmas card from heaven” says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
What can bring more joy than the unique gift only God can share – made available to “all the people”? It’s the gift of salvation, eternal life, paid for by Savior Jesus upon the cross. In eternal life lies forgiveness, peace, hope, love, strength, purpose and most importantly – k n o w i n g God. Jesus died to save us, He lives to bring the joy. Have you entered into the joy of the Lord? It’s a decision only you can make. Your destiny is in the balance. Not choosing? Not to choose is to choose. Choose today, choose well, choose life. Heaven is waiting.
What a price Jesus paid. Note the role JOY played within the heart and mind of Jesus as he willingly sacrificed himself, suffered for us: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:2,3)
Consider your Christmas seriously. How can you defeat fear? By exercising faith in God’s Son, Jesus, our only Savior. Who’s the author and perfecter of our faith? Jesus. Who should our eyes be fixed upon? Jesus. Who brings joy? Jesus. Put your faith, hope, trust, confidence in the Savior God sent, then your testimony can be: Fear came knocking on my door. I answered it with faith. No one was there.”
Enjoy the joy only Jesus can bring.
Love in Christ, Chuck
P.S.: Share your “JOY” story? Let me hear from you.