JOY FOR THE JOURNEY

Pastor Bill Marks, Christian Fellowship, Potchefstroom, (018) 293 1608 or 079 311 6515 Many of us were forced to "grow up" early in our lives. This has caused us tremendous emotional strain and problems. So we need to learn again how to be childlike, because a child's nature is uncomplicated: what they feel on the inside shows on their faces. Just the other day I was sitting with one of my grandsons in a sandpit and we were collecting some small colourful stones. When I asked him what he was going to do with these stones, he said, “Grandpa, I am going to sell these stones for R10,00.” I then said to him, “You know my boy, perhaps we might even find a diamond.” So we both began to dig away hoping to find a diamond! Begin to find a way to bring a little laughter and fun into your life by restoring the lost child within you. Laugh at things which would normally upset you! The Greek word for JOY is CHARA. It means joy, rejoicing, gladness and in many ways it means to celebrate. 1. JOY BEGINS WITH OUR OWN SALVATION Luke 10:17-20: The Lord sent seventy of His disciples on a mission to preach the Gospel. When they returned, He said to them, “Rejoice not that the devils are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” There was a time when my wife and I lived in Rustenburg and we started going back to church again. It was on the 3rd Sunday morning as I sat in church that the wonderful warm Presence of the Holy Spirit came upon me, and as I experienced God's love, tears began to stream down my cheeks. I began to realize that it was too much for me to go through life in my own power and before I knew, I was kneeling in the front of the church. It was on 17 December 1978 that I committed my life to the Lord and my name was written down in heaven. The secret of JOY Is having the abiding Presence of Christ in our lives. This also brings power to our lives! 2. JOY IS WHEN WE SHARE SALVATION WITH OTHERS Paul's main theme in his letter to the Philippians was to REJOICE IN CHRIST. You too will experience a GREAT JOY when you win souls for Jesus Christ! Mark 10:15: “Assuredly I say unto you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” The Kingdom of God belongs to those who come to Jesus in humble dependence. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO START YOUR LIFE OVER! Today you can start your eternal journey of JOY by placing your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray the following prayer: Dear heavenly Father, I come to You in the Name of Jesus. I confess that I am a sinner. You said, "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth, 'the Lord is Jesus', and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved" (Rom. 10:9-13). I ask You Lord Jesus to forgive me my sins and I believe in my heart that You will come into my life as my Saviour. Therefore I am saved. Thank you, Father.