Where's the Joy?

      The last few weeks I have been letting situations in my life determine my joy. I knew this was happening but I just kept ignoring it. But God being the Loving father that He is did not want me to stay that way. He used my awesome friend/roommate to remind me that what is going on around me should not affect the joy in me! Here is the video that she shared with me--->  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAB-zJPsJjs.

      After watching this I started looking up scriptures about JOY. Here are a few that I looked up: Nehemiah 8:10...do not sorrow, for the JOY of the LORD is your strength, Psalm 126:5, Psalm 5:11, James 1:2-Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy, Psalm 30:5, 2 Corinthians 8:2, Galatians 5:22, Colossians 1:10-12.

     Through these scriptures God reminded me that no matter what may be going on in my life, I have no reason not to be JOYFUL! As I was looking up scriptures, I came to Acts 20:24 this is one I know well.     

      Several years ago when I was in China God used this verse to completely change my perspective and give me a deeper compassion for people. Since that time has used this scripture often to help me keep focused on what I am doing and why.

     So as I was reading I came to the word JOY...But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, SO THAT I may finish my race with JOY, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. At the time Paul wrote this he was on his way to Jerusalem. All he knew was what the Holy Spirit had told him that chains and tribulations were awaiting him. Yet as we see from this verse that he knew his JOY was not dependent on his circumstances. We must remember to base our JOY on the salvation we have been given and not on the situations in our life. I want to leave you with one last scripture.

                    

               Psalm 16:11- You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is FULLNESS of JOY; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.  

      I am currently building a team of people who would like to support me on a monthly basis. God has given me a passion to go in serve in nations where many people have never had the opportunity to hear the gospel. There are countries where relationships are so important to them yet they are missing out on the most important relationship they could have and that is with Jesus Christ.
      As it says in Romans 10:14-15 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “ How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!”    
      This is not something I can accomplish on my own. God created us as a body. Just as all the parts of our bodies work together, God intended the same for the church. If you would like join with me in this you can give on a monthly basis or you can also make a one time donation. Please email me at kyug29@gmail.com and I will be happy to send you more information on how you can make a tax deductible donation.

If you have anything you would like prayer for please let me know and also if you have any questions feel free to email me at the above address.  God Bless!