Joy is not just the spin-off of obedience to God, but part of obedience. It seems as though people are willing to let joy be a byproduct of our relationship to God, but not an essential part of it. People are uncomfortable saying that we are duty-bound to pursue joy. They say things like, 'Don't pursue joy, pursue obedience.' But Christian Hedonism responds, 'That's like saying, ';Don't eat apples; eat fruit.'' Because joy is an act of obedience. We are commanded to rejoice in God. If obedience is doing what God commands, then joy is not merely the spin-off of obedience, it is obedience. The Bible tells us over and over to pursue our joy (Psm. 32:11; 37:4; 67:4; Lk. 10:20; Phil. 4:4).
John Piper

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The Journey of Life

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#1 · September 26, 2003, 9:21 am

Posted by: bigguyhereagain <bigguyhereagain@...>

 

<>< The Journey of Life ><> 
 
Last Week I threw out Worrying,
it was getting old and in the way.
It kept me from being me;
I couldn't do things my way. I threw out those Inhibitions;
they were just crowding me out.
Made room for my New Growth,
got rid of my old dreams and doubts.

I threw out a book on MY PAST
(didn't have time to read it anyway). 
Replaced it with New Goals, 
started reading it today.  I threw out childhood toys
(remember how I treasured them so)?
Got me a NEW PHILOSOPHY too, 
threw out the one from long ago.
Bought in some new books too,
called I CAN, I WILL, and I MUST.
Threw out I might, I think and I ought.
WOW, You should've seen the dust.  I ran across an OLD FRIEND,
haven't seen him in a while.
I believe his name is GOD,
Yes, I really like His style.
He helped me to do some cleaning
and added some thing's Himself.
Like PRAYER, HOPE and FAITH,
Yes I placed them right on the shelf.  I picked up this special thing
and placed it at the front door. 
I FOUND IT - its called PEACE. 
Nothing gets me down anymore.
Yes, I've got my house looking nice. 
Looks good around the place.
For things like Worry and Trouble
there just isn't any place. Its good to do a little house cleaning,
get rid of the old things on the shelf.
It sure makes things brighter;
maybe you should TRY IT YOURSELF
 
 
<>< The Right Path Is in The Bible ><>"  
 
"This book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the
way of salvation, the doom of sinners and the happiness of
believers.  Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding,
its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read
it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be
holy.  It contains light to direct you, food to support you
and comfort to cheer you.  It is the traveler's map, the pil-
grim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and
the Christian's character.  Here Paradise is restored, heaven
opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.  Christ is its grand
Object, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It
should fill the memory, rule the heart and guide the feet.
Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully.  It is a mine of
wealth, a Paradise of glory and a river of pleasure.  It is
given you in life, will be opened in the judgment, and will
be remembered forever.  It involves the highest responsibi-
lity, will reward the greatest labor and will condemn all who
trifle with its sacred contents"
 
 
<>< Reach Up ><>  
 
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of shadow of death, I will fear
no evil."
 
The journey each of us walks is not always a meadow full of flowers.
Sometimes it is a journey up a mountain, loose rocks and steep
inclines.
 
We so often loose sight of the beautiful scenery because of our
attempts
to hold on. We have to struggle with many things in this world that
makes us feel alone.
 
Arthritis grips us tight and wrenches pain from within. Diabetes cuts
our feelings ulcerates our skin. Cancer files away at the cells of our
body and leaves us weak. Blindness takes away our vision and paints
our
world black. Mental disabilities hold our thoughts and leave us in a
lonely room. Cruelty of others cuts our hearts and leaves us empty.
 
We were born to celebrate, to reach up and believe.
We were born to rejoice, to lift our hands to life.
We were born to sing, to paint rainbows with our voice.
We were born to love, to hold the hands of gentleness.
We were born to share, to be a blessing to those around us.
 
Reach up, my friend and believe for that is God's dream.
Lift your hands, my friend and live for that is God's purpose. Paint
your world, my friend with songs for that is God's compassion. Hold
on,
my friend with gentleness for that is God's love. Bless those around
you, my friend for you are God's gift.
 
No less than a flower planted by angels and nurtured by the hands of
God
 
 
Have a Blessed Day
Dave and Barbara
 
 
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