JOY, PART 1

F.R.O.G. : Fully Rely on God

P.U.S.H. : Pray Until Something Happens

WWJD : What Would Jesus Do?

G.R.A.C.E. : God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense

T.G.I.F. : Thank God I’m Forgiven!

We’ve seen these acronyms over and over through the years. Each letter of the word is to make a simple statement about our faith. What we believe. How we live as Christians, or rather, how we should live. There are many of them! These are just a few I picked out that I really like.

When I was little, in the 1980’s, there was one that was used more than any others. It was the most popular one for years. I don’t hear it much anymore and that makes me a bit sad. It speaks so much of what we as Christians should be like.

JOY

J.O.Y.

JESUS, OTHERS, YOU.

Or, Jesus first, Others second and You last.

This little acronym has so much life in it, it cannot be expressed in one sitting. There is much to say on it. We will begin with J. Jesus First.

The basic principle in the Bible, the one commandment above all others is this:

Matthew 22:37-38 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.”

God asks us to seek Him first. To put Him first in our hearts and our souls and our minds. To make Him first priority in all we do. He doesn’t want us waiting until “all else fails” to ask for His help or His wisdom. He wants us to be continually living with and in Him so that we can discern daily what His will is for our lives. When we don’t make Him first in our lives, it gives way to temptations, doubts and depression. God’s will is for us to live fully alive for Him not despondent and discouraged.

Are you discouraged today? Are you feeling overwhelmed and depressed? Jeremiah 29:13-14a, “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by You, says the Lord, ….”

AND

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” You cannot have the joyous Christian life you desire unless you seek God first and make Him the priority in your heart, soul and mind.

J is for Jesus.

J is for Joy.

J is for JESUS FIRST!

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