Veterans Reloading

Good Morning Friends,

I heard the old Three Dog Night song Jeremiah was a bullfrog this morning on one of those infomercials on TV and as I was preparing my bible study and the following lyrics from the song struck me as important, “Joy to the world, all the boys and girls, Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea, Joy to you and me.” This brings me to my message on JOY.

Joy is not only a significant word, but also a thought and action in the New Testament, it is used as the verb “rejoice” which is the Greek words (Chairo) 96 times, and as a noun “joy” (Chara) 59 times for a total of 155 times, as we know when the Lord sends a message through the Holy Spirit (Inspiration) and within that message a specific word or theme is repeated then it holds special significance and we are to take note. I would consider this one of those. Additionally, the combination of these two words is used no less than 13 times in Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians.

Joy, is a true gift of God, David told of Joy throughout the Psalms, Jesus told His disciples, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”John 15-11 NKJV, Joy is also from the Holy Spirit, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV. Joy is also grown through trust and obedience to the Lord, and through trials and tribulations our joy can be tested and refined. Take the Apostle Paul for instance and the multitude of times he was persecuted for his conversion. Had to escape from a city by being lowered in a basket over a city wall because he was going to be killed, he was stoned and left for dead in another city, beaten and jailed, shipwrecked, mocked and threatened, you can read in the Book of Acts many of his trials and tribulations because of his belief in Jesus Christ but all the while joy exuded form him as his trust in the Lord was strengthened as evident of his many letters. I wonder would we have the same confidence of attitude and action if we were subject to his afflictions.

Are you a light unto the World, do you let your Joy flow to all around you, do you share and encourage others with the Joy you have in Christ, do others see and recognize the joy in you, do you practice the words to the song, “Joy to the world, all the boys and girls, Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea, Joy to you and me.” Or are you the person who enters a room and sucks the light out of it, a negative Nellie, someone who brings rain clouds and storms with them instead of rays of sunshine. Let's make it a point my friends to be like Paul, stand strong for our Faith regardless of any situation the World throws our way and to share Joy (Cahra), and Rejoice (Chairo) wherever we go and with everyone we encounter. Seek the Lord and His Joy will be given.

Father, I thank you today for the Joy, you have given me through your Son Jesus Christ. I pray that I may share this Joy with others so that they too may have the rock-solid assurance of salvation and eternal joy only found in You. I ask that not only I, but we all may reach the World together leading to another Great Awakening of revival to your glory and majesty and that the Joy in you is granted freely to all who believe and who ask. Father, I ask these in Jesus Most Holy Name. AMEN.

I always enjoy your insights. If you slow down to take joy in the small things, the big things won't be so overbearing

Thanks Roby. I miss it welhen you dont post. I have to re-read another musing.

Thank you, I appreciate it, some days the words and thoughts come, others not.

7000grain wrote: ↑Wed Jan 29, 2025 6:56 am I always enjoy your insights. If you slow down to take joy in the small things, the big things won't be so overbearing

Yes sir, joy can be found if we just open our hearts to Him.

I try

That’s all we can do is try, and remember the scriptures listed in my signature.

I've always liked that verse.

In simple terms, Philippians 4:13 is saying:
“I can handle anything life throws at me because God gives me the strength to do it.”
This verse is like a spiritual pep talk. It’s not saying you can suddenly become a superhero or do impossible things. Instead, it’s about having the inner strength to face life’s challenges, big or small.
Think of it this way:
• Having a tough day at work? God’s got your back.
• Dealing with a difficult relationship? You’ve got divine support.
• Facing a scary health situation? You’re not alone in this.
The idea is that when you feel weak or overwhelmed, you can tap into a source of strength beyond yourself. It’s like having a powerful friend who’s always there to help you out when things get tough.
This verse is popular because it gives people hope and courage. It reminds believers that they don’t have to face life’s problems alone or rely only on their own abilities. Instead, they can lean on their faith for support and strength, no matter what situation they’re in.

Well stated Eric. Indeed. God does not promise that life will be all honey and no bee’s but that He will be there with us through all situations and we can rest on His Strength to see us through and trust that all things work for His Glory if we trust in Him.