Joy Train

Ok so yesterday went pretty good for me concerning the "Word of Life Challenge". Most of the day I prayed and controlled my tongue although I did have about an hour where I was tested. I was putting together a new train set provided via Grandma for Christmas when the pressure began to mount. With Sam jumping all over me and the tracks in utter joy and anticipation, I could not get the already difficult project assembled. I broke a very fragile piece. I’m not sure but I think it was then that I declared the train set had been forsaken by God. This was immediately followed by an impassioned plea for Sam to spend an extended period in time out.

I don’t know, you tell me, did I “Do everything without complaining or arguing”? Maybe not in that instant. But I repented and made a new declaration that the train was a good and perfect gift from the Father and I thanked Him for it. Then I released Sam from his harsh prison sentence and Joy reentered all our lives. Hallelujah! (the previous is based on a true story)

16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

Today is a fresh day. I am up this morning praying, thanking God for His many blessings in my life. I am even having my joy tank filled as I type watching the train go round and round the track on my living room floor (I have decided to name it the Joy train). I’m setting my course for joy and fully expect to spread it wherever I go all day long. What a priveledge to be tasked by Jesus to give Joy to the world. Watch out people-here I come!

Joy to the world
All the boys and girls
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me

p.s. Sam just walked in and caught me running the/his Joy train and he is not happy! Gotta go quick! Send me your comments.

Each word a gift

29 Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. 30 Don't grieve God. Don't break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't take such a gift for granted. Eph. 4:29-30

Ok so 36 hours have passed and as far as I can tell my speech has been uncorrupted. No griping. No complaining. No criticism-nothing negative at all. My goal is that my words would be a gift and that the Holy Spirit who indwells me would not be grieved but pleased with the words that I choose. I have never thought of my words as a gift before. I like that.

So today I am giving the gift of words. I am going to use words that lift people. I am intentionally seeking to help with what I say. I am hoping to make the world a better place with the power of well-chosen words. You can too.

Father, help us to give Joy to the world today. Help us to hold out the word of life to all those who hear. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and speak through us today!