JOY-EXUBERANT HILARITY-JOY

Have you ever done a job or project with the right people and materials? The project came together on time and smoothly? You were overjoyed! Right?

Then you would connect with King David in 1 Chronicles 12. Here we find people volunteering to come along side of David for what ever he needs. In fact the Spirit came upon Amasai he said, "We are yours, O David. Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for your God will help you." More and more men came forward. It was such an outpouring of God's anointing on David. 

God is so gracious friends! He provided for David and it benefited them all. Why am I writing this? The  Israelites all recognized this provision and celebrate. 1 Chronicles 12:40 "There were plentiful supplies of flour, fig cakes, raisin cakes, wine, oil, cattle and sheep, for there was joy in Israel!" Get this, in the original Greek the word joy used here means-state of joyful exuberance, hilarity! Oh How I could see them laughing and celebrating in their time of connection with God.

Prayer: Lord help me to have taste and see the blessed out pouring of the Holy Spirit. May we experience this exuberant joy! Help me experience what the Israelites experienced. I am so grateful. Amen.

Find God's exuberant hilarity and Joy! Keep praying!

COME ON IN

 

Hi greetings, I want to share something that is happening in 2021! JOY!

After the Thanksgiving holiday, my husband bought a wooden 2X4 sign with the word “JOY” on it to put on our front porch. Mmmmm…not what I wanted but Okay, I guess. Hesitantly I kept it.

The word JOY is suddenly being given to me in cards…someone who sent me a JOY song…besides the Christmas carol, JOY to the World is playing in stores and on the radio…mmm…is something going on here? This is the time of the year where I begin to get a word or catch phrase to do a Christmas card and sometimes it leads into a word for the New Year. Could this be the word? Feeling like, such a small word, really?

On Christmas Eve, I asked God to confirm the word “JOY” for 2021. As I am laying in bed, reading a devotion entitled, COME ON IN, I notice that the word JOY is mentioned eight times! True JOY entered the world as a baby, as the angels profoundly proclaimed JOY TO THE WORLD. Jesus is Joy! All through that night I was filled with the Spirit and feeling so elated with the feeling that this word for the year felt confirmed. Filled with confidence and courage, I recorded a video for Instagram on Christmas restating and inviting followers to COME ON IN for 2021 to the majestic baby born, JOY! The verse used in the Devo was “John 15:11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” 

In the midst of all the Christmas prepping, decorating, baking, dealing with the invasion of the virus in 2020, the true meaning of Christmas, highlights my Christmas Eve, filled with fresh perspective, “Hold on to God's promise that He will appear to us all as JOY! Wow the beauty of it all! The journey is confirmed as people have unknowingly sent me the word Joy. At one day at church, someone taps me on the shoulder and says, "I want to pray for you, what's your name?" I reply, “Elaine and your name?" She says, “JOY!” Friend, I cannot make this stuff up! I am overfilled with JOY!

As I tell this story to another friend, she tells me of her trial and how this story encourages her to be strong for 2021 and for what is ahead. Her thoughts take on a new direction, the path changes from doom and gloom to JOY and HOPE! She sent me a bracelet with the word, JOY on it! Joyful is my Father in heaven to let this story continue. To pass it on and tell others of this adventure. Yes, it is becoming an adventure. I love a good adventure!

One night I awoke excited about the joy journey, semi dreaming…A sunny day accompanied with the perfect temperature, I am aboard a European train car (European train cars have huge windows), the sky was blue, and with the windows open, my hair blowing, I was yelling, “COME ON IN!”  Join the adventure, a joy ride, with Jesus there is JOY. #jesusjoy 

The next morning, I hop out of bed and do not want to forget the dream, I quickly gathered my art supplies, as I grabbed into the cabinet, an old 2019 calendar falls out. Where it came from and why I still had it, I do not remember. But the artwork on it is exactly what I was picturing in my head. The only difference was instead of a train car, this artist had passengers on an airplane. After drawing many cars and passengers, I asked God, “What's next?” The vision increases with idea possibly, badges, stickers, mmm…for now it became a laminated doodle of a person yelling out the train car, “COME ON IN”! Funny I customized some with the people I know who for sure would join the adventure. You can see them on my Instagram or down below on this stationery (thanks to my hubby for designing it…big hug to him).  Next, I felt called to look up the word "JOY" in the Bible. In short, but not really in short, (check out my blog, elainejames.blogspot.com) I have been praying and blogging what to write as I view the use of the word JOY. The idea is to inspire us to dig deeper for perspective and meaning in 2021. God new exactly what to put on my plate for the year, a JOYOUS FOCUS! We have a lot of time in 2021, so will you join me in looking up the JOY verses with me, read my insight and journal your own? Each time my circumstances start to get me stirred with worry, overload, I stop, remember, in 2021, my sanity will come from the certainty I received by accepting, Jesus as my Savior. This word search will saturate us with His truth about JOY and the result, will make us steadfast and grounded to deal with everyday life, REJOICING! Jesus said, “I have told you this so that my JOY may be in you and that your JOY may be complete.” Request your laminated picture so you too can remember, you joined the adventure!

Friend, COME ON IN, BE COMPLETE! With all the JOY Jesus has given me I write this. Blessings, joy, favor to you!

Elaine

JOY WITH THE KIDS

 

 

I was asked to be the chaplain at a local homeschool and in the invitation, it read "make up your own content and ideas!" Well, I accepted the invitation and yes, I have ideas, like JOY!

 

The title of the message: COME ON IN 

Was 2020 a weird year? Were your activities cancelled? Vacation cancelled? School cancelled? Were friendships difficult? Was quarantine difficult with your siblings? Parents? Were there days you did not feel like getting out of bed? I gave the each of the kids a balloon, and every time they answered with "yes" they had blown a little more air into it. Mine got so full, so I popped it with a pin and the loud “POP” scared the kids! "Why did you do that?!" they screamed. I said, "Because you answered 'yes' so much, it looked like you were going to pop! Don’t you feel like popping?" They yelled, “Yes! Give me the pin!”

 

This is the result of 2020 and we are on track to continue in the grumbling and complaining if we do not do something.

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life-in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and REJOICE with all of you. So you too should be glad and REJOICE with me. Philippians 2:14-18 NIV”

Back in the Bible we read of troubles, years ago there was the Great Depression, England had the bomb threats where the students had to walk around with gas masks, we had the threat of nuclear bombs here so people built do-it-yourself bomb shelters in their backyard. Everyone has stories of troubles! What are we to do?

Let’s look to our friend Jesus for answers.

Jesus came into the world as a baby. And when He was thirty, He revealed himself to twelve friends that He called His disciples. They were learning from Jesus. In Matthew 11, it reads "When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples ³ to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

⁴ Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: ⁵ The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy^[b] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. ⁶ Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” (Matt. 11:2-6, NIV) Verse 6 in the AMPLIFIED says this, “And blessed (joyful, favored by God) is he who does not take offense at Me (accepting Me as the Messiah and trusting confidently in My message of salvation).”

 

Do you hear and see? Joyful are you that accepts the Messiah and trusts in His message of salvation. THAT IS COMPLETE JOY!

 

Later, Jesus says, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth (I openly and JOYFULLY acknowledge Your great wisdom), that You have hidden these things (these spiritual truths) from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to infants (to new believers, to those seeking God’s will and purpose). Matt. 11:25 AMP” 

I titled the Journey,  “COME ON IN”

From Jesus birth till death He always invited people to COME ON IN.

Jesus invited us to “Come to me (come on in) all who are burdened, tired, exhausted, overwhelmed, suffering, grieving (add your suffering)…and I will give you real rest, come walk with me hear and see, I created you, I love you, I am gentle and humble at heart and I will give you salvation, forgiveness of sins, life on earth and when you take your last breath eternity with me, real rest for your soul.”  

The Joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 

Further report on this teaching. What a joy!

“Today we received a text from the mom of an 8th grade student at Life Christian Co-School. It's about Elaine. 🙂💙 Here it is:

 

Hello ladies,  hoping you're enjoying winter break. No need to respond to this now at all, I'm sure you are busy and enjoying some free time... but I  am sending this now anyway because otherwise I will forget LOL

 

A couple weeks ago there was someone who filled in for the pastor for chapel. I forget her name, but Ava really liked her a lot.    She was telling a story about how God was working in her life to bring joy to her every day. She also made little cards to hand out to the kids to carry around to remind them of the joy that Jesus brings. That story really resonated with Ava, and she has been excitedly repeating this teaching to us a few times now. Our college daughter also delighted in this story and was wondering if she could get one of the handmade cards herself?  Wondering if you can provide an email contact for this lovely woman so I can communicate with her how she impacted my girls and also ask for another card?”

 MY RESPONSE:  OF COURSE, COME ON IN!

I continue to focus on 2021 by knowing the truth of Jesus and His word. It is going to keep me sane. Truth keeps us sane. Its journey continues and the stories are compiling. I created a photo album and will continue to post the sightings of JOY!

Will you “COME ON IN”? Laminated train cars with passengers are available upon requests. It is a reminder to continue in JOY for 2021 and to commit to finding joy in the Bible and exploring the full complete definition as Jesus says, “YOUR JOY MAY BE COMPLETE.” I pray that this is true for you this year.

JOY-EITHER YOU SEE IT OR DON'T

Have you ever been in a situation where maybe you thought someone was the right person for something? The something being, a partner, a co-worker, job...something like that.  You may have not done the research and just backed the person without really knowing.  There is those that just believe they are right for the job and those that really look into it and say, nope they are wrong. In some cases one may stand alone knowing its wrong and handful of others believe they are right, But if you really looked into it and know it's wrong, and try to fix it and realize you can not, the person or persons who didn't check it out still want them in the job...you have to wait till they quit the job or get moved, or with a relationship you have to set boundaries. Sometimes other may see it first and begin to warn you or help you to see, but the truth is you either you see or don't!

I think you get the picture, it's complicated!

I have been on a journey through the bible find studying the word JOY.

Let me explain by looking at the next sighting of JOY-

Judges 9;19 "if then you have acted honorably and in good faith toward Jerub-Baal and his family today, may Abimelech be your joy, and may you be his, too!"

A quick back track to the story. (ask google to pronounce Abimelech) 

Gideon had just told the Israelites, "I will not rule over you. The Lord will rule over you." Judge 8:23 

The Israelites wanted a ruler. Abimelech, the not so good son of Jerub-Baal, who is the son of Gideon who said he will not rule and then dies, takes it upon himself to kill all 70 children of Jerub-Baal and he becomes ruler. The people of Shechem go along with this disgrace, because their desire for a king out weighs just seeking and listening to God.  The people wanted  a leader and overlooked a bad guy just to get the job done. Plus Abimelech fooled them into believing in him. The people did not see!

Guess what? God is not a puppeteer, he gives us free will! 

One of the seventy, Jotham, escapes and lives, he knows Abimelech is bad. He almost got killed like his brothers. He then goes to a mountaintop and yells out a warning, "Listen to me, citizens of Shechem, so that God may listen to you. Have you acted honorably and in good faith by making Abimelech king? Have you been fair? Remember that my father fought for you and risked his life to rescue you from the hand of Midian. But today you have revolted against my father's family. You have murdered his seventy sons on a single stone and have made Abimelech, king over the citizens of Shechem because he is related to you.  But if thats what you want, my he be your JOY!" Judges 9:7-20

He shouts out a parable with the meaning of warning them it won't be good if they stay with Abimelech, and finishes with, "if that's what you want, may he be your JOY!" Jotham escapes his brother and for three years Abimelech governs over Israel. After THREE YEARS, God goes on to send an evil spirit between Abimelech and the citizens of Shechem, who act treacherously against Abimelech. God did this in order that the crime against Jerub-Baal and His sons might be avenged and on the citizens of Shechem, who had help him murder the brothers. Abimelech dies in the ambush.

Why am I telling you this? When we wait on the Lord, have a right relationship with God you SEE IT! 

You see what's wrong and you are able to escape just as Jotham did. In fact we are taught when Jesus comes on the scene.

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But When you are tempted, He will provide a way of escape, so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV  He provides! Trust God with a situation, when you can't convince others it's wrong. You see it, but they don't. You have to give it to God. He has to take care of it. 

My opening thought, either you see it or don't. It is a right relationship with Christ that you see what is going on and He will help you get through it or with stand it.

Let's pray: Father I am so blessed to be near you, open my eyes and ears to be aware of what is going on and let me believe, have confidence and boldness to stand firm. My JOY is complete. Amen

With Christ, you are complete! He is enough to see you through hard times. He will control and he says vengeance is mine. He can handle it, will you give it over to him and gain true JOY. God teaches the seeing while you wait for things to be made right.

JOY-TAKE PATIENCE

 COME ON IN! The journey continues!

Devastation comes in many ways today. When I know a person I have met, Christian women, who is loosing a business next month, a business she joyfully, owned and operated, I grieve with her. Do you personally know someone, who has lost someone? It continues to cause us all to look forward and not give up. We must find reasons to go on.

Friends the next sighting of the word JOY- comes in Deuteronomy, under the chapter title, Commands Concerning Festivals. God was giving commands for the Festivals asking the Israelites to listen, if they do the festivals as He said, "they will REJOICE before the Lord at the place He will choose them to dwell. Dt. 16:11. Be JOYFUL at your Feast, you and all your family, for your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your JOY will be complete. (complete used again, meaning in having a right relationship with God you will experience, JOY!) In Deuteronomy God not only was giving His commands but asking them to remember the past and how he led the Israelites out of Egypt. Remember yet also, move forward, set up the new and in the midst of the precious relationship He will help them experience the JOY of being complete. 

This brings me back to my opening story. The devastation of change; God is saying, walk forward with me. I will give you JOY in my strength. Today, if you feel like saying, "I can't". Stop! Remember and move forward in, "I can with you Christ!" Sticking by God, praying, God will walk us all to the next step. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:14 

Prayer heavenly Father help me to remember REJOICING each day is possible only with YOU! Amen.

God will bless you with the ability to be patient and of course, have JOY, because you are complete with him!

The devil may say you are not complete, you may feel ungrounded. FRIENDS STOP WITH ME AND SAY "I am grounded in Christ, therefore, I am grounded, patiend, joyful in hope!

"Be JOYFUL in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer!" Romans 12:12

JOY-UNSTOPPABLE

I don't know about you but I love a good sunset...when I see a beautiful skyline I get crazy! The days in winter here in the Midwest get hard to bear, so my husband I have been taking off to find the sunset at an overlook near my home. I really can not explain this pause but it is so JOY FILLED!

Getting back to my Journey of the word JOY. 

The next time JOY appears in the bible, Leviticus 9:23-24, "Moses and Aaron then went into the Tent of Meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people; and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. Fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for JOY and fell facedown.

Moses, got a word from the Lord that today the Lord would appear to the people. He got Aaron, his sons, elders of Israel and got them ready to present a sacrifice offering. The whole assembly stood by Moses as he stated, "This is what the Lord has commanded you to do, so that the glory of the Lord may appear to you." 

How beautiful that they obeyed and the fired consumed the offering and that is how the glory of the Lord appeared. Today we have the whole bible to read and see the glory of the Lord. The assembly was filled with JOY! When we seek God with our whole heart, he allows us to see His glory! Amen!

I believe that is why the sunset brings me such JOY. In the skyline line the glory of the Lord appears. He created the sunrise and sunset, therefore it is so like Him to allow us to be consumed.

Prayer: Father start a fire, sweep the world, and allow us to all to see the glory of the Lord.

When you seek God, it is Unstoppable JOY!

The last precious words of Jesus before going to the cross, "Father I want those you have given me to be with me where I am and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world." 

I long for the world to see Him in all his glory and power.

JOY: Reacting in the flesh

The joy sightings have continued to come, two of my Christmas cards I received had the word JOY printed big on the them with photo attached. That is always cool! I shared with the one friend and she took some joy doodles. She realizes now that she chose the card before she knew she was going take the JOY ride. 

As I have written. In the beginning the world was created and it was good. No use of the word JOY until Genesis 31:27, "Why did you run off secretly and deceive me? Why didn't you tell me, so I could send you away with JOY and singing to the music of timbrels and harps? 

Laban and Jacob, two leaders who want control of their lives. Laban gives two of his daughters to Jacob in marriage. The first was trickery, as Jacob worked seven years to marry Rachel, yet the father, Laban, gives him Leah (Jacob agreed to for Rachel). In fact Jacob did a Hallmark move, he served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her. (What a line from a Hallmark movie). Even though tricked he works another seven years to marry the love of his life, Rachel.  On the story goes with Jacob giving up twenty years of his life, full of trickery and all sorts of abuse and lies, God steps in and increase Jacob's skill to obtain wealth, enough for him to go off and start anew with his wives, children, maidservants and menservants, and camels and donkeys. 

Then the Lord said to Jacob, "Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you. Genesis 31:3" Truth and confidence in the Lord, God commands, Jacob and his wives agree they must leave. Unity! God ordained order. God's strength, JOY! Jacob's wisdom from the Lord allows him to not let emotion guide him into this decision to leave without a good-bye, but the Lord His God was enough. Heaven Reigns! Enough! A command is a command and Jacob heard and listened. 

Laban races after Jacob and family for three days and the Lord appears to him, "Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad. Genesis 31:24" This wasn't Laban's God yet he heeded this advice. Whether he was serious he catches up to the family and states he would have thrown a party filled with JOY! 

In the end God does bring Laban and Jacob to a covenant of separation of peace. God did this, He worked it out! JOY!

When I started out writing about the first time JOY appeared in the bible, I didn't know what to expect, but here is what I learned through this story, and it brings me such JOY! God was present through the Abrahamic covenant, the promise of a nation out of his blood line, God watched over Jacob, God gave him strength to work twenty years under abusive situations, God grew him in wisdom enough so that Jacob developed ears to hear. This ability gave him skill to tend to flock (grow strong goats and lambs), and finally to know when to leave. God took the emotion out and replaced it with truth, honor, valor and finally a sense of JOY that gave Jacob the strength to leave.

Jesus is with you and I today, if we have taken the important step to regard the relationship of Jesus Christ sacred and JOY filled life giving. 

 

This is a life situation that could happen today, someone working for a father-in-law in a company or job setting, with cheating, being lied to, deception, abuse. So we can pay attention and learn.

This story expresses what I have been hearing and seeing with my own eyes and ears, God will provide, move in the Spirit and not in the flesh. What comes of that holy obedience! JOY! God's JOY!