Topic: Playing with Joy – Our Daily Bread Devotional june 24 2019
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Bible in a Year :Job 1–2; Acts 7:22–43
The fruit of the Spirit is . . . joy.Galatians 5:22
Today’s Scripture & Insight:Galatians 5:22–26
One of our sons, Brian, is a high school basketball coach. One year, as his team was dribbling its way through the Washington State Basketball Tournament, well-meaning folks around town asked, “Are you going to win it all this year?” Both players and coaches felt the pressure, so Brian adopted a motto: “Play with joy!”
I thought of the apostle Paul’s last words to the elders of Ephesus: “That I may finish my race with joy” (Acts 20:24 nkjv). His aim was to complete the tasks Jesus had given him. I have made these words my motto and my prayer: “May I run and finish my race with joy.” Or as Brian says, “May I play with joy!” And by the way, Brian’s team did win the state championship that year.
We all have good reasons to get grouchy: discouraging news, everyday stresses, health problems. Nevertheless, God can give us a joy that transcends these conditions if we ask Him. We can have what Jesus called, “my joy” (John 15:11).
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit of Jesus (Galatians 5:22). So we must remember each morning to ask Him to help us: “May I play with joy!” Author Richard Foster said, “To pray is to change. This is a great grace. How good of God to provide a path whereby our lives can be taken over by . . . joy.”
Reflect & Pray
What causes you to be discouraged? Where do you find your joy?
I turn my eyes to You, God. I’m grateful I can count on Your faithfulness to me. Please bring me into Your joy
Bible Quiz Trivia By Faithwheel.com
Answer all questions, equal marks for all questions
