[Faith-talk] FW: [thefamilyoffaith] Living a Joyous Life - John MacArthur Devotional

[Eric Calhoun]

Original Message: 
From: "thefamilyoffaith" <TheFamilyofFaith at tampabay.rr.com>
To: <thefamilyoffaith at yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [thefamilyoffaith] Living a Joyous Life - John MacArthur
Devotional
Date: 
Sat, 22 Oct 2011 08:05:31 -0400

 

Living a Joyous Life 

"The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart" (Ps. 19:8). 

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What brings you joy? Your answer will reveal much about your priorities
and the direction your life is heading spiritually. 

The psalmist wrote, "How blessed [happy] is the man who does not walk in
the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the
seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law
he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by
streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does
not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers" (Ps. 1:1-3). 

That psalmist knew that true joy and happiness come from knowing God and
abiding in His Word. That was David's confidence when he wrote, "The
precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart" (Ps. 19:8). 

"Precepts" in that verse speaks of divine principles and guidelines for
character and conduct. God created you and knows how you must live to give
glory to Him. And He revealed in His Word every precept you must know to do
so. 

Every divine precept is "right." It shows you the path that is right and
true. What a wonderful confidence that is! While many around you may be
discouraged or despondent because of their lack of direction and purpose,
"God's Word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path" (Ps. 119:105).
It guides you through the difficult mazes of life and gives your life
eternal significance. Don't live simply for your own pleasures. Your life
has a high and holy purpose, and each day can be filled with joy as you see
that purpose unfold. 

Suggestions for Prayer: 
Ask God to help you be mindful of your eternal purpose today and every
day. 
Ask Him to direct you to someone who needs Christ and is sensing a lack
of purpose in his or her life.