Joy that Can't Be Taken Away

Joy in the midst of sufferings sounds like nonsense until one ponders how often it occurs in everyday life: having surgery, giving birth to a child, preparing for an athletic contest, agonizing over information before a big test, pushing your muscles to climb a mountain, and on and on. We recognize that in each of these it is not suffering nor joy that is being pursued. Rather, one has set a goal and is doing what is necessary to achieve it. The "Joy of the Lord"comes when one sets his goal to grow in knowledge and imitation of Jesus; believing the promises of God and committing one's self to walk in obedience to God's commands no matter what the consequences. The writer of Hebrews points us in the same direction when he wrote: "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:1-3).

Sharing in Christ's Sufferings

Nobody gets excited about the prospect of suffering. It's only when we see suffering as an unavoidable path to our goal that we gain the courage to walk the path. In a religious culture where God is often viewed as wanting nothing more than to make our dreams come true, talking about joining Christ in his suffering and death is a tough sell. However, when we align ourselves with the purposes of God in bringing his kingdom into this world, suffering for Christ becomes an honor and a privilege. This is why Paul could write, "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, . ." (Philippians 1:29).

Suffering is certainly not the end in itself; as though we make it our goal to suffer! Rather, suffering is a means to an end. Jesus suffered that we might live. We suffer that God might be glorified in us. May God grant us the courage and faith to join Jesus in his sufferings whenever obedience to the Name calls us to walk that path.

Ben's Engaged

Last week Liz and I went to Abilene to celebrate Ben and Laura's engagement. Ben is quite the romantic and planned a very special evening for Laura on the night he proposed and graciously included his and her family after he "popped the question". Laura is a wonderful young lady and she and Ben make a great couple!

On Sunday, while you at Clear Lake were being blessed to hear from Jeremy Pierce, Liz and I went to church at the Maryneal Church of Christ (about an hour west of Abilene) to hear Ben preach. He is preaching there part time while he works on his Masters in Theology at ACU. It was a special time and we are proud of the man Ben has become.

Three Great Young Preachers

Two weeks ago we heard from Jeremy Glover. This past Sunday we got to hear Renzo preach in Spanish and next week we will hear from Jeremy Pierce. I am currently in Abilene and am taking the week off. I'll be back in town next Monday.