Where Has Our JOY Gone?

Ever wonder why we say, “If it is God’s will”? One day, a young man saw a sign at a restaurant that said, “Free Lunch Tomorrow.” The next day he brought his friends to have lunch at the restaurant. When they finished eating, a waiter came to him with the bill of $100 to pay. He was surprised and didn’t want to pay. He said; I looked at that sign “Free Lunch Tomorrow” yesterday. So, today is free,” he protested. But the waiter answered, “The sign said, ‘Free Lunch TOMORROW,’ not today. So, today, you have to pay!”
Interesting. Back to my opening question. Ever wonder why we say, “If it is God’s will”? Here is why.
James 4:15 : 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that Thus; It is very Biblical to use the phrase, “If the Lord Wills”. Now look at verse 14…James 4:14: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and
then vanisheth away. The Devil wants us to be unhappy. He is a joy thief. If he can get you to look at your
problems, then he can get you to take your eyes off the problem solver. If he is successful, then your life will be filled with all sorts of unhappy thoughts.

Laughter is the MEDICINE of Heaven. It has the power to help you endure anything. So, LAUGH a lot. Laugh at yourself. Not all things are seven fold Amen moments. Here are a few funnies,

What did Jonah’s family say when he told them about what happened before reaching Nineveh? “Hmm, sounds fishy.”
What was Moses’ wife, Zipphora, known as when she’d throw dinner parties? “Thehostess with the Moses.”
What did the classmate say when asked why they kept walking next to the same person at school?
“I was told I’m supposed to
walk by Faith!”
What did pirates call Noah’s boat? “The arrrrrrk.”

See what I mean? Laughter is contagious. It makes enduring lifes challenges doable. How? God is in control: Nothing has ever put God under control. ALL things means ALL things. Anything that has control, it is because God gave it. Romans 13 (Governing authorities) and Hebrews 2 (Angels) Because of His control, I can be content (If I choose) in any situation. Because of His control, I do not have to fear even death itself. Because of His control, I can live how I want to IN HIM. Get this…If you use this out of PIETY… You use it wrong. Get this…If you use it because you heard someone else say it… You use it wrong.
Follow me: The use of this Scripture needs to come from a heart that understands the awesome power
of God. This is not a phrase to be used without KNOWLEDGE of who God is. The next time you say:
“If the Lord will”, Remember you are talking about… Our Creator.

Last Thought… Both Job and his friends made statements about God that, indeed, were not accurate.
Job will later say to God, “…Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know” (Job 42:3). In Job’s response in the verse you cited he believes God is behind all the devastating actions brought upon him, when, in fact, these were actions perpetrated by Satan. God allowed
these actions (“His Allowed Will”), but were not His direct actions upon him. But to answer your question, I follow God regardless of what befalls me. I truly believe God controls all. Not just the good. But the bad also. No God is not an evil mean God. Yet Satan is loose and He is evil and mean. Satan can only operate with God’s permission. When things happen God is always in control. Yes, we can cry and be unhappy, but that MUST pass.
How?

Psalm 98:4
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

Psalm 95:2
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto himwith psalms.
As Pastor Ed said this Morning at Gethsaemane Baptist, There is a time for all things. A season for everything under the Sun. Remember Our Father is in control, “Don’t Worry Be Happy”.

Doc
Charles L. Burton
850 Estridge Road
Paint Lick, Ky. 40461
Burton’s Promotions
Web: burtonspromotions.com (In address
bar only)
Cell: 859-913-4048
Office: 859-925-4048 Phone & Fax