Joy of the Lord!

For Sunday, August 2, 2020.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 CEV: “Always be joyful and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.”

Becoming a follower of Jesus is like getting into a swimming pool. Some people go to the shallow waters, stick in a toe, check the temperature and get back out again. In, out, in, out. They never fully get in.

But those who truly love the Lord go to the deep waters, get a running start, tuck-up their knees and ker-splash! – they’re all in! I call it “immersion!”

That’s what Paul is describing in his letter to the Thessalonians. Believers should be fully immersed in following Jesus. It’s nothing we turn on and turn off again. True believers are “all in!” Forever!

If the joy of the Lord covers your entire life and you can offer up a mini-prayer at every challenge, yours will be a good life, because that’s what God wants you to do. Decide that today is going to be a good day. Decide that you’re going to be joyful today! Carry the joy of the Lord with you every day!

Blessings to everyone this Sabbath!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406