Word for the day "5 Ways to Experience Joy"

James 1:2 (NKJV) My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.I have discovered in my experience both externally and privately that many people, who follow Jesus, think they shouldn’t struggle. We think God will give us lives of ease and comfort once we decide to follow Christ. The idea is: If we are good Christians, we will have it all together. If we have enough faith, our conflicts and problems would resolve themselves. How do you feel about this?When you come to Christ, does your problem disappear? In fact, many churches will communicate that very message week in and week out. As a result, those who attend those churches hide their struggles, because they mistakenly equate struggles with a lack of faith. Have you heard this before?But our walk with Jesus was never meant to be a stroll through the park people of God. Following Jesus won’t remove struggles from your life; in fact it often adds to your struggle. (If I was in the pulpit, I’d ask you to say Amen) Some of the most committed people of God have lived some of the most difficult lives. I know this is right today because some of you reading this message right now are living witnesses of this truth!The Bible in today’s message goes so far as to tell us to expect trials and difficulties, and to be joyful when we face them. With Christ, you can do that, on your own, you are destined to fail. Having Christ in your life provides some biblical point of references to view the challenges in your life!Here are the 5 ways to experience Joy:

1. Have a mature understanding of what the Bible says about Joy.
2. Understand that joy is not predicated on happenings or events.
3. Joy is understanding who God is in your life, and who you are in God.
4. Joy is one of the most matured perspectives of your relationship with God.
5. Joy gives order to our lives: J-Jesus, O- Others- Y-Yourself.

Quote:  “Suffering, failure, loneliness, sorrow, discouragement, and death will be part of your journey, but the Kingdom of God will conquer all these horrors. No evil can resist grace forever”. By Brennan ManningOur Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of March 2018 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. David Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington,  Ms. Yvonne Bazemore, Mrs. Cynthia Waiters-Artis, and Ms. Gertrude Scott. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you Great people, we’d love to hear from you!Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!Kingdom Blessings,Pastor James Baker, Jr.Thank you for using the Word Cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership on (Word press). We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the link below to give as the Lord leads. Thank you so much!