Visible Joy

~~~ Acts of the Apostles 13:44-52 ~~~ Psalm 98 ~~~

~~~ John 14:7-14 ~~~

...whatever you ask in my name, I will do,

so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 

If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.

We ask Jesus for things all the time.

We ask for trivial things like finding a good parking spot.

We ask for things very important like disease cures.

Jesus and God the Father are one, joined together;

what we ask of one we also ask of the other.

Answered prayers 

are meant to give glory to the Father.

Whether you pray to Jesus or God the Father

your prayers are heard by both.

Your prayers are answered by both.

Remember to give thanks to both

 as your prayers are answered.

We give thanks to you God the Father.

We give thanks to Jesus.

 All the ends of the earth 

have seen the saving power of God.

The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

If we want to be a disciple of Jesus

 we must be filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

Why would we be filled with joy?

Where is this joy we seek?

What does it look like?

What does it feel like?

When we fill a glass with water 

we can see that the glass is filled.

Can there be any visible reflection 

of our being filled with joy?

I believe the answer is 'yes'.

There are visible signs of being filled with joy

just as there are signs when you are in love.

When you are in love your face

 is brighter...your eyes sparkle.

When you are in love the world is a better place...

you feel like you are 'walking on sunshine'.

Evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit

becomes evident in us through our actions.

Consider yourself filled with joy

in every way.

Blessings and grace of the 

Holy Spirit are with you every day.

~~~Peace~~~