The Joy of the Lord!

I’m on vacation, but I am able to access the internet, so I will blog some.
Yesterday I had the awesome privilege of watching three precious men be baptized! The love and joy amidst our church family was palpable as these men shared what Christ has done in their lives and hearts. One of the men is also a member of the Life Group to which I referred in my previous blog. We have prayed with and for this great guy for several years and to see God answer this prayer was an incredible blessing for us. I tell you, this community has become so dear to me! 2 Thessalonians 1:2-4 describes succinctly the work of the Holy Spirit in our group: We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater;
When I feel discouraged, when I question God’s work in myself, or even His presence, I will look back on this day and be encouraged! I will marvel at the love that I feel for this community which can only be given by God. I will remember God’s faithfulness to answered prayer, to maturing us in love, and to the joy that I experienced while we celebrated the work of the Spirit and the obedience of these men who followed Christ’s example to be baptized. This history of God’s presence and faithfulness helps me to cling tightly on the bad days and to allow His joy to be my strength through the tough times! The joy of the Lord is my strength!