Daily Devotional for July 16, 2007

Proverbs 15
12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)

How many joy-filled Christians do you know? How many can you name? Can you think of people who claim to be Christians who are always upset about something – always complaining – always worried or mad or down in the dumps? Are you one of these people? Sure, we all have days when things aren’t going so well. We all have bills to pay, bouts with poor health or illness, things that have to get done, and more. But to react negatively to life in general is to betray our faith!

Consider this… if you are inviting someone to your church, and your attitude and tone of voice are less than enthusiastic, do you really think that person will want to visit? If you are always worried or upset about something or someone, do you think others will see you as a faith-filled Christian? If you are always gossiping and stirring up trouble, will people believe your Christian witness?

We need to strive to be joy-filled, enthusiastic, positive, faith-filled believers. We need to conduct ourselves in such a way that others look at us and say, “I want what he/she has!” We need to be serving God and TRUSTING Him to meet all of our needs each day. We need to put our hand in His and let Him lead us each day. WE need to smile and be happy… and MEAN IT!

It’s time for a reality check! It’s time for us to check our joy/faith meter and see how we are doing. It’s time for us to step up to the plate and represent! “All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.” Do you get it? Will you choose to operate in evil, or is your life a continual feast? The message is clear… the choice is yours. I pray that you will choose to operate in a spirit of joy and abundance.

©2007 Debbie Robus