Then he said to them, "Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (NAS)
Are you celebrating today? The Nation of Israel had just rediscovered the Law of Moses and were grieving over their son. In the midst of their failure God spoke through Nehemiah and encouraged the people to celebrate.
The reason for their celebration was the strength they received from the joy of the Lord. God declared the day a Holy Day. The day that God declared holy gave occasion to have a part. Joy can turn mourning and weeping into strength. Joy is such an intragal part of the nature of God. He is a God who not only brings rejoicing to His people, but He Himself is a God of rejoicing.
The Book of Galatians lists the fruit of the Spirit and includes in that list, joy. Joy is a result of God's presence in your life.Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." (NAS)
No matter what is happening in your life God can bring you His joy. Through joy you will discover and experience His strength. Trials and tribulations will come to you from time to time. Your complete reliance upon the Lord and the joy only He can bring will give you hoe, strength, and encouragement.
God has your best interest at heart. He cares for and loves you. His desire is to bring joy to your heart. Why not ask Him right now to give you His joy. Joy is not the absence of problems, but the strength to see you through any and all circumstances while experiencing a happy heart. No wonder Nehemiah could say that the "joy of the Lord" was his strength.
____________________Today's personal note from Dennis
Greetings from Starbucks!Daily I am reminded how good and wonderful God is. He loves us and meets our needs and blesses us beyond words.I still am able to share the blessings of how God has given me strength and life with as man people as will listen.
God also continues to open doors to preach. I will be at Northpointe Baptist Church in Chandler, AZ on Mother's Day, May 8th and at Golden Valley Baptist Church near Kingman, AZ on Saturday May 14th and Sunday May 15th. I am looking forward to these opportunities. Sandy and I both had a great week. 
Sandy celebrated her birthday by having the opportunity of holding her new grandson, Johnny. He is still in the NICU, but doing well He has gained weight and is up to 4lb 10oz. He is 17 inches long and is now drinking from a bottle. He still is having problems with Brady. His heart rate drops too low. He will not go home until this is corrected. He is off of the oxygen. Thanks for your prayers. John and Mandy are doing well, but just tired of driving 75 miles a day back and forth to the hospital. They are ready for Johnny to come home.
Thanks again for all your prayers. My health is doing wonderful. No problems at this time at all. I am probably the best I have been in five years.I praise the Lord. He truly is good. - DGW
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