Stay Joyful Always.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you are involved in various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But you must let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing." James. 1:2-4.

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center studied 1700 older Americans and discovered that those who regularly attended religious services had stronger immune systems than those who did not. Blood tests showed that attending church raised their level of immunity against disease. So believers are healthier in body as well as soul! No doubt it is clear from the research that religious participation enhances immune functioning by yet unknown mechanisms, such as through feelings of belonging, togetherness, even perhaps the experience of worship and prayers. 

It's believed that the positive feelings during prayers, worship and teaching of the word may counteract stress and convey health effects that go far beyond simply the prevention of depression or other negative emotions. Of course, attending church will never give you immunity from temptation, but it will make your resistance to temptation much stronger and you will be far less likely to yield to it. However I believe Joy in the Lord has a role to play in keeping you immune to infirmity and resistant to temptation. The Joy that relationship with the Lord brings is unquantifiable. It's readily available irrespective of what you are going through, you are advised  to count it all Joy.

Joy is something we all long for but that often seems difficult to grab or lay hold of. Experiencing joy should be a part of every Christian’s life. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, produced by God’s work in us, and it is part of God’s will for us. Joy is both a gift of God as well as our response to the gifts of God. Joy comes when we are aware of God’s grace and relish His favour. The book of Philippians has much to say about joy, even though Paul wrote the epistle from prison. Phil. 4:4–7. He gives some guidelines for experiencing joy in the Christian life: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! . . . The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Keep your joy, don't let life rob you of Joy.

FURTHER READING: 

"Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe." Phil. 3:1.

"But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." 1 Peter. 4:13.

DECLARATION: 

Dear Abba Father, thank You for another day, I rejoice in all you have given me. Lord, I take advantage of grace, I speak into the atmosphere around me and my destiny, I declare that the lines have fallen for me in pleasant places. My heritage is blessed. My portion is indeed amongst the great. All that pertains to me and my well-being is blessed and preserved by the Lord in the name of Jesus, amen.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 

Mark. 6:1-56.

Mark. 7:1-37.

Mark. 8:1-38.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

"Your Faith Is Stronger Than A Stone. Your Joy Is Taller Than A Mountain Don't Lose It For Anything."