--PURE,UNADULTERATED JOY ~~

--"Whatever happen, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord.
I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith."
---[Philippians 3:1 / NLT] -

--I will never forget the video a church member showed one Sunday after returning from a missions trip to Africa.
First, he described the harsh conditions these believers faced; extreme poverty, persecution for their beliefs, and threats of violence . Then he showed footage of a typical Sunday morning service. These Christians did not have a church building; they gathered under a tree and sat on the dusty ground or stood. Yet they sang, clapped, and shouted praises to God as though they didn't have a care in the world. The faces of each man, woman, and child radiated one thing: pure, unadulterated joy.

We often rely on material possessions or favorable circumstances to bring us joy. But these African believers had none of these things. Neither did Paul, who wrote his letter to the Philippians while imprisoned in Rome. He had learned the secret of true contentment and lasting joy: choosing to focus on our relationship with Jesus, not on what we lack or what is happening around us. Ironically, our material possessions and busy lives often steal our joy.

There are many things we can rejoice in--some good and noble, some trivial. But greatest reason we have to rejoice is that we know Jesus and He knows us. What could be a better way to start our day then by concentrating on what He means to us? This will set the tone for a day well-lived and filled with joy.

I'm so glad that Jesus set me free! That is the best news ever! ~~

--GP/DNM~ --<https://youtu.be/_w_Pk5Jy6-k