INSIDE Out

Clockwise: Inside Out's: Sadness, Anger, Joy, Fear, and Disgust
(Kids and grands at Friday night's Church Trunk or Treat)

"Don't be DEJECTED and SAD, for the JOY of the LORD is your strength!" (Nehemiah 8:10b)

Superman and I traveled to the midwest last week for five tons-of-fun days with kids and grands - a picture-perfect trip (with a few imperfect exceptions: scattered rain showers, occasional brisk, cold winds, and a couple of small headaches). Joys, nonetheless, far outweighed minor discomforts. 

Like 11-year-old Riley in the computer-animated adventure film Inside Out, our core emotions normally drive thoughts and actions, and outside circumstances normally control inside feelings. God, however, says we don't have to live "normal". JOY and PEACE can rule daily regardless of surrounding conditions, because the JOY of never-ending relationship with Jesus Christ outshines every earthly trial - minor or major. 

Beloved, which emoticon is controlling your mental headquarters? Fix your mind on Jesus, and put JOY in charge!

Jesus said, "Remain in Me and My words...Remain in My love...so that you will be filled with My JOY." (John 15:5-11)