Joy!

Interesting word in Acts 14:17 Paul says that God has left us
witnesses, indications of His presence and love written into the world
as we know it that call us to a world beyond. Rain, food in the
seasons... and joy. JOY! Joy is a gift from the Lord and a calling
to another world where the Lord is real and reigns and where what
happens to us is not as powerful as what happens inside of us. How
amazing is that? It would seem joy is an after thought, a result of
rain and crops (good food). But... joy is a gift in and of itself.

Whenever we experience joy we taste again the Kingdom of God.
Creating joy moments for others does give them a glimpse of what it
might be like for them to have a real relationship with the God of
heaven and earth, the God who gives the food that is a part of our
joy. Anytime we experience joy it is a gift of heaven to us. So
maybe when I eat that food that is bad for me I now have something
else to say about it. It gives me joy and brings my heart back to
God. In truth every meal is like that, a moment to get ahold again of
God's gift and provision. But today when I eat the bad stuff I will
be joyful... to my Lord!