Mid-Week Inspiration: Wednesday, April 26, 2023
NOTE: As you read this, I will be in Jerusalem, Israel. I appreciate your prayers.
During his crusades, Billy Graham would tell the story of old Joe. Joe was a drunk who lived on the streets. Then, one evening at a Billy Graham crusade, Joe experienced new life. His life was transformed.
He went back to the homeless shelter and committed to helping others. Then, one evening at a preaching event, another shelter resident prayed. The prayer partner asked what he would like prayer for, and the man said, "Make me like Joe!" He repeated it over and over. Make me like Joe!
The prayer partner said, "Don't you mean Jesus? Make me like Jesus?" And the man said, "Yes, if he is like Joe. Make me like him."
As a follower of Jesus, does your life give witness to new life? When people see you, do they see joy? The Psalmist declares, "He has clothed me with joy!"
Jamey
(Music performed by the Modern Worship Team of Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia)
Mid-Week Prayer:
Lord, I am unsure if it is naive in a world of grief or foolish in a world of violence to live in joy. But I can be naive and foolish and choose joy today. If it wasn’t for my confidence in Jesus, it almost seems cruel in a world of injustice and hurt to choose joy.
But I am confident that Jesus can turn my mourning into dancing, my darkness into light, and bring joy in my grief. Jesus, thank you for being my joy-bringer. Amen.
If you find encouragement in this newsletter, I would love for you to take the opportunity to share it with others. Thank you for reading.