Blessed to Be Joyful in the Lord!

 

“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

-Luke 15:31–32

Joel Osteen had another nice prayer and write-up today in his email to me. He was talking about celebrating, being joyful, and joining the party. He said that in  "Luke 15, the older brother of the prodigal was so angry when his father celebrated the prodigal’s return with a party that he refused to go in. He said, “Dad, I’ve always done what you asked, but you’ve never even given me a skinny goat. After all the bad things my brother’s done, how can you kill a fatted calf for him?” You can hear his bitterness. That bitterness, however, didn’t stop the party; it just kept him out of the party. Sometimes we’re holding on to unforgiveness, anger, and resentment, thinking that it’s hurting the other person when it’s only hurting us. Are you letting bitterness or a disappointment keep you from enjoying today? Why don’t you let it go and come into the party? Life is happening. There’s a celebration going on. Today is a gift. Don’t let a bad childhood keep you out of the party. Don’t let a divorce or a breakup cause you to be sour and sit on the sidelines of life. Come into the party."  I think it is so true, our lives are gifts from God, He wants us to be joyful while here on Earth. He wants us to do His will, allow Him to direct our steps, and be happy and celebrate life and all the goodness going on! Joel Osteen's prayers are a real blessing! 

A Prayer for Today from Joel Osteen

“Father, thank You that today is Your gift to me and that there’s a celebration going on. Thank You that I don’t have to sit on the sidelines in unforgiveness or bitterness over things that have happened. I declare that I’m getting rid of whatever may be keeping me from joining the party. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”