#joyfulobedience by: Julie Wicker
On January 1st I saw an example of a “Joy Jar” on Pinterest. When I returned to work after Christmas break, there was a mason jar, free to a good home. I immediately took that as a God wink and started my Joy Jar. The scripture I chose to use is 1 Chr 16:8;12 give thanks to the Lord, remember the wonders he has done. This meant so much to me since, Christmas Eve we got the news my Dad was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. Since that diagnosis, my motto has been “Finding Joy in the Journey”.

Have you ever found something special that had been lost? Sometimes I think God allows us to lose something to find our Joy again. There have been two occasions since I started my Joy Jar. My mom gave me earrings Christmas of 2017 and by April of 2018 I couldn’t fine one of them. The day I made the Joy Jar, my Administrator found my earring. It had been in her car for the last 9mths. Then just this past week I lost something that is very special. My Dad’s mom had given me her mother’s ring before she passed away of cancer. Last Friday when I went to wear it, I realized it was not in my jewelry box. I checked all my counters, the lost and found at work and nothing. I just kept praying, Lord reveal to me where my ring has been placed. That Saturday as I was unloading my car and saw something shiny in the driveway. It was my ring, completely unscathed. In this cold weather, it must have slipped off my finger and perfectly landed in between where my husband’s tires would travel every day for almost a week.
During Holy Communion Sunday, we spoke the words, Lord, free us for joyful obedience. What does it look like to be free? What is joyful obedience? During this new season of cancer for our family, everyday I am fighting off Satan’s attacks. I find by adding the little moments, like finding a pink elephant paper clip and then adding it to my Joy Jar are keeping those attacks at bay. The song that has been speaking to me is “Not Today” by Hillsong. Some of the lyrics go like this; “I’ll sing the night into the morning. I’ll sing the fear into your praise. I’ll sing my soul into your presence, whenever I say your name; JESUS, let the devil know not today”. Its like every day I must intentionally give Satan an Eviction notice otherwise I would not be free. If I let Satan in, I can’t go about my day with a Joyful heart.
Recently Deborah suggested praying; Eph 6:11 Finally, be strong in the Lord and his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
The promise that has been in my heart for several years now and has gotten me through different situations; Isa 43:19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Have you given Satan an eviction notice? Don’t let him steal your joy.
#worshipwithus  Not Today by: Hillsong

*If you are interested in this necklace, you can contact Deborah Ard or Julie Wicker*