Vignettes From The Pearly Gates (Part 4)

(Day 4)

The mind is the battle ground of opposing heavenly forces. Good or bad, we choose whatever predominates our mind. But whatever predominates our mind goes down to the heart, and out of the preponderance of the heart determines what we say or do. Let us then fill our minds with, "Whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things." (Philippians 4: 8)

Posted by Mel Avila Alarilla
Philippines
Spiritual/Inspirational

Joy (That Indescribable Feeling That Wells Up Inside)

Joy is different from happiness although to many, they may mean the same. Happiness is contingent upon the realization of a cherished goal or want. Happiness is an external manifestation of that feeling of elation over a positive development in one's life.

Not so with joy. Joy is from the Creator. It is the feeling of indescribable joy that is not contingent on any external circumstances or situations in one's life. One may be in the most miserable and dangerous situation in life and still be in the state of indescribable or overflowing joy. Why? Because indescribable or overflowing joy is anchored on the firm hope and faith of the believer in the promise of His Creator.

Have you ever thought about the reasons why the early Christians exuded that indescribable joy even though they were persecuted, crucified and fed to the lions by their Roman tormentors? The frenzied mob that flocked the Coliseum during those times were awestruck by the stoic faith and calm in the faces of those Christian martyrs as they were mauled to death by lions, or were burned alive at the cross, or were mercilessly slaughtered by war toughened gladiators.

Expecting that the victims would be so hysterical and fight their tormentors to preserve their own lives, the audience were treated to a sight seemingly out of this world. The Christians were looking up to heaven and were singing praise and worship songs to their Creator. Why? Because they were clinging to that cherished hope that they will be with their Creator in His blissful abode after their impending demise.

If we are at peace with our Creator and we know that we are walking in His will, then we have that same indescribable and overflowing joy in our hearts. No matter what the circumstances may be, we may be living in the most wretched situation, yet that same indescribable and overflowing joy will remain in our hearts until we see the day of our eventual deliverance and return to the bosom of our Creator.



Posted by Mel Avila Alarilla
Philippines
Spiritual/Inspirational