Joy Suckers

“But none of these things move me, nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24

I have shared before that Acts 20:24 is our theme verse for 2013.  The Lord keeps using this verse in my life in so many ways.

Have you ever noticed how easy it is at times to lose your joy? Last week everyone was whining (including me) was complaining about the hot weather. The Lord blessed us  on Wednesday and Thursday with two beautifully cool days and everyone seemed to be whining about the cold weather. It made me chuckle. Are we ever satisfied?

This past week at America’s Keswick we had a rough week. Maybe it was the heat finally getting to everyone. Staff were complaining. Guests were complaining. Colony men were complaining. Everyone was complaining about something.

I found myself getting a headache and saying, “What is going on with everyone?” It seemed like every time someone said, “Can I talk to you for five minutes” it was to grumble, complain or criticize. I actually couldn’t wait for the week to end.

Again the Holy Spirit gently nudged me with the verse from Acts 20:24. “But NONE of these THINGS move me … so I may finish my race with joy.”

Wow. How easy it is for me to lose my joy. How easy it is for me to be come frustrated with the joy-suckers. But then I stopped and asked myself the question, “How have I been a joy sucker” with my wife? My kids? My staff? My donors? My friends?

I want to honest look at that. What are the ways that I can become a joy-giver to those God has placed in my life? Yes, there will always be joy suckers in our lives. But I am praying that the joy-suckers will not move me – but instead that I will finish my race with joy. Are you a joy sucker or a joy giver? Think about it.

Running the race with joy,

Bill Welte
President/CEO

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 49-50; Acts 20:1-16

Quote of the day: The difference between a rut and a grave is the depth!

Verse to Memorize: Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true. Troubles and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight. Psalm 119:142-143