Castaways are by Choice

Sometimes, “Do you feel as though you are alone on an island?”

Today, more people are feeling isolated than any time in our history.

People are not really getting connected for any meaningful purpose.

Men are still projecting I am "OK" or I don't need anybody image.

Sure, we have casual friends and we have busy lives, maybe too busy.

Some of us pursue relief and comfort outside of God’s plan,
that only provides a greater division in our relationships.

As examples; some of us busy ourselves in work, or sports,
or a hobby that avoids dealing with life’s disappointments.

These diversions are not helping anyone spiritually or relationally.

Most men are not connecting on an honest level with other men.

Brothers relating to brothers, that is how God wants us to be.

Caring about a brother and feeling that a brother cares about you.

Buddy System; watching each other’s back, praying for your buddy,
encouraging your buddy, and sharing some activities together.

Brothers helping each other to be the man, God wants us to be.

When one brother shows he cares about a another brother,
this encourages that brother to care more for his brothers.

What goes around comes around and the more we reach out to our
brothers the more we will receive from God and from our brothers.

You can develop good bonding between brothers through team work
in a church activity or an outreach project or offer to help a brother.

A few examples are church ushers, housekeeping, ride sharing,
painting, repair projects or any shared worthwhile activity.

This bonding between two or more brothers sharing their time
with each other is a great morale booster to all the brothers.

This is what a congregation family is about, caring about each
other and be forgiving of your brothers rough spots with love.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love;
give preference to one another in honor. (Rom. 12:10 NASB)

Brotherly Love is too be devoted to other Christians with a family
type of love, that is not based on our personal attraction.

Too show genuine appreciation for fellow believers by serving them.

Who has got your back? Reach out until you’re a brother’s buddy!

Just spend a little time with a brother and find a really good friend.

“Do not become an island or a Castaway, be God's connection."

JOY

by Sister Joan

On some days every women knows, it is hard to be cheerful.
Recently while praying; the Holy Spirit gave me “just one word” “JOY”.
I was puzzled; Did God want me to be more joyful? I’ll try to do that.
The Holy Spirit impressed upon me to share "Joy" with my sisters.

”For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but
of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”(Romans 14:17)

God wants us, not only to love Him with all our hearts and to love one
another, but to also be full of His joy. God has made it very clear:
He intends that His Joy should become our joy.
God wants believers to share His love with His joy in their hearts.

God’s glorious and inexpressible joy can be ours.
“and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you

do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly Rejoice with Joy

inexpressible and full of Glory.” (1 Peter 1:8)

How does God define Joy?
God defines Joy as an attitude, a choice from within us.
So then, what is Gods Joy?
Joy is the heart of God’s plan and Joy is our strength.
When we draw strength from joy, it makes us less likely to be tempted.
God’s aim is for us to be filled with joy – that His Joy will be in us.
Joy is also necessary for Spiritual life. Your joy is your responsibility.
If you miss out on joy, you miss out on the reason for your existence.
Rejoice in every moment of life, because every moment is a gift from God.
Every day is God’s day, so rejoice in it.

If we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, then one of the results is
supposed to be “ Joy”. The Bible says, Joy is a fruit of the Spirit.
Then what prevents this precious Spiritual fruit from growing ?
Many different weeds can choke it. Like neglect & inattention can stunt it.
Carelessness can wither it before it has a chance to thrive.
A healthy, happy joyful soul does not grow without tender diligent care.
Having an abiding attitude of thanksgiving regardless of circumstances.

How, then, is it possible to become a joyful person in a pain filled world ?
We can because; God’s way allows us to hold on to our joy no matter

what heart breaks we face. It is a way that has nothing to do with us and

everything to do with HIM. Whatever you are facing, you need not let your

fear dictate feelings and actions. Your big stuff may be big, but God is bigger.

Jesus told us in this world you will have trouble, but take heart !

I have overcome the world.

Remember; God wants us to be joyful children and to share that joy with the world and each other. When you see a sister down, upset, discourage, what- ever state she is in, lift her up in prayer, comfort her, encourage her to help restore her joy. Realize she is under attack. The enemy would like nothing better than to take her joy away.

Without Love, there is no Joy.
Help us Father to be joyful Christians, help us to claim your joy, and
knowing that your joy is in us you will use it to reach others, amen.