In the olden days, God's people used to bring offerings to God's House.  And as they drew near, they sang songs of joy together.

Our church has work days, when Moms, Dads, yes, boys and girls too, come and help make the house of worship clean and beautiful.  

Even though some of the jobs are dirty, Christians sing and smile as they serve God in this way.

You, too, can find joy in doing things for God.

Prayer: Father, help me to do things for You.  Amen.

Have you ever been to Juvenile Court?  I hope not.  Usually, you get there by breaking the law.  

Sometimes, boys or girls 'fool' around, not really meaning to do something bad.  Ralph was like that.

'You have acted foolishly.  Your behavior has brought sorrow instead of joy to your parents,' the judge said.  It was true.  Ralph's Dad was very sad in court that day.

We can bring joy to our parents by doing what is right.

Prayer: Lord, please help me to do what is right.  Amen.

An army was fighting the enemy in a tropical jungle.  Many were wounded, sick, starving, and very tired.  

One day they discovered their commander had left.  Everybody wanted to give up!

The commander returned a few hours later.  When the men saw his face, they knew things were going to get better.  The commander smiled with joy and said, 'I broke through the enemy lines.  Help is on the way.'  

The men's despair turned to joy because of their brave commander's return.

Jesus, our commander, turns our despair into joy!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your presence which brings us joy.  Amen.

Many years ago, a girl went to Bible camp in Canada.  The camp director helped her to believe on Jesus.  The girl returned home to the farm to live as a Christian.

When the girl was grown up she met the camp director and his wife in a city far away from the Bible camp.  How happy she was to once again meet the man who had first told her that Jesus loves her!

The Bible tells us to honor people who, like the Camp director, are true servants of God.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the people who truly serve You.  Amen.

Crash!  The snowmobile went through the ice, throwing father and son into the freezing waters.  

The father got out quickly - but where was the son?  Diving back into the black water, the man finally found the boy.

Later, in hospital, that brave Dad had the tips of his fingers removed because of frostbite.  But nothing could hide his joy.  His son was safe.

Even though Jesus suffered on the cross, He knew that joy would follow because His death brought life to us.

Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for loving me enough to die for me.  Amen.