Are you a HUGGER?

 

One of my favorite comedians is Michael Jr. He is a Christian comedian and I just love his humor. I was thinking about him this morning as I was reflecting on the sermon yesterday. My message had the primary point, 

"Christmas Joy if found by drawing near to Jesus." 

During the message I talked about remaining NEAR to JESUS, in a virtual JESUS HUG. I know, kind of corny. But it is true that the nearer we are to JESUS the more joy we experience and you cannot get any closer than a hug. Well, Michael Jr. has a routine I love that talks about men hugging. 

Here is a link to that routine

Rules for Hugging

I am not a huge hugger, but I know people that just live and thrive on hugs. I can deal with huggers. They do bring me quite a bit of joy. I can't say I go and seek hugs. It just depends upon the situation and the person on the receiving end of the hug. 

ARE YOU A HUGGER?

I shared yesterday this scripture:

"I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father's commandments and remain in his love." (John 15:9-10, NLT)

I love how THE MESSAGE PARAPHRASE says it:

"I've loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you'll remain intimately at home in my love. That's what I've done -- kept my Father's commands and made myself at home in his love." (John 15:9-10, MSG)

REMAIN INTIMATELY AT HOME with the LORD. 

To REMAIN in the LORD'S love means to not depart, to tarry, to remain in place, TO BE HELD, KEPT, CONTINUALLY. YES, I love that definition. That is where we get this idea to be HUGGED, to be HELD by JESUS. And you know what? You don't have to tap and release (watch the video link!) 

Our JOY comes from being in the presence of the Lord and that joy increases the closer we get to Jesus. Let him wrap his arms around you today. That was the entire message yesterday. REMAIN in the LOVE of JESUS, as close as you can possibly get. When we do, our JOY WILL OVERFLOW in a way that will overshadow any pain, sorrow, or trials you are facing. 

Heavenly Father, Help us to experience your loving caring embrace. This world has a tendency to be VOID of JOY, even in the Christmas season. I pray that all people experience the kind of joy that only comes from a hug with Jesus. Thank you Lord for your wonderful love and the JOY of our salvation! Amen!

Are you in that deep, intimate, joyful embrace with JESUS? If NOT, WHY NOT! Spread that CHRISTMAS JOY at work, at school, at home, and throughout your community!

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If you haven't repented of your sin, accepted what Jesus did for you on the cross, dying for your sins, or if you have not committed your life to Jesus, TODAY could be that day. give your life to the Lord. 

"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10, ESV)

If you gave your life to Jesus today, text the word "faith" to (765)-896-4302 and we will follow up with material for you and join you in your walk of faith!