Joy Is Free, But Not Cheap

God is good and gracious.

Jacob Luis Gonzales

Beauty Admist Sorrow

At what moment(s) in your life have you found beauty amidst sorrow?

Just recently I went through a very rough patch in my Christian walk with Christ. I just felt downcast, distraught, and depressed. After I came to the acceptance that it was okay to be sad and down God began to show me how worthy He is for my joy and my rest. I remember the first time after this season that God broke me down emotionally in front of my wife and His beauty became all the more vivid. He is still working on me and I occasionally struggle with depression, but God is working in my heart. He is actively seeking to make me more like Jesus, and I thank Him that He gives me joy, He sustains my joy, and He is the reason for my joy! Joy is a gift. Joy is seeing the glory of Christ. Joy is only found in Christ, and He has made that unforgettably clear during that time in my life. 

God is good and gracious.

Jacob Luis Gonzales

Two Texts To Ponder

There is a new Bible study on Mizzou's campus, and I am praying that God uses it to touch the lives of many people.  The text this week was Matthew 1:1-17. Great time. 

This quote is from When I Don't Desire God by John Piper. Joy itself is a gift from God and for God. That is so insanely powerful and challenging!

#Marriage Preview - The Purpose of Marriage

Jesus has freed us to be married as we were originally designed. God the Father is freeing us to live a life of joy, freedom, and love through the grace and power of His Son, Jesus Christ. God is making all things new, and one day all marriages will accurately reflect the grace, love, and truth of our Savior.