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On the 15th day of the 7th month in the 54th year of the 20th century, the heavens opened, the clouds parted, and God's glory shone upon the earth. Then the Lord spoke in a rather loudish voice, saying, "Let there be him!" And there was him. He called him...Chuck. And all creation exclaimed, "Oh, dear Lord."
Yea verily, I was born on July 15. Most of you knew that already. Probably have it marked on your calendars. (Your presents are quite tardy, however.) Since that holy day, I've been on a journey which we've shared in these Notes of Encouragement and our work in Ciloa. I hope you've enjoyed them.
The Notes have been a journey in themselves. As you may have noticed, I have a different way of viewing the world and those in it. I see the imprint of God in everything and everywhere, and I greatly enjoy asking Why in my never-ending quest to know God better and follow Him more closely.
At times I've been slammed for expressing what I believe about God and my relationship with Him. Some argue private beliefs should remain private. Others simply want me to stop sharing my understanding of God's Word, while they decline to discuss anything. I'll continue both, by the way.
But most of you have been very supportive of me and Ciloa. You've shown us respect and on occasion have joined in some very interesting discussions. For that, I thank you. To have so many enjoy what we do and encourage us in return is quite humbling and brings us great joy. Very cool!
About that joy thing, an important part of following God is having and sharing joy. We're not talking happiness here. Both the Hebrew simchah and the Greek chara refer to something much deeper-an intense gladness that exists even in sorrow. This inexpressible and glorious joy (1 Peter 1:8) is given by God's own Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:6), flowing from those who follow His Son (Galatians 5:22).
One of my favorite passages is Jesus' prayer during the Last Supper. He wanted His Disciples and all who would ever follow Him to have within them the full measure of His joy (John 17:13b). And what is His joy? ...that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. (v. 21a)
This joy---Jesus' joy, the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit---is the incredible gladness found in a special relationship. As Paul's jailer discovered, he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God (Acts 16:34b). Belief brought him into a relationship with God, and there was joy!
But Jesus said such joy is about more than our relationship with God. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.(v. 23b)
This joy---our joy---has a purpose: to bring together all who follow Christ so the world will know who Jesus is and that God loves them...just as He loved Jesus...just as He loves us. Why would this cause the world to know? Because only through this joy could such incredibly different people ever stand united.
Do others see this amazing joy in you? Do you smile? (Remember, for many I've seen your Facebook pictures.) Is there any clue you're glad to have a personal relationship with God? And have you shared this joy by sending me a birthday present? (As a show of unity, of course.)
Be united. Share your joy. Show the world.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 | 
