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The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional   

Written by Cindy Hess Kasper for “Our Daily Bread” @  http://odb.org

[Click on the the original post link below, and then the arrow on top of the page for the audio version, including the prayer at the end ] 

Original post @ https://odb.org/US/2021/07/27/smiling-with-the-eyes

July 27

The Joy God Provides

A cheerful heart is good medicine.

Proverbs 17:22

Today’s Scripture & Insight:

Proverbs 15:13–15, 30

When Marcia’s out in public, she always tries to smile at others. It’s her way of reaching out to people who might need to see a friendly face. Most of the time, she gets a genuine smile in return. But during a time when Marcia was mandated to wear a facemask, she realized that people could no longer see her mouth, thus no one could see her smile. It’s sad, she thought, but I’m not going to stop. Maybe they’ll see in my eyes that I’m smiling.

There’s actually a bit of science behind that idea. The muscles for the corners of the mouth and the ones that make the eyes crinkle can work in tandem. It’s called a Duchenne smile, and it has been described as “smiling with the eyes.”

Proverbs reminds us that “a cheerful look brings joy to the heart” and “a cheerful heart is good medicine” (15:30 nlt; 17:22). Quite often, the smiles of God’s children stem from the supernatural joy we possess. It’s a gift from God that regularly spills out into our lives, as we encourage people who are carrying heavy burdens or share with those who are looking for answers to life’s questions. Even when we experience suffering, our joy can still shine through.

When life seems dark, choose joy. Let your smile be a window of hope reflecting God’s love and the light of His presence in your life.

By Cindy Hess Kasper

Reflect & Pray

What else does the Bible teach us about the joy found in God? How does inner joy contribute to a healthy mind, body, and spirit?

The joy You provide is my strength, dear God. Help me to be a messenger of Your love to others.

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

Picture credit:  https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ALeKk03SJbKSHS1IoQtzTqZMBesa5O2KOQ:1627385955697&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=image+joy+God+provides+bible&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjNsLSOlYPyAhXEQs0KHSkHBhkQjJkEegQIBhAC&biw=876&bih=559#imgrc=tpCDQ69QwZhaGM