Fields United Methodist Church

Celebrate Jesus!

Pastor Tom Joyce

November 8, 2022

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.”

Psalm 100:1

So what is a “joyful noise?”  Singers on key? Instruments finely tuned and played? Melody that sings to our heart?  Yes, but the list is much longer. A joyful noise to the Lord is a life that is continually giving thanks for blessings received and the privilege to witness the joy, hope, peace, love, and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; it is living out the 2 greatest commandments to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27) Maybe a better question to ask is, what is not a joyful noise? Here is a short list: gossip, negative feelings or words against another, taking the blessings of God for granted, or not using them to serve the needs of others, self-righteousness, and not taking the Ten Commandments seriously.  You get the idea; a non-joyful noise is anything we say or do that does not give glory to God.  The season of thanksgiving is a good time to practice giving thanks to God for every moment of everyday; thanks for our lives and all the gifts we have received; for the people along our path and in our lives, and for the incredible privilege to be a child of God, because “that is what we are.” (I John 3:1) Thank you Jesus, for the gift of life. May your life be a “sacrifice of praise” and thanksgiving to the one who has called you by name and has promised to be with you, even to the end of the age.  “Make a joyful noise to the Lord!”   Thank you Jesus.