"Choose. Serve the Lord or have joy."

That is what "churches" would have you believe.

This is a quote from a church meeting I attended on December 4, 2022.

"Of course, God wants us to have joy, but we also must serve the Lord. It is our duty."

This church leader was essentially saying, "It is our duty to serve the Lord. But that will keep you from having joy. It is one or the other, but not both." That is the deceit believed by most church people. They would never say it, but they live it. Their everday choices reveal what they truly believe.

Actually, joy comes from living a life of growing obedience to God. It comes from ever-increasing holiness.

John 15:10-11 KJV

[10] If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

[11] These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.