Joy of the Lord

June 11th – Nehemiah 8:10

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Nehemiah 8:10

After a 70 year exile in Babylon, the Israelites triumphantly returned to their beloved Jerusalem. The people stood behind the newly rebuilt walls and listened as the priest Ezra read aloud from the Book of the Law of Moses. And as they realized how horribly they had rejected and sinned against God, the people began to weep. Have you ever wept because of sin? Had times where you have rejected the Word of God? I have. And my heart has been broken knowing the hurt I have caused my Lord. But we serve a God of unending mercy and love. And like Nehemiah told the downhearted Israelites, instead of weeping over past sin we should rejoice! Because when we truly repent and return to God, He welcomes us back joyfully, and with open arms. And to experience such unmerited grace not only heals our hearts, but renews our strength!

June 11th – Nehemiah 8:10 Read More »

May 8th – Colossians 1:11

1 Comment / Daily Devotional /

Colossians 1:11

Paul’s prayer for the Christians in Colossae is one that is equally important for the Christians of today. That God’s power will strengthen each and every one of us. And through that power we will receive the ability to endure; being unmovable during trials and suffering. Along with it, the fruit of the Spirit of patience. For patience is rooted in love, especially long suffering towards others. And both are attributes of the Father, bringing with them great joy. We live in a world that is anything but Christlike. Today people are easily offended and lose patience with each other quickly. By showing the world another way, the way of Christlike patience, not only is God happy, but so are we. Because obedience always fills our hearts with the joy the Lord!

May 8th – Colossians 1:11 Read More »

August 19th – Psalm 4:7

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Psalm 4:7

The end of summer brings with it harvest time. The time when farmers, and home gardeners finally get to see the bountiful results of all of their hard work. They rejoice in the abundance of grain and wine. Yet David, who suffered great hardships, says the joy they feel is nothing compared to the abundance of the joy of the Lord. More often than not, David found himself surrounded by peril. Yet no matter the circumstance, his joy remained strong. Because David knew that great, lasting happiness doesn’t come from the world. It comes from having a close, personal relationship with the Lord. For hope placed in earthly circumstances is hope misplaced. True and lasting joy is only found in Jesus. For through Him we have hope of the resurrection to eternal life in heaven. A joy and hope that nothing in this world can ever take away!

August 19th – Psalm 4:7 Read More »