Joy

June 5th – Matthew 5:44

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Matthew 5:44

Of all the commands Jesus gives, the most radical must be to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Not easily done with our fleshly nature. But with Jesus we can put aside our old selves and respond instead with the Fruit of the Spirit. By showing love to our enemies, we demonstrate the selfless nature of Christ. Joy can fill our hearts when we choose reconciliation over retaliation, knowing we are following Jesus’ example. We create peace in our lives by replacing conflict with compassion. Practicing patience with those who oppose us allows room for transformation and understanding. Kindness and goodness shine through our actions, when we respond to hostility with generosity and care. Faithfulness in obeying Jesus’ commands, even when difficult, reflects our commitment to His teachings. Gentleness, helps soften hearts and break down barriers. And finally, self-control keeps us from reacting out of anger, instead responding with grace and love. Just as our Savior responds to us.

June 5th – Matthew 5:44 Read More »

May 30th – John 14:2-3

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John 14:2-3

Jesus gives us a beautiful promise. He is busy right now, preparing a place for us in His Father’s house. This promise fills us with hope and joyful anticipation, knowing that one day He will return to take us to our eternal home. Each room in this divine dwelling is handcrafted by our Savior Himself, reflecting His boundless love and care for us. As we go about our daily lives, we are called to live with this joyous expectation, letting it shape our thoughts and actions. The reality of our future home with Jesus gives us strength to endure trials and inspires us to spread His love and grace. We can look forward to a day when pain and sorrow will be no more, and we will dwell in perfect peace and joy with our Lord. This heavenly moving day will be the moment when all of God’s promises are fulfilled. Until then, we live with hearts full of hope, eagerly awaiting the return of our Savior. Knowing our Lord is preparing a place for us is a source of great comfort, and urges us to stay faithful and focused on our heavenly destination.

May 30th – John 14:2-3 Read More »

May 22nd – Zechariah 14:3

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Zechariah 14:3

In the quiet hush of dawn, Christ first came. He came not with the roar of a Lion but with the tender grace of a Lamb, walking amongst us in humility and love. But Zechariah’s prophecy regarding the second triumphant return of Jesus is very different. For this time He will come not as the gentle and humble Lamb, but as the fierce Lion of Judah, majestic and mighty. Oh how the anticipation swells within our hearts, knowing that we shall ride alongside Him! On white chargers, our souls ablaze with the fire of righteousness, we too will return. For we will be given the honor and privilege to be counted among the ranks of God’s mighty army. Standing firm in the face of darkness, wielding the sword of truth, we will march boldly for the Lord. So as the days grow short until the dawn of His return, let us lift our voices in joy! Because we are chosen to stand shoulder to shoulder with the King of Kings, as His faithful warriors in the battle for righteousness and redemption.

May 22nd – Zechariah 14:3 Read More »

May 21st – Revelation 19:1

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Revelation 19:1

“Hallelujah!” Heard by John, it’s roared through the heavens by the multitudes. A glorious word “Hallelujah,” reserved for God alone. For it means, “Praise the Lord!” A mighty declaration reflecting the ultimate victory and glory of God. As we await the return of Jesus, “Hallelujah” embodies our joy and anticipation for His coming. It’s a word that transcends our earthly circumstances, reminding us of the eternal hope we have in Christ. In a world filled with uncertainty and suffering, “Hallelujah” anchors our faith in God’s unchanging nature and His sovereign plan. It calls us to worship with our whole hearts, rejoicing in the salvation He has provided and the promise of His imminent return. This heavenly anthem encourages us to live lives of praise and gratitude, knowing that all creation will one day join in this chorus of adoration. So may “Hallelujah!” be our song in every season and may our hearts echo this profound declaration of praise, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

May 21st – Revelation 19:1 Read More »

May 16th – 1 John 3:2-3

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1 John 3:2-3

As followers of Jesus, we find our blessed assurance in the hope of His return. And although the future may be shrouded in mystery, we are confident that when Christ appears, we will be transformed to be like just like Him. How exciting and humbling it is to wonder what our new name will be, how we will look, and where we will dwell in His glorious kingdom and presence. Therefore let us purify ourselves just as the Lord is pure, as we eagerly await His coming. May our hearts overflow with anticipation and joy, knowing that the day will come when we shall see Him face to face. With each passing moment let us draw nearer to Him, embracing the sanctifying work of His Spirit within us. With eager anticipation and overflowing joy, let us prepare ourselves for that glorious day when we will dwell with our Lord forever. Filling our hearts with the radiant hope that sustains us through every trial and tribulation. For we know our ultimate destiny is to be united with Jesus in perfect harmony for all eternity.

May 16th – 1 John 3:2-3 Read More »

May 9th – Matthew 6:19-21

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Matthew 6:19-21

I can remember as a child watching the television show, “The Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous.” Each episode I blown away by the expensive houses, cars, jewelry, and fashion highlighted. Yet as nice as earthly treasures are, Matthew urges us to set our hearts instead on storing up treasures in heaven. For in a world where material possessions fade and riches are fleeting, the kingdom of God stands as an eternal and incorruptible inheritance. One that will never tarnish, or can be taken away. So instead of chasing after worldly pleasures and treasures, let us prioritize the work of the Lord, knowing that our true reward awaits us in eternity. May our lives be characterized by sacrificial love, compassionate service, and unwavering devotion to God’s will. And as we await the fulfillment of His promises, let us live with joyful anticipation. Because our ultimate inheritance is eternal life in Christ. Where joy abounds, every tear wiped away, and each longing fulfilled in His glorious presence.

May 9th – Matthew 6:19-21 Read More »

May 8th – Matthew 25:1-13

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Matthew 25:1-13

In Matthew 25:1-13, the parable of the ten virgins illustrates the critical lesson of readiness for Christ’s return. Five virgins, wise and vigilant, kept their lamps burning, while the other five, foolish and unprepared, let their lamps go out. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual alertness and preparedness. Let us learn from their example and keep the flame of faith burning brightly within us, fueled by our love for the bridegroom, Jesus Christ. May we be counted among the wise, eagerly awaiting His arrival with hearts fully devoted and lamps ablaze. As we journey through life’s uncertainties, let us remain steadfast in our faith. As the Bride of Christ, may we be ever watchful for His imminent return. Let us not get distracted by the world, or become drowsy and sleepy. So when the bridegroom comes, we will be found ready and waiting. Shining as beacons of light in a darkened world, ready to enter into the joy of our Lord’s eternal presence.

May 8th – Matthew 25:1-13 Read More »

May 3rd – Mark 13:35-37

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Mark 13:35-37

Jesus often taught in parables. And in Mark 13:35-37, Jesus tells of a traveling man who leaves his servants in charge while he’s gone. A story Jesus tells to impart a sacred charge, entrusting His house, authority, and work to us until His glorious return. As stewards of His divine inheritance, we are called to vigilance and diligence, keeping the lamp of faith burning bright. Just as a master entrusts his servants with responsibility, so too has Christ entrusted us with the sacred task of advancing His kingdom. Let us not grow weary or complacent, but instead, let us labor tirelessly in His name, knowing that our efforts bear eternal significance. With each passing moment, let us remain watchful and ready, for the hour of His return is unknown. May we be found faithful and obedient, fulfilling His purposes until the very minute He comes. And when that moment arrives, may we hear the sweet words of our Master saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” as we enter into His eternal joy.

May 3rd – Mark 13:35-37 Read More »

May 2nd – 2 Peter 3:10

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2 Peter 3:10

There’s a reason people say that hindsight is 20/20. Because when we look back at the past, we see clearly how we could have done things better, or been better prepared. Although we may not know the exact hour of the Lord’s return, we can be certain of the promise of His coming. So let us not be caught unaware, but instead, let us prepare our hearts and lives for that glorious day. Like as a wise builder fortifies his house against the storm, we must fortify our souls with faith, hope, and love. And live with an eternal perspective, mindful of the ultimate destiny awaiting us in Christ. Though the world may shake and tremble, may we stand firm on the rock of His promises. Let us not be swayed by the fleeting pleasures of this world, but instead, let us fix our eyes on the prize that awaits us in heaven. For when Jesus returns in glory, we will be transformed, and every tear will be wiped away. So live each day with joyful purpose and intentionality, eagerly awaiting the day when we will be reunited with our Savior for all eternity.

 

May 2nd – 2 Peter 3:10 Read More »

May 1st – Matthew 24:42

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Matthew 24:42

With the state of the world today, many believe we are indeed living in the last days. And now is the time to get our hearts right with God. For the return of Jesus is near. So as we embark on this journey of preparation for Christ’s return, let us begin by fixing our gaze upon Him, the author and perfecter of our faith. Just as a watchman eagerly awaits the dawn, let us remain vigilant and expectant, for our Lord’s coming draws near. Today, let us commit to living each moment in anticipation of His glorious return, with hearts filled with hope and minds steadfast in faith. May we cast aside distractions and worldly cares, focusing solely on the promise of His arrival. Let every step we take, every word we speak, and every thought we have, be guided by the anticipation of His imminent appearing. And as we watch and wait, let us cultivate a spirit of readiness, preparing our hearts to welcome Him with joy and reverence. For in His coming, we find the fulfillment of our every longing and the culmination of our faith.

May 1st – Matthew 24:42 Read More »