Joy

March 3rd – Matthew 26:39

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Matthew 26:39

The Garden of Gethsemane, known for its olive trees, was a place of pressing both for olives and Jesus Himself. For it is there where, in His humanity, our Savior grappled with the weight of what He was about to endure. So much so, that He sweat drops of His precious blood. Yet also in this garden of pressing, Jesus demonstrated His complete submission to the Father’s will, showing us the perfect example of obedience and surrender for all time. Because despite His incredible agony Jesus declared, “Not as I will, but as You will.” This amazing sweet surrender of our Lord, echoes through the ages. It stands as a beautiful reminder of the importance of submitting our own will to God’s divine purpose. As we reflect on Jesus’ surrender, we are brought to our knees in humility and gratitude at His sacrificial love. A  love so deep, Jesus was willing to endure unimaginable suffering for our sake. With hearts overflowing with love and thankfulness, let us follow His example and surrender our own wills to God. Trusting in His perfect plan and finding strength in His unfailing love.

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February 26th – Romans 15:13

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Romans 15:13

Charles Spurgeon once said, “When the heart is full of joy, it always allows its joy to escape. It is like the fountain in the marketplace; whenever it is full it runs away in streams, and so soon as it ceases to overflow, you may be quite sure that it has ceased to be full. The only full heart is the overflowing heart.” God’s love is an ever-flowing fountain, filling the depths of our hearts with joy. It’s a love that surpasses understanding, bringing a peace that transcends the trials of life. As we anchor our trust in Him, the source of unending hope, our hearts become reservoirs of happiness. In moments of despair, God’s love becomes a guiding light, illuminating the path to a future overflowing with hope. With unwavering confidence, we stand in awe of His love that transforms adversity into an opportunity for growth and resilience. And in the embrace of God’s love, we discover an overflowing fountain of hope and joy that defies circumstance, a testament to the enduring power of His grace in our lives.

 

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February 3rd – Zephaniah 3:17

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Zephaniah 3:17

What I love most about this verse in Zephaniah is that it reveals a God not stoic, rigid, and unfeeling, but one who laughs, delights, and rejoices over us with boundless joy. Too many times we think of God in heaven looking down on us with scorn and anger. But instead when He sees us, His flawed and imperfect yet beloved creation, He finds happiness. It’s a divine mystery that astounds the human heart and humbles the soul. How, in His infinite love and mercy, God looks upon us with affection. And He celebrates our existence with jubilant songs of praise. The fact that the Lord takes delight in us, sinful as we are, is a testament to the incomprehensible nature of His grace and mercy. For in our Father’s eyes, we are not defined by our mistakes but by His amazing love that seeks to redeem and restore us. So may we bask in the beauty of His unending delight. And find comfort in the knowledge that we are cherished beyond measure by the One who formed us in His image.

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January 30th – John 3:30

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John 3:30

John the Baptist was a rockstar back in the day. People came from miles around to hear his teachings and be baptized. Yet when the crowds began to dwindle and follow Jesus instead, John wasn’t resentful. Instead, he was filled with humble joy. For John wasn’t about his ego, but about the job appointed to him by God. To prepare the way for the Lord. I want to be a John. I want to surrender my ego and desires to align with God’s will. But to change means letting go of my own agenda, and embracing the transformative power of God’s love and grace. It calls for shifting from self-centeredness to selflessness, from pride to humility. And allowing God to lead me into a new way of thinking, feeling, and acting. It’s about trusting in His guidance and surrendering control, knowing that He alone holds the key to my true fulfillment and purpose in life. I want to become less, so God can become greater in my life. To fully embrace the job He has given me, and complete it joyfully, obediently, and for His glory alone!

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January 29th – Psalm 51:12

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Psalm 51:12

Because of his sins against God, David felt great sadness. His heart ached over the hurt he caused the Lord, his soul heavy with depression. For as the saying goes “nothing causes the cup of joy to spring a leak faster than sin.” David was indeed drinking from an empty cup. His joy replaced with grief over his broken relationship with God. And so he cried out desperately for the Lord to restore the joy of his salvation. Are you in a season of sadness? Are you, like David seeking the gladness that comes from knowing you are deeply loved, wanted, and forgiven by God? Go to Him. Because when we come before the Lord with a heart that is truly sorry and repentant, He forgives, restores, and welcomes us back with open arms. Until we are called home, we will continue to make mistakes. But God is bigger than any sin, and His forgiveness is never ending. And when we, like David, return to the Lord, walking in obedience, love, and gratitude, God is faithful. He promises to heal our hearts, renew our spirits, and overflow our spirits with joy!

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January 20th – Hebrews 13:8

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Hebrews 13:8

Each January 1st carries with it the excitement of a clean slate, a fresh start, and a new beginning. It marks the start of another year filled with the certainty of love and loss, triumph and tragedy, and joy and sorrow. Yet no matter what 2024 may hold, whatever change this new year ushers in, we can rest assured that the one thing we can count on to always remain the same is Jesus. For the Lord we serve is constant in His character, love, and promises. So as we step into the unknown of a new year, we find comfort in the unchanging nature of our Creator. Who is a source of stability in the midst of life’s transitions. It is in this steadfast assurance that we discover courage, hope, and the unwavering certainty that God’s faithfulness will accompany us through every moment of the coming year. With thankful hearts we see His loving promises endure. Offering a steadfast foundation on which we can build our hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the days ahead.

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January 18th – Numbers 14:1

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Numbers 14:1

There’s no two ways about it. Change is hard, messy, and painful. That’s why so many of us stay stuck where we are. Because often it’s easier to deal with demon you know, than the one you don’t. I think about the Israelites. They take a lot of flack from people who don’t understand why they didn’t enter the promised land running with excitement and yelling for joy. But put yourself in their shoes. The generation to enter Canaan was a protected one. For forty years all they knew was a life of peace and plenty under the care of God. Now they were being called to become mighty warriors in His army. To go from a people with a faith, to a people with a mission. A call given to us as well. God doesn’t want us to be stuck in mediocrity. Or to be content with merely having a lukewarm faith. He wants us to become people with a mission. To allow His loving grace to transform us into battle ready soldiers. Ones working for His kingdom and glory, spreading His message of love and eternal life to a desperate, and often hostile, world.

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January 17th – James 1:1

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James 1:1

We all know people who are slaves to the grind, or a slave to love. But not James. James is a slave of God and the Lord, Jesus Christ. Serving his beloved Savior not in bondage, but in a liberating devotion. Finding purpose, joy, and fulfillment in serving the One whose love set him free. I want to be a James. I want to change from being a casual follower of Jesus to a dedicated servant. But the call to be a slave to Jesus involves a profound commitment. It means being willing to relinquish control and allow our faith to bear fruit. James invites us to not merely believe, but to become active participants in a faith journey that yields the fruits of love, obedience, and a life surrendered to Jesus. It prompts us to reconsider the nature of our faith and invites us to make intentional changes. Ones that result in a more profound and fruitful connection with our Savior. The joy of being a slave to Jesus is found in surrendering to His love and discovering true freedom in His grace.

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January 9th – Hebrews 11:1

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Hebrews 11:1

Faith is the quiet confidence that whispers in our heart. It urges us to believe in the unseen and trust in the promises yet to unfold. Embarking on a journey of renewal often requires stepping into the unfamiliar with unwavering faith. And trusting in God’s promises even when we don’t see the path ahead. When we have faith, we have the courage to embrace the unknown, trusting that there’s something better on the other side. And it’s this kind of faith that keeps us moving forward through the challenges of changing. For it puts complete trust in God to guide us toward the hope and possibilities that lie ahead. Faith empowers us to let go of old patterns, trust in the Lord, and step out into our journey of transformation. In navigating new beginnings, it’s our faith that’s the compass which guides us with confidence through uncharted territories. Allowing us to move forward with excitement and joy over the abundant prospects that God has prepared for those who believe.

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January 8th – Philippians 3:13-14

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Philippians 3:13-14

One of my resolutions is to grow spiritually and deepen my relationship with the Lord. And that means getting into spiritual shape. Before running a race, an elite athlete puts in the work and dedication needed to condition their bodies, shedding any extra weight that will slow them down. We are elite athletes of God. And to make it to our finish line, we too must put in the work. That means shedding the mistakes and regrets that weigh us down. By having a heart willing to let go and let God, we’ll find the endurance to press on and release the weight of the past. To move toward the glorious future God has lovingly prepared for us of an eternal life spent by His side. And although moving forward isn’t always easy, it is always possible through the grace of Jesus. For in our weakness, He is strong. And it’s His strength which keeps us from getting stuck in mud of yesterday’s setbacks. So release the anchor of the past. And run with freedom, joy, and God’s wonderful promise of a hopeful and purposeful tomorrow.

 

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