Joy

July 1st – James 1:1-2

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James 1:1-2

I’m a morning person. I love the freshness of each new day and the promise it holds. That being said, I learned long ago that nothing sucks the joy out of the morning quicker than waking up and immediately turning on the television, or getting on the internet. Filled with stories of disasters, tragedies, and divisiveness, far from feeling encouraged or empowered, I feel joyless. So instead I try to start my day with goodness. A goodness that carries me through any trial. That means going to God first. For God is good. And not because He does good, but because He is good. The Lord is the constant and unshakable source of every good thing in our lives. Ruler and Creator of heaven and earth, there is no darkness in Him to be found. And in a world that grows darker by the day, keeping our focus on God and His goodness, allows us to experience joy despite an Enemy who seeks to steal it.

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May 11th – Romans 15:13

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Romans 15:13

I love how Paul refers to our heavenly Father as the God of hope. Because hope, joy, and peace, aren’t things we wish for just around the holidays. As a Christian, God wants everyday to be filled with the hope, joy, and peace that He alone provides. Each day through the power of His Spirit dwelling inside us, can be a good one no matter the circumstance. Our spirits fill with hope knowing that God wants only the best for us. And He always fulfills His promises. We have hearts that overflow with joy from the great love God has for us. A love shown in the daily blessings we receive. And we can rest in perfect peace when we see God as our refuge. Because when we make Him our safe place, we are tucked safely under the wings of the Creator of the universe!

 

 

 

 

 

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May 2nd – Psalm 95:2

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Psalm 95:2

One of my favorite gifts from God is music. Music carries such power, science has proven that our bodies respond physiologically to the music we hear. Whether it be happiness, sadness, anger, or peace, we all have a favorite song that whenever we hear it, brings us right back to the memory it invokes. That’s why for me, there’s no faster way to feel close to God than singing my favorite hymn. My heart fills with joy, as my lips sing His praise. And my spirit is lifted by His mercy and love. Because there is nothing better for what ails us than singing and making melody to the Lord with our hearts.(Eph. 5:19) What’s your favorite song or hymn? When was the last time you sang it? Today take some time to make a joyful noise unto the Lord!

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March 4th – Acts 12:5

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Acts 12:5

When it comes to being a powerful prayer warrior, there is none greater than a small servant girl named Rhoda. Her faith in God was so strong, all she needed was to hear the voice of Peter to know her petition was answered. After Peter had been captured and jailed, believers gathered at the house of Mary, the mother of Mark. While praying for Peter’s release, there came a knock at the gate. Rhoda went to answer it, and after recognizing Peter’s voice, she joyfully ran to the people to share the good news. But they thought her mistaken. Yet Rhoda never doubted for a moment. For she had complete faith that what we ask from God, He has the power and ability to do. (1 John 5:14) We should all be like Rhoda. Exited, and full of faith. Praying expectantly to our Heavenly Father, and being filled with joy when those prayers are answered. There is great power in prayer. For when we are bound by chains and all gates are shut, the gate to God through prayer is always open. And through Him, all things are possible.

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Here Am I, Send Me! – Isaiah 6

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Isaiah 6

The Bible teaches about many prophets. Men and women anointed to be used by God in awesome ways. But far from enjoying peaceful, easy living, God’s prophets were often despised, persecuted, and imprisoned. And the messages they brought, hated and disregarded. Many suffered tragic, violent deaths. Yet they still stayed true to revealing God’s messages. Why? Because of divine encounters with the Lord. Encounters that transformed both their hearts and their lives. …

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January 23rd – Matthew 6:34

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Matthew 6:34

The lyrics to one of my favorite songs go, “One day at a time, sweet Jesus. That’s all I’m asking from You. Just give me the strength to do everyday, what I have to do.” Every day is filled with its own unique challenges and circumstances. And Jesus wants us to focus on each one as it comes without worry for the future. Why? Because the Lord knows that worry causes needless fear and anxiety. Needless because no matter what tomorrow brings, God is already there. He’s there, in control, and working His plans for our good. Our focus should be on the day at hand. And trusting in God every moment of every day to supply all we need to get through it in victory. Now that doesn’t mean we don’t plan for the future. But what it does mean is that we shouldn’t let the worry about that future rob us of the joy from God’s gift of today.

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December 27th – Luke 2:25-35

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Luke 2:25-35

How was your Christmas? Did you get that special gift you so desired? More than just a holiday of celebrating for us, Christmas is also the birthday of our Lord and Savior. So how about His gift? What do you think Jesus wants for His special day? We can find out through an encounter at God’s temple between Simeon, Mary, Joseph, and the small “Lord’s Christ”. First, Jesus wants our lives. Simeon waited a long time to see God’s promise fulfilled. But in the meantime, he lived in obedience and righteousness. Second He wants our praise and worship. When Jesus was placed in Simeon’s arms, the first thing he did was to joyfully thank and pay homage to God.  And finally, the Lord wants our purpose. Simeon’s purpose was to proclaim the Good News of Christ. And our purpose is the same, to lead others to the saving grace of Jesus. Christ gave to us the greatest gift of all, so shouldn’t be eager to give Him the gifts He wants as well?

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December 6th – 1 Peter 4:14

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1 Peter 4:14

The holiday season is a special one. It’s the time of year when we cheerfully share tidings of comfort and joy with one another. But did you know before the birth of Christ, members of the early church found comfort and joy in suffering for God? To be considered worthy of facing persecution for the cause of the Lord was worth rejoicing! As Christian’s we know that trials and tribulations will come our way. Yet as the apostle Peter taught, instead of a “woe is me” attitude, we should view our hardships as opportunities for celebrating. Because we are promised that if we share in Christ’s sufferings, one day we will also share in His glory. So as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we can thank God for everything in our lives both good and bad. For in His presence there is a fullness of joy. A joy that can never be taken from us, and one not limited to once a year!

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November 11th – Romans 1:8

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Romans 1:8

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone you helped bring to Christ, declare Him as their Savior. That is the same joy Paul felt when writing to the Romans. The apostle gave thanks that they had they received Jesus, and their faith was being proclaimed in all the world. The greatest calling God gives to us is the same He gave to Paul. To boldly share the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout the world. God calls us to lead lives that shine brightly with His glory. So brightly, others are attracted to Him like moths to a flame. “Always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” (1 Peter 3:15) The sand in the hourglass is running out. Jesus will soon return. And out of hearts of thankfulness for His saving grace, we need to proclaim the Gospel while there is still time!

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August 5th – Romans 8:37

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Romans 8:37

Paul makes it clear in no uncertain terms that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. No trial, sorrow, persecution, circumstance, and not death itself can severe the bond we have with Jesus. Through Him we are the victors. Mighty conquerors who can claim victory over sin and Satan himself through the blood of the Lamb. And even greater still, Paul says we are more than conquerors. To be more than conquerors means that not only do we triumph over the Enemy, the painful tribulations we suffer are used by God for our benefit. Our Father in His love for us, uses all things, especially the hard times, to work together for good. (Rom. 8:28) What Satan plans for our demise, God uses to deepen our dependency on Him and to strengthen our faith, allowing us to win every battle that comes against us, through Christ’s love, making our victory even sweeter.

August 5th – Romans 8:37 Read More »