Category: joy

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I’ve Got Joy

For the past hour, as I was waking up, the lyrics of a song we sang Sunday morning have been on a continuous loop in my heart.

“I’ve got joy in the morning

Joy in the evening

You keep me dancing

In every season

No matter what comes my way

I’ve got joy”

Joy – it’s greater than happiness. Happiness is conditional. If everything is going well – all the bills are paid, the kids are fed, I feel strong and invigorated, the boss likes my work, my favorite sports team won – then I’m happy. But that’s not joy.

No, joy is different. Joy isn’t dependent upon circumstances.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:2-5 NJKV

Joy in trouble and trials? You can’t be serious. Oh, but I am. This verse was written during a time when Christians were being arrested and severely persecuted. Some were facing death because of their faith and James tells them to consider it joy.

The first thing that comes to my mind, after reading that, is this:

“And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. 24 Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.” Acts 16:23-26 NKJV

Paul and Silas had just been beaten and they had joy. I don’t imagine they were happy about the beating they took or that they were in prison but at midnight, in their darkest hour, they had joy. In fact, they were overflowing with joy and could pray and sing.

Now I don’t know, if they had been sitting their complaining about their situation and bemoaning the fact that they had been beaten for preaching, if there would have been an earthquake that would have broken their bonds. But I do know that they counted it joy when they were in a difficult circumstance.

Their joy came from knowing they had done the will of God and they also knew they had His promise to never leave them or abandon them. We have that same promise.

King David said in Psalm 139 that even if he went to hell God would still be with him. When we come to that realization, that God has chosen to be ever-present in our lives, we will know true and abiding joy.

“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 NKJV

“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'” Luke 2:9-11 NKJV

The Lord has given us a wonderful gift – the gift of joy!

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Take A Break

Yesterday Dave picked me up at work and we headed to town. After all, how busy can it be? It’s just December 1st.

Well, it was busy. We stopped long enough at our favorite Mexican food restaurant to enjoy our dinner and visited with our waitress. It was a nice repose before we headed to the grocery store.

Oh my!

Only a few things on our list but some were necessities so it was a stop we couldn’t skip. Busy, busy, busy.

Home. Put things away and then it was time to sit down and enjoy the quiet. You realize that you don’t have to go anywhere to get caught up in the hustle and the bustle of keeping up with life. It can happen anywhere, especially this time of the year.

The holidays can be so hectic – planning for friends and family to visit; making those favorite treats, decorating, parties, finding the perfect gift – all good things – all things that come from a heart of love but all things that can stress you out and fill your days with things that can test the temper.

A good way to keep your day on track is to start it with a short prayer, thanking God for “The reason for the season, Jesus” and then having an afternoon coffee break to focus once again on things above. Bedtime is one more opportunity to be thankful for the wonderful people in your life and for His love.

A sure-fire way to keep your life on track.

“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Colossians 3:14-17 KJV

I’m praying that each of you have a day filled with blessings.

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Christmas Cards

I know it’s only December 1st but have you received any Christmas cards yet?

I have a few friends that address their cards and write their Christmas letters on Thanksgiving weekend. Then, like clockwork, they are in the mail and delivered by December 1. In fact, I have already received one – it arrived, hand-delivered, on Thanksgiving Day.

Are you like me? I love getting these Christmas greetings from friends and loved one far and near. Reading their newsy letters brings them close once again.

As I sat here this morning wondering what I should share, I prayed a simple prayer and asked “Lord, what do you want to say this morning?”. Here’s the answer – it’s from God’s heart to you – ‘nuf said.

“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3 KJV

“From far away, the Lord will appear to his people. The Lord says, “I love you people with a love that continues forever. That is why I have continued showing you kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3 ERV

Years ago, I read this verse about this time of year and it really impacted my heart. I felt like it was God’s message for the Season. His matchless love – His unconditional love – His love that never fails is the reason we have Christmas.

The Father reached out to us with His most extravagant gift, Jesus, His Son.

Maybe, just maybe, you’ll print this verse and attach it to your mantle or at least copy it and put it in your phone so you can look at it several times each day. This message of everlasting love and God’s lovingkindness, His “hesed” is a message from His heart to ours!

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The Christmas Story

A month from today is Christmas.

I’m not rushing the season; the retail merchandisers have already done that. However, I do want to call your attention to the fact that we will have many opportunities in the next few weeks to speak of Jesus, opportunities that we don’t have the rest of the year.

Some people have told me they have a hard time sharing Christ with people they don’t know or that they only see occasionally. I find that Christmas is the perfect time to do that.

Join me in a prayer this morning.

“Father let my heart be filled with prayer and praise this day. Let me focus on You and all that you have blessed me with. Let my eyes see as You see and let my mouth speak as You speak. Let my hands reach out as You reached out to me. I desire to be a living example of You in this world. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Some that we meet are lonely, others are financially stretched and stressed. Some are angry and have no joy. Some are physically exhausted. Our words of kindness and God’s love can make a difference.

“Good people have good things saved in their hearts. That’s why they say good things. But those who are evil have hearts full of evil, and that’s why they say things that are evil. What people say with their mouths comes from what fills their hearts.” Luke 6:35 ERV

May we be like those angels that appeared to the shepherds:

“ Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! ” Luke 2:9-11 NLT

May we speak words of joy and peace. May we be the ones who share good news and hope.

“Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.” Colossians 3;17 CEV

Since Christ lives within us, we are His ambassadors to the world. The message is still the same as that first night – A Savior has been born,

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:14 NLT

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Grateful for Peace

Last night I was talking with a group of friends and I reminded them that the Lord is committed to our peace.

All through Scripture we are instructed to fear not – be not afraid. Fear is the enemy of faith and it is the robber of peace.

“For God did not give us a spirit of fear. He gave us a spirit of power and of love and of a good mind.” II Timothy 1:7 NLV

In the beginning, man was created “fear free” but once they were deceived by the serpent they became “fear full”.

“Then they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the evening. The man and his wife hid themselves from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man. He said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And the man said, “I heard the sound of You in the garden. I was afraid because I was without clothes. So I hid myself.” Genesis 3:8-10 NLV

God dispelled that fear and reassuringly covered them with His love and protection.

“ And the Lord God made clothes of skins for Adam and his wife, and dressed them.” Genesis 3:21 NLV

The blood that was shed for their sin came from an animal; the blood that covers ours comes from Christ. It’s that total forgiveness that brings us peace.

“Now that we have been made right with God by putting our trust in Him, we have peace with Him. It is because of what our Lord Jesus Christ did for us. 2 By putting our trust in God, He has given us His loving-favor and has received us. We are happy for the hope we have of sharing the shining-greatness of God.” Romans 5:1-2 NLV

When fear bombards us, and it will, how do we combat it?

“Keep your minds thinking about things in heaven. Do not think about things on the earth. ” Colossians 3:2 NLV

“ Be full of joy always because you belong to the Lord. Again I say, be full of joy! 5 Let all people see how gentle you are. The Lord is coming again soon. 6 Do not worry. Learn to pray about everything. Give thanks to God as you ask Him for what you need. 7 The peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 NLV

If there was anyone in the Bible who knew what it was like to be assailed by fear it would be Paul. He had been stoned and left for dead, beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, threatened, lashed with 39 stripes and many other perils. (Read II Corinthians 11) In spite of it all, he is the one who penned those words above.

He knew that having a heart of gratitude for God’s goodness and love drives out fear and brings peace to any situation.

“Be full of joy all the time. 17 Never stop praying. 18 In everything give thanks. This is what God wants you to do because of Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLV

Be grateful, be filled with God’s joy and peace!

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The Hills Are Alive

Today we will look at the final verses of Isaiah 55. What a great way to start the weekend!

“You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands! 13 Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow. Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up. These events will bring great honor to the Lord’s name; they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love.” verses 12 & 13 NLT

I toyed with two titles for this blog – The Hills Are Alive or Blessings of Peace and Joy. Both are appropriate for these verses.

Step back to one of yesterday’s verses.

“It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.”

God’s word is the tie in to our joy and peace. The Israelites learned that often. As long as they were serving God and following His word they had peace in their land. However, when they followed after false gods and ignored God’s word they would be defeated in battle and at times were taken into exile.

We read yesterday where Jesus compared our hearts to soil and God’s word to good seed but not all seed is good. Some seeds produce thorns, nettles and stubborn weeds. Those are the seeds of bitterness, anger, self-righteousness, jealousy, maliciousness, envy, strife…

“But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,” Colossians 3:8-10 NLT

When we let God’s word take root in our hearts – in our thinking and our actions – He will give us the wherewithal to pull up the weeds. New trees will grow, new life with prosper.

“ Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT

God knows there will be times we struggle with thoughts of doubt and anxiousness; He’s always there to see us through.

“When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” Psalm 94:19

Have you ever asked yourself why, why would God do all of this for me? Why would He spend so much time and effort on my well-being? If you have, here’s the answer:

“These events will bring great honor to the Lord’s name; they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love.” verse 13 NLT

There are lots of gods in this world but they enslave instead of bringing freedom. They curse instead of bless; they damn instead of enriching. God is not the damn-er, He is a blesser.

When we walk in His word the world will see the blessings of God in our lives and it will be a testament of his power and love. Even the mountains and the hills will sing and the trees will be clapping with joy!

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Alleys & Graffiti

I know I mentioned in the last blog that it had been about five days since I had taken a picture of the sunset. That’s true.

While we were in Crete our hotel balcony faced an alleyway and we couldn’t see the sunset because of the angle of the building. But there’s more to it than that.

We had gone from enjoying the beautiful balcony in Naoussa, where we watched the waves roll in, to our balcony in Crete that faced the alley, the dumpsters and the graffiti. One of the high points of each day had been watching the sunset over the mountains across the bay and now we didn’t even want to open the curtains in Crete.

“ I am not complaining about having too little. I have learned to be satisfied with whatever I have. 12 I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little. 13 Christ gives me the strength to face anything.” Philippians 4:11-13 CEV

Yesterday, we began to talk about our favorite parts of the trip and our least favorite, the hotel in Crete. The people there were very sweet; the food was good; our adventures of the cruise, the Church of Titus and the historical museums were wonderful. We determined that we would not let that one little circumstance taint our trip. Instead, we chose to let it be a reminder of how wonderful everything else is.

“God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey him. 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” Philippians 2:13-14 CEV

When we begin to compare situations, circumstances, people, finances, even hotel rooms, one will rank at the bottom and another at the top. The one at the bottom will cause us to complain if we focus on it long enough and detract from all of the good of the others.

Maybe, just maybe, you’ve been staring at a graffiti covered alleyway. It could take the form of a co-worker, a living situation, the weather, health or a family member. Whatever it is, lift your head, look at the blessings.

“I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe. 5 You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows.” Psalm 23:4-5 CEV

Enjoy the feast in the presence of your enemies. Follow the Shepherd’s lead, it’s an amazing adventure.

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Living the Dream/Plan

Those of you who know me know that Dave and I have been living with a particular dream for about five years now.

We’ve never been on an exotic vacation, in fact, we’ve only been on a handful of actual vacations. But one warm summer day, we came across a series of travel videos on the islands of Greece. I had never seen such beautiful turquoise water, it was breathtaking, literally. The quaint towns, the local residents and those iconic, white-washed buildings with blue doors drew me in.

Greece has over 200 hundred inhabited islands, rich in history. They also have a Biblical connection. The Apostle Paul, Titus, Barnabus and Luke traveled there bringing the message of Jesus to the uttermost parts of their world. John, the apostle, was exiled to the island of Patmos and it was there he received and wrote the Book of Revelation.

And we will be leaving for Greece on Friday.

“You are now children of God because you have put your trust in Christ Jesus. 27 All of you who have been baptized to show you belong to Christ have become like Christ. 28 God does not see you as a Jew or as a Greek. He does not see you as a servant or as a person free to work. He does not see you as a man or as a woman. You are all one in Christ. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you have become the true children of Abraham. What God promised to him is now yours.” Galatians 3:26-29 NLV

One in Christ!

Wherever we are, whatever we do, God wants us to be focused on who we are in Christ and to experience unity with like-minded followers of Christ. One of our plans is to attend a Greek Orthodox service and join in their worship of the Lord.

“For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for well-being and not for trouble, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:11-2 NLV

We will be gone most of September. I plan on sharing the adventure with you, but I don’t know if that will be every day. We ask for your prayers as we travel, this will be our first international flight.

We know we will enjoy the people, the food, the beauty and we are thankful to be going on such a wonderful journey. Ten years ago, I would have never thought we would experience anything like this but here we are ready to pack our suitcases and be on our way.

“This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us be full of joy and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 NLV

One thing I’ve come to know is that each day is an adventure with the Father just waiting to unfold!

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I Love Your Lips

It was a long day! At the airport at 5:30 am and a night short on sleep. We arrived in Phoenix, stopped at the grocery store, then came home, unpacked, put groceries away and fell into the recliner, had a short lunch and fell asleep.

I wouldn’t have changed anything about the past week except to have extended our stay for a few more days to continue our time with our granddaughter and her family. We love being close to our daughters in the Phoenix area, seeing them regularly but it makes us miss those who are farther away even more.

Friday I was sitting on the couch with our great granddaughter, who is 3 1/2, and after kissing her several times she took my face in her hands and told me, “I love your lips”.

What a strange comment!

I asked her why. She said, “because you are always giving me kisses”. Oh, my heart swelled and my emotions hit a peak.

As I was waking up this afternoon those were the words running through my mind. “I love your lips”.

Then I thought of the woman who poured ointment on Jesus’ head and washed His feet with her tears and covered them with kisses.

“ He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house and you gave Me no water to wash My feet. She washed My feet with her tears and dried them with the hairs of her head. 45 You gave me no kiss, but this woman has kissed my feet from the time I came in. 46 You did not put even oil on My head but this woman has put special perfume on My feet.” Luke 7:44-46 NLV

From there my thoughts turned to the Father.

“The son got up and went to his father. While he was yet a long way off, his father saw him. The father was full of loving-pity for him. He ran and threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am not good enough to be called your son.’.. 23 Bring the calf that is fat and kill it. Let us eat and be glad. 24 For my son was dead and now he is alive again. He was lost and now he is found. Let us eat and have a good time.’” Luke 15:20-24 NLV

Kisses of worship from the woman who had a dubious past and kisses of love and forgiveness from a Father who was welcoming His son home again!

I love your lips!

Then one final note that came to mind:

“ O my God, I will praise You with a harp. I will praise Your truth. I will sing praises to You with different kinds of harps, O Holy One of Israel. 23 My lips will call out for joy when I sing praises to You. You have set my soul free. 24 My tongue will tell about how right and good You are all day long. For those who want to hurt me are ashamed and troubled.” Psalm 71:22-4 NLV

This last week I received many kisses. Dave expressed his love each day, our son greeted me with kisses and the sweetness of his kisses as we said good bye will stay in my memory. Kym’s kisses touched my heart, as did the kisses of Ali and Binny. I can still feel Phoebe’s sticky kisses on my cheeks and lips. Being greeted by Kim at the airport there were more kisses.

To each of them I say, “I love your lips” and to the Father who kissed me each morning and evening in my prayer time I say thank you, “thank you for embracing me when I was lost and showering me with His unconditional love.

I love your lips!

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I Am With You

Yesterday we came to our granddaughter’s home and had the privilege of spending the day with her family. We’ll be here until tomorrow morning and then we’ll head home. It’s been an amazing visit.

During these times with family I am reminded so much of the Father’s great love.

Last night we went to dinner and when we left the restaurant our great granddaughter reached up and grabbed Dave’s hand. She’s 3 1/2 and knows that we don’t cross the sidewalk without holding a grown-up’s hand. Her dad took this picture and sent it to my phone.

I love it.

It begs the question, when we are in a potentially dangerous situation whose hand do we hold?

“‘Do not be afraid. For I have bought you and made you free. I have called you by name. You are Mine! 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you pass through the rivers, they will not flow over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. The fire will not destroy you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, Who saves you.'” Isaiah 43:1-3 NLV

Don’t be afraid – I am with you!

How comforting that is! I am with you. The promise of the Father’s presence causes our hearts to rest.

The other day I shared a verse from Psalm 16 where the writer expressed his feelings about being in God’s presence. He said “in Your presence is the fullness of joy”. Not partial or temporary joy but the fullest expression and experience of joy. When we are in the Father’s presence there is nothing that can disturb our joy and our peace.

I don’t know if you’re old enough to remember a song that was written and released in 1970 but it was called “The Man From Galilee”. This was the chorus:

“Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water

Put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the sea

Take a look at yourself, and you can look at others differently

Put your hand in the hand of the man from Galilee”

When we walk hand-in-hand with Christ our perspective changes. We realize there isn’t anything that is too big for God to handle.

“God is our safe place and our strength. He is always our help when we are in trouble. 2 So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and the mountains fall into the center of the sea, 3 and even if its waters go wild with storm and the mountains shake with its action.” Psalm 46:1-3 NLV

Enjoy the simplicity of childlike faith – let the Father take your hand and walk this life together.

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