Posts with the tag “joy”

"Simeon took him up in his arms and blessed God..." - Luke 2:28   Think back to a moment you anticipated for weeks, maybe even years; your wedding, graduation, Christmas morning as a child. That thrill and eagerness to see the day finally arrive likely kept you excited and hopeful.  Imagine then, the joy Simeon felt when he saw God’s promise fulfilled, holding the long-awaited Messiah in his arms....  Read More

"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'" - Luke 2:10-11   Have you ever noticed how easily we let small things shape our mood? I remember growing up in Texas and being a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan. In the late ’80s and early ’90s, th...  Read More

"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'" - Luke 2:10   Joy, real lasting joy, isn’t something you can chase or achieve through perfect circumstances. You might find fun and happiness in hobbies, family gatherings, or favorite activities, but joy is different. It was designed to come from only one source: Jesus.  When ...  Read More

"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." - John 10:10   Let’s get one thing straight, it’s okay to have fun at church! In fact, it’s actually more than okay, it’s essential, because you are the Church. And a Church full of joy? That’s exactly what God intended. The life He’s given us is meant to be full, not just to survive but to thrive with joy and purpose. As John 1:4 says, “In ...  Read More

"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'" - Luke 2:10   In the business of this season, it’s easy to lose sight of what Christmas is all about. But Christmas is really about one beautiful thing: a God who loved you so deeply that He sent His one and only Son so that you could have real, lasting joy. On the night Jesus ...  Read More

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." - Galatians 5:22-23    Remember playing "dress up" as a kid? Maybe you dressed up as a superhero, a princess, or an army man. When I was young, my friends and I would play "Army Man," and the moment we put on our army gear, in our minds, we were real soldiers.  The battlefie...  Read More

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." - Romans 12:2   Yesterday, we talked about apostasy. It is important that we guard ourselves against apostasy, and that begins with immersing ourselves in God's Word. The Bible is not just a collection of ancient texts; it is a living and active guide that shapes our beliefs and transforms our lives. When we dedic...  Read More

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." - Galatians 5:22-23    Today’s key verses tell us that when we are “in Christ,” God gives us access to new attributes through His Spirit. This passage lists the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. G...  Read More

"Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher, "Vanity of vanities! All is vanity." - Ecclesiastes 1:2   Have you ever felt like you're chasing after something that's always just out of reach? Maybe it's success in your career, happiness in your relationships, or fulfillment in your pursuits. Whatever it is, you're not alone. Think about Solomon, the wise and wealthy King of Israel. Despite all his acco...  Read More

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." - Hebrews 11:1   It's easy to proclaim hope, joy, and peace when life is sailing smoothly. But when the storm clouds gather, and darkness envelopes our days, it's a different story. In those moments saturated with doubt, fear, and grief, hope can seem like a distant memory. Consider Naomi, a woman who walked thro...  Read More

"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." - John 1:12  In the journey of life, one fundamental truth stands firm: because of Jesus, we have the incredible privilege of belonging to God. Through Jesus Christ, we not only have the opportunity to know God but also to be known by Him, to be forgiven and accepted as His beloved chi...  Read More

"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want." – Galatians 5:16-17   If you’re tuning in today for the first time, or for the first time in a while, I’d encourage you to go back to ...  Read More