Posts with the tag “joy”

The same Lord who gave you a purpose has committed Himself to finishing it. He does not abandon the work of His hands.  Read More

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." - 3 John 1:4John's words express the deep satisfaction that comes from seeing others embrace and live by God's truth. As we conclude our month-long journey, we can share in this joy, both celebrating our own growth in truth and encouraging others in their walk.Walking in truth brings a unique kind of joy because it ali...  Read More

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” - Galatians 5:22-23In our new life in Christ, we are not just given a new status; we are given a new power source. When the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our hearts, He begins a transformative work that changes our very character. T...  Read More

“Though you have not seen him, you love him…and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” - 1 Peter 1:8 Joy is sometimes dismissed as naïve, but in times of trial, it’s nothing short of rebellion against the powers of despair. The resurrection declares that joy is our inheritance, an inside-out revolution powered by God’s Spirit.Peter writes to believers suffering for their faith. He ack...  Read More

While they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” – Matthew 26:21The disciples walked into the upper room expecting a good meal, meaningful fellowship, and a joyful celebration of Passover. They were reclining at the table, symbolizing freedom and rest, remembering God’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Everything about the night pointed toward joy and victory.Then ...  Read More

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" - Philippians 4:4 We are going to begin a new seven-part journey, diving into what it means to develop a healthy thought life. The first step is all about joy. Not random happiness or good vibes, but the kind of joy that comes from choosing to rejoice in the Lord no matter what is happening around you. The verse shown above is not a sugge...  Read More

"For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." – Matthew 16:25 When God calls you to sacrifice something, it’s easy to see it as a loss. You might feel like He’s taking something from you, withholding something good, or making your life harder. But what if the very thing He’s asking you to give up is actually what’s holding you back? What if th...  Read More

"And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life." - 1 John 2:25 Do you remember the joy of anticipation as a child? Whether it was a Christmas gift, a long-awaited vacation, or a surprise from your parents, the build-up to something amazing could feel almost unbearable. It wasn’t just about the gift, it was about the journey to uncover it, the clues along the way, and the realization that...  Read More

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” - Luke 2:14   Christmas Day—after all the waiting, it’s finally here. For weeks, everything has led up to this day, filling it with meaning and joy. Today is the day we celebrate the best gift ever given, a gift that changed everything.  It’s the day that reminds us of God’s incredible love and the miracle of Je...  Read More

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” - Luke 2:11   On Christmas Eve, the air seems to hum with expectation. Maybe you remember that feeling as a child, trying to sleep while imagining the gifts waiting under the tree. Or maybe you feel it now, knowing that this night carries a promise of joy and hope. There’s something special about waiting for som...  Read More

"But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." - James 1:6-8   Have you ever noticed how doubt drains joy? When doubts creep in, it feels like you’re tossed around by every uncertainty, just like James describes—a surging sea, unsteady and turbulent. When doubt takes root, it clouds our view of God’s promises, m...  Read More

"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

"Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ." - Luke 2:25-26   When the shepherds met Jesus, their lives were transformed, and they couldn't keep the news to ...  Read More

"When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.' And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger." - Luke 2:15-16  Imagine being out in the fields at night, just minding your own business, when an angel appears out of nowher...  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 you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days." - Micah 5:2   When Isaac Watts finished writing "Joy to the World," he wrote at the top of the page: “The Messiah’s Coming and Kingdom.” That was the heart of the song, the anticipation of Chris...  Read More

"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!" - Psalm 98:4   What’s your favorite Christmas song? Take a moment to think about it. Maybe it’s “Silent Night” or “Away in a Manger.” Or perhaps it’s a classic like “Joy to the World.” Whatever it is, Christmas songs bring joy, warmth, and a sense of celebration. But have you ever stopped to think abou...  Read More

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people." - Titus 2:11   It really is the most wonderful time of the year, isn’t it? For many, the Christmas spirit is alive and well. Maybe you're smiling more, feeling joyful, or even sneaking tastes of holiday treats. Lights and decorations are going up, Christmas movies are playing, and everywhere you look, there’s a reminder that t...  Read More

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" - Micah 6:8   Faithfulness is the cornerstone of living a truly good life. But how do you actually produce faithfulness in your own life? The answer lies in walking humbly with God. Psalm 37:23 tells us, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LOR...  Read More

“Every good and perfect gift is from above.” - James 1:17   When life seems uncertain or challenging, it’s easy to question whether things are really going as they should. You might wonder if the difficulties you’re facing are a sign that things aren’t turning out right.  Yet, James 1:17 reminds us of a profound truth: “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” This verse speaks to the heart of ...  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

“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” - John 15:8 (ESV)   When you look at your life, what do you see as the evidence of your faith? Is there tangible fruit that reflects your relationship with Christ, or does your life resemble a barren tree with little evidence of spiritual growth? Jesus emphasizes in John 15:8 that bearing fruit is a key way...  Read More

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” - Revelation 2:4   Jesus’ message to the church at Ephesus is an important reminder of the importance of remembering our first love. When we first encountered God’s love, it transformed us. There was a time when our hearts burned with passion for Jesus, and His presence was the center of our lives.  Think back to those ear...  Read More

"Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ." - Ephesians 1:3    Being blessed is receiving something you didn’t earn. Think about your paycheck. When you receive it after two weeks of work, do you ever exclaim, “Wow! This is such a blessing!”? Probably not. That paycheck is compensation for your labor, somethin...  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

"Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong." - Ecclesiastes 5:1   Have you ever entered into a place of worship without truly preparing your heart and mind for the encounter with God? Solomon's words in Ecclesiastes 5 resonate deeply, reminding us of the importance of approaching worship with ...  Read More

"Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong." - Ecclesiastes 5:1   In our journey of faith, it's crucial to approach worship with intentionality and preparation. Solomon, in his wisdom, recognized the importance of guarding our steps when we enter the house of God. He observed how people, both ...  Read More

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8 Couldn’t God, in all His glory and wisdom, have foreseen everything before it happened? The answer, quite simply, is yes—He did. But here’s the kicker: that foresight didn’t alter His unwavering love for us. Flashback to the days before Audra and I became parents. We had f...  Read More

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17 God crafted the concept of community to be a profound power source for His people. One captivating expression of this divine plan is found in the beauty and strength of friendships, connections forged through shared interests, and kindred spirits.Friendships, divinely orchestrated by God, ho...  Read More

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14Do you want a marriage that not only brings joy to your life but also honors the Lord? To achieve that, you’ve got to figure out how to tighten the knot and be prepared for the storm that’s inevitably coming your way. Colossians 3:14 says, “And over all these virtues put on lo...  Read More

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10 Have you ever received a blessing so profound that you felt it was tailor-made for you? There’s a unique joy in knowing that God, the ultimate gift-giver, delights in pouring blessings into our lives. But here’s a truth to remember: the thief is always l...  Read More

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” – Psalm 127:3 Few experiences in life rival the anticipation of becoming a parent. The joy, excitement, and dreams of parenthood often accompany the news of an expected child. However, the reality of the journey can quickly set in, as three soon-to-be fathers discovered in a hospital waiting room. I recently heard...  Read More

“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” – 1 John 4:20In a world where hate often appears to be on the rise, we are called to be different as followers of Jesus. The term “haters” has become all too common in our society, as people express ...  Read More

“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 5:17 In our daily walk with God, we often find ourselves caught in a tug-of-war between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. It’s like two opposing forces pulling on either en...  Read More

“Come near to God, and he will come near to you.” – James 4:8 Our journey of faith is an adventure that is continually enriched by our relationship with God. Cultivating a deep and intimate connection with Him is not just a religious duty but a remarkable privilege, an invitation to experience His presence and experience the depths of His love. It’s a relationship that begins with an...  Read More

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'” – Luke 2:10-11 As the Christmas season approaches, the world around us is adorned with dazzling lights, festive decorations, and the hustle that comes with holiday preparations. ...  Read More

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23 Have you ever wondered why God calls the characteristics produced by the Holy Spirit “fruit”? It’s a bit puzzling, especially when we think of fruit in its literal sense. As a child, I used to find ...  Read More