For God loved the world in this way: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17 Are you a gift giver or do you like to receive gifts? I love gifts. I love receiving them. However, I am not a gift giver. I struggle in this area. Do you? I am a rule follower and I have rules to buying gifts. I think this take the joy out of giving gifts.…
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The Presence of Jesus Brings Joy
“You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures.” Psalms 16:11 There are two upcoming weddings in our immediate family! There is excitement, stress, and joy all around. I hope that both sets of couples will take the time to enjoy the process of coming together. That they have the joy in each other’s presence like the day their dad and I got married. One is happening this month and the other next summer. I am getting two lovely daughter in laws. They are taking their single lives and are joining together with their spouse. Marriage is…
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Serving With Joy
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond servant, and coming in the likeness of men. He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,…
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Through Suffering Comes Joy
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 Do you believe that since we are believers that God helps those who help themselves? We think that since we are believers life will be easy. However, this thought is so wrong. Scripture…
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Our Shepherds Joy
Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10 How do you handle disappointments? Or how do you handle unmet expectations? Did you know that expectations can be an idol?? Did you know that joy is not based on your circumstances but in the choice to live in God’s extravagant grace? The first Christmas had both unmet expectations and unexpected circumstances. What were Joseph and Mary’s unmet expectations and unexpected circumstances? I don’t think they expected baby Jesus to be born so far from their home! Or how about the manger?? What mother would want to…
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Peacemaker
For He is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall fo hostility. Ephesians 2:14a Have you ever been in a situation where you were having a casual conversation and it turned into a heated argument? Did you ever have someone with the group bring calmness “peace” to the group? This type of person is a peacemaker. Jesus brought peace with him when he came to the world. He gave us peace with God and with others through God. Jesus will bring ultimate peace when He comes back again. Jesus is our ultimate peacemaker. Jesus doesn’t’ just give peace. He is peace. His blood is what…
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God’s Gift: Peace
For unto us a child is born, to us A son is given and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called wonderful Counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, Prince of peace. Isaiah 9:6 Do you have a nickname? Or special names you are called? Jesus has many names he has called. This first called him wonderful Counselor, mighty God, eternal father, Prince of peace. Does any of these names resonates with you? In all honesty, they all mean a lot to me. For today though I want to focus on the name prince of peace. Jesus is the prince of peace. When he was born he…
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Praying With Hope
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16 Do you feel that God is accessible to you? When Christ died on the cross the temple veil was…
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The Reason For the Season
So the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, ” Cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:14-15 For the full context of this chapter, You may want to read the whole chapter. How many times do we read this part of the bible and we think there is nothing more to learn? However, its the start of…
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He Thanked Jesus
Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Luke 17:15-16 Have you thanked God for your salvation, love, grace, and all of his spiritual benefits. We must never forget to thank him. What God has done for us, should make us to want to thank God continually. We should want to approach Him with a grateful heart. Only one out of the 10 lepers came back to thank Jesus for healing him. The leper glorified God with a loud voice. We should…