“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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Great Shouts Of Praise
When the builders laid the foundaiton of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments and the trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise the Lord, as prescribed by David King of Isael. With praise and thanksgiving thye sang to the Lord: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of…
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Prayer With Joy
Always an every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with Joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day and tell now, Philippians 1:4-5 Joy is part of our life. In Philippians, this is the key point. Joy is the central part of our salvation and relationship with Jesus. Joy reflects the inner peace and delight in our Triune God. It’s the blessing that comes from our relationship with them. Joy is more then an emotion of happiness. It’s deeper. Joy is God’s immeasurable love for us. It’s also the peace and hope we have because of what Christ did for us. The…
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Passion Week: Devotions
Thursday John 14:1-16:33 Jesus Comforts His Disciples Jesus is saying a few last remarks before the chaos of events begin, the surreal moment. In chapter 14, the main points are he is the way, the truth, and the life. We are not to be troubled but to believe in God and Jesus. Jesus is going to go to prepare a place in heaven for all believers. When it is done, he will come back for us. Jesus asks us to keep his commandments. If we truly love God, will be in obedience to his commandments. Next, Jesus promises while he is gone, the Holy Spirit will be with us.…