“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13
Recently I have been hearing radio spots from Kaiser Permanente that talk about how happy people are healthier people. They go on to suggest that doing nice things for others is what leads to happiness so they recommend doing random acts of kindness – like letting someone go ahead of you in line or paying the bridge toll for the person behind you. This all got me thinking if happiness makes us healthier what does joy do?
I have been taught that happiness is dependent on the circumstances we find ourselves in and how we “feel” about it. A change in circumstance and all of a sudden happiness is gone. On the other hand joy is a gift of God’s Holy Spirit – it is not dependent on circumstances but on relationship. When we trust in God He will daily fill us with joy even when we are not “feeling” it. I figure that if happiness is good for our health then joy must be even better.
Today and all this week for that matter do random acts of kindness – they will make you feel great and they will make the other person feel great too. In additional to all those good deeds seek to be filled with joy by spending time with God, by trusting Him, by putting your hope in Him. It will be like getting a double dose of everything that is good for your health – you’ll feel better physically, emotionally and spiritually. Don’t worry… be joyful.
A prayer
Father – Today my prayer is the same as Your servant Paul’s may You fill all who read this with joy and peace as they trust in you! May we overflow with hope by the power of Your Spirit. Thank you for joy even in the midst of our trials. In the name of Jesus our joy, Amen.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Stomp! Move! Dance!
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever.”
Psalms 3-:11-12
Let’s face it life is tough. We face situations that are stressful – work, relationships, finances, health and a multitude of other things that can get us down. These kinds of things make us ask “Why me Lord?” “Why now?” “Why, why, why?” and “When will it get better?” Have you been there, asking those questions? It’s ok to ask the questions, I would go so far as to say that it is even healthy for us to ask them. King David asked those questions and when he finally got the relief that the Lord had for him he celebrated. David danced a dance of victory.
The prophet Jeremiah talks about dancing in response to God provision too (See Jeremiah 31:12-14). I wonder if David and the others who have gone before us following God felt like dancing when finally it appeared as though things were getting better. I mean was it an automatic response or did they think about it first – especially if the situation wasn’t resolved in the way they wanted. Does that make sense? Then again perhaps that doesn’t matter and what is important is that they made the choice to celebrate God’s goodness.
Today, no matter what you are facing make a choice to celebrate God’s faithfulness, His goodness and His love – even if you are wondering how much longer do I have to wait for things to get better. Make the choice to celebrate and then… put on some great music and Stomp! Move! Dance! I am planning on having a party today and all week long because I know my God is planning something amazing for me. He is planning something amazing for you too – so get the party started early.
A prayer
Father – Thank you! Thank you for providing, for being faithful, for holding us when we cry and for being our strength when we are weak. Lord you know that we will face all sorts of situations each day some good, some not so – help us to find reason to celebrate and dance. In the name of Jesus the light of the world and our hearts, Amen.
Psalms 3-:11-12
Let’s face it life is tough. We face situations that are stressful – work, relationships, finances, health and a multitude of other things that can get us down. These kinds of things make us ask “Why me Lord?” “Why now?” “Why, why, why?” and “When will it get better?” Have you been there, asking those questions? It’s ok to ask the questions, I would go so far as to say that it is even healthy for us to ask them. King David asked those questions and when he finally got the relief that the Lord had for him he celebrated. David danced a dance of victory.
The prophet Jeremiah talks about dancing in response to God provision too (See Jeremiah 31:12-14). I wonder if David and the others who have gone before us following God felt like dancing when finally it appeared as though things were getting better. I mean was it an automatic response or did they think about it first – especially if the situation wasn’t resolved in the way they wanted. Does that make sense? Then again perhaps that doesn’t matter and what is important is that they made the choice to celebrate God’s goodness.
Today, no matter what you are facing make a choice to celebrate God’s faithfulness, His goodness and His love – even if you are wondering how much longer do I have to wait for things to get better. Make the choice to celebrate and then… put on some great music and Stomp! Move! Dance! I am planning on having a party today and all week long because I know my God is planning something amazing for me. He is planning something amazing for you too – so get the party started early.
A prayer
Father – Thank you! Thank you for providing, for being faithful, for holding us when we cry and for being our strength when we are weak. Lord you know that we will face all sorts of situations each day some good, some not so – help us to find reason to celebrate and dance. In the name of Jesus the light of the world and our hearts, Amen.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Leap Into The Light
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:3-5
It is early in the morning as I write this, the room is dark the only light comes from the computer monitor I am watching as I type. A glance out the window reveals that the sky to the east is beginning to lighten – sunrise is coming and soon there will be plenty of light. Coming to faith in Jesus is kind of like this dark early morning. Before we meet Jesus our lives are surrounded by spiritual darkness, then someone introduces us or perhaps a life circumstance causes us to cry out to Jesus. In those early days the sky is just beginning to lighten – but Son rise is coming and we will be called upon to make a decision and to leap into the light.
In the opening verses of John’s Gospel he tells us that “Through him (that is Jesus) all things were made (this planet and all that is on, in and around it including us); without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” We live in a world that is slowly being overcome by darkness. Yet where the people of God are living out His decrees to love one another as He has loved us the darkness is pushed back and His radiant light allows us to see a glimpse of heaven.
How do we leap into the light and then magnify it so that it pushes back the darkness in our lives and in the lives of those around us? It is simple really – be kind and compassionate, be generous with your time, talent and money. If a friend is struggling don’t turn away because you think there is nothing you can do… simply being there may be the greatest gift. Take time to listen to those around you. These things will bring the light of Jesus to your life. By faith leap into the light of Jesus and watch the darkness in this world get pushed back as the Son rises.
A prayer
Father – Thank you for speaking light into existence and then for sending Jesus to bring light to our souls and our spirits. Help us to leap into that light, to be filled with it and then to share it with those around us, especially those struggling with life’s trials. In the name of Jesus the light of the world and our hearts, Amen.
John 1:3-5
It is early in the morning as I write this, the room is dark the only light comes from the computer monitor I am watching as I type. A glance out the window reveals that the sky to the east is beginning to lighten – sunrise is coming and soon there will be plenty of light. Coming to faith in Jesus is kind of like this dark early morning. Before we meet Jesus our lives are surrounded by spiritual darkness, then someone introduces us or perhaps a life circumstance causes us to cry out to Jesus. In those early days the sky is just beginning to lighten – but Son rise is coming and we will be called upon to make a decision and to leap into the light.
In the opening verses of John’s Gospel he tells us that “Through him (that is Jesus) all things were made (this planet and all that is on, in and around it including us); without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” We live in a world that is slowly being overcome by darkness. Yet where the people of God are living out His decrees to love one another as He has loved us the darkness is pushed back and His radiant light allows us to see a glimpse of heaven.
How do we leap into the light and then magnify it so that it pushes back the darkness in our lives and in the lives of those around us? It is simple really – be kind and compassionate, be generous with your time, talent and money. If a friend is struggling don’t turn away because you think there is nothing you can do… simply being there may be the greatest gift. Take time to listen to those around you. These things will bring the light of Jesus to your life. By faith leap into the light of Jesus and watch the darkness in this world get pushed back as the Son rises.
A prayer
Father – Thank you for speaking light into existence and then for sending Jesus to bring light to our souls and our spirits. Help us to leap into that light, to be filled with it and then to share it with those around us, especially those struggling with life’s trials. In the name of Jesus the light of the world and our hearts, Amen.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Success in the Storm
“The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.”
Genesis 39:23
Joseph had been sold into slavery by his brothers and then found himself falsely accused and in prison – yet scripture makes it clear that he was still successful. What was the key to Joseph’s success? “Because the LORD was with him and gave him success.” Slavery and prison - that is a pretty big storm if you ask me and still it is possible to be successful. Joseph isn’t the only one in the Bible who found success in the midst of the storm because the LORD was with them. Noah survived the great flood, Daniel spent the night in the lion’s den, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego walked in the fire, the Israelites prospered even in captivity and Jesus was able to go to the cross and conquer death – all because the LORD was with them.
We all face some kind of storm – either the hazards of the weather or the struggles and trial of life. Whatever storm you are facing you too can find success if the LORD is with you. Now sleep well because of life’s storms? Invite the Lord into your bedtime ritual. Struggling financially? Invite Him into your budget. Been hurt by someone you love? Make sure the LORD is your wingman.
Take time this week to invite the LORD into every area of your life – if you are sinking in life’s storms look to Jesus. HE is walking on the water straight for you. When the LORD is with you – you will find success in the storm. Scripture proves it.
A prayer
Father – Thank you that what the world and circumstances means for harm You can turn to good. Be with us today and everyday so that like the heroes of our faith we to can find success in our storms. Thank you for being with us and for loving us. In the name of Jesus Amen.
Genesis 39:23
Joseph had been sold into slavery by his brothers and then found himself falsely accused and in prison – yet scripture makes it clear that he was still successful. What was the key to Joseph’s success? “Because the LORD was with him and gave him success.” Slavery and prison - that is a pretty big storm if you ask me and still it is possible to be successful. Joseph isn’t the only one in the Bible who found success in the midst of the storm because the LORD was with them. Noah survived the great flood, Daniel spent the night in the lion’s den, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego walked in the fire, the Israelites prospered even in captivity and Jesus was able to go to the cross and conquer death – all because the LORD was with them.
We all face some kind of storm – either the hazards of the weather or the struggles and trial of life. Whatever storm you are facing you too can find success if the LORD is with you. Now sleep well because of life’s storms? Invite the Lord into your bedtime ritual. Struggling financially? Invite Him into your budget. Been hurt by someone you love? Make sure the LORD is your wingman.
Take time this week to invite the LORD into every area of your life – if you are sinking in life’s storms look to Jesus. HE is walking on the water straight for you. When the LORD is with you – you will find success in the storm. Scripture proves it.
A prayer
Father – Thank you that what the world and circumstances means for harm You can turn to good. Be with us today and everyday so that like the heroes of our faith we to can find success in our storms. Thank you for being with us and for loving us. In the name of Jesus Amen.
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