“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.
Monday, May 30, 2011
The Price is Paid
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Today as we celebrate Memorial Day and consider the price that has been paid for the freedom we enjoy may we give thanks to those who have gone before and for those who even now are sacrificing their lives in the name of freedom. Over 2000 years ago God took on the form of man to show us how to live in His kingdom of love, compassion and freedom. Then to ensure our citizenship in the kingdom Jesus paid the price for our sins – freeing us from the debt we owed and would never be able to pay ourselves. The apostles out of hearts thankful for the salvation bought by Christ also sacrificed their lives paying the price to spread the Good News so that all might know and accept the gift offered by Jesus.
The members of our armed forces and their families have throughout history also paid the price for freedom. We must never forget the sacrifices made on our behalf. Scripture says that because we were bought at a price – we are to honor God with our whole lives. In the world we live in today let us also honor the men and women who continue to pay the price of our freedom.
We have all heard that “Freedom isn’t free” The price of freedom is great and it is ultimately paid by a few. May we honor all who have gone before and those who are paying the price even now. The price is paid by soldiers in this world and the price that will allow you to enter the kingdom of God was paid by Jesus. Live lives worthy of the price that has been paid for you.
A prayer
Father – Thank you first and foremost for sending Your Son to pay the debt of our sin. May our live reflect the love, compassion and freedom of Your kingdom. Thank you also for the many men and women who have sacrificed their lives so that we can live now in freedom. Freedom that allows us to worship openly and without fear. May how we live today honor those who have paid that price. In the name of Jesus Amen.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Today as we celebrate Memorial Day and consider the price that has been paid for the freedom we enjoy may we give thanks to those who have gone before and for those who even now are sacrificing their lives in the name of freedom. Over 2000 years ago God took on the form of man to show us how to live in His kingdom of love, compassion and freedom. Then to ensure our citizenship in the kingdom Jesus paid the price for our sins – freeing us from the debt we owed and would never be able to pay ourselves. The apostles out of hearts thankful for the salvation bought by Christ also sacrificed their lives paying the price to spread the Good News so that all might know and accept the gift offered by Jesus.
The members of our armed forces and their families have throughout history also paid the price for freedom. We must never forget the sacrifices made on our behalf. Scripture says that because we were bought at a price – we are to honor God with our whole lives. In the world we live in today let us also honor the men and women who continue to pay the price of our freedom.
We have all heard that “Freedom isn’t free” The price of freedom is great and it is ultimately paid by a few. May we honor all who have gone before and those who are paying the price even now. The price is paid by soldiers in this world and the price that will allow you to enter the kingdom of God was paid by Jesus. Live lives worthy of the price that has been paid for you.
A prayer
Father – Thank you first and foremost for sending Your Son to pay the debt of our sin. May our live reflect the love, compassion and freedom of Your kingdom. Thank you also for the many men and women who have sacrificed their lives so that we can live now in freedom. Freedom that allows us to worship openly and without fear. May how we live today honor those who have paid that price. In the name of Jesus Amen.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Refuge of Joy
“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”
Psalm 5:11
The dictionary has several definitions for the word refuge. First, refuge is a shelter or protection from danger, trouble etc. Next, refuge is a place of shelter, protection or safety. The psalmist is talking about the refuge we can find in God and asks God to spread His protection over us. The psalmist also tells us that those who do seek God’s refuge and protection will find joy there as well – reason to rejoice.
We all know that life is not easy – we face trials and storms all the time. A friend dealing with cancer, the loss of a loved one, unemployment, natural disasters and relationships that are struggling are just some of the things we face in our world. Yet in the midst of all this we can find refuge in the One who created us and in that refuge there is joy to be had. Scripture often describes God’s protection as the wings of a protective bird – a mother hen or a majestic eagle. Beneath His wings we are safe even as the storm rages all around us – even as it rages in us to the very depths of our souls.
The last definition from the dictionary says this about the word refuge – anything to which one has recourse for aid, relief or escape. That sounds like my God – does it sound like yours? Today run to the Refuge of Joy and find the aid, relief or escape that you need for whatever you are facing.
A prayer
Father – Thank you for being our refuge, our shelter, our protection. May we rejoice within your protective embrace as we face the storms of life. In the name of Jesus Amen.
Psalm 5:11
The dictionary has several definitions for the word refuge. First, refuge is a shelter or protection from danger, trouble etc. Next, refuge is a place of shelter, protection or safety. The psalmist is talking about the refuge we can find in God and asks God to spread His protection over us. The psalmist also tells us that those who do seek God’s refuge and protection will find joy there as well – reason to rejoice.
We all know that life is not easy – we face trials and storms all the time. A friend dealing with cancer, the loss of a loved one, unemployment, natural disasters and relationships that are struggling are just some of the things we face in our world. Yet in the midst of all this we can find refuge in the One who created us and in that refuge there is joy to be had. Scripture often describes God’s protection as the wings of a protective bird – a mother hen or a majestic eagle. Beneath His wings we are safe even as the storm rages all around us – even as it rages in us to the very depths of our souls.
The last definition from the dictionary says this about the word refuge – anything to which one has recourse for aid, relief or escape. That sounds like my God – does it sound like yours? Today run to the Refuge of Joy and find the aid, relief or escape that you need for whatever you are facing.
A prayer
Father – Thank you for being our refuge, our shelter, our protection. May we rejoice within your protective embrace as we face the storms of life. In the name of Jesus Amen.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Unchanging
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8
Comedian and singer Mark Lowry once said his favorite Bible verse was “and it came to pass”. The point he was trying to make was that no matter where you are and what you are facing the situation will change. If you are traveling on a smooth road – it will pass and be replaced by one filled with pot-holes. If you are in the midst of a storm – it will pass and sunny days will replace the clouds. Life is filled with changes, we cannot escape them. Some changes are easier to deal with – graduations, weddings, babies, new jobs – we like positive changes they are times for celebrations. Unfortunately other changes test our faith and cause us to question ourselves and God.
In the midst of daily change we have an unchanging God. The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Jesus never changes He is our solid footing when the road is rough. He rejoices with us when times are good. He holds us when our faith is wavering under the stresses of life. He challenges us to take a step into the unknown so we can become who He sees in us. His promises never fail. His words have stood the test of time.
No matter what you are facing today – it will pass. Change happens whether we want it to or not. It is good to know that Jesus never changes – He always loves us, will always provide, will always be there and will always have the victory over this life and that is reason enough to find joy in the midst of change.
Hang on to the One who is unchanging – He will see you though whatever comes to pass.
A prayer
Father – Thank you that in our unstable world you are the unchanging stability we can count on. May we seek you on the sunny days and on the stormy days of life. May we find joy just knowing that we are not alone – You are with us. Thank you for all You have been, are and will be in our lives. In the name of Jesus Amen.
Hebrews 13:8
Comedian and singer Mark Lowry once said his favorite Bible verse was “and it came to pass”. The point he was trying to make was that no matter where you are and what you are facing the situation will change. If you are traveling on a smooth road – it will pass and be replaced by one filled with pot-holes. If you are in the midst of a storm – it will pass and sunny days will replace the clouds. Life is filled with changes, we cannot escape them. Some changes are easier to deal with – graduations, weddings, babies, new jobs – we like positive changes they are times for celebrations. Unfortunately other changes test our faith and cause us to question ourselves and God.
In the midst of daily change we have an unchanging God. The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Jesus never changes He is our solid footing when the road is rough. He rejoices with us when times are good. He holds us when our faith is wavering under the stresses of life. He challenges us to take a step into the unknown so we can become who He sees in us. His promises never fail. His words have stood the test of time.
No matter what you are facing today – it will pass. Change happens whether we want it to or not. It is good to know that Jesus never changes – He always loves us, will always provide, will always be there and will always have the victory over this life and that is reason enough to find joy in the midst of change.
Hang on to the One who is unchanging – He will see you though whatever comes to pass.
A prayer
Father – Thank you that in our unstable world you are the unchanging stability we can count on. May we seek you on the sunny days and on the stormy days of life. May we find joy just knowing that we are not alone – You are with us. Thank you for all You have been, are and will be in our lives. In the name of Jesus Amen.
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