Category: Joy

God’s Will

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Many people worry about what the will of God is. We tend to think in terms of what job to take, whom to marry, what to do for vacation, etc. God gives us several specifics about His will, but not the way we tend to think. Today’s verses tell us the will of God. We are to “rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks”. These are not always easy to do. In fact, when life is tough they can be difficult. However, if it is the will of God, He will give us the strength to do these things.

Rejoicing can boost low spirits. Praying reminds us how much we need God. Giving thanks shows our appreciation for what God has and will do. All of these things will draw us closer to Christ as we follow God’s will.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for telling us what Your will is. Please give us the strength to rejoice, pray and give thanks no matter what our circumstances are. We know You are worthy of all these.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Cannot be Described

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I love this verse. Jesus humbled Himself to come to earth to be a sacrifice for us. That gift cannot be fully expressed with words. The best part – those of us who accept this gift will have all eternity to learn the beauty of this gift. I’m glad God allows us to start learning now.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the amazing gift that words cannot express. I am in awe of Your love.

I praise this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Exceedingly Abundant

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Ephesians 3:20 can give us goosebumps as we think of all the happy things God can do.  However, as I look at the context – one of spiritual growth and maturity – my mind goes down a different path.  I believe the Christian life can bring much joy, but there is sorrow as well.  The difficult things often bring about the most spiritual growth.   So, what is the exceeding abundance?  I believe 2 Corinthians 9:8 gives us the answer. “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”  God’s grace brings the abundance that He wants.  Abundance for every good work.

I fear we come to verses like Ephesians 3:20 with selfish thoughts.  Selfishness is often a part of our identity.  We need to give our own desires to God and He will give us His grace for abundant good works.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the abundance You provide.  Please help me to see the ways You want to change my identity from self-centeredness to grace filled good works.  Please strengthen me for the tasks ahead. I give You praise for all You do.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Christmas Joy

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The story of Christmas is one that brings great joy.  I fear that we are more stuck on short term happiness than long term joy.  The truth of Christmas starts with the fact that we are sinners and need a Savior. Jesus came to be born as a baby and then grew to be a man who died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.  I believe most of my readers know this and have placed their trust in Jesus to save them from their sins.  This should bring us joy.  However, the sin nature is still active and brings struggle.

Despite the difficulties of life, the Christmas story should bring us back to joy.  Joy for the ultimate gift that Jesus’ birth brought.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus.  Thank You that we can have joy through trusting Your Son.  Please help us to put our own selfishness aside and bring us back to the joy that You provide.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

More Christmas Praise

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Shepherds were not considered the elite of society.  However, God chose to share the good news of Jesus’ birth with them.  Luke 2:20 tells us of the shepherds rejoicing and giving glory to God.  They are a good example for us.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus’ to a humble birth.  Thank You for the example of the shepherds giving You glory.  You deserve all the honor and glory.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

The Wisdom of Praise

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I have noticed how easy it is to complain. I think that has always been an issue, but it has been even more prevalent in the last two and half years. I know I should thank and praise the Lord more than I do, but sometimes it feels awkward. I want to work on changing that.

There is great wisdom in praising and thanking God. He has given so many good gifts. If you don’t know what they are, read the Bible.

Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You for Who You are and the many wonderful things You have done. Thank You for the gift of salvation, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and Your Word that gives so much insight for life.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Hope and Joy

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We talk a lot about hope.  We hope things will go well.  We have hope for a better future. Earthly hope is more of a wish.  There is no guarantee.  Heavenly hope is certain.  For those who have trusted in Jesus, we know with absolute certainty that we will spend a glorious eternity with God.  When I spend more of my time thinking about eternity – the sure hope I have in Christ – the more joy I find.  If I think about my friends who know Christ and the future we will have together in heaven, I smile a whole lot more.   If I focus on the here and now, I am more likely to get bogged down in negative emotions.  While we need negative emotions to be honest about living in a sin cursed earth, we cannot let them dictate our outlook.  This is a balance I will fight for my entire life.

The first step towards eternal hope is following God’s way by trusting in Jesus Christ to save us from our sins.  Then we need to search Scripture to learn God’s way.  I like the strength God’s way gives.

Dear Heavenly Father, there is so much need for true Biblical hope.  Thank you for providing the way to find the joy that hope brings.  Please help me to continue to seek Your way.  I need You every day.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Thanks Christmas

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2 Corinthians 9:15 might be considered a Thanksgiving verse, but I had this color page from a Christmas book.  Since Jesus came to die to provide salvation from sins, His birth is the ultimate gift.

Merry Christmas!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your amazing gift of Jesus Christ.  I praise Your name!

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good!