Posts with the tag “joy”

"For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things." – Psalm 107:9    This world is constantly trying to sell you something. Everywhere you look, there’s a promise that if you just had this one thing, you’d finally be happy. But no matter how much you accumulate—whether it’s wealth, success, status, or possessions—it’s never enough. Yesterday, we talked about the end...  Read More

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice."- Philippians 4:4   When life is going well, it’s easy to feel joyful. But what happens when things aren’t going as planned? Can you still have joy when life isn’t perfect? The answer is yes, and it’s something God calls us to do. Joy isn’t just a fleeting feeling based on our circumstances; it’s a deep, abiding sense of peace and contentment...  Read More

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night."- Psalm 1:1-2   There’s something powerful about starting your day with God’s Word. When you open the Bible each day, you’re not just reading words on a page; you’re inviting God to ...  Read More

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." - Proverbs 14:12   It’s tempting to chase after the things that promise immediate pleasure. The world around us often glorifies instant gratification, making it seem like the key to happiness. But have you ever noticed that the things that bring quick satisfaction often lead to regret, heartache, and pain in the long run?...  Read More

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 6:23 Have you ever taken a moment to consider the alternative to disobeying God? We often think about the sacrifices and the challenges of living a life of obedience, but do we truly understand the consequences of continuing in sin and disobedience? Have you thought about what your life will look like if you continue to ignore God's calling and live contrary to His will?  Read More

"The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor." - Proverbs 22:9    When we step out to help others, God often works in our hearts as much as He works in the lives of those we’re helping. We see this transformative process often during mission trips. While we go with the intention of serving and blessing those in need, we often find that we are the ones who come ...  Read More

"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life."- Matthew 19:29   Living a sacrificial life isn’t easy, but God promises to take care of those who give of themselves for His sake. He calls us to lay down our own desires and ambitions, to surrender to His will, and to tru...  Read More

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8   Have you ever marveled at the lengths to which God goes to reveal His love for us? It's a love beyond comprehension, a love that surpasses all understanding. And yet, time and time again, God demonstrates His extravagant love in ways that leave us in awe. One of the most profound examples of God's...  Read More

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." - Matthew 10:29-31   In the vastness of the universe, it's awe-inspiring to consider that God cares about the small and seemingly insignificant details of our lives. From th...  Read More

"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'" - Luke 2:10-11   Christmas Day, the culmination of our Advent journey, is a time of great celebration and joy. It is a day when we come together to commemorate the birth of Jesus, our Savior. Whi...  Read More

"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21   During the Christmas season, we joyfully celebrate the birth of Jesus, the miraculous arrival of the Son of God into our world. His birth is indeed a momentous occasion, marked by wonder, joy, and adoration. However, it's important to remember that the significan...  Read More

"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" - Matthew 22:37-39   In our previous devotion, we explored the first and greatest commandment—to love the Lord our God with all your heart, soul, and mind. Today, we delve into the secon...  Read More

"Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:4   Life presents us with a series of challenges and trials, each an opportunity for growth and transformation. James 1:4 implores us to "Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." This process of maturity and completeness can be hindered w...  Read More

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!" - Romans 11:33    In the grand tapestry of life, God weaves every thread with precision and purpose. His perfection knows no mistakes, and in His infinite wisdom, He orchestrates every event and circumstance for a reason. It is easy to become disheartened when we face...  Read More

Deuteronomy 28:2 (NIV) - "All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God."   When we choose obedience to God, He pours out His blessings upon our lives in abundant measure. Our obedience opens the door for His favor, provision, and grace to flow freely. The path of obedience is not always easy, but the rewards it brings far outweigh any sacrifice we may make. ...  Read More

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." - John 10:10b   Life in Christ is more than mere existence; it is a vibrant and abundant journey. When we are united with Christ, we experience a transformative awakening, where we move from spiritual death to eternal life. Let's explore what it means to be alive in Christ and embrace the fullness of the abundant life He offers. Befor...  Read More

 "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." - Psalm 51:10   As we draw nearer to God, something remarkable happens: He transforms our desires and cravings. The closer we grow to Him, the more our hearts align with His will, and the old desires that once consumed us fade away. Let's explore the profound work of God in reshaping our hearts and molding our desires. In...  Read More

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:2   Life presents us with countless choices, often pitting what we want most (God's way) against what we want in the moment (the world's way). It's a challenge we all face—choosing between tempo...  Read More

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” - James 1:2-4 When you renew your mind, when you can discern God’s perfect will, and, in faith and obedience, pursue it. When you can walk in pur...  Read More

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” - James 1:2-4 If you are going to renew your mind as Paul talks about in Romans 12, you are going to be tested. As we discussed a few days ago, t...  Read More

“Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.” - Isaiah 61:7   The God we serve is many things: He is loving, He is powerful, He is wise, He is gracious, and He is merciful. We could go on and on describing all of the amazing qualities that make up our God. But I want to add o...  Read More

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15).    Have you ever found it difficult to rejoice with those who rejoice? Sometimes one of the most difficult things to do is celebrate when someone else received what you wanted. We hate to admit that, but it’s the truth—being joyful with someone when they get something you’ve prayed for is hard.  Some of the toughest molding...  Read More