Posts with the tag “joy”

"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