Psalm 128:1
Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him.
Psalm 19:8
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
2 John 1:6
And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.
Maybe this isn't something you've thought about before....joy in obedience. The verses above tell us that those who walk in obedience are blessed, have joy in their hearts, and walk in love and light. When we follow God's precepts and commands, life goes well for us. Take a look through the Bible for references of obedience. When people obey God, they sing and dance and celebrate with joy because they are successful, or blessed, or rescued. However, it is also clear throughout scripture that things do not go well for those who disobey.
Think about a time you knew you were doing something you should not do. Or perhaps you knew good you should do and didn't do it. James 4:17 tells us "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them." So, what happened? Did you feel convicted? Did you hear that voice in your heart telling you that you were being disobedient? If you are building a relationship with the Lord, trust me...He will convict your heart when you are being disobedient. You can choose to listen to that conviction or to ignore it and continue to disobey. Chances are good that it will begin to affect your attitude...and not in a positive way.
However, when we follow God's commands and live in His light...when we love others, give, use words that encourage and build up others...when we step out of our comfort zone to do the things that He calls us to do...when we, like Jonah, turn around from going to our Tarshish and head to Ninevah...we will find joy. There is peace and joy in the results of obedience. Think of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who obeyed God and then sang praises to Him in the midst of an unwed pregnancy:
Luke 1:46-49
46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
Take a look at your life today. Is there disobedience in your heart, in your actions? Confess those sins to the Lord, ask forgiveness and then strive to walk in the light and joy of obedience.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Monday, October 21, 2013
31 Days - Treasure Hunt for Joy Gifts
Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
Counting the abundant gifts of His grace in my days....
107. The scent of fresh apples lingering in my car.
108. A Homecoming dress for Kira
109. Spending the day with my brother, aunt and uncle
110. the sound of Keiko meowing at her "mouse"
111. praying for friends
112. hearing the marching band from my front porch
113. trees turning yellow downtown - brilliant
114. dirty dishes in the kitchen
115. flowers for my desk at work
116. chaperoning the marching band
117. the dancing, laughing, silly joy of teenagers
118. watching Kira with her friends
119. lovely fall weather
120. bright, full moon
121. the sound of geese flying overhead
122. the fresh scent of several loads of clean laundry
1 Timothy 4:4
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
Sunday, October 20, 2013
31 Days - Joy in trials
Did you read my blog post title? I know, I hear ya...joy in trials? I've got to be joking, right? Did you read that right? Joy in trials? You're thinking maybe I have lost my silly little pollyana mind. I'm not. You did. I haven't.
There's a LOT of bad things that can happen to a person. A lot of stress, a lot of heartache, a lot of pain. Things that make you feel like God can't possibly be watching or He would have done something to stop it. Things that make you feel like you are just done...or undone. Things that seem like you can't ever get out from under it all...like you just got your feet under you and WHAM, they get knocked out again.
We all have our stories. We all have our hurts. We all have our pains. They are big, and small, and very real. Sometimes we get through them and sometimes it feels like we never will. Look around...everyone you see is facing or has faced trials of many kinds. Even that gal down the street who always looks so pulled together, calm and confident...you may not see them, but she has scars and bruises in her life, too.
Here's a Word from the book of James. I have almost memorized it so that I can hold it close to my heart for those times when I just want to say, "What, God? Really? Why me?"
James 1:2-4
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
The first time I read this verse, I was incredulous. I was amazed by the very idea that someone could ever find joy in trials. Yet, as I've contemplated this idea, and observed people around me and how they "deal" with things in their lives...I've come to realize it's possible. That what James is saying here is true. When we are under fire, being tested, facing those trials that should be knocking us to our knees and keeping us there...we can find the strength of faith to persevere. We who follow Christ need only look to Christ and His example.
What did Jesus do when things were difficult or overwhelming? He went to a quiet place and prayed. He asked His Father for strength. He prayed for God's will. He sought out God's wisdom. He spent time with His Father.
You see, Jesus knew, and you can know, that trials and troubles are a time to connect with God. A time to remember His faithfulness. A time to stop trying to do everything yourself...and let God be in control. A time to grow and mature in faith.
And how do you find joy? I'm no expert...I'm still working on this, too. But I believe that just knowing that I am never alone makes a huge difference. No matter what it FEELS like, in Christ, we are NEVER alone. He is always there....He promises this...and Jesus does not lie, nor does He break promises. He is beside us, in front of us, behind us. He is ALWAYS there.
I also believe that it is necessary to spend time in prayer...to keep our own connection to Him in place. We tend to let go...God doesn't. I am convinced that the worst thing to do in trouble is to let go of Him. To try to go it alone. Instead...keep that communication line open 24/7.
It's important to remember...really sit and take some time to remember...how God has taken care of you in the past. Remember the blessings. Remember the rescues. Remember the miracles. I can't tell you how many times I have looked back over times in my life that seemed just too horrible at the time...and then I realized just how much I learned from those times. Just how much strength I gained from those times. Just how much I grew in maturity in my faith because I persevered WITH God.
Maybe you won't see the joy right away. Maybe it will take some effort to choose the joy. Maybe you will feel like giving up. But beloved friend, I promise you...God will hold on to you and not let you go no matter how long the trouble lasts. He hears your prayers even when it FEELS like He is not answering. He knows your needs. Trust that He is there. That He will give you strength to go on. That He will see you through the trial. If your faith feels like it's not strong enough, ask Him for more. He will give it. If you feel the need for wisdom, ask Him for it. He will give it.
James 1:5
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
You are not alone. And there can be joy in trials.
Psalm 73:23
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
Matthew 28:20b
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
There's a LOT of bad things that can happen to a person. A lot of stress, a lot of heartache, a lot of pain. Things that make you feel like God can't possibly be watching or He would have done something to stop it. Things that make you feel like you are just done...or undone. Things that seem like you can't ever get out from under it all...like you just got your feet under you and WHAM, they get knocked out again.
We all have our stories. We all have our hurts. We all have our pains. They are big, and small, and very real. Sometimes we get through them and sometimes it feels like we never will. Look around...everyone you see is facing or has faced trials of many kinds. Even that gal down the street who always looks so pulled together, calm and confident...you may not see them, but she has scars and bruises in her life, too.
Here's a Word from the book of James. I have almost memorized it so that I can hold it close to my heart for those times when I just want to say, "What, God? Really? Why me?"
James 1:2-4
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
The first time I read this verse, I was incredulous. I was amazed by the very idea that someone could ever find joy in trials. Yet, as I've contemplated this idea, and observed people around me and how they "deal" with things in their lives...I've come to realize it's possible. That what James is saying here is true. When we are under fire, being tested, facing those trials that should be knocking us to our knees and keeping us there...we can find the strength of faith to persevere. We who follow Christ need only look to Christ and His example.
What did Jesus do when things were difficult or overwhelming? He went to a quiet place and prayed. He asked His Father for strength. He prayed for God's will. He sought out God's wisdom. He spent time with His Father.
You see, Jesus knew, and you can know, that trials and troubles are a time to connect with God. A time to remember His faithfulness. A time to stop trying to do everything yourself...and let God be in control. A time to grow and mature in faith.
And how do you find joy? I'm no expert...I'm still working on this, too. But I believe that just knowing that I am never alone makes a huge difference. No matter what it FEELS like, in Christ, we are NEVER alone. He is always there....He promises this...and Jesus does not lie, nor does He break promises. He is beside us, in front of us, behind us. He is ALWAYS there.
I also believe that it is necessary to spend time in prayer...to keep our own connection to Him in place. We tend to let go...God doesn't. I am convinced that the worst thing to do in trouble is to let go of Him. To try to go it alone. Instead...keep that communication line open 24/7.
It's important to remember...really sit and take some time to remember...how God has taken care of you in the past. Remember the blessings. Remember the rescues. Remember the miracles. I can't tell you how many times I have looked back over times in my life that seemed just too horrible at the time...and then I realized just how much I learned from those times. Just how much strength I gained from those times. Just how much I grew in maturity in my faith because I persevered WITH God.
Maybe you won't see the joy right away. Maybe it will take some effort to choose the joy. Maybe you will feel like giving up. But beloved friend, I promise you...God will hold on to you and not let you go no matter how long the trouble lasts. He hears your prayers even when it FEELS like He is not answering. He knows your needs. Trust that He is there. That He will give you strength to go on. That He will see you through the trial. If your faith feels like it's not strong enough, ask Him for more. He will give it. If you feel the need for wisdom, ask Him for it. He will give it.
James 1:5
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
You are not alone. And there can be joy in trials.
Psalm 73:23
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
Matthew 28:20b
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
31 Days - The Search for Joy
Have you ever noticed that we search for joy in all kinds of places? Other people, a new house, a new car, a fabulous vacation get-away, the next latest and greatest whatever....
But we don't find it in those things, do we? Perhaps a momentary happiness. But not long lasting, overflowing, peace-giving joy.
And where can we find that joy?
Psalm 21:5-7
5 Through the victories you gave, his glory is great;
you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.
6 Surely you have granted him unending blessings
and made him glad with the joy of your presence.
7 For the king trusts in the Lord;
through the unfailing love of the Most High
he will not be shaken.
Psalm 5:11
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 16:11
But we don't find it in those things, do we? Perhaps a momentary happiness. But not long lasting, overflowing, peace-giving joy.
And where can we find that joy?
Psalm 21:5-7
5 Through the victories you gave, his glory is great;
you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.
6 Surely you have granted him unending blessings
and made him glad with the joy of your presence.
7 For the king trusts in the Lord;
through the unfailing love of the Most High
he will not be shaken.
Psalm 5:11
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Let the search be over...take refuge in Him...spend time with the Father...there is joy in His presence.
Amen.
Amen.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
31 Days - Joy in Creating
I think God gave us the ability to be creative, the gift of creativity, because He knew how much enjoyment we would get from it. Don't you? I like to stamp and create my own greeting cards. I like to make jewelry with beads. I like to crochet with different colors of yarns and different types of stitches and watch an afgan grow out of nothing but a long string of yarn. I like to put colors together in combinations that are pleasing to the eye. I feel joy when I create something that turns out particularly well. It's exciting!
Sometimes I like to imagine what God must have been thinking or feeling when He created everything...out of nothing! What a thrill it must have been to see the first tree grow and bud and blossom with new leaves and flowers...then to paint the leaves with different colors and watch them flutter to the ground...preparing the tree to rest before doing it all over again. I marvel at the colors He blends together in a spectacular sunset or sunrise. And what about the scents of all the different flowers? Or the plumage on the birds that fly and strut and dance? The brilliance of the stars against the black sky...
And what about as He created man? As He wove all of our parts together and all of our bodily systems. What must He have thought when Eve first opened her eyes? Or when Adam first ran through the garden with the abandon of a child at play? Did you know that YOU are a masterpiece? That I am, too? God created us to be individuals - intricately different and yet wonderfully similar. He created us to have different gifts and abilities. He created us to be all different sizes, shapes, colors, and temperaments.
Doesn't that just make you want to laugh out loud with joy? Doesn't it make you sit back and just wonder in awe at how great is our God?!
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Psalm 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Praise Him with joy and thanksgiving - for He has created you and given you gifts that you, in your own way, may also be creative!
Sometimes I like to imagine what God must have been thinking or feeling when He created everything...out of nothing! What a thrill it must have been to see the first tree grow and bud and blossom with new leaves and flowers...then to paint the leaves with different colors and watch them flutter to the ground...preparing the tree to rest before doing it all over again. I marvel at the colors He blends together in a spectacular sunset or sunrise. And what about the scents of all the different flowers? Or the plumage on the birds that fly and strut and dance? The brilliance of the stars against the black sky...
And what about as He created man? As He wove all of our parts together and all of our bodily systems. What must He have thought when Eve first opened her eyes? Or when Adam first ran through the garden with the abandon of a child at play? Did you know that YOU are a masterpiece? That I am, too? God created us to be individuals - intricately different and yet wonderfully similar. He created us to have different gifts and abilities. He created us to be all different sizes, shapes, colors, and temperaments.
Doesn't that just make you want to laugh out loud with joy? Doesn't it make you sit back and just wonder in awe at how great is our God?!
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Psalm 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Praise Him with joy and thanksgiving - for He has created you and given you gifts that you, in your own way, may also be creative!
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
31 Days - No Worries
I used to say that "I came from a long line of worriers." My grandma worried, my mom worried, my step-mom had what she used to call her "disaster tapes." I worried. I worried about money. I worried about having enough food. I worried about how to pay bills. I worried about getting new clothes for my kids. I worried about my kids. I worried about them getting sick or being hurt or people being mean to them. I worried about things that were "going to happen" next week or month or year. What if... How can I possibly... What will we do...
I would worry so much I had constant headaches, stomachaches that would send me to the couch to lay down until they subsided. I got cranky and spoke harsh words to those I was supposed to be protecting and teaching and loving. And I realized that all that worry...really got me nowhere except sick and tired. Worry didn't change the situation. Worry didn't make things better. Worry didn't solve problems.
Then I started to focus on trusting God...really truly trusting Him. I started to look at the times in my life that He really came through for me, for my family, for people I love. I started to remember how, even when I was unfaithful, He was always faithful. He always had our back. He always came through.
So then, I began to hold on tight to these words:
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
28 And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:24-34
And also these:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
And these:
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
You see, when you can look back and see how the Lord has provided, how can you question that He will take care of you? When you can look back and see that the Lord has made a way, when there seemed no possible way, how can you question that He will not leave your side?
Little by little, as I put all my cares in His strong and capable hands...I began to feel a peace. A peace I couldn't explain when stress came my way. I began to be able to push the anxiety away, stop the worry, and tell myself that God would, indeed, make things - yes even stressful things - work out for good. I began to see that certain events, though stressful or frightening at the time, often led to new open doors or opportunities for me to serve others who were going through similar circumstances.
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7
And yes...even joy.
Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy. Acts 14:17
Trust Him. Let the worry go. Let Him be in control. And pretty soon, you will find that your heart is filled with joy...a joy that's unspeakable...a joy that's overflowing...a joy found in His presence.
I would worry so much I had constant headaches, stomachaches that would send me to the couch to lay down until they subsided. I got cranky and spoke harsh words to those I was supposed to be protecting and teaching and loving. And I realized that all that worry...really got me nowhere except sick and tired. Worry didn't change the situation. Worry didn't make things better. Worry didn't solve problems.
Then I started to focus on trusting God...really truly trusting Him. I started to look at the times in my life that He really came through for me, for my family, for people I love. I started to remember how, even when I was unfaithful, He was always faithful. He always had our back. He always came through.
So then, I began to hold on tight to these words:
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
28 And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:24-34
And also these:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
And these:
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
You see, when you can look back and see how the Lord has provided, how can you question that He will take care of you? When you can look back and see that the Lord has made a way, when there seemed no possible way, how can you question that He will not leave your side?
Little by little, as I put all my cares in His strong and capable hands...I began to feel a peace. A peace I couldn't explain when stress came my way. I began to be able to push the anxiety away, stop the worry, and tell myself that God would, indeed, make things - yes even stressful things - work out for good. I began to see that certain events, though stressful or frightening at the time, often led to new open doors or opportunities for me to serve others who were going through similar circumstances.
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7
And yes...even joy.
Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy. Acts 14:17
Trust Him. Let the worry go. Let Him be in control. And pretty soon, you will find that your heart is filled with joy...a joy that's unspeakable...a joy that's overflowing...a joy found in His presence.
Monday, October 14, 2013
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