Confidence in Him

 

     Walk in confidence today as a child loved by God. You are dearly loved. Yes, you!

For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that He has chosen you. 1 Thessalonians 1:4

     Dear sisters and brothers loved by God. He has chosen you. He has chosen me. Christ will give us His righteousness, His power, and His wisdom and His truth. Our steadfast faith in Him gives us confidence.

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. Jeremiah 17:7

Such confidence we have through Christ before God. 2 Corinthians 3:4

     Equally and uniquely loved. He loved us so we may love our brothers and sisters in the faith, as well as others in the world. Our confidence rests in Christ, our faith secure. Be yourself. Let your personality, gifts and talents shine in this dark world. We walk in freedom and trust, knowing we are His, now and forever. Rest in that this week as you venture out, dear brothers and sisters loved by God.

Father,

We rest in Your love, moving in confidence. Your love never fails and You forgive time and time again. We remain Yours now and forever, children dearly loved..

In Jesus name.

Amen

 

Gifted in the Spirit

 

     We are equally and uniquely loved. Your relationship with Jesus will look different than mine. I have a good friend who is fortunate enough to spend two hours every morning in deep study and prayer. What a gift!

     Another of my friends is an extrovert who just takes Jesus with her wherever she goes, picking up nuggets of wisdom from Him along the way throughout the day. What does your relationship with Jesus look like? Are you aware of His presence? Do you ask for direction throughout the day? Do you seek Him when a decision has to be made? Pray for the health of others? Look to His Word for answers?

     He yearns to be close to each one of us equally and uniquely. He honors each one of us in deep love and concern. He is for us and with us every moment.

Now you are the body of Christ and each of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4-5

     Equal parts of the same body, each one uniquely created, to work together in service. Don’t you just love His plan? He loves us and we love one another.

Lord,

Thank You for the individual gifts You give, the way You guide us into relationship with You and with others. We wait for opportunities to serve, each one in the ways chosen by You. Teach us how to find our spiritual gifts and to use them to Your glory.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Lavished With Love

 

     We love because of Jesus. We are transformed because of Jesus. We can live with the Holy Spirit of the Creator of the universe because of Jesus. We can live supernaturally, with hope, because of Jesus.

We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

     Because He first loved us. That love permeates everything about us. He lavishes us with the type of love that defeats death and brings life.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. 1 John 3:1

     We are children of God! He lavished His love on us with Jesus. And because of Him, because of His forgiveness, His grace, His new mercies every morning, because of His death, we can choose life, life now and forever.

Jesus,

Thank You for the gift of life everlasting, and for the great love You lavish on us each day. Help us to live out our lives with that same love for others. We love, because You first loved us.

Amen

Together Forever

 

     This week, we are allowing God to lavish His love on us, and, in return, we will love and honor one another. One of the purposes of God’s love for us, is to take care of, and honor our brothers and sisters in Christ. We may have personality clashes, but we are to love. We may feel jealous of another’s gifts, but we are to be satisfied with our own. We are to rejoice with one another and suffer with one another.

     The deep fellowship in Christ is unlike any other. It will move from this earth to eternity. We are linked together forever as children of our Father. Let’s love.

So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it. If one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.  Now, you are the body of Christ and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12;25-27

Rejoice with those who rejoice. Mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15

     We are in this together, equally and uniquely His. Our joys can be shared and our burdens cut in two when we live out life together.

Father,

Thank You for brothers and sisters in the faith. Jesus died for all of us. We want to learn to love and to live through and with Him. Help us to be examples in the world around us, as we share the generosity and unconditional love of Jesus.

Amen

Equal and Unique

 

     I have to remind myself, continually, that God loves me and always wants the best for me. So many days, I feel guilty about one thing or another. You, too? As human beings, we have our weaknesses, our temptations, our emotions and a myriad of other attributes that take us away from God’s plan.

     Today, let’s soak in God’s unconditional love for us. Don’t be hard on yourself. He loves you just the way you are. He understands your unique personality and your unique gifts. The ways you serve won’t look like the ways I, or anyone else serves. Let’s not compare and compete. We are all members of the same body, with different parts, all valuable to Jesus.

     Some of our gifts are quiet and encouraging, others boisterous and generous, others behind-the-scenes and, still others, up on the podium. None is better than another. You are gifted and loved. You are a child of God, a beloved child of God.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them, and in everyone, there is the same God at work. 1 Corinthians 12:4=6

     The same Lord, the same Spirit, the same God, working in us and loving us, quirks and all. He loves you!

Lord,

You are our God and the same Spirit is within each of us. That Spirit understands us deeply and profoundly, leading us in ways we often don’t notice. Guide us into truth and into Your love today.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Come to Him

 

     Confidence in Jesus doesn’t come so naturally, even as lifetime believers, when we are worried, when we are grieving, when we are anxious and downhearted, when we can’t find an answer. Maybe one of these describes you today. If so, let it all go to the foot of the cross. Jesus understands your burdens. Give it completely to Him and wait expectantly. He will work.

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and lean on Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29

Fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear. I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

     For now, for this minute, for this day, for as long as you are able, lay it all at His feet. Let Him carry you for a while. Let Him work for you and fight these battles. He will do it.

Father,

We wait for You to work. Heal us, comfort us, take our burdens and fight for us. Guide us in Your ways as we wait for our prayers to be answered. We love and praise You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Hope and a Future

 

     I pray your confidence in our Savior has grown this week. His plan for your life is pleasing and perfect. He will work for the good even when we can’t perceive it. His love is astronomical. As one of my favorite authors Max Lucado wrote, “If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.”

     You are His precious child. You are His workmanship. God’s plan for you is intimate and personal. He longs for a relationship with You, all day, every day. Your future looks bright in His mighty hands.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

     God has a hope and a future for you, plans for you to do His good works that will bless you and bless others. We were created with certain gifts unlike anyone else! You are His handiwork, His piece of art, His love.   

     How do we know what that plan is? What do we do? Where should we go? Will we miss out? No, never!  God's work always continues even when we don’t notice. His hand is upon us day and night. He will provide opportunities when we least expect them. When we study His word and participate in our relationship with Him, through prayer, through fellowship, through Bible discussions, we get to know Him just as intimately as He knows us and we will grow more and more into our love for Him. We are a separate entity from the rest of this crazy world. We belong to Jesus.

Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:13

Father,

You give us strength and hope. Keep growing us with Your mighty hand, even when we don’t recognize Your work. Your love for us carries us through.

In Jesus name,

Amen

    

More Than Conquerors

 

     One of the greatest gifts we can offer another or that can be bestowed upon us, is the gift of unconditional love. Maybe you were blessed to grow up in a family that gave and received love. You knew, no matter what, no matter the mistakes made on either side of the relationship, love remained.

     When we are loved unconditionally, our confidence grows. Our confidence in ourselves as people worthy to be loved and confidence enough to trust others, confidence to be open to genuine and loyal relationships.

     Jesus offers us unconditional, everlasting love. His love is beyond even our greatest and most love-filled relationships on earth. Jesus can fill the gaps suffered from unloving relationships. He can fill our hearts with His love, until we grow in the ability to live out the rest of our lives, filled with contentment and filled with joy.

     As believers, we will have Jesus forever. Nothing you can do will pull you away from His grasp. You belong to Him. We can conquer anything with His kind of love. Here are a few more of my many, many favorite verses.  Place them in your hearts and be filled today.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Jesus,

Your love is so deep and wide, so sacrificial and so overwhelming, it is hard for us to accept. Thank You for loving us. Let Your Holy Spirit wash over us and lavish us with the much-needed love today and every day. May we never forget.

Amen

Forever

 

     Once we are saved through the blood and sacrifice of Jesus, we are seen as holy in the eyes of our holy and perfect heavenly Father. We don’t understand it. The gift is too wonderful to comprehend. But it is true.

This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. Romans 3:22a 

     As we are given the righteousness of God through Jesus, our sins are painted as white as snow. As His children, we now live in His glorious light.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

     Our confidence grows as our faith grows, moving more and more into His light as we gain trust in Him through the rest of our lives. Each step draws us closer and closer to our heavenly home. There is no need to fear. We are with Him now. We will be with Him later.

For to me, to live is Christ, to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

     I have witnessed the yearning for heaven, time and time again, in believers close to death, in the aged, in the burdened. For those living in grief, to those longing for a loved one in heaven, this is such a solemn and profound promise.  We will be with them one day. We will live with them forever. Do not fear. Be confident in that.

Lord,

Keep us mindful of the brevity of life and the hope of tomorrow. We now live in Your righteousness and Your light. To live is You and to die is gain. How profound! Keep us from worry. Keep us in peace. We are Yours.

In Jesus name,

Blessed Chosen Forgiven

 

     If you want to feel cherished and loved and grow in your faith in Christ, a great chapter to read is the first book of Ephesians. Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus is filled with the spiritual blessings we have as believers in Christ. I won’t print the entire chapter, but here are a few blessings we have with Jesus as our Savior.
We have been:
• blessed in the heavenly realms (v.3)
• chosen (v. 4)
• adopted as sons and daughters (v. 5)
• given His glorious grace (v. 6)
• forgiven (v. 7)
• given his wisdom and understanding (v. 8)
• made a part of His perfect and pleasing will (v. 9-11)
• included in Christ (v. 13)
• sealed with the Holy Spirit (v. 13)
• guaranteed a heavenly home (v. 14)
     As I close today’s devotion, please read carefully through the following words from this beloved chapter. These words are given for you as a believer in Jesus Christ and I pray them over you today. Listen to the love and power you now have available as a child of the most-high God.
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:15-21
     These words are too wonderful to comprehend! The very same power that God used to raise Christ from the dead now lives within us! Take that with you today. Have confidence in the one who has saved you! He is risen and His power lives with us.
Jesus,
We praise You for all of the many gifts and blessings You have lavished on us. Thank You for these beautiful reminders in Your precious word for us. We love You
Amen

 

Think About Such Things

 

     Look beyond the stars this weekend to the heavens. The purposes and plans of God are beyond what we see and touch. As we fumble through this life, seeking answers to unanswerable questions, think on our Holy God. We won’t understand the fallen world around us and the suffering we experience. But God redeems, He reminds, He restores and He renews. Think beyond the stars to His truth.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Philippians 4:8

     The words above speak volumes in opposition to what we see and hear in the world around us each day and what we think, feel and say each day. Look above and beyond to what is pure and excellent, what is lovely and true, what is praiseworthy. It is Jesus. Think about such things.

Jesus,

We thank You for reminding us of what is true and lovely and excellent. Keep our minds steadfast on You today and always. Restore our hearts to trust You.

Amen

 

 

God's Voice

 

My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me. John 10:27

     It is so easy to get stuck in the spiral of our own thoughts, worries and emotions.Or are your thoughts and attitudes filled with doubt and guilt and criticism? When we renew our minds with God’s Word and in prayer, we will begin to notice a difference in the way we look at ourselves and the world around us.

God’s voice:

     Stills you, leads you, reassures you, enlightens you, encourages you, comforts you, calms you, convicts you.

Satan’s voice:

     Rushes you, pushes you, frightens you, confuses you, discourages you, worries you, obsesses you, condemns you.

     God’s voice brings peace. Be still and listen for Him. He is right there beside you and within you to fill your every need. His voice is filled with love. Listen.

Know his voice.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.  John 10;10

Father,

Show us the way to peace and confidence, to hope and love. Give us the motivation to listen to Your Word and listen to You in prayer above the other voices around us. We want to hear You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

It's All Yours

 

     Let’s take a few minutes to remind ourselves of what we have as Christians.

His righteousness:

The righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. Romans 3:22

His love:

Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:30

His power:

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

His Holy Spirit:  

And you also were included with Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1;13

His strength:

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

His peace:

And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

His joy:

This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b

     Take it all in as you read through the Scriptures above. I needed that!

Jesus,

We don’t make full use of all that is available to us. You invade our very being with who and what You are. We want to take full advantage of all of the gifts you make available to us daily, with all of the splendor of heaven’s power.

Amen

In The Deep

 

     Seeing beyond this life into eternity allows us to go deeper into this present life. If we are here for such a short time, let’s talk about what matters. From God’s view, it is all about love and the heart. God is light and He will reveal the deep things even in the midst of darkness. Allow Him to come into the deep recesses of your soul. Include Him in your deepest, darkest fear. Surrender any guilt or unforgiveness within and begin to look at the world around you in light and in love.

He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness and light dwells with him. Daniel 2:22

     Take comfort in the words above, “He knows.” He knows our anxieties. He is there in the dark when we are scared. If we trust and allow Him in, He brings light with Him. He lives in light. What are the dark areas in your life right now? Let’s clear them out and bring it all into His glorious light.

He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings utter darkness into the light. Job 12:22

     Spiritual truth reaches beyond our earthly fear and trouble. Allow the Holy Spirit to go deep today and take you from darkness to light.

These are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.1 Corinthians 2:10

Father,

Our earthly lives can turn us away from You into darkness and despair. Your Holy Spirit goes deep with us and moves us back into Your glorious light. Teach us the deep things of God today.

In Jesus name,

Amen

A Little While

 

In all this you greatly rejoice though now, for a little while, you may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:6

      A friend of mine reminded me today of a Bible study we did a few years ago. That study gave us real insight into the over-all big picture of life, death and eternity. The apostle Peter reminds us that we have an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade.

       We have a living hope. Through faith we are shielded with God’s mighty power.  We can greatly rejoice because of our inheritance to come.  Included in Peter’s words are, “for a little while.”

      Our grief and suffering, our trials are for just a little while. Keep it in perspective. Today…a little while…ETERNITY!!!  Forever and ever, we will rejoice forever.  Look up and rejoice.

 Father,

We rejoice in your Son and in the living hope we have now and forevermore. Keep the joy of our salvation alive in our hearts even through the sufferings of this life. It’s for a little while.

In Jesus name,

Amen

It Is Finished

 

     The end of Jesus’ earthly life marked the beginning of our resurrected lives. Jesus, the only perfect human ever to walk the earth, became the sacrificial, perfect lamb. His humility, torture and pain took the world’s sin, all of it, and brought an end to it. Jesus spoke this truth before He gave up His Spirit.

When He had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, He bowed His head and gave up His Spirit.  John 19:30 (NIV)

     Those three words, “It is finished,” represent our redeemed lives. Our sins are forgiven, once and for all, past, present and future, the minute we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  This freedom allows us to walk in the joy and the peace of the risen Lord.  

     The finished work of the cross brings us resurrected lives, both now and forevermore. Jesus rose again and so will we. His second coming will not be filled with His humiliation and destruction. It will reveal His full glory and majesty.

Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father, Philippians 2:9-11

     Jesus overcame death for us. At the end of our earthly journey, we have only just begun to live!

Jesus,

You conquered death for us and we can never thank You enough. We are forgiven. We are saved and we praise You.

Amen

Maybe It's Me

 

     Our Lord knows the steps you will take on this day. He knows the words you will speak before one is uttered (Psalm 139) He planned for you to walk upon the earth in this generation. Can you give him the freedom to work through you?

     With God’s guidance can we make a difference today? Maybe it’s you God has placed in the life of that difficult person. Maybe it’s you with the ability to change a mood or change a life. Maybe Jesus chose you. As our hearts are open to His love, our Savior will turn our faith into action.

     Maybe you will have just a bit more patience than the person behind you. Maybe you will be a bit slower to anger than the other person lashing out at you. Maybe you will speak the words that one person has been longing to hear. Maybe the Gospel is on the tip of your tongue.

     Maybe it’s you. Maybe it’s me.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send and who will go for us?”  And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8

     Here I am, Lord. Let it be me.

     Here we are Lord. You can use us in ways that are heaven sent. Show us the way. We are Yours.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

All Things

 

     God provides what we need. All He asks as we accept Jesus as Savior is to love one another and to follow Him. The Bible from Genesis to Revelations points to Jesus, the Messiah, the Savior. All things are His now and forever. The earth was made for His glory.

Through Him all things were made. Without Him, nothing was made that has been made.  John 1:3

For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen Romans 11:36

For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones for powers or rulers or authorities, all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things and in Him all things hold together.  Colossians 1:16-17

     The Father, through Jesus, offers us blessings from the throne room of grace.

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

     In all things, God is good all the time. He is enough.

And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Lord,

As we move through our days, remind us You are everywhere, in all things and all things will be done ultimately for Your purpose. Provide for us today.

In Jesus name,

Amen

A New Creation

 

     How is it that our unchanging, steadfast, faithful and loving God can create change in us in the most astounding ways? Our outward appearance and actions may appear and feel the same at first. Over time, the change begins. It is a work of the heart.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone. The new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

     You are a new creation! The changes may be subtle; a little more loving here, a little less anger there, a sprinkle of forgiveness here, a touch of kindness there. The annoying becomes bearable. The bitterness softens. The cravings of the old life fade and a hunger develops for goodness and righteousness.

For you were once darkness; but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light; for the fruit of the light consists of goodness, righteousness and truth. And find out what pleases the Lord. Ephesians 5:8-10

      Our gracious God creates in us a new heart that transforms our way of life.  Walk today as a child of the light! The new has come. The old has gone. Believe in the work of the One who loves you. He is faithful and He will do it.

Lord,

Your work in us is miraculous. It is all You and Your Holy Spirit doing the work from the inside out and we praise You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

 

Out of the Pit

 

     The day dawned gloomy, damp and cool. The news did not brighten the day; a young boy’s death, a fire and a car accident. It is a habit and a pattern of society to look at the tragic before the triumphant. The headlines take center stage. The same can hold true in our own lives.

     Choosing to look beyond the tragic headlines, even our own, takes discipline and experience. The tragedies in life can be taken out and looked at in minute detail; what we were wearing, the sights and smells, and the reactions of those around us.  

     God can use the tragedies for His good. Those experiences, the details, sights and sounds can be used in our compassion for others. Our trust in Him grows. Christ is there in the middle of the mire, in the deepest pit, through the sights and smells of the pain, in each and every detail. He was there and will remain now and forevermore.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.  Psalm 40:2

     We wait, Lord, to be lifted up to You.

Father,

Show us how to use our challenges and sorrows to bring comfort to others. Your ways are beyond our imaginings. Thank You for lifting us up when we need it most.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Abundant Joy

 

     God can fill in our missing pieces. He will give us the right words. He will provide what we need, when we need it. Do you trust Him and His word for you? Will you believe He is working for you and not against you? Will you allow yourself to feel His peace and joy as He removes your doubt and fear and guilt? Here are some words just for you and me as we begin our day.

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

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. Psalm 16:11

     I want to take this into my heart today. God offers to bless us abundantly (until it overflows) giving us all things at all times that we need in order to abound in all we do. Take Him at His word. He will do it.

Jesus,

Thank You for bestowing us with the blessings of heaven. We long to trust You above our circumstances, knowing You have just what we need. Thank You for providing for us in every way.

Amen

Happiness vs Joy

 

     All of us want to be happy. We want our kids to be happy. Our culture tells us we deserve to be happy. The Bible leads us into something more; a deep, soul-filling joy. Yes, there is a difference. Happiness depends on circumstances. To be happy, this has to happen; the right job, the perfect partner, the deserved vacation, or___? You fill in the blank. What blanks are you waiting to be filled in order to be satisfied? Instead, maybe we should ask to be filled with a perpetual spiritual joy.

     No matter how we try to fill our lives without Jesus, they remain half-empty. There will forever and always be a God-sized hole. Jesus promises us a joy that can never be removed. I have seen this deep joy in others around me; in my friend, still suffering the repercussions of a severe stroke suffered many years ago. I have seen it in a woman I visited over the years, suffering with heart failure, with an attached oxygen tank and blindness. How?

     They know Jesus. They know Him intimately. He is real. He is there. He fills them with true joy. Every step they take relies on Him. Every word they speak is spoken in service to Him. They give to others sacrificially, even in a state others may view as impossible. Jesus offers a new type of joy.

I have told you this so my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:11

Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. 1 Peter 1:8

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!  Philippians 4:4

     Don’t rule your life based on finding fleeting happiness. The happenings in our life don’t guarantee a worldly contentment. But Jesus does. He will bless us no matter what. He will fill our souls with His kind of love and joy. And it is heavenly.

Jesus,

Only You have the way, the truth and the life. It is an abundant life. The life that is led by You offers deep joy. Lead us into that kind of joy. It is unlike any other.

Amen