From my daily advent reading:
Thank you, God, that even when I feel empty and dry, I know that the springs of joy are there, buried deep within me. I ask you to tap those springs now, release them, and carry me away on their fullness
Thank you, O God, for joy.
Joy that overcomes all else.
Joy that is more powerful than the darkest powers.
Joy that is more abundant than the waters in the seas.
Joy that is mine.
This spoke to me this morning.
And some random things I've learned and experienced lately.
Every night before going to sleep, I read a section of the Common English New Testament on my Kindle. I'm in ACTS. I've been reading about Paul's evangelism and how he made as many people mad enough to kill him as he brought to salvation. Paul was concerned about the Jewish Christians who wanted Gentile Christians to obey all the old Hebrew Laws (like circumcision). Paul and some buddies came up with the basic things Christians need to do; are you ready?
ACTS 15:28-29: The Holy Spirit has led us to the decision that no burden should be placed on you other than these essentials: refuse food offered to idols, blood, the meat from strangled animals, and sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid such things. Farewell.
That's a lot easier than the big ten, don't you think?
At the Beth Moore Bible Study I've been going to, I learned the power of the spoken word. Praying out loud has a spiritual power that doesn't exist in silent prayer. She quoted from these scriptures; I can't say which ones are actually relevant to the power of speech. But if you want to look them up, here they are: Joshua 1:8, Proverbs 18:21, Numbers 13:31-32 & 14:1-4 & 14:20-23, John 15:7-8, Romans 10: 8-10, Matthew 17:19-20 and Psalms 18:19.
Meanwhile, back to joy... Yesterday was Elder Day of Homecoming Spirit Week. Elder Day, really? I went as myself but I wore pearls and put my hair up in a bun.
In my last class of the day, a boy asked me, "Mrs. Perry, are you trying to look old?"
"Well, I'm not really trying, but yeah."
"I don't think you look old. You never look old. Except for maybe the pearls."
He nailed it and showered on me both emotional and spiritual joy.
Showing posts with label joy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label joy. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Advent Day 17
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. ~ Isaiah 12:3
The joy of advent is Jesus coming to earth being born as a human baby.
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. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” ~ Luke 2:10-14
Why were the angels joyous? Jesus had to leave heaven and come to earth to face hardships and death.
They were full of joy because it was God's delight to send his son in human form so that we might be reconnected to heaven. There's joy for everyone in that.
The joy of advent is Jesus coming to earth being born as a human baby.
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. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” ~ Luke 2:10-14
Why were the angels joyous? Jesus had to leave heaven and come to earth to face hardships and death.
They were full of joy because it was God's delight to send his son in human form so that we might be reconnected to heaven. There's joy for everyone in that.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Advent Day 16
Joy is a fruit of the spirit, not a result of our gratification.
Joy is an intentional action.
Sometimes I am good at being joyful. I am tapped into God no matter the situation and I feel His joy.
But other times, even aware of God's presence, I get cranky because things just aren't going right.
Being in God's joy is much better so I'll work toward being in joy more than being cranky, with God's help.
Go, eat your bread with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do. ~ Ecclesiastes 9:7
Wine is also a source of joy for me. I'm happy to have found this scripture.
...
Joy is an intentional action.
Sometimes I am good at being joyful. I am tapped into God no matter the situation and I feel His joy.
But other times, even aware of God's presence, I get cranky because things just aren't going right.
Being in God's joy is much better so I'll work toward being in joy more than being cranky, with God's help.
Go, eat your bread with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do. ~ Ecclesiastes 9:7
Wine is also a source of joy for me. I'm happy to have found this scripture.
...
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Advent Day 15
The third week in Advent: JOY. We are half way through the season of preparation and it is time to celebrate. The Savior is coming soon. Rejoice.
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” Luke 1: 46-49
Mary sings for joy to the Lord as she anticipates the arrival of her son and savior.
What better way to express JOY than by this beloved Christmas song? The lyrics are in public domain. Yay!
JOY TO THE WORLD
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n, and heav’n, and nature sing.
Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.
I was going to put a link to a listenable version of this song but I couldn't find one that I like. Maybe you'll have better luck if you google "Joy to the World."
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” Luke 1: 46-49
Mary sings for joy to the Lord as she anticipates the arrival of her son and savior.
What better way to express JOY than by this beloved Christmas song? The lyrics are in public domain. Yay!
JOY TO THE WORLD
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n, and heav’n, and nature sing.
Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.
I was going to put a link to a listenable version of this song but I couldn't find one that I like. Maybe you'll have better luck if you google "Joy to the World."
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