Just a brief note to tell you that our house is FULL of JOY! We have the privilege of keeping three of our grandbabies for a few days while their parents go to a JOHN PIPER Conference! I'm so thrilled for them...and I'm so happy for Papa and me! We will be able to get lots and lots of sugar from our 5 year-old, 3 year-old and 1 year-old bundles of JOY!
I just wanted to warn you that I may not be posting much on my blog page this week. I'm SURE you understand. These precious "jewels" will get my undivided attention. Just pray that this GiGi can keep her physical strength :) and seize opportunities to demonstrate and teach them about the JOY of the Lord.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Friday's JOY
IT'S FRIDAY!!!!!!!!! Woohoo!!!! I can remember when I was working all those years how PRECIOUS Fridays were! EVERYBODY looked forward to Friday! "TGIF" was a common expression around the workplace. Can you identify?
Friday doesn't carry quite the same meaning as it did while I was punching a time clock for so many years! But I still look forward to Friday. It ushers in the weekend; and most of our weekends consist of FAMILY. This weekend we get to celebrate our youngest grandson's 1st birthday! Oh, what fun! That means we get to be with our whole family, because birthdays are a "big deal" with the Ashley clan.
As much fun as we have at birthday parties, there's another "birth" day that I look forward to even more! My prayer is that each of our grandchildren will grow up to be a Believer! When they come to that age of accountability, may each of them give their heart and life to Christ! That's my deepest heart's desire (and prayer). When they do this, they will have a "spiritual birthday"!
Do you have a "spiritual birthday"? Some people can remember the exact day, time and place! And that's wonderful! Others of us know approximately when God spoke to our hearts and called us to be HIS. I don't think it's that important to know the specific time, but I DO think it's imperative that we KNOW we have been birthed into His Kingdom. Are you bearing "fruit"? When people look at you, do they see Jesus?
If you're not certain that you have a "spiritual birthday", take care of that TODAY! Let this day be your special FRIDAY of JOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday doesn't carry quite the same meaning as it did while I was punching a time clock for so many years! But I still look forward to Friday. It ushers in the weekend; and most of our weekends consist of FAMILY. This weekend we get to celebrate our youngest grandson's 1st birthday! Oh, what fun! That means we get to be with our whole family, because birthdays are a "big deal" with the Ashley clan.
As much fun as we have at birthday parties, there's another "birth" day that I look forward to even more! My prayer is that each of our grandchildren will grow up to be a Believer! When they come to that age of accountability, may each of them give their heart and life to Christ! That's my deepest heart's desire (and prayer). When they do this, they will have a "spiritual birthday"!
Do you have a "spiritual birthday"? Some people can remember the exact day, time and place! And that's wonderful! Others of us know approximately when God spoke to our hearts and called us to be HIS. I don't think it's that important to know the specific time, but I DO think it's imperative that we KNOW we have been birthed into His Kingdom. Are you bearing "fruit"? When people look at you, do they see Jesus?
If you're not certain that you have a "spiritual birthday", take care of that TODAY! Let this day be your special FRIDAY of JOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Today's Serving of JOY JUICE
Have you had your JOY JUICE today? Ephesians 4 is a power-packed chapter of instruction for those who want to become more like Christ and spread His JOY.
Look at verse 31: Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
Wow! That’s a tall order. Paul first mentions bitterness. When a person becomes offended and doesn’t deal with that offense correctly, it becomes embedded in the heart and soul….and turns into bitterness. If we’re not careful, we can become so inwardly infected with bitterness that we are outwardly affected in our appearance and disposition. Then comes the rage, anger, slander and maybe, even brawling and malice that the scripture refers to.
It’s time for a self-check! If you find yourself constantly saying negative things about someone who has offended you or upset you in the past, it may be that a root of bitterness is trying to grow inside your heart! Call The Master Surgeon and repent before Him; then ask Him to rip those destructive roots clear out of your soul. If we don’t, the root of bitterness will go down deep into the soil of our soul, and eventually we will be filled with bitter fruit.
God, please replace any bitter fruit in our lives with your sweet, JOYful fruit!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Practicing JOY
This morning was a gooood day to stay under the covers and sleep late. It was rainy and cold outside. Any one who had half the chance, would be tempted to just stay inside and lounge around in their jammies all day. BUT...
I had planned an early morning Bible study with friends as well as several errands that needed to be run in preparation for our upcoming "EnJOY the Journey" conference. Soooo, I didn't give in to "the flesh", but decided to follow Cheri Keaggy's advice in one of her songs when she sings about "practicing JOY"! I tried to JOYfully roll out of bed, thanking the Lord that I was ABLE! As I dressed, I thanked the Lord again for a warm house and plenty of clothes to keep me warm when I went outside. I was thankful for food that nourished my body for the start of the day; and grateful for a dependable car that would take me safely to my destination and back.
Oh, how JOYful I was that I pushed on and spent time with Godly ladies who transparently shared what God is teaching them! Oh, how JOYful to see special friends while running my errands! Oh, how JOYfully blessed I was when God opened my eyes to a "divine appointment" in which He allowed me to share His love and JOY with two strangers.....maybe more about that later.
The point I'm trying to make today is that many times we simply need to slow down and PRACTICE JOY! We are all soooo busy, with soooooo much on our agenda and sooooooo many places to go that we often miss God! So today, tomorrow and all the days to come, please: STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN to His still small voice. He's whispering: "PRACTICE JOY in all circumstances!"
I had planned an early morning Bible study with friends as well as several errands that needed to be run in preparation for our upcoming "EnJOY the Journey" conference. Soooo, I didn't give in to "the flesh", but decided to follow Cheri Keaggy's advice in one of her songs when she sings about "practicing JOY"! I tried to JOYfully roll out of bed, thanking the Lord that I was ABLE! As I dressed, I thanked the Lord again for a warm house and plenty of clothes to keep me warm when I went outside. I was thankful for food that nourished my body for the start of the day; and grateful for a dependable car that would take me safely to my destination and back.
Oh, how JOYful I was that I pushed on and spent time with Godly ladies who transparently shared what God is teaching them! Oh, how JOYful to see special friends while running my errands! Oh, how JOYfully blessed I was when God opened my eyes to a "divine appointment" in which He allowed me to share His love and JOY with two strangers.....maybe more about that later.
The point I'm trying to make today is that many times we simply need to slow down and PRACTICE JOY! We are all soooo busy, with soooooo much on our agenda and sooooooo many places to go that we often miss God! So today, tomorrow and all the days to come, please: STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN to His still small voice. He's whispering: "PRACTICE JOY in all circumstances!"
Monday, January 24, 2011
Old Friend, New JOY!
Last night I had the JOYful surprise of seeing an old friend that I had not seen in some time! It was such a pleasant "gift"....just to spend time with her and catch up a little on what's going on with her and her family. There was such a sweet connection between the two of us that we were able to pick right up where we last "left off". That's a true friend, isn't it?
Sometimes we stray from God....not that HE went anywhere! But we make choices at times which distance us from the things of God. We get so busy doing "urgent" things that we forget what's truly important: OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM!
Maybe we should remember that prayer is simply talking to God and sometimes that has to be as we are driving or sitting in the doctor's office or even grocery shopping! You see, our Friend is always with us. All we have to do is call on His name. He will be there to pick up right where we last "left off".
You know what I've discovered? That each time I have a really good talk with God, I am filled with a NEW JOY!!!! "Try it! You'll like it!!!" the old slogan used to say! Get ready for NEW JOY with your OLD FRIEND.....as you "have a little talk with Jesus" today!
Sometimes we stray from God....not that HE went anywhere! But we make choices at times which distance us from the things of God. We get so busy doing "urgent" things that we forget what's truly important: OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM!
Maybe we should remember that prayer is simply talking to God and sometimes that has to be as we are driving or sitting in the doctor's office or even grocery shopping! You see, our Friend is always with us. All we have to do is call on His name. He will be there to pick up right where we last "left off".
You know what I've discovered? That each time I have a really good talk with God, I am filled with a NEW JOY!!!! "Try it! You'll like it!!!" the old slogan used to say! Get ready for NEW JOY with your OLD FRIEND.....as you "have a little talk with Jesus" today!
Friday, January 21, 2011
JOYfully Counting the Days
It's exciting to have something to look forward to, isn't it? There are several things on my "list":
But what about spiritually speaking? Do we have anything to look forward to? YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We get to spend ETERNITY with Christ! Now, doesn't that fill your heart to overflowing with the JOY of the Lord? Let's share the JOYful news today...with everyone that God brings into our path. It should be our passion to share His love and JOY with as many people as possible. Then, we'll be able to look forward to hearing the words from our Heavenly Father, "Well done, my good and faithful servant!"
- Our baby grandson's first birthday party next weekend.
- Three of our grandbabies coming to spend a few days with us.
- The EnJOY the Journey Conference in March.
- Hopefully, MORE grandbabies in the future!
- The writing and publishing of another book.....within the next year.
But what about spiritually speaking? Do we have anything to look forward to? YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We get to spend ETERNITY with Christ! Now, doesn't that fill your heart to overflowing with the JOY of the Lord? Let's share the JOYful news today...with everyone that God brings into our path. It should be our passion to share His love and JOY with as many people as possible. Then, we'll be able to look forward to hearing the words from our Heavenly Father, "Well done, my good and faithful servant!"
Thursday, January 20, 2011
What's YOUR Joyful Ministry?
Do you know that if you are Christian, you have a "ministry"? God created each of us for a purpose and for a mission. Your ministry is different from my ministry....but each is just as important as the other.
God has gifted some of YOU with beautiful singing voices and musical talent. I was not in the right line for that gift when God was giving out talents and abilities. Some are good teachers, some have the gift of hospitality, some are encouragers, while others minister by doing yard work or helping elderly relatives or loved ones. No matter what your gifts, talents and/or abilities, God intends for us to use them for "ministry". By that I mean, sharing the love of the Lord with others through the unique way God ordained for each of us.
No matter WHERE God has you right now, that's exactly where He wants you to be doing your ministry. I can remember a time that I was SOOOOO ready to "do something" for Christ! I wanted to write a book; I wanted to speak before groups; I wanted to be "in ministry" for my Lord. At that time, I was a young mother with three small children and a husband. I didn't see clearly that MY FAMILY was my ministry! And what a ministry that is ! Oh, I'm so thankful now that I had those days with our children. And in His perfect timing...now that I'm a "GiGi", God is giving me the desire of my heart to serve Him in other ways of ministry! Writing, speaking and JoyJoy Ministries!
We must each remember that each new day is a GIFT! And we should use every second of it to minister to others. That's how we "rejoice always". THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE. LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
God has gifted some of YOU with beautiful singing voices and musical talent. I was not in the right line for that gift when God was giving out talents and abilities. Some are good teachers, some have the gift of hospitality, some are encouragers, while others minister by doing yard work or helping elderly relatives or loved ones. No matter what your gifts, talents and/or abilities, God intends for us to use them for "ministry". By that I mean, sharing the love of the Lord with others through the unique way God ordained for each of us.
No matter WHERE God has you right now, that's exactly where He wants you to be doing your ministry. I can remember a time that I was SOOOOO ready to "do something" for Christ! I wanted to write a book; I wanted to speak before groups; I wanted to be "in ministry" for my Lord. At that time, I was a young mother with three small children and a husband. I didn't see clearly that MY FAMILY was my ministry! And what a ministry that is ! Oh, I'm so thankful now that I had those days with our children. And in His perfect timing...now that I'm a "GiGi", God is giving me the desire of my heart to serve Him in other ways of ministry! Writing, speaking and JoyJoy Ministries!
We must each remember that each new day is a GIFT! And we should use every second of it to minister to others. That's how we "rejoice always". THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE. LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Today's Serving of JOY JUICE
Have you had your Joy Juice today? The past several days on our radio broadcast, we've been talking about FRUIT! Eating real fruit is a healthy choice....but spiritual fruit is even more important to include in our daily walk with the Lord.
The Fruit of the Spirit is something that all Christians should desire as a part of their daily spiritual diet. The fruit on our menu for today is FAITHFULNESS…such an important quality.
In 1 Corinthians 16:13, Paul teaches that we should “stand firm in your faith”. That means that we should not get discouraged and give up easily. Faith in itself can make us ultimately strong, because it gives us the ground on which to stand. Standing firm, being faithful in even the little things is imperative to becoming spiritually mature.
Too many of us are not faithful in the little things. We sometimes break our promises, don’t follow through on an obligation or don’t show up for engagements. Some people fail to pay their debts promptly. How can we demonstrate faithfulness in ALL things? We can start by being on time for work or appointments; by making that phone call to the person who God has laid on your heart, and especially, by faithfully spending time with Him.
" The person who is always dependable, who is faithful in the least, as well as in the greatest, whose life and character are true through and through, gives out a light in this world which honors Christ (and brings JOY to others.)" (Rev. James R. Miller from God’s Treasury of Virtues.)
Are you SHINING with JOY today? If so, I'm sure that you have chosen to make the Fruit of "Faithfulness" an important part of your spiritual diet!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Raindrops of JOY
Do you remember the song by B.J. Thomas that goes.....
I guess our rainy day reminded me of this song---along with a couple of friends who shared their tears with me this morning. We all have our times of "the blues", as the songs says. And though I'm not sure if the writer of the song is a Christian, he had one thing right: We don't have to worry, 'cause we are free!
Those times we find ourselves in the valley of despair, we can still know that...in CHRIST...we do not have to fear. He died for us to set us FREE!!! Free from the burden of sin, free from anxiety, free from fear of the unknown future.
We might not always find "happiness" in our circumstances---as the song indicates. But we KNOW that the JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Raindrops keep fallin' on my head
And just like the guy whose feet are too big for his bed
Nothin' seems to fit
Those raindrops are fallin' on my head, they keep fallin'
But there's one thing I know
The blues they send to meet me won't defeat me
It won't be long till happiness steps up to greet me.
Raindrops keep fallin' on my head
But that doesn't mean my eyes will soon be turnin' red
Cryin's not for me
'Cause I'm never gonna stop the rain by complainin'
Because I'm free
Nothin's worryin' me."
And just like the guy whose feet are too big for his bed
Nothin' seems to fit
Those raindrops are fallin' on my head, they keep fallin'
But there's one thing I know
The blues they send to meet me won't defeat me
It won't be long till happiness steps up to greet me.
Raindrops keep fallin' on my head
But that doesn't mean my eyes will soon be turnin' red
Cryin's not for me
'Cause I'm never gonna stop the rain by complainin'
Because I'm free
Nothin's worryin' me."
I guess our rainy day reminded me of this song---along with a couple of friends who shared their tears with me this morning. We all have our times of "the blues", as the songs says. And though I'm not sure if the writer of the song is a Christian, he had one thing right: We don't have to worry, 'cause we are free!
Those times we find ourselves in the valley of despair, we can still know that...in CHRIST...we do not have to fear. He died for us to set us FREE!!! Free from the burden of sin, free from anxiety, free from fear of the unknown future.
We might not always find "happiness" in our circumstances---as the song indicates. But we KNOW that the JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, January 14, 2011
EnJOY the Journey!
May I take the time today to invite EACH of you to the second "EnJOY the Journey" Ladies' Conference to be held at Eastside Baptist Church in Douglas, GA. Mark your calendars for March 18 & 19 and start making plans now to bring ALL your girlfriends.
I have been in major planning mode! So as I started to post on my blog today.....that's what was on my heart and mind! Let me give you just a few details: Cheri Keaggy (Dove Award Winner and PRECIOUS Sister in Christ) is coming again to share in music and testimony. Wow! Does she ever have a story! And God has truly blessed her with the gift of music. Can't wait to hear how He has brought her through this past year!!!
Then we have the AWESOME privilege of having another WONDERFUL lady from Lansing, Michigan to join us as a speaker. Karen Ehman is with Proverbs 31 Ministries and is a sought-after speaker and writer. She contributes to Focus on the Family and has authored several books. I've heard her speak in person and she is TOPS!
That's just for starters....we've got LOTS more planned and God continues to lead us and show us some "special" touches that He wants us to add to this year's conference. Tickets are $20 for the entire weekend! No meals will be served, but a mid-morning snack will be provided on Saturday.
PLEASE join us and help spread the JOYful word to all your friends, church members and those who do not know Christ. This is a wonderful outreach to those who need to draw closer to the Lord------And I'm pretty sure that's ALL OF US!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have been in major planning mode! So as I started to post on my blog today.....that's what was on my heart and mind! Let me give you just a few details: Cheri Keaggy (Dove Award Winner and PRECIOUS Sister in Christ) is coming again to share in music and testimony. Wow! Does she ever have a story! And God has truly blessed her with the gift of music. Can't wait to hear how He has brought her through this past year!!!
Then we have the AWESOME privilege of having another WONDERFUL lady from Lansing, Michigan to join us as a speaker. Karen Ehman is with Proverbs 31 Ministries and is a sought-after speaker and writer. She contributes to Focus on the Family and has authored several books. I've heard her speak in person and she is TOPS!
That's just for starters....we've got LOTS more planned and God continues to lead us and show us some "special" touches that He wants us to add to this year's conference. Tickets are $20 for the entire weekend! No meals will be served, but a mid-morning snack will be provided on Saturday.
PLEASE join us and help spread the JOYful word to all your friends, church members and those who do not know Christ. This is a wonderful outreach to those who need to draw closer to the Lord------And I'm pretty sure that's ALL OF US!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Prisoner of JOY
Once a week, I volunteer at one of our local hospitals as "chaplain". I have the privilege of going room to room, meeting new people....sometimes finding old friends....and praying with them. Let me tell you....I am the one who is ALWAYS blessed!
Today I knocked on the door of one of the patients' rooms and found two armed prison guards sitting with the patient. Now, a couple of years ago, this would have "unnerved" me, but I have had this experience several times in my volunteering at the hospital. God gives me a boldness and a special love for these people. He has shown me over and over that they are JUST LIKE WE ARE. Each of us has the potential for being a prisoner of some kind!
As I asked this brother today if he'd like for me to pray for him, he quickly said, "Oh, yes! Would you please pray for my family?" This man, in prison clothes, was facing surgery, but his first prayer request was for his family! That shows something about his heart, don't you think?
What are YOU are prisoner to? A prisoner to the past? A prisoner to fear? A prisoner to worry? May we remember that our GOD is a forgiving GOD and is our DELIVERER! If you feel in bondage to anything today, pray a sincere prayer---asking The Judge to pardon you and deliver you. He is willing and ABLE to loose the chains and set you FREE! When that happens.......you'll no longer be a prisoner......unless, of course, you choose to be a Prisoner of JOY-----------and that's not a bad thing!!!!! :)
Today I knocked on the door of one of the patients' rooms and found two armed prison guards sitting with the patient. Now, a couple of years ago, this would have "unnerved" me, but I have had this experience several times in my volunteering at the hospital. God gives me a boldness and a special love for these people. He has shown me over and over that they are JUST LIKE WE ARE. Each of us has the potential for being a prisoner of some kind!
As I asked this brother today if he'd like for me to pray for him, he quickly said, "Oh, yes! Would you please pray for my family?" This man, in prison clothes, was facing surgery, but his first prayer request was for his family! That shows something about his heart, don't you think?
What are YOU are prisoner to? A prisoner to the past? A prisoner to fear? A prisoner to worry? May we remember that our GOD is a forgiving GOD and is our DELIVERER! If you feel in bondage to anything today, pray a sincere prayer---asking The Judge to pardon you and deliver you. He is willing and ABLE to loose the chains and set you FREE! When that happens.......you'll no longer be a prisoner......unless, of course, you choose to be a Prisoner of JOY-----------and that's not a bad thing!!!!! :)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Today's Serving of JOY JUICE
Have you had your Joy Juice today? This serving has a "fruity" flavor!
Let’s look at the verses in Galatians 5: 22-23 to make sure we understand what kind of fruit we need for our spiritual health. The first fruit mentioned in verse 22 is the fruit of LOVE. I don’t think it’s an accident that this fruit is first on the list. If we don’t have love, our Christian example will be ineffective.
Love is more important than all the spiritual gifts exercised in the church body. Great acts of faith, acts of dedication or sacrifice produce very little without love. Love makes our actions and gifts useful.
The way I see it, we have to accept God’s love in order to be able to give it away. God’s love is directed outward…toward others. It is possible to practice this love only if God helps us set aside our own desires and instincts, so that we can give love while expecting nothing in return. The more we become like Christ, the more love we will show to others.
That’s why one of our most passionate heart’s desires should be to be like Christ! Meditate and pray over the scripture found in Galatians 5:22-23. With God’s help, we can be JOYful Christians who radiate the LOVE of Christ!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
First Steps Bring JOY
Late yesterday I received a text from one of my daughters-in-love which exclaimed that the "baby" had taken his first steps! His parents were excited, his big brother and sister were excited and, of course, Papa and GiGi were excited! It may have been something that seems simple to us as adults, but it's such a milestone in the life of little ones.
I can just imagine that the JOY I felt in my heart for our little fellow's accomplishment is something akin to how God feels when we take baby steps in our faith. He's glad when we make any kind of progress toward growing closer to Him. Whether it's a tiny step, several longer strides or a giant leap in faith, our Father is JOYful about it! Doesn't that bring joy to your heart just knowing that you've brought JOY to Him?
Monday, January 10, 2011
Warm with JOY on a Cold Winter Day
"Now, the weather outside is frightful, but the 'fire' is so delightful!" That's one of the lines I recall from the old classic song, "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow"! And it describes how I feel this morning!
It is dreadfully messy and cold outside...even in SOUTH Georgia! I just received a picture via phone from our son who lives in Atlanta and the ground is covered in snow. He says his little 2 year old son keeps saying, "Snow....white.....brrrrrrrrr!"
But regardless of the weather outside, I'm all toasty and warm inside because of the "afterglow" from the Living Victoriously Fitzgerald Women's Conference that I was blessed to be a part of this weekend. Oh, my! Words just seem to fail me! I guess the best way to explain to those who were not there: ANOINTED BY GOD! Yes, HE was there through every part.....the music, the testimonies, the speakers, the prayer time, the special time of communion, the laughter, the tears......ALLLLLLL OF IT was covered by His love!
Thanks to each of you who prayed for this event. God truly showed up and "showed out"! YOU GO, GOD!
Friday, January 7, 2011
A JOYful Request
Hello, my friends!
This morning I am asking for your prayers. I have the privilege of speaking at a community-wide ladies' conference in Fitzgerald this weekend. Will you please pray that God will anoint me, my heart, my lips, my countenance, my thoughts? I so desire to be a JOYful messenger for Him, yet I realize my many limitations. He continues to remind me that HE is in control and that "in my weakness, HE is strong".
So I am depending on His strength----hoping and praying that I have heard Him as I've prepared my message for tonight. Pray that I will be able to recall what I've studied and that as I "open my mouth, He will fill it" with HIS WORDS.
Thanks for your love and prayers. You are truly a source of JOY in my life!!!!
(I'll fill you in Monday on how things go at the conference! I'm counting on a JOYful time in the Lord!)
This morning I am asking for your prayers. I have the privilege of speaking at a community-wide ladies' conference in Fitzgerald this weekend. Will you please pray that God will anoint me, my heart, my lips, my countenance, my thoughts? I so desire to be a JOYful messenger for Him, yet I realize my many limitations. He continues to remind me that HE is in control and that "in my weakness, HE is strong".
So I am depending on His strength----hoping and praying that I have heard Him as I've prepared my message for tonight. Pray that I will be able to recall what I've studied and that as I "open my mouth, He will fill it" with HIS WORDS.
Thanks for your love and prayers. You are truly a source of JOY in my life!!!!
(I'll fill you in Monday on how things go at the conference! I'm counting on a JOYful time in the Lord!)
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Favor me with JOY, Lord!
As I was reading my Bible this morning, I was lead to the chapter in Isaiah (61) that talks about "the year of the Lord's favor". I was drawn like a magnet to the words in verse two that say:
"proclaim the year of the Lord's favor". Now wouldn't that be a GREAT New Year's proclamation????
WE NOW PROCLAIM THE YEAR 2011 AS THE YEAR OF THE LORD'S FAVOR!!!!!
What would you choose for the Lord to "favor" you with?
So, if we'll simply rest and trust in Him, then we can JOYfully anticipate His favor! Wheeee! I'm looking so forward to seeing what this "Year of Favor" is going to bring! Sure hope it's lots of JOY---along with anything else HE chooses!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"proclaim the year of the Lord's favor". Now wouldn't that be a GREAT New Year's proclamation????
WE NOW PROCLAIM THE YEAR 2011 AS THE YEAR OF THE LORD'S FAVOR!!!!!
What would you choose for the Lord to "favor" you with?
- Health
- Peace
- Security
- A deeper relationship with Him
- JOY
So, if we'll simply rest and trust in Him, then we can JOYfully anticipate His favor! Wheeee! I'm looking so forward to seeing what this "Year of Favor" is going to bring! Sure hope it's lots of JOY---along with anything else HE chooses!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
An Attitude of JOY
Have you had your JOY JUICE today? Hope you’re drinking it with a good attitude!
We all want 2011 to be a year filled with abundant joy, don’t we? We know that we will have to face difficult circumstances. BUT we can still experience joy if we will follow the instruction of Philippians 2:5: Your attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus.
Would people describe you as having “the attitude of Christ”? One of love, humility, forgiveness, obedience, service. and total trust in God?
Airplane pilots often use "attitude" to describe their horizontal relationship with the runway. If their attitude isn’t aligned properly, the plane will make contact with the ground at the wrong angle and it will cause them to crash. Similarly, our attitude is our inward disposition toward other things, such as people or circumstances. As with an airplane, attitude is applied whenever we must deal with something other than ourselves. According to God’s word, when you become a Christian, a part of your new creation is the development of new attitudes — your attitude should become like that of Jesus.
So set your attitude barometer to be like Christ! Allow Him to plan your flight pattern and sit back and "enJOY the JOurneY" of 2011!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Whispers of JOY
Bill Hybels says that many times God whispers to our hearts! I agree! He, also, says that our part of "hearing God" is "having the GUTS to respond"!
In this new year, let's be intent on hearing every whisper of God. We have to "be still and know" before we can hear His whispers. But when we learn to really listen, He will lead us on an incredible journey. My prayer is that you (and I) will always have our ears "tuned" to Him. May we be so willing to respond that we will push past the fear, the lack of self confidence, the questions of how and why and when and where. May we be so in love with Him that everything else pales in comparison to our relationship with Him.
Let me ask a "personal" question. What are you doing in your life that will last FOREVER? In other words, what are you doing that will outlive you and all your earthly accomplishments? Are you serving people? Unselfishly? Are you leaving a legacy of love, hope and JOY....due to sharing Christ with others?
As this new year begins, let's pray for one another to be attentive to the whispers of God as He leads us to accomplish HIS purpose for our lives. If so, then we will be able to look forward to a JOYful eternity!!!!!
In this new year, let's be intent on hearing every whisper of God. We have to "be still and know" before we can hear His whispers. But when we learn to really listen, He will lead us on an incredible journey. My prayer is that you (and I) will always have our ears "tuned" to Him. May we be so willing to respond that we will push past the fear, the lack of self confidence, the questions of how and why and when and where. May we be so in love with Him that everything else pales in comparison to our relationship with Him.
Let me ask a "personal" question. What are you doing in your life that will last FOREVER? In other words, what are you doing that will outlive you and all your earthly accomplishments? Are you serving people? Unselfishly? Are you leaving a legacy of love, hope and JOY....due to sharing Christ with others?
As this new year begins, let's pray for one another to be attentive to the whispers of God as He leads us to accomplish HIS purpose for our lives. If so, then we will be able to look forward to a JOYful eternity!!!!!
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