Tag: Joy

Posted in Bible study, From Broken to Restored, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Quiet Time

REJOICE!

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based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored/w5d3

Nehemiah12:27-43 / SOAP: Nehemiah 12:43

And on that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced, for God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard from far away.

Nehemiah 12:43

“Lift up your heart,
Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!”

Rejoice, The Lord is King! / Author: Charles Wesley (1744)

Not only did this tune come to mind after I read and studied through today’s passage but before reading it – my morning devotion directed me to Philippians 4:4 which says – “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.” Don’t you love when two things that have nothing to do with one another are put together and seemingly stamped with the thumbprints of God?

The Jerusalem wall was complete and now it would be dedicated, complete with a joyful celebration of thanksgiving. It was a celebration not just of the wall’s completion but of God’s goodness. There would be choirs and instruments and the priests and Levites leading the way. It would include men, women, and children. This was no simple dedication or small celebration. Why? Because God had given them great joy. Their rejoicing was meant to be shared – not hidden or quiet but broadcasted – to God’s Glory!

Thoughts to Consider

Consider these thought provoking statements from a Love God Greatly Devotional writer:

  • “How often do we stop to celebrate when we see evidence of God working in our lives? When a prayer is answered or when God performs a miracle in our lives, we often continue without celebrating. It can be easy to forget the wonders God has done for us when we don’t take the time to stop, thank Him, and rejoice in His goodness.”
  • “how can we learn to rejoice more in God? It is hard to do when we fill our minds with other things, especially worldly entertainment — things we watch on TV or scroll through on our phones. We must fight against everything that diminishes our joy in GOd. We cannot delight ourselves in God when our minds are not engaged with Him. Neither can we rejoice in Him when we can’t see how glorious and wonderful He is. But we can – and should – ask Him to reveal more of Himself to us when we read the Bible and meditate on his Words and promises. For “in [His] presence, there is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).”
Make it Personal – Reflection

How can you celebrate God and His work in your life? Praise Him for His faithfulness in the past and the ways He will continue to keep His promises in the future.

Going Further

Finding our highest joy in God is an important matter

  • Philippians 3:1
  • Psalm 37:4

Today’ Love God Greatly Bloghttps://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

The World-vs-Your Soul

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Today’s Verse: Mark 8:36

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” Mark 8:36

Have you ever known someone that was never satisfied? You know, the person who seems to have everything going for them but they’re just never content. Their lack of satisfaction or contentment motivates them to grasp at the next best thing “the world” offers with the thought or the hope that “it” will make them happier. A better car… a bigger house… a better relationship…a better job… more money… more status… more accolades… more happiness… you get the picture. The list is endless and exhausting, and according to today’s verse – it can be dangerous.

Don’t get me wrong, none of these things in themselves are bad – but the danger comes when our motive is based on what the world offers or says is best rather than on the reality of what God has given us. For God has graciously gifted us with “life to the full”(John 3:16 and 10:10). This gift includes the Kingdom of Heaven and an eternity in paradise with Him! There is nothing better or anything in the world that can make our joy and contentment fuller than this. 

Check out today's inspiration for this post @ 'our daily verse'

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, Living In Community, Not Made to Be Alone, Quiet Time

The Way of Peace and Unity

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Today’s Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17 / SOAP: verses 12-14

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy,kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others. 14 And to all these  virtues add love, which is the perfect bond.

Colossians 3:12-14
Putting Off and Putting On

Paul has just been telling the believers of Colossae how they have been made new – through their faith in Jesus Christ – explaining how their life is now hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-11). Now he points them to the way of peace and unity with others by instructing them how to live as chosen children of God. Having just informed that they are to put off anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander and filthy language – He now tells them what to put on in order that the peace of Christ might control their hearts. He says to put on … actually to clothe ourselves with these virtues:

  • a heart of mercy
  • kindness
  • humitlity
  • gentleness
  • and patience
  • making allowances for other’s faults
  • forgiving anyone who offends you
  • remembering that God forgave you
  • on top of all of these – LOVE
The Call of Christ

Living this way is the call of Christ on our life, it pleases God, and it will lead to peace and unity as we are united together as one. When this happens, not only will we know the joy of life in Christ (John 15:1-13) but we will be the salt and light that makes God known to the world (Matthew 5:1-16).

Response to God’s Word

Father, we aren’t meant to live alone – certainly we have been created for “community” – living, working, interacting with others. But admittedly, Father, this isn’t always easy in our own strength. So, please help us to put off the old and put on the new – showing mercy, loving and forgiving others even as You have forgiven us – being kind to each other – humble in attitude and actions – patiently bearing with one another and gentle in our responses, so that You might be glorified and we might live in peace. In Jesus’ Name and for the fullness of His Joy – to Your glory – Amen+

More at LGG

Don’t miss the Friday Blog Post at Love God Greatly

Posted in From the Insideout, God is good, Quiet Time

Perspective

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THE FOLLOWING ARE EXCERPTS FROM ANN VOSKAMP’S ONE THOUSAND GIFTS

There is a way to live the big of giving thanks in all things.
It is this: to give thanks in this one small thing.The moments will add up

If gratitude is an antidote for anxiety…
and giving thanks is a real cure for stress—
why relegate thanksgiving to a holiday *when giving thanks can revolutionize our whole lives?*

So I just keep doing this, recording the gifts, gather the moments of His grace like manna.

Because joy is always a function of gratitude — and gratitude is always a function of perspective. – And if we are going to change our lives, we’re going to have to change the way we see.

This recording our gratitudes, this looking for blessings everywhere, this counting of gifts — this is what changes what we are looking for. *This is what changes our perspective.*

Thanksgiving is the lens God means for us to see joy all year round.

Because Thanksgiving is more than holiday—

So wherever you are, count your blessings, collect gifts, count it all joy.

Because it’s the brave who focus on all things good and all things beautiful, who give thanks for it & discover joy even in the here and now —- they are the change agents who bring fullest Light to all the world.

YOUR TURN: WHAT GOOD AND BEAUTIFUL THINGS ARE YOU FOCUSING ON TODAY? WHAT JOYS CAN YOU GIVE THANKS FOR AND BRING LIGHT TO THE WORLD AROUND YOU?
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time
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So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:1-4 ESV

In this portion of his letters to the Philippians believers Paul was encouraging them to live in unity with each other. So important was their unity that he equated it with completing his joy, as one who had mentored them in the faith. When believers are motivated by the same love, the love of Jesus Christ – when they are motivated by the same purpose or cause, salvation for those who are lost – when they are full of compassion and affection for each other …. when we think more about someone else more than we do ourselves – only then will there will be true joy in the midst of us all, and perhaps especially for those who are teaching or shepherding us in the faith. This type of unity won’t always be easy but Paul gives the perfect pattern for success as he encourages the believers to consider their attitude … namely, the same attitude of Christ (vs 5-8) who, though He was God, didn’t consider equality to God something to be grasped … instead He took on human flesh, and in the form of a servant He humbled Himself – even to the point to death on a cross +

Me, from the Inside-out💙

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study
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Leah: Praise the LORD

Day 2, from week 5 of Beautifully Surrendered, A Love God Greatly

Today’s Reading: Genesis 29:31-35, 30:9-21; SOAP Genesis 29:35

Once again Leah became pregnant and gave birth to another son. She named him Judah, for she said, “Now I will praise the Lord!” And then she stopped having children.

Genesis 29:35
Observations:
This Time

Leah had already been blessed with three other sons and with the first two births she acknowledged they were from the Lord. With the first two and the third she also made mention of the situation with her husband, how she was unloved and hoping that because of the children he would love her more. However, with the birth of the fourth son, her words were different, “This time I will praise the LORD!”, perhaps indicating a different attitude – as though not so woe is me. Whatever the difference meant, the noted praise was more intentional and direct.

Worth Noting

It is worth nothing that this fourth son, Judah, is the one God names as the tribe from which His own Son, The Lion of Judah, will come. 

The Lion of the tribe of Judah is a symbol found in Genesis and Revelation. In Genesis, Jacob blesses his son Judah, referring to him and his future tribe as a lion’s cub and a lion (Genesis 49:9). In Revelation, this symbol is seen again when the Lion of the tribe of Judah is declared to have triumphed and is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals (Revelation 5:5). Jesus is the One who is worthy to open the scroll (see John 5:22). Therefore, Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. https://www.gotquestions.org/lion-tribe-Judah.html
How Then Should We Live?

We should be quick to acknowledge God’s work in our lives – or even in the lives of others. Direct and intentional praise brings glory to God – which is something we should strive for. After all, we were created to for His glory.

Bring all who claim me as their God,
    for I have made them for my glory.
    It was I who created them.’”

Isaiah 43:7
One Other Note

I feel I would be remiss if I failed to mention this one other observation that I believe is a point worth imitating. Leah commemorated all of the births as blessings of God by naming them with names that would remind her what God had done. I can’t help but think this is something to consider, not necessarily in the naming of our children but capturing the gifts in a journal, or with a photograph, or a conversation … the special ways God reveals Himself to you throughout your life. The Israelites used stones on a variety of occasions as memorial markers, such as in Genesis 28:1-22 and Joshua 4, Leah used names, what can you use?

Prayer Response:

Father, we are quick to say, “God did this”, but let us never fail to be intentional to genuinely praise You! Let us find ways to remember what You have done, so that they remain testaments of Your goodness and Your faithfulness – that we may never cease to praise You. May our praises bring You the glory and pleasure You are due! – Amen!

Your Turn:

What’s your take away from Leah’s story?

Reflection Questions:

In the midst of feeling unloved by her husband, we see Leah praising God for blessing her with her children.

  • What does this story teach us about Leah and her relationship with God?
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study
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Beautifully Surrendered: Looking Ahead to Week 5

A Love God Greatly Bible Study about God’s Heart for His Daughters

In the coming week (week 5), we will look at what it means to be “Women of Joy and Praise”. We will build on knowing that God loves, sees, and cherishes women, and continue to focus on the fact that faith and prayer play a huge part in our surrender and sacrifice that is required of those who follow Jesus.

Our focus/memory verse is found in Psalm 34:1 – I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. It’s a lovely example of the praises we will read in the stories we read this week as we continue our journey through the word, discovering “God’s heart for His daughters”.

This Week’s Challenge from the team at Love God Greatly:

Who in your life have you seen fight for joy and praise God in the midst of hard times? Make a point this week to encourage her and share what you have seen in her life and how it has impacted you.

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study
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Turning Lament into Dancing

Today’s Reading: Psalm 30 (SOAP: Psalm 30:11-12)

A song used at the dedication of the temple: by David

David’s Response to Answered Prayer

This psalm begins with an acknowledgment that a prayer has been answered. It seems to be a recounting or a testimony of what it was all about and how David’s sorrow turned into joyful dancing. However, don’t miss the line of lament in verse 7 where David says the Lord rejected him and he was terrified. Note the progression from there, David cried to the LORD (8), David’s focus was the Lord (9), and David seeks the LORD’s mercy – indicating he knew that he deserved God’s displeasure and rejection. Suddenly David’s lament is turned into dancing and he says he can no longer stay silent. Oh that we would all respond so joyfully with praise when God answers our prayers.

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
    You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,
that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.
    O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!

Psalm 30:11-12

In these two verses David realizes, with great joy, that his prayers have been answered and he gives God the credit. He makes his joy known and pledges to always give God thanks.

How then should we live?

When God removes or improves our suffering we should make it known. We should not be silent when God acts on our behalf. Instead, we should, without hesitation or timidity give thanks to the LORD. Our responses not only bring delight to God but they have the power to make His name known to others around us, which may in turn encourage them to pray or praise God as well.

My Response

Father, Thank You for all the times You have turned my mourning into dancing! Let me never withhold praise that is due Your name. Let me dance and sing with joy – making Your goodness, greatness, mercy, grace, and love known! And in this, may You be glorified.

Going Deeper

Don’t forget to read the LGG Blog Post lovegodgreatly.com/blog/

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study
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Endurance in Hope

Today’s Reading: Romans 8:18-39 (SOAP – 8:24-25)

 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Romans 8:24-25
Adoption, the Redemption of their bodies

Let me start, like I often do, by backing up. This time we only have to go back to the end of the previous verse (23), where Paul writes of believers groaning eagerly as they “eagerly await their adoption, the redemption of their bodies.” I believe Scripture defines Scripture and this verse particularly gives definition to verse 24 and 25. Let’s look at how –

 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

Romans 8:23
In This

In most translations verse 24 reads, “In this hope” instead of “in hope”. That little word, “this”, doesn’t change the meaning of the verse but it defines the hope Paul mentions as the same hope he referred to in the previous verses, particularly the description of hope painted with the words of one who “eagerly awaits their adoption, the redemption of their bodies.” After all, isn’t that what we were hoping for when we believed in Jesus for our salvation? – Thus, Paul wrote: “In this hope we were saved”.

Eager Anticipation

Now, let’s turn our attention to one other phrase of Paul’s that caught my attention. “Because we hope for what we have not seen we wait with eager anticipation“, or endurance or patience in some translations. In other words, picture with me children at Christmas and how their excitement builds as presents begin to appear under the Christmas tree. They imagine what’s in the packages and they hope, with growing anticipation, that it’s what’s they’ve asked for … but that same child would not be near as excited for Christmas morning to arrive if the presents were added daily under the tree, unwrapped and visible for all to see. You see, part of the fun for that child is the anticipation of what is to come – and that is how Paul says it should be for us as believers who “hope for what we do not see”. “We eagerly wait for it with endurance”

Am I and How Can I?

So, a set of three questions arose in my mind that perhaps you are asking of yourself? – Am I “eagerly awaiting”? If not – why? Finally, how then can I begin to live in “eager anticipation”? I believe the answers lie in fueling our thoughts with what’s to come. Like the child running to see if any new packages appeared or simply sitting, staring at the lights and colorfully wrapped presents dreaming of what’s to come, we need to look often into God’s Word for His promises that are ours in Christ Jesus. Promises, such as our “adoption”, the “redemption of our bodies”, “the glory that will be revealed to us”, and all of the packages we have not yet unwrapped. Then, with that child-like heart we need to anticipate the very best. After all, we know He’s already given us His only son to die in our place – and to jump ahead and borrow the words Paul wrote in verse 32 of this same chapter, “How will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?”

Prayer Prompt

Father, I do long for that day more and more when I will see you face to face, when I will know the glory that is to come. I confess though – how easy it is to get caught up with the blessing of our lives, our families and friends, ministries and jobs. It can be equally hard not to focus on the pain and suffering in our lives, the lives of those we love, and the world around us. Your Word talks of us enjoying life and seeing many happy days and surely You bless us with many joys that we seek to enjoy at Your good pleasure – but help us to never take our eyes off of the hope and the joy set before us at the “redemption of our bodies” – and may we be faithful to share the truth with others that they too might share in the hope. These things I pray in Jesus’ name – Amen!