Category Archives: Joy

A Friday Smile??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #216

03 Friday May 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Comfort, Commitment Or Convenience, Encouragement, Joy, Joy Is Contagious!, Joy of The Lord!, Joy To The World?, Longsuffering, Look up and Praise The Lord, Looking Unto Jesus, Looking up Or around?, Time Is Grace!, Trials, Tried by FIRE!, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?

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A Friday Smile??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #216

Just a few scriptures to hopefully brighten your day and perhaps lift your load for a bit.  Here in Oklahoma we’ve been inundated with rain and abundant and often deadly and destructive storms and tornados; please pray for those around us who have lost so much, some everything (and if you’re not aware look up Sulpher, OK on the internet and see the devastation—a whole town wiped out overnight, and they’re one of several towns in such dire straits.). So, I thought it might be a good time to just rehearse the goodness and faithful blessings of our Lord!  And on more fronts that one, we know that our God has and will take care of His own, including the land of Israel, even if the world disagrees!

“When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion,

we were like them that dream.

Then was our mouth filled with laughter,

and our tongue with singing:

then said they among the heathen,

The LORD hath done great things for them.

3 The LORD hath done great things for us;

whereof we are glad.

4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD,

as the streams in the south.

5 They that sow in tears

shall reap in joy.

6 He that goeth forth and weepeth,

bearing precious seed,

shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,

bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:1-6

A lost and dying world is watching to see if Christians really live what they talk about!  We will either shine for Jesus or lose the opportunity to bring glory to our God!

“A merry heart doeth good

like a medicine:

but a broken spirit

drieth the bones.”   Proverbs 17:22

Let’s spread some smiles around—not fakey pretend that you’re glad for difficult circumstances, but the joy of the Lord that brings joy from the inside out!  Let’s share both our resources and our godly spirit of joy as we go about each day—rain or shine.  Even as Nehemiah encouraged the people of Israel as they rebuilt during trying circumstances, let’s keep our eyes on the prize not the price!  After all Jesus gave the ultimate price for our salvation, His life’s blood!

“Then he said unto them,

Go your way,

eat the fat,

and drink the sweet,

and send portions unto them

for whom nothing is prepared:

for this day is holy unto our Lord:

neither be ye sorry;

 for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”  Nehemiah 8:10

Satan can rain on my parade, or cast rocks at my windows, he can even rob me of earthly possessions—but he can never steal my “joy of the LORD” when I keep my eyes on the prize—Jesus!

“But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.”  1 John 1:7

Let us walk in the light of our Lord Jesus, The Light of the world!  When we stay focused on Jesus no one or no thing can rob us of our joy and peace—that which comes from God for He has placed it in our heart (See Romans 5:1-11). So let’s determine to keep that smile which comes out of that very “joy of the LORD”!

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight,

and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run with patience

the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author and finisher of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down at the right hand

of the throne of God.

3 For consider him that endured

such contradiction of sinners against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.” Hebrews 12:1-3

And in closing one of my favorite reminders!

“I press toward the mark

for the prize of the high calling of God

in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:14

Smile and press on my friends, for in Jesus we win!!!  Remember:

“Ye are of God, little children,

and have overcome them:

because greater is he that is in you,

than he that is in the world.”  1 John 4:4

Amen and Amen!!!

Smiles Help! Are You Smiling? A Word from THE WORD!!! #162

06 Wednesday Dec 2023

Posted by in A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A heart of faith, Abundant Life In Jesus, Changed Lives, Check Your Knees???, Joy, Joy Is Contagious!, Joy of The Lord!, Joy To The World?, Smile if you love Jesus!, SMILE!!! Jesus loves YOU!!, Smiling is contagious, Spread a smile, Spread the GOOD news!

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Smiles Help!!  Are You Smiling? A Word from THE WORD!!! #162

Just a few words this morning to hopefully brighten your day.  Joy and laughter are good for the soul, and many are weary and tired, rushed and stressed with work, home, shopping, spending money—or trying to come up with the money to spend!  These are perilous times and scripture told us they would come, but don’t lose heart—our God reigns and Jesus is coming soon!

“And a voice came out of the throne, saying,

Praise our God,

all ye his servants,

and ye that fear him,

both small and great.

6 And I heard

as it were the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying,

Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.”   Revelation 19:5-6

Oh, Hallelujah sings my soul—as I sit here listening to Handel’s Messiah singing the Hallelujah Chorus, one of my favorite pieces of music—and I am smiling.  How about you.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:

but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”  Proverbs 17:22

I pray that you will find the “joy of the Lord” and smile, through your tears if necessary.  I was trying to encourage a friend recently who is carrying a heavy load of caring for an aging parent in the throes of dementia and heart problems; now not to give away any personal secrets but part of our conversation may help you see that sometimes, lightening the spirit with laughter and light-hearted banter can help.  Our texting conversation was something like this:

       “me:  take one step at a time….

         My friend: can I crawl?

        Me:  not unless you’re wearing knee pads…

My friend:  sending a meme of a woman on the floor rolling up into a carpet…

Me: rolling is fine, but you better watch those corners, they’ll get you….”

No great words of wisdom, or spiritual depth, just a friend trying to make another friend smile in the midst of her tears.  Smiling is ok!  Smiling is good for the soul, the spirit, and the face—especially for those looking at it, and it’s often contagious!

“A merry heart

maketh a cheerful countenance:

but by sorrow of the heart

the spirit is broken.”  Proverbs 15:13

“All the days of the afflicted

are evil:

but he that is of a merry heart

hath a continual feast.

16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD

than great treasure

and trouble therewith.”  Proverbs 15:15-16

Money is nice to have, and friends (real friends) are a delight to the soul, and an encouragement to the downhearted, but I’ve learned that you can’t buy love or friendship, but you can nurture and cultivate both, or you can give up and go without—but that is a most dreary way to live.  I’ve known people like that, and I just smile and say, “Have a blessed day!”—and while it sometimes evokes a smile—and sometimes not so much—but either way, I know I’ve spread a little love, cheer, and kindness.  You never know what that little clerk may be facing, or that teller, or that service person on the phone may be worried about; so spread a little cheer with a smile on your face, in your voice and everywhere you go.  It costs little and can do so much good.

Nehemiah was one who stepped up to help his people rebuild out of chaos, and that under circumstances of great stress and fear, but as they gathered to hear The Word of The Lord, their hearts were sad, yet Nehemiah encouraged them to rejoice in what they had heard from God; rather than sorrow, he called them to rejoice, share what they had with those who had none and to, in my paraphrase, “put on a smile, rejoice in the Lord and spread it around”!  Won’t you do the same, especially as we celebrate the gift of our Redeemer’s birth—HE who came to die in our place, so that we could live!

“The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come

that they might have life,

and that they might have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd

giveth his life for the sheep.”  John 10:10-11

And that my friends, is something to smile about.  Spread the love of Jesus, smile at the world and don’t be ashamed to wish others a “Merry CHRISTmas”!  Blessings on your day!

With a great big smile!

Amen and Amen!!!

What Am I Thankful For??? A Thanksgiving Word for today! #4

04 Friday Nov 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Confidence, Encouragement, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Joy, Joy of The Lord!, Thankful, Thanksgiving, That They May Know, The Only Way

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What Am I Thankful For???  A Thanksgiving Word for today! #4

I am thankful for the love of Jesus that brings the “joy of the Lord” to my heart and soul.  I can’t imagine doing this life without the greatest friend I’ve ever had, Jesus Christ The Lord.  He loves me, He died to save my soul, and He gives me joy beyond measure.  Won’t you join me and spend some time today rehearsing all the blessings of God, and you’ll surely find the “joy” begin to well up inside and you can’t help but smile!

“Then he said unto them,

Go your way,

eat the fat,

and drink the sweet,

and send portions unto them

for whom nothing is prepared:

for this day is holy unto our Lord:

neither be ye sorry;

for the joy of the LORD

is your strength.”  Nehemiah 8:10

An amazing verse to a people who had wrestled with their enemies and their own unfaithfulness yet worked together against all odds to restore their city, and God’s faithfulness met them at every turn, and now they are come together to praise God and listen to HIS WORD; and here Nehemiah reminds them that God has given them joy in a job well done, and in HIS joy we find our strength.  Need a boost?  Look to Jesus and let HIS joy fill your soul.

Peter also reminded a group of believers, in great persecution, that there is joy IN JESUS no matter our circumstances!  Trials come to us all—but IN JESUS there is hope and joy.

“That the trial of your faith,

being much more precious than of gold

that perisheth,

though it be tried with fire,

might be found unto praise

and honour

and glory

at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

8 Whom having not seen,

ye love;

in whom,

though now ye see him not,

yet believing,

ye rejoice

with joy unspeakable

and full of glory:

9 Receiving the end of your faith,

even the salvation of your souls.”   1 Peter 1:7-9

May the “joy of the Lord” pervade your soul today.  Remember, we win!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

The Simple Joys!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #762

05 Friday Nov 2021

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Joy, Joy Is Contagious!, Joy To The World?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #762     The Simple Joys!!!

 

“Delight thyself also

in the LORD;

and he shall give thee

the desires of thine heart.”  Psalm 37:4

I simply want to share a few words of encouragement today, to lift our hearts, our minds and our spirits up “in the LORD”.  May you know HIS presence today in new and heart-lifting ways.  Remember “our God reigns”, and we win!

“Thou hast a mighty arm:

strong is thy hand,

and high is thy right hand.

14 Justice and judgment

are the habitation of thy throne:

mercy and truth

shall go before thy face.

15 Blessed is the people

that know the joyful sound:

they shall walk,

O LORD,

in the light of thy countenance.

16 In thy name

shall they rejoice all the day:

and in thy righteousness

shall they be exalted.”  Psalm 89:13-16

And as Paul said:

“Rejoice in the Lord alway:

and again I say, Rejoice.”  Philippians 4:4

Amen and Amen!!!

HIS Peace IS Real Peace!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #761

29 Friday Oct 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, God Knows, God of all comfort!, God's love, Joy, Joy Is Contagious!, Joy To The World?, Peace, Peace Of The Rock

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #761     HIS Peace IS Real Peace!!!

 

I have a brief word to share with you this morning, yet it is a word that so many of us need to be reminded of—especially in these uncertain times!  As I’ve said many times recently, we can count on the truth of God’s Sovereign rule!

“And I heard as it were the voice

of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings,

saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent

reigneth.”  Revelation 19:6

And because “the Lord God omnipotent reigneth” we can truly live our lives with God’s peace within, reflecting this truth and HIS glory to the crazy world around us!  And we can rely upon HIS perfect provision in every situation; even when we see the unacceptable or inappropriate behavior of others; when the rules are disregarded, and those who speak up are ridiculed or discounted!  How do we keep pressing on?  We remember that God is absolutely in charge and even when we are minimalized, disregarded, or even ridiculed, we run into the safe arms of our Lord!

“The name of the LORD

is a strong tower:

the righteous runneth into it,

and is safe.”  Proverbs 18:10

Even Jesus assured His disciples as He was about to give HIS life for ours, He reminded them, and us, that He was imparting something to us that the world can’t take away—for they didn’t give it to us!

“These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send

in my name,

he shall

teach you all things,

and bring all things

to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth,

give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.”  John 14:25-27

Did you get that?  Let’s break that down just a little bit.

“Peace

I leave

with you,

my peace

I give

unto you:

not as the world giveth,

give I

unto you.

Let not your heart

be troubled,

neither let it

be afraid”

Oh, what a Savior we follow!  Don’t’ let the enemy of your soul rob your JOY and PEACE—for as Jesus said (in Blanches paraphrase), if the world didn’t give it—then the world certainly can’t take it away!  So, as Jesus said earlier in this same chapter….”Let not your heart be troubled”!  And an amazing word of instruction and hope from the Apostle Paul, is one of my favorites—one helpful to commit to memory!

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing

by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned,

and received,

and heard,

and seen in me, do:

and the God of peace

shall be with you.”  Philippians 4:6-9

May God’s peace speak comfort to your heart today, and may His blessings be evident before you—and don’t forget to be looking for them.  Don’t let the blinders of Satan rob you of HIS peace!  I pray for you right now!

Amen and Amen!!!