Monday, January 23rd, 2012
‘The Bible’s nothin’ more than an old-fashioned book,” some people say. “A book filled with rules designed to steal all our fun.”
Others say, “The Bible’s merely a collection of fairy tales. Who in their right mind could ever really believe the story about Noah building an ark and filling it with animals two-by-two?”
Some regard the Bible as a holy book and treat it with reverence although they neither read nor apply it. Simply having a copy in their possession somehow makes them feel safe, or like a moral, upright person.
I beg to differ from all of the above.
The Bible is God’s word to mankind. It’s written to protect us, to warn, to encourage, and to develop intimacy between Creator and created. Some people might find its words harsh, but oddly enough, the same folks find solace there in times of sorrow. Who isn’t familiar with Psalm 23—“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…”?
The Bible contains answers for every issue we face. Its words give us direction for healthy marriages, parenting, finances, and priorities. It’s all there. We just need to read it and then apply its principles.
These Scriptures popped off the page at me today:
“The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living…the laws of the LORD are true: each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest fold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them” (Psalm 19:7-11 NLT).
These words describe the Bible I cherish. Its words revive me when I’m feeling weary and beat-up on the inside. They give me wisdom. They bring joy, and they teach me how to live. They mean more than all the money in the world to me, and when I do what they say, they reward me with peace.
The Bible’s isn’t an old-fashioned book written to rob me of pleasure. Rather, it gives me pleasure. It gives me answers, and it gives me an insight into God’s way of thinking. When I do life His way, I will prosper. Neglecting it would be foolhardy.
What do you think about the Bible?
Photo courtesy: www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Tags: busting the myths about the Bible, fairy tales, joy, peace, wisdom
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Monday, January 9th, 2012
The more I read about joy, the more I’m convinced that God’s kids, more than anyone else on earth, ought to be living demonstrations of this characteristic. Anyone can be joyful when life’s honky-dory, but it’s not so easy when the basement floods, the kids break out in chicken pox, the car breaks down, and income runs out before the month ends.
Joy? What's that?
Our family shares a joke about a van we owned years ago. It was a lemon. Extra sour. The head gasket blew between Christmas and January 1st two years in a row. It burned through three engines during its tenure as a member of our family. And once, on a trip through the Rockies in December, we discovered that the heater didn’t work. Picture this: Gene driving with our four-year-old son sitting beside him, wrapped in a blanket. Our two wee daughters sitting in the middle seat bundled with sleeping bags. And me—shivering in the back seat while scraping ice off the windows.
I’m sorry to say I allowed that van to dictate my attitude ‘way too many times. Like I said, joy comes easy when life’s easy. But it’s not so quick to show up when life presents challenges.
I read Psalm 5:11,12 recently: “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord: you surround them with your shield of love” (Psalm 5:11,12).
Several important truths about joy come to mind as I ponder these words:
- Knowing that God is our refuge is reason for joy whether our circumstances feel good or not.
- We’re to sing joyful praises forever. Doing so is non-optional for God’s kids. He knows that joyful praises breed life in us and in those who hear us speak. Let’s do what He says—He knows best.
- We’re to sing joyful praises forever. That means always, not only until the good times end.
- God spreads His protection over those who love Him. That knowledge should result in our being filled with joy rather than fear, insecurity, or worry.
- The knowledge that God surrounds us with His shield of love is pretty good cause for joy, too, don’t you think?
Joy ought to be a hallmark of those who follow God. How are you doing in that department? Do you have a favorite Scripture that speaks about joy? If so, what is it?
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Tags: attitude, fear, insecurity, joy, joyful, worry
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Friday, January 6th, 2012
On Monday I wrote that my special word for 2012 is joy. Wouldn’t ya know it—that word pops up nearly every time I open my Bible now.
JOY…….JOY…….JOY
I love it when God crystallizes the lessons He wants me to learn. And I enjoy processing those lessons by blogging about them. Writing about the nuggets He gives causes me to slow down and ponder, not merely skim and rush off likely forgetting everything I just read.
Because my word is joy, be prepared for lots of ponderings on that theme. This week, for instance, I realized my focus on joy revolves mostly around me: What brings me joy? What does God say brings joy? Am I prepared to learn joy in the hard places of life? But then I read a New Testament story that caused me to think about joy in a different light.
The story concerns Jesus’ baptism. The Scripture says, “After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy’” (Matthew 3:16,17).
I linger on the words who brings me great joy. They captivate me as I think about their meaning. Imagine—Alpha and Omega, King of the universe, Creator of everything seen and unseen, the great I AM—experiencing joy, too. What was the source? Jesus, His only Son.
As a mother of three, I can relate to His feelings. Precious little brings me as much joy as my kids and grandkids—especially when we’re together sharing meals, playing games, enjoying good conversation—and knowing that they’re doing well in every way. Perhaps you can relate.
Now imagine the God of heaven experiencing similar joy. Why? Because we’re His children. Imagine Him smiling on us, taking pleasure in us, expressing delight in us. The thought warms my heart. So does Zephaniah 3:16,17—“Don’t be afraid! For the Lord God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
What brings God joy? We do. Let’s resolve to keep it that way. Let’s live in such a way that we bring a smile to His face and a song to His heart.
Tags: Jesus, joy, joyful songs
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Monday, January 2nd, 2012
It’s Monday afternoon and quiet rules my house. Not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse. After the busyness of Christmas and New Year’s, it feels good to sit in silence, reflect on the year past, and ponder what’s to come.
Each year at this time, I ask the Lord to give me a special theme or word for the next 12 months. This year He’s given me joy.
I don’t consider myself a very sophisticated person. That’s to say, I find joy in life’s simple pleasures: a baby’s giggles, snuggling with my grandkids, receiving hugs from my grown kids, cuddling with my husband of nearly 30 years, seeing the sunrise or sunset paint its pinks and oranges across the sky, enjoying a coffee chat with good friends, striking an item off my to-do list, knowing that something I’ve written or said has encouraged someone.
I also find joy in reading God’s Word, especially when a verse leaps off the page and connects with my life at that moment in time.
As I ponder joy and how it relates to me in 2012, I think of Psalm 16:11 – “In Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever “(NASB). The NLT says, “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”
Life offers oodles of small pleasures, but nothing brings joy like experiencing God’s presence moment by moment. As 2012 dawns, I’m asking Him to make me more aware of His presence. Whether I’m washing dishes, running errands, exercising at the gym, playing with my grandkids, speaking at a women’s event, or traveling overseas for yet another ministry trip, I want to be aware of His presence in and around me. I want to be sensitive to His whispers, in tune with His desires, and in touch with His heartbeat. Constant, sweet communion with the divine – therein lies joy.
I enter 2012 with a sense of anticipation, excited about what’s to come and eager to experience the joy that Scripture promises.
And while we’re talking about joy, here’s a song on the same theme: “Exceeding Joy.” Take a few minutes to listen and let the words direct your heart into an attitude of worship.
Question: What word or theme has God given you for 2012?
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Tags: experiencing God's presence, joy, small pleasures
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Friday, December 9th, 2011
Christmas approaches bringing familiar strains: “Away in a manger, no crib for a bed…the little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head…”
"Away in a manger..."
I love that carol, especially when sung by children’s sweet voices. The lyrics transport me to another place and time, to that star-studded night in a distant land. They take me to a dark and lonely stable where a nervous young husband coaches his bride through childbirth’s groans and writhes. They help me envision a young couple wrapping their infant in a blanket and gazing on His face with wonder, awed at the privilege of holding God incarnate in their human hands.
Imagine the baby Jesus cooing, crying, sucking at his mother’s breast. Squinting through newborn eyes. Wrapping his wee fingers around Joseph’s man-sized thumb. Demanding nighttime feedings. Spitting up on Mary’s shoulder.
Now imagine baby Jesus all grown up. Need a little help with that? Try this description, courtesy of John the Baptist:
“And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest. His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance.
“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave’” (Revelation 1:13-18).
Wow. This season, we celebrate the baby Jesus—the newborn wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger fast asleep as sheep and cows stand reverently nearby. He deserves our adoration, but let’s not forget to worship Him as the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is indeed, the living one who holds the keys of death and the grave. He’s our Savior, our Hope, our Peace, and our Joy not just in this season, but forever.
Take time this busy season to ponder John’s description of the grown up Baby Jesus. What part of it grabs your attention the most? Why?
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Tags: afraid, away in a manger, baby Jesus, death, God incarnate, hope, joy, peace
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Monday, November 21st, 2011
Someone once said, “How do you spell joy? Jesus. Others, You.” Simple, and true. Life works well when we keep Jesus as our first love and then, in turn, lavish love on others rather than focusing on ourselves.
This morning I read some words that add a deeper dimension to the J in Joy. They say, “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD. Joyful are those who obey his laws, and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths “ (Psalm 119:1-3).
Quite honestly, obeying God’s laws doesn’t always feel joyful especially if doing so collides with our wants or perceived rights. Take, for example, His command to love our enemies and pray for those who despitefully use us.
How about remaining faithful and respectful of one’s spouse when he/she shows no interest in keeping your marriage alive? What about tithing when finances are tight? What about taking a God-given risk when there’s no hint of the results it might bring? How about obeying the speed limit even though doing so means we’ll likely be late for a meeting? (Consider the possible options to that one and then ask yourself how joyful you’d feel paying a speeding ticket!)
Sometimes we consider God’s commands as old-fashioned or constricting. Perhaps it’s time for an attitude adjustment. We need to embrace them as safeguards placed by a loving, all-wise heavenly Father or as the strategies for successful living. Obeying them results in true joy even when it hurts or it’s inconvenient.
Answer this question: On a scale of 1 to 10, what’s my joy level today? What action must I take to move it at least one notch higher?
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Tags: God-given risk, joy, tithing when finances are tight
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Monday, June 6th, 2011
Traveling by plane as often as I do provides lots of opportunities to speak with fellow passengers. When I engage in a conversation, I’ll admit that my spiritual antennae are up, looking for ways to share God’s love. Often, the other person makes a comment that makes for a perfect lead-in. Last December, a lady seated next to me asked, “I’m on a personal quest for peace. Have you found it yet?” One usually only dreams of such obvious openings.
As believers, we need to go through life looking for and recognizing opportunities to present Jesus. Peter did so, specifically in Acts 3:12 when people showed their amazement upon seeing him heal a lame man. He seized the moment to direct their attention to God, whose power made it possible for the man, born lame, to walk and leap.
“Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd,” says Acts 3:12. Let’s ask God to give us eyes like Peter’s. Let’s ask Him to enable us to see divine opportunities to share our faith, the reason for our hope, the source of our joy and peace.
Those opportunities might happen on the city bus. They might come at the hair salon, or in a restaurant, or at the gym. We don’t know how God is working in other people’s lives, but we know that He is. And we just need to be alert, keeping our spiritual eyes open to see those opportunities when they come.
Question: Describe a recent opportunity you’ve had to share Jesus.
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Tags: hope, Jesus, joy, lame, peace, spiritual eyes
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Friday, April 1st, 2011
Today’s guest blogger is Marcia Lee Laycock. She won The Best New Canadian Christian Author Award for her novel, One Smooth Stone. The sequel will be released this fall. Marcia also has published two devotional books. Thanks for joining us, Marcia!
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We were on our way to the reception when we saw them. The wedding party was gathered by a small bridge in a local park, milling around while the photographer got set up. The men looked dapper in their tuxes and top hats, though they had to hold onto them. The bridesmaids were holding on too – to their coats. And the bride held on to her veil and huddled in a quilt while the photographer tried to arrange the pose. Though it was spring, the day was low with clouds threatening rain or maybe snow, and the wind was unrelenting.
It was a brief glimpse I caught of that scene, from my car window as we sped by, but the image is frozen in my mind. I suppose it’s not such an unusual one – weddings happen on all kinds of days. The thing that makes it stay with me, however, is the brightness of the smiles, the tilt of laughing faces, the obvious joy in spite of the surrounding circumstances. Though that bride was wrapped in a quilt to try and keep warm, her face was radiant, her eyes sparkling. Though I could not hear her laughter, it was obvious it was ringing through the air. Though I saw only a glimpse it was obvious who her attention was focused on. There was one young man dressed in a tux who had totally captured her attention. She was completely convinced of his unconditional love and I doubt that even snow could have dampened the joy of this day, the day she was joined in marriage with him.
The Bible tells us that we too, are a bride. We are the bride of Christ. We are irrevocably united with Him on the day we open our hearts to Him, accept His forgiveness and allow Him to direct our lives. When Jesus is the focus of our attention the way that bridegroom was the focus of that young bride’s attention, the circumstances around us are immaterial. When we know God loves us unconditionally and we love Him back, nothing else matters. Come rain or come shine, our joy is boundless.
Jesus tells us how to capture that joy, how to sustain and maintain it. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you,” He said in John 15:9; and He continued – “Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15: 10,11).
Come rain or come shine, our joy will be steadfast if we stay focused on our bridegroom, Jesus Christ.
<p><a href=”http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=921″>Image: Aleksandr Kutsayev / FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></p>
Tags: bride, bride of Christ, joy, Marcia Lee Laycock
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Tuesday, December 14th, 2010
Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom”! Please follow along through Christmas day as Melody Carlson, Lauraine Snelling, Rachel Hauck, Tricia Goyer, Maureen Lang, and more share their heartfelt stories of how God has touched their life during this most wonderful time of the year.
AND BEST OF ALL … there’s also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS! You may enter once a day. The winner will be announced on New Year’s Day at the Pearl Girls Blog! Pearls – a tangible reminder of God’s grace to us all.
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Wear Joy
by Rachel Hauck
Thanksgiving day in central Florida broke warm and sunny under a blue sky. The thin fall breeze beckoned me. Taking my bike out, I rode the neighborhood feeling so grateful for all my blessings.
Joy bubbled up in my spirit. I’d been feeling it for a day, these waves of joy, but as I rode my bike and talked to God, the waves strengthened and splashed my heart the entire ride.
I’d laugh. Then tear up. And laugh again. As one who’s battled and won the war on anxiety and fear attacks, the onslaught of joy was welcomed, and actually sparked a new prayer in my heart. I’ve endured attacks of panic, time for attacks of joy.
The journey of joy began earlier in the year while writing a book coincidentally named, “Dining with Joy.”
Sitting at my table one day, revelation hit me. “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” Nehemiah 8:10. The more I meditated on it, the more I wanted His joy. I don’t want my strength. I want His.
Not long after, I went to Nashville for a girl’s weekend. One of my friends handed me a coffee cup inscribed with “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”
Ever just know? God is calling.
During the holiday season, I turn 50. Yep, the big 5-0. Can’t stop it, I might as well embrace it.
Fifty is often associated with jubilee, a time of restoration, and healing, even release from debt and slavery. It’s a time of returning to property, and inheritance.
A time of rest.
A time of JOY!
This past week, a friend gifted me with a beautiful Christmas ornament. Inscribed on it? You guessed it.
JOY!
To me, the world doesn’t look very joyful. There are social and economic woes. But God is speaking and offering joy.
As you go into this holiday season, ask God for a pearl of joy. Like pearls, crafted through abrasion, God’s true joy is often formed in us during difficult seasons.
Here’s the thing, His strength isn’t doled out based on our goodness, our success or failure, or the fact the holiday season is hard or sad for you. He is ready, willing and able to overcome all your weaknesses, fears and anxiety, sadness with the power of His very own joy.
His joy. Your strength.
I’ve been walking into rooms, houses, outdoors, raising my arms and shouting, “Joy!” People look at me funny, but I want to spread the joy of the Lord. To spread the very essence of His strength.
How about you? Can you find the pearl of joy in your life, in the essence of God’s heart toward you?
Wear joy this season.
~~~
About Rachel: RITA-finalist Rachel Hauck lives in Florida with her husband, Tony. She is the author of Dining with Joy; Sweet Caroline; Love Starts with Elle; and The Sweet By and By, co-authored with Sara Evans. For more information please visit www.rachelhauck.com.
Oh, and be sure to enter Rachel’s Dining With Joy NOOK eReader giveaway!
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A PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS will be given away on New Year’s Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!
12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info
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