Did you know that Jesus prayed for you? In John 17 he prayed for his apostles. But then in verse 20 he said this: “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message…” That means us! A little while ago I went through and … Continue reading Deeply rooted joy
joy
Joy is a diet (not a pill)
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence…” (Psalm 16:11) We live in the age of the quick-fix. Instant gratification is on the menu. If I have a craving for a cheeseburger I can go to a drive-thru window. If I want my house to … Continue reading Joy is a diet (not a pill)
Hope is kindled
Today is a new day. Honestly. It is. Yesterday was its own thing. Sure, each new day is influenced by what happened the day before. But there’s nothing you can do about that now, is there? The same goes for last week, last year, or even the last decade. That was then. This is now. … Continue reading Hope is kindled
Fear vs. joy and peace
When the shepherds saw the angel, and when God’s glory shone around them, “they were terrified” (Luke 2:9). Literally it says that “they feared a great fear.” No kidding! But then the angel tells them to not be afraid. After all, he’s about to give them good news, not bad: “I bring you good news … Continue reading Fear vs. joy and peace
Joy is what happens when…
Yesterday I highlighted Act 14:17 where Paul was telling the people of Lystra about God: “He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” He told them how God was personally involved in their lives and … Continue reading Joy is what happens when…
Sorrow to sweetness
Hardship isn’t the end of the story, nor is it the end of your story. This is easy to agree with when you’re experiencing smooth sailing. It’s harder to do so when times are tough. William Gurnall has some helpful, scriptural perspective: “Scripture gives three illustrations of great joy: the joy of a new mother, … Continue reading Sorrow to sweetness
A tipping point called joy
There’s a lifetime of ponderance in Acts 5:41: “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” They had been put in jail, sprung by a messenger of God, taken before the influential and powerful Sanhedrin, told to not speak in Jesus’ name, and whipped. They … Continue reading A tipping point called joy
4 ingredients of happiness
Generally speaking, people want to be happy. But what is happiness, anyway? Is it related to status, money, or an all-expenses paid vacation? What about a lollipop while watching the sunset? I want to share four “ingredients of true happiness” according to John Calvin, a towering figure in Christian thought from the 1500’s. I value … Continue reading 4 ingredients of happiness
Joy has a job to do
Joy has a job to do. Let me explain. Imagine seeing Jesus crucified—and then alive again! The disciples did. Talk about an emotional roller coaster. And what did Jesus tell them to do afterward? To get in touch with their feelings for ten years and then come back for some instructions when they’re feeling all … Continue reading Joy has a job to do
Fear doesn’t define us
Christians all over the world just celebrated the resurrection of Jesus. As I was preparing to lead services this year one of the details in the story that struck me was the description of the women outside the tomb who had just learned about the resurrection: “So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid … Continue reading Fear doesn’t define us
The Up Devotional 