My Prayer (08/30/17)

Read Habakkuk 3:17-18.

Lord, I can rejoice, even when circumstances taunt me that there is no reason.  My joy doesn't depend on circumstances or in understanding why some of my prayers aren't answered (at least not the way I thought they should be).  My joy is linked to my worshipful confession about You. Thank you, Joy-Giver!

My Gladness, His Greatness (Psa. 92:4-8)

Read Psalm 92:4-8.

The theme is found in verse 4.  Why should I be glad in the Lord?

1.  His works are great (92:5).

2.  His thoughts are superior (92:5).

3.  His majesty is eternal (92:8).  cf. 93:1-2, 4.

Verse of The Week (1/29/16)

Taken 1.27.15
Roaring Run Trail, Apollo, PA

"You will make known to me the path of life; 

In Your presence is fullness of joy; 

In Your right hand there are pleasures forever."

-- Psalm 16:11

It's Thursday. Are You Angry? Rebel!

Over 5 years ago, a Twitter study revealed that Thursday was the angriest day of the week for people. I wonder if anything has changed?  You can read the article here.

In one of his tweets on January 13, 2013, @PeterHaas1 wrote: "Rebel by smiling and by spreading the joy of the Lord."  I like that.  Rebel against being angry. 

Christmas Is NOT a Sad Event! (Lu. 2:9-14)

Christmas is NOT a sad event.  No kidding, right?  Everyone knows it's about ho-ho-ho, getting stuff, pigging out, laughing with (or at) family, bell ringing and "the Christmas spirit."  Right?  Wrong! (But that's another post.)  Christmas is supposed to be a celebration.  Right?  Please excuse this cynic, but I'm not convinced.  Where are all the "faithful, joyful and triumphant," as the carol invites?

I'm not sensing happiness.  At least not in the area where I live.  This isn't to say no one is jolly.  There are many exceptions to my generality.  Overall, though, things seem more sad this year.

I noticed fewer light displays and outdoor decorations.  Even the lights that were displayed don't have the "pop" they used to.  Perhaps the economy dampened things?  Lack of lights isn't the only contributor to the December damper. 

Unless you're listening to a Christian station, you're unlikely to find overwhelming joy on the radio.  One song is all about a boy's mother dying.  He must buy a particular pair of shoes before she dies.  Sad.  Another oldie-but-goodie is "Blue Christmas."  (I thought everyone dreams of a white Christmas?)  So-and-so won't be here this year, so I'm going to be blue.  Sad.  "Grandma got run over by a reindeer coming home from our house Christmas Eve."  Sad.  (Okay, perhaps that's a bit over-reactive.  As long as it isn't your grandmother, this is a funny song.)  Oh - here's one - "Last Christmas I gave you my heart, but the very next day you gave it away.  This year, to save me from tears...."  Sad.  The Goo Goo Dolls sing about "a chance that maybe we'll find better days."  Sad. 

My greatest argument is the faces of citizens.  I was in K-Mart about an hour ago.  Not once did anyone wish me a Merry Christmas, not even a generic, heartless, "Happy Holidays."  Nothing.  Even the Salvation Army bell ringer looked depressed!

Christmas is NOT a sad event!  I say let's have more "Joy To The World" and less about Christmas shoes.  I say "Good Christian Men, Rejoice" and let's stop the sad-sack gig.  I say "Praise ye the Lord in heaven on high."  Our joy is great!  I still want to hear "the bells on Christmas Day, their old familiar carols play."  "As With Gladness Men of Old" -- let there be more gladness!  "God and sinners reconciled" -- Wow!  It doesn't get any better than that!

"And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.  But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign for you:  you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'  And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.'" (Lu. 2:9-14, NASB)

If You Want Revival (Psa. 85:6) > Part 5

IF YOU WANT REVIVAL, YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THE END RESULT.

"Will you not return and revive us so that your people might rejoice in You?"

• According to this verse, the primary result of revival is not that people are saved, although that will happen and should be expected.
• According to this verse, the primary result of revival is not that communities are transformed, although that is desirable and should be expected.
•  According to this verse, the primary result of revival is that there would be a new level of delight between God and His people – a resurgence of joy (that will lead to reignited faith, lifestyle obedience and committed service).

Now, God has never lost joy over His people!

• "The LORD your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior.  He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy." (Zeph. 3:17)

We must admit God's people can lose joy over Him.  It doesn't have to stay that way.  His joy brings a needed refreshing and His refreshing resupplies depleted joy. "Rejoice in the Lord always" (Phil. 4:4).

Fullness of Joy (Jn. 15:11)

"These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." (Jn. 15:11).

Five Sources of Joy

1. God's Word abiding in you (Jn. 15:7).
2. Effectiveness in prayer (Jn. 15:7).
3. Knowing and experiencing God's love (Jn. 15:9)
4. Obedience to Jesus' commandments (Jn. 15:10)
5. Having the joy of the Lord (Jn. 15:11).

"This joy that I have that I'm speaking of is from

the Lord...That's where the joy comes from."

--Steve Green