The Word for the Year is JOY!

January 3, 2018 4 Comments

The word JOY is found 242 times in the Bible including 57 times in the Psalms in the NIV. The word is defined as a noun to mean a state of happiness or felicity; expression of glad feeling. As a verb, it is to feel joy; be glad; rejoice.

What Comes to Mind When You Think of the Word Joy?

I can tell you what comes to my mind. The love of my family and making my niece giggle brings me great joy. My heart is glad because of renewed relationships. But this is all temporary. So what does the Bible say about lasting joy?

Well, there are quite a few things that the Bible says about joy. For instance, what gives joy to heart? The Word of the Lord does! It is radiant and gives light to the eyes. The precepts of the Lord are right and rejoicing to the heart. (Psalm19:8)

You will find Joy in God’s Presence!

And joy can be found in the presence of the LORD. When the world is troubling, one can turn to the LORD to rejoice and be glad. He will make known the path of life and fill you with great gladness in His presence. (Psalm 16:1; 21:6) Therefore, seek His presence and be filled to overflowing.

Those who take refuge in Him will find it!

Not only can it be found in His Presence but also when one takes refuge in Him and in the strength of the LORD. God will spread his protection over them that love His name that they may rejoice in Him. (Psalm 5:11) Thus, God is to be our refuge and strength in times of trouble.

Find Joy in the Proverbs.

There is much to be found about it in the Proverbs. Those who promote peace will find it (12:20). A wise son brings it to his father (15:20). One will find it when one gives an apt reply. (15:23). When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous (21:15). A man who loves wisdom brings it to his father (29:3). These are just a few. Therefore, seek to be wise and give a timely response.

New Testament Joy.

Furthermore, joy is a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22) and in James, we are to rejoice and be glad when we come into various trials (James 1:2). We are to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer (Romans 12:12). The Kingdom of God is of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). Hence, one can find great joy in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and in perseverance.

In conclusion, I say to you as the Apostle Paul said in Romans 15:32, May the God of hope fill you with all gladness and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (References)

Here are some related links: Joy Can Be Found in Serving Others

Count It All Joy

Lasting Joy Can Only Be found in Relationship with Our Heavenly Father and in His Strength.

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Mining 4 Silver

Three Scriptures to Pray When in Need of Peace

June 3, 2017 1 Comment

My Go to Scriptures on Peace.

Isaiah 26:3 ESV You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts inYou.

There have been many times that I have used this verse to get me through turmoil. God will and has kept me in perfect peace when my mind is/was focused on Him and I trusted Him. I often prayed to God that He would help me to keep my mind on Him. He was always faithful. It is not easy to keep one’s mind on God when in the midst of trouble. However, it is the only way to get to the other side. God is greater than any problem that I ever face.

Romans 12:18 ESV If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

This verse speaks to me about my responsibility to others. I am to strive to live at peace with everyone and recognize when it is not possible. There will be times when I have to walk away and leave it in God’s hands. Again, I am responsible for my part in any relationship.

Philippians 4:6-8 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

In order to achieve the peace that passes all understanding, I am to pray to God when I am anxious. I am to make everything known to God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. Then the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard my heart and mind. Therefore, when I am facing any hardship all I need to do is turn to God in prayer and give Him thanks for the answers. God will give me His peace that only He can give.

Final Thoughts

These scriptures are just a few of my go-to verses that have given me strength. God is the true source of everlasting peace. I pray that these will encourage you also. What verses do you use?

Lives Forever Changed!

July 9, 2016 2 Comments

Read All About Lives Changed!

Are you looking for a book that shares stories of lives changed? Well, I have the book just for you! Finder Keepers Losers Winners by Kay Gray is the just the one for you. I consider her a dear friend of mine and she writes of lives changed at Oak Ridge Ministry through Jesus Christ and how God brought her to this ministry.

For one thing, Kay writes from her heart. She is forever changed by the men whose lives have been changed by accepting Jesus into their hearts. She shares openly and warmly not only their stories but her story also. Kay credits God for bringing her together with Joshua Harris and the Oak Ridge Ministry.

Moreover, Kay writes as if you were sitting down to the table with her. You will appreciate her honesty about the fact that some lives have not been restored because of the choices that were made. Yet, she rejoices of the lives that have been forever changed by the grace found in Jesus.

Equally important, Kay tells you how she found the Bible which led to her meeting, Joshua. The Oak Ridge men gave her the title of Bible Lady. Some of the men, lovingly, call her Mama Kay.

Hence, this book is filled with grace, truth, and love. You will read of a very special man who started Oak Ridge Ministry and the lives of men faced with addiction. You will read of heartache and the celebration of new life found in Christ.

A Must Read! Finders Keepers Losers Winners by Kay Gray.

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About the Author

Kay Gray is a retired teacher and former boutique owner. She lives in Georgetown, Texas, and attends Crestview Baptist Church. She enjoys working with special needs kids at the church camp. Kay is an avid a supporter and encourager of the mission of Oak Ridge Disciple House. She teaches women’s Bible studies and is beginning an outreach ministry through her website mamakaygray.com.

Read it for yourself!

Therefore, I recommend this book if you want to read how Jesus can change lives. Well, read Finders Keepers Losers Winners, for yourself. Click this link to order your copy.

Another review: The Truth About Happiness by JE Berry.

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Prayer Is Vital

Sky Is Falling! Need Help!

May 31, 2016 No Comments

Ever Felt Like Saying, “The Sky Is Falling!”

I am sure that you probably have. Like times when you felt like what you or a friend were going through was too much! And you wanted to cry out, “Why me, Lord?” or “Help me, Lord, I don’t know what to do.” Today, I have that sky is falling feeling for several of my friends. Yet, I know that God is greater than all of this.

I have friends and family who are either facing a recent cancer diagnosis, their own illness or a spouse has taken a turn for the worst. I cannot begin to imagine how they are feeling right now. If it were me, I would definitely feel like things were falling apart. My heart is heavy for my friends.

Personally, I am well and for that I am thankful. Yet, I found myself at loss for words when I went to pray for them. I know that my God is able to do more than I can possibly ask, so I cried out, “Help them, Jesus.” The Bible tells me that Jesus said that there would be trouble in this world but to take heart for He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Jesus is my rock in this storm of life and He knows what is going on in the lives of my friends.

I am called to be the one who stands in the gap for my friends, in prayer, trusting that God will supply all their needs (Philippians 4:19). The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. After all, there is nothing my God cannot do.

However, should you feel stuck check out Help, My Prayer Life is Stuck.

A Call for Help!

My prayer for my friends: Dear Merciful Father, hear my prayer. You know the friends that I care about and You love them with an everlasting love. Surround them with Your reassuring presence and increase their strength. Fill their loved ones with Your peace that passes all understanding. May they trust Your all-sufficient grace. I pray that You would supply all their needs according to Your steadfast love. In the name of Jesus.

Having the feeling that the world is caving in? Prayer is vital to sustain you.

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