Joy, April 19
Joy, April 19 Rejoice always,
pray without ceasing,
in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Do not quench the Spirit.
Do not despise prophecies.
Test all things; hold fast what is good.
Abstain from every form of evil. 1Thes 5:16-22, www.solascriptura.com Father, in 7 sentences, Paul teaches us the basics of our faith. We are equipped by You to rejoice always, in good times and in bad times. It is Your Holy presence with us and in us that enables us to raise our eyes and hearts to you when everything around us seems to be a severe weight upon our shoulders. We often fail to pray unceasingly but here we see it is Your will that we never stop acknowledging Your presence in every small and every large event of our lives. Not a hair falls from our head that You do not notice. Help us to observe You with equal attention and to ask You into every circumstance of our lives. We do not always give thanks when we are being challenged but again, it is Your will we do so because You are allowing us to be tested. We do not enjoy the test but we do look forward to an eternal victory as You lead us through what sometimes feels like an unsolvable problem. We know that to quench the Spirit is to remove You from the situations we encounter. Father, we acknowledge that absent the presence of the Spirit, we are depending upon ourselves. In such cases we are going it alone. We pray that is never the case. Father, despising teaching is the path of a self centered, self directed person. Help us learn from the prophets and from You Jesus. YOur word is truth and it abides forever. Help us this day to abstain from evil, to flee from it, never to gaze upon that which is sinful. It feels so good to do the right thing and we feel so weak, so impotent when we allow sin to fill our mind and our eyes. We feel tricked by Satan, the great deceiver, when we entertain sin. We simply want to be as You Jesus. In Your Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, March 27
Joy, March 27 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4, www.solascriptura.com Father, it seems that the only way we could possibly feel joyful about experiencing trials, is to know that You permit the trial and that the trial will force our faith to be stronger. Patience in the midst of a trial is the perfect work that You bestow upon us. It is the Spirit in us that permits our faith to remain strong even when the evidence all around us is making us feel persecuted, guilty or abandoned. Enable us, we pray, to know, this minute and always, that trials will come but the trials will test and strengthen our faith and that we can, through You, endure and be patient. That is a miracle not available to someone who does not call on You. We feel joyful Father, not about the trial but about Your grace to us that we might endure the test without falling apart. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, March 10
Joy, March 10 Wait on the LORD, and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land...
... the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their strength in the time of trouble. Psalms 37:34, 39, www.solascriptura.com Father, may we exhort one another to love and obey your Holy word and to keep Your way. Teach us new truths, afresh every day, so that the life You have given us might bring glory to you. Help us Father not to be overwhelmed with the cares of this world, so pre-occupied that we leave You out of the issues we face and the decisions we must make. Joy does not come easy to a burdened heart. Help us to look past the moment and to resolve to focus on the perfection that awaits us. Our faith in Your love can and will sustain us. We pray this day for your Spirit and our spirit to be as one. That is a huge hope, Father, but we know it is Your will for each of us. In Jesus' Holy name, we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, February 27
Joy, February 27 In this (inheritance) you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 1 Pet 1:6-9, www.solascriptura.com Father, As a result of Your grace and mercy, you promise us that through our faith in the resurrection of Jesus, we have eternal life. From this side we do not completely understand nor appreciate that which awaits but we will. Salvation from sin, suffering and weakness is assured. We know that joy and celebration will characterize heaven. The tests here, some of which may be very severe, will continue but they too shall cease. Lead us, today, in paths of righteousness even in the presence of turmoil. Give us internal peace known by us and suspected by others. Give us a witness in this place. We acknowledge that You have beckoned us to Your side. Thank You is an insufficient response. We will be awe struck as we meet, in person, the resurrected Christ, our Savior, Friend and Counselor. Prepare us for that moment. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, February 1
Joy, February 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life--
the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us--
that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. I John 1:1-4, www.solascriptura.com Father, The beloved apostle John was a witness and friend of Jesus. Here we learn again that Jesus was with You in the beginning and that He was a manifestation of You to us. John invites us to fellowship with him Father and confesses that true fellowship, deeper than that which we can achieve with each other, is with You and Jesus. Father, lead us into relationships that are based on a mutual trust in You, which bring us great joy, and when we encounter those who do not love You, help us manifest Your love to them. We pray these things in Jesus' name. Amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, January 5, 2010
Joy, January 5, 2009 (Jesus said)"A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father."
Then some of His disciples said among themselves, "What is this that He says to us, 'A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me'; and, 'because I go to the Father'?"
They said therefore, "What is this that He says, 'A little while'? We do not know what He is saying."
Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and He said to them, "Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I said, 'A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me'?
"Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
"A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.
"Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.
"And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.
"Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:16-24, www.solascriptura.com Jesus, You taught Your disciples of Your impending crucifixion and they, at first, did not understand. We now stand on the other side of that event. You likened the depth of Your pain to childbirth, in that while it seemed unfathomable, shortly thereafter the joy of birth turned the pain into rejoicing in a new life, a child created in Your image. Jesus, You have gone through pain, disgrace and separation for each one of us and have emerged our risen Savior. Your suffering has led us to the portal of eternal life, to our Spiritual birth. Now we rejoice, not in the suffering, which we too will occasionally experience, but in the resurrection and redemption, first of You, then of us.
You then teach us that as Your children, You want to endow us with gifts. We know, because Your word teaches us, what the gifts of the Holy Spirit are; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faith, goodness and self-control. Father, we beg You to fill us afresh, this day, with the fruits of the Spirit. These attitudes are so unlike the nature of this world. Help us trust and obey. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, December 27
Joy, December 27 Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing.
Know that the LORD, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.
Ps 100:1-5, www.solascriptura.com Father, when we worship You we sometimes feel self conscious about showing too much enthusiasm in our worship. We know that whatever we do, we must glorify You and not ourselves. There seems to be a time and a place for exuberance and a time and a place for serenity. Give us comfort with both circumstances, we pray. In this Psalm You teach us that we should worship with joy and gladness. We will one day enter into Your courts with gladness, celebrating our redemption. Help us remember today what eternity will be like. We will enter Your presence with singing and praise (Celebrate good times!). We will rejoice in the name of Jesus. Amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, December 12
Joy, December 12 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD!
Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!
I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways.
I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.
I remember Your name in the night, O LORD, and I keep Your law.
Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure.
Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.
Psalms 119:1-2,14-16,55,111,162,165, www.solascriptura.com Father, You teach us that if we walk in obedience and trust You with all our hearts, mind, soul and strength that You will bless us. We seek Your blessings and confess that without faith in You, life would truly be a dead end. We rejoice in Your precepts, laws and instruction and thank You for making our path to redemption very clear. We depend upon You for the strength to follow You. You lead us in paths of righteousness. Your will for our lives is not only made clear but you are the great Enabler, the Counselor, the Comforter.
The fact that You care about us, individually, brings joy to our hearts and hope that reigns eternal. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, November 27
Joy, November 27 ... with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
Sing to the LORD, for He has done excellent things...
..."Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation."
Isaiah 12:1-6, 25:9, www.solascriptura.com Jesus, You are the Living Water. When we joyfully and continually drink from the well of salvation, we never thirst again. Help us this day to know that is the offer and that You will surround us with your angels and fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit, constantly, if we but ask. We rejoice now but at the day of redemption it will be a marvelous reunion with all those that love and obey You. We want to be ready. Teach us how to prepare ourselves for the banquet You have set before us. Equip us with knowledge from Your word and discernment in its application. We see that singing and rejoicing will characterize our arrival. What a joy filled scene that will be. Help us here and now to not forget that Your will is that we be joyful, knowing You are for us; You are the perfect Advocate. We could never enter into the Father's presence without your advocacy. Your healing Spirit is both our hope and our reality. Lead and guide us, this day and we will have joy for evermore. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, November 15
Joy, November 15 "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?
"And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
"And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'
"I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.
Then He said: "A certain man had two sons.
"And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So he divided to them his livelihood.
"And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.
"But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want.
"Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
"And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.
"But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
'I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,
and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants."'
"And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.
"And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
"But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.
'And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry;
'for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry.
"Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
"So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant.
"And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.'
"But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him.
"So he answered and said to his father, 'Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends.
'But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.'
"And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.
'It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.'"
Luke 15:4-32, www.solascriptura.com Father, our children are a great blessing from You. They are all different but they have one thing in common. They are children from You to us. We see here that the joy of seeing a child healed and redeemed is greater to the parent than the sibling.
Father, we are Your children and You have taught us that the saints are on tiptoes, so to speak, watching for the arrival of a soul into the kingdom. Your joy in our redemption, made possible by Jesus' cleansing and preparing us for entry into Your presence, is even greater than our joy in our children. Your joy in Your children is eternal. We were once dead but now are alive, forever! What inexpressible joy that brings to the heart of a parent. Thank You in Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, October 30
Joy, October 30 The humble ... shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
You shall have a song as in the night when a holy festival is kept, and gladness of heart as when one goes with a flute, to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the Mighty One of Israel.
...the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose;
It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing... Isaiah 30:29, 29:19, 35:1-2 Father, we know that the proud stand afar from You and that You honor those with a humble and contrite spirit whose riches lie in eternity, not in this temporal place. Thank You for the evidence of Your love both in our lives and in that which You have created for our use. The earth does indeed blossom abundantly, even when man turns his back on You and on the opportunity to rejoice in You. Strengthen our resolve to serve You and to acknowledge Your presence in all things. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, October 4
Joy, October 4 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
"For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Isaiah 35:10, 55:12 www.solascriptura.com Jesus, we know that you paid the ransom to redeem us, to rescue us from the captivity of the flesh. We honor and esteem our flesh daily but forgive us for doing so more than we honor Your Spirit in us.
You have taught us that the flesh is a tool of Satan and that a war exists between the instincts of our flesh and the spirit we have within us. Help us to look at our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and not as a body that we should overly esteem and worship. Your word says that sorrow and sighing shall depart and be replaced with joy and gladness as we draw near to You. What a wonderful truth. When we retreat from the cares of the world and come to you there is comfort and peace where there had been anxiety and stress. If we were not to witness of Your love, the very rocks would cry out and the hills would literally be alive with the sound of music. The evidence of Your love abounds. Help us this day to acknowledge You. In Christ we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, September 13
Joy, September 13 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness...
...I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
...Enter into the joy of your lord.'
Isaiah 61:10, Habakkuk 3:18, Matthew 25:21 Father, before Jesus was born, Isaiah told us that He clothes us in garments of salvation and that He has covered us with the robe of righteousness. For this fundamental teaching we are grateful. We were yet in our sin when this occurred. We rejoice in our Lord. When we enter into the joy of the Lord, we do so twice, once now and once again for eternity, in heaven. You teach us to have joy now, even in turmoil, not because we enjoy trouble, but because it is temporary and our joy in Your grace prevails before, during and after difficulty. Help us this day to stand in Your light even when it is dark and to have a sense of joy about Your presence, even when the joy of salvation is not widely celebrated by the world. We trust in You, our sovereign Father. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy in the midst of trials? August 21
Joy in the midst of trials? August 21 How can I feel joyful when my life and the world around me are falling apart? First, let's understand what God prescribes in a Psalm from David: "…let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield." Psalms 5:11-12 NKJV In the midst of difficult circumstances, how can you possibly be "full of joy"? If you are not a Christian, empowered by the Holy Spirit in you, the answer is that, in all probability, you can not. Look carefully at the verse above. Those who put their trust in the Lord, rejoice. Those who are defended by God shout for joy. Those who love the name of God are joyful, in Him. The verse says that the Lord will bless the righteous and surround you with a shield and favor you. Yes, trials will come but you are never going through them alone if you love the Lord. What can you focus on if you feel alone and are hurting? People who are depressed and sad, even though they love the Lord, are sometimes experiencing pain, mental and/or physical and the pain is real. Jesus experienced pain and rejection. Listen: "…(Jesus Christ) made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:7-11 NKJV He who suffered for us, joyfully presents us to the Father, cleansed of our sin. These verses tell it all: "… when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." Acts 5:40-42 NKJV "Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…….. Romans 8:33-39. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8 NKJV Jesus knows our circumstances. Do you feel His presence in all things at all times? Whether you do or not, His Spirit is always present. Is it o.k. to feel sad? Listen to James, Jesus' brother: My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. Yes we will feel sad and depressed but the power of the Holy Spirit will lift your spirit. Core Christian Value: Joy is the condition of a believer's life. Not joy in suffering or rejection, but joy in knowing that through every circumstance the Holy Spirit is with you, comforting and guiding you.
Labels: Joy
Joy, July 16
Joy, July 16 ... be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! ...I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Eph 5:18-19, Phil 4:4, 2 Corinthians 12:10, www.solascriptura.com Father, Your word says rejoice always. Sometimes Father we feel that true rejoicing in the midst of the trials of this earth is nearly impossible. Thank You for reminding us that we rejoice in the victory of Your presence in all situations. We never suffer or go through trials alone. Father, we expect our joy in You not to always be accepted by others. Help us not take offense if our pursuit of a relationship with You makes others feel we are rejecting their values and beliefs. We seek to share Your love. Help us, this day, to honor You, no matter how “out of step” we appear to be. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell Labels: Joy
Joy, August 5
Joy, August 5 Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake.
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven... "Nevertheless do not rejoice... that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven." Luke 6:22-23, Luke 10:20 Father, what a wonderful truth; if we are reviled by men because of our witness of You, it is a moment of joy, not of persecution. Help us understand that we are never to consider persecution due to our witness to be a problem, just the opposite. Unwarranted persecution is a confirmation of our love. It is a fact Jesus that Your love will grow deeper for us as we declare You before men. Even in our witness, we seem empowered by You to speak boldly but keep us Father from pride. Help us not to think, even for a minute, that the grace and love we extend to others is from our personal resources. It is You in us that makes it possible for us to transfer that same love You have willingly given to us. Thank You for Your love. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, June 22
Joy, June 22 ... sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. ...we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ... we... worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, 2 Corinthians 6:1-10, Romans 5:2, Phil 3:3, www.solascriptura.com Father, we learn from these verses that spiritual poverty makes us ineffective in fulfilling Your will. Yet, when we are full of the Holy Spirit, no matter what our economic situation by worldly standards, we possess all which You intended and by giving it away, we see others inherit the wealth, the Spiritual wealth that You desire for each of us. The grace You extend to us is undeserved. Help us to be as You Jesus in extending that kind of love to others, forgiving them, and praying for them as we rejoice in Your presence in our lives. We pray for more love for others. There is no way for us to ask for more love from You. Our cup overflows. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, June 4
Joy, June 4 "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.
"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.
"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:8-11 Jesus, You have taught us that God is glorified as we bear fruit as Your disciples. It is Your love for us, just as it was the Father's love for You, that is the enabling factor. Help us, this day, to trust and obey and to abide in Your love in such a way that it is obvious to everyone that we seek to serve You. The result you promise is that Your joy will fill us and that our joy will be complete. There is no way to have joy in this troubled world, Jesus, but to seek to be Your disciples, no matter what happens. The world will perish that a more perfect existence may come to all of those who name You as their personal Savior and in clinging to that fact we are able to possess joy. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, June 2
Joy, June 2 For this reason we... do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
that you may have a walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; Colossians 1:9-11 Father, Paul instructs us not to cease in our prayers for others and then tells us what specific things to pray for. These things Father, we also need to receive from You, daily. Do fill us with knowledge of Your will with all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Requests like this are so encompassing that we must linger Father over the depth of meaning. If You grant us this prayer our works will become fruitful and pleasing to You. Paul then teaches us that we will be strengthened in all might and spiritual power and that we will joyfully be patient with others. Father, does our witness seem to be joyful and patient? Can those words be in the same sentence? Are we able to do both at the same time? Yes, but only by Your power and in Your grace. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, May 12
Joy, May 12, For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance...
And you became followers ... of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of joy in Your presence. 1Thessalonians 1:5-6, Acts 2:28, www.solascriptura.com Father, Your words to us are unlike the words of the world. Your words enable us to change our lives and our eternal destination. Your words have life changing power. Even if we receive Your words while we are suffering, we know that afflictions are going to be replaced with eternal joy. You have revealed the secrets and mysteries of life to us if we but read Your word. You would not have us remain as children, understanding only the milk of the word. Help us come to You daily and to joyfully receive Your light into our hearts. Let us never walk in darkness. We pray these things in Jesus' Holy name. Amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, April 19
Joy, April 19 Rejoice always,
pray without ceasing,
in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Do not quench the Spirit.
Do not despise prophecies.
Test all things; hold fast what is good.
Abstain from every form of evil. 1Thes 5:16-22, www.solascriptura.com Father, in 7 sentences, Paul teaches us the basics of our faith. We do rejoice always, in good times and in bad times because of Your Holy presence with us and in us. We often fail to pray unceasingly but here we see it is Your will that we never stop acknowledging Your presence in every small and every large event of our lives. Not a hair falls from our head that You do not notice. Help us to observe You with equal attention and to ask You into every circumstance of our lives. We do not always give thanks when we are being challenged but again, it is Your will we do so because You are allowing us to be tested. We know that to quench the Spirit is to remove You from the situations we encounter. Father, we acknowledge that absent the presence of the Spirit, we are depending upon ourselves. In such cases we are going it alone. We pray that is never the case. Father, despising teaching is the path of a self centered, self directed person. Help us learn from the prophets and from You Jesus. Help us this day to abstain from evil, to flee from it, never to gaze upon that which is sinful. It feels so good to do the right thing and we feel so weak, so impotent when we allow sin to fill our mind and our eyes. We feel tricked by Satan, the great deceiver, when we entertain sin. We simply want to be as You Jesus. In Your Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, March 27
Joy, March 27 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4, www.solascriptura.com Father, it seems that the only way we could possibly feel joyful about experiencing trials, is to know that You permit the trial and that the trial will force our faith to be stronger. Patience in the midst of a trial is the perfect work that You bestow upon us. It is the Spirit in us that permits our faith to remain strong even when the evidence all around us is making us feel persecuted, guilty or abandoned. Enable us, we pray, to know, this minute and always, that trials will come but the trials will test and strengthen our faith and that we can, through You, endure and be patient. That is a miracle not available to someone who does not call on You. We feel joyful Father, not about the trial but about Your grace to us that we might endure the test without falling apart. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, March 10
Joy, March 10 Wait on the LORD, and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land...
... the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their strength in the time of trouble. Psalms 37:34, 39, www.solascriptura.com Father, may we exhort one another to love and obey your Holy word and to keep Your way. Teach us new truths, afresh every day, so that the life You have given us might bring glory to you. Help us Father not to be overwhelmed with the cares of this world, so pre-occupied that we leave You out of the issues we face and the decisions we must make. Joy does not come easy to a burdened heart. Help us to look past the moment and to resolve to focus on the perfection that awaits us. Our faith in Your love can and will sustain us. We pray this day for your Spirit and our spirit to be as one. That is a huge hope, Father, but we know it is Your will for each of us. In Jesus' Holy name, we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, February 27
Joy, February 27 In this (inheritance) you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 1 Pet 1:6-9, www.solascriptura.com Father, You promise us that through our faith in the resurrection of Jesus, we have eternal life. From this side we do not completely understand nor appreciate that which awaits but we will. Salvation from sin, suffering and weakness is assured. We know that joy and celebration will characterize heaven. The tests here, some of which may be very severe, will continue but they too shall cease. Lead us, today, in paths of righteousness even in the presence of turmoil. Give us internal peace known by us and suspected by others. Give us a witness in this place. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, February 1, 2009
Joy, February 1, 2009 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life--
the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us--
that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. I John 1:1-4, www.solascriptura.com Father, The beloved apostle John was a witness and friend of Jesus. Here we learn again that Jesus was with You in the beginning and that He was a manifestation of You to us. John invites us to fellowship with him Father and confesses that true fellowship, deeper than that which we can achieve with each other, is with You and Jesus. Father, lead us into relationships that are based on a mutual trust in You, which bring us great joy, and when we encounter those who do not love You, help us to manifest Your love to them. We pray these things in Jesus' name. Amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, January 5, 2009
Joy, January 5, 2009 (Jesus said)"A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father."
Then some of His disciples said among themselves, "What is this that He says to us, 'A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me'; and, 'because I go to the Father'?"
They said therefore, "What is this that He says, 'A little while'? We do not know what He is saying."
Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and He said to them, "Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I said, 'A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me'?
"Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
"A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.
"Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.
"And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.
"Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:16-24, www.solascriptura.com Jesus, You taught Your disciples of Your impending crucifixion and they, at first, did not understand. We now stand on the other side of that event. You likened the depth of Your pain to childbirth, in that while it seemed unfathomable. Shortly thereafter the joy of birth turned the pain into rejoicing in a new life, a child created in Your image. Jesus, You have gone through pain, disgrace and separation for each one of us and have emerged our risen Savior. Your suffering has led us to the portal of eternal life, to our Spiritual birth. Now we rejoice, not in the suffering, which we too will occasionally experience, but in the resurrection and redemption, first of You, then of us.
You then teach us that as Your children, You want to endow us with gifts. We know, because Your word teaches us, what the gifts of the Holy Spirit are; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faith, goodness and self-control. Father, we beg You to fill us afresh, this day, with the fruits of the Spirit. These attitudes are so unlike the nature of this world. Help us trust and obey. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, December 27, 2008
Joy, December 27, 2008 Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing.
Know that the LORD, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.
Ps 100:1-5, www.solascriptura.com Father, when we worship You we sometimes feel self conscious about showing too much enthusiasm in our worship. We know that whatever we do, we must glorify You and not ourselves. There seems to be a time and a place for exuberance and a time and a place for serenity. Give us comfort with both circumstances, we pray. In this Psalm You teach us that we should worship with joy and gladness. We will one day enter into Your courts with gladness, celebrating our redemption. Help us remember today what eternity will be like. We will enter Your presence with singing and praise (Celebrate good times!). We will rejoice in the name of Jesus. Amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, December 12, 2008
Joy, December 12, 2008 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD!
Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!
I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways.
I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.
I remember Your name in the night, O LORD, and I keep Your law.
Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure.
Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.
Psalms 119:1-2,14-16,55,111,162,165, www.solascriptura.com Father, You teach us that if we walk in obedience and trust You with all our hearts, mind, soul and strength that You will bless us. We seek Your blessings and confess that without faith in You, life would truly be a dead end. We rejoice in Your precepts, laws and instruction and thank You for making our path to redemption very clear. We depend upon You for the strength to follow You. You lead us in paths of righteousness. Your will for our lives is not only made clear but you are the great Enabler, the Counselor, the Comforter.
The fact that You care about us, individually, brings joy to our hearts and hope that reigns eternal. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, November 27, 2008
Joy, November 27, 2008 ... with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
Sing to the LORD, for He has done excellent things...
..."Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation."
Isaiah 12:1-6, 25:9, www.solascriptura.com Jesus, You are the Living Water. When we joyfully and continually drink from the well of salvation, we never thirst again. Help us this day to know that is the offer and that You will surround us with your angels and fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit, constantly, if we but ask. We rejoice now but at the day of redemption it will be a marvelous reunion with all those that love and obey You. We want to be ready. Teach us how to prepare ourselves for the banquet You have set before us. Equip us with knowledge from Your word and discernment in its application. We see that singing and rejoicing will characterize our arrival. What a joy filled scene that will be. Help us here and now to not forget that Your will is that we be joyful, knowing You are for us; You are the perfect Advocate. We could never enter into the Father's presence without your advocacy. Your healing Spirit is both our hope and our reality. Lead and guide us, this day and we will have joy for evermore. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, November 15, 2008
Joy, November 15, 2008 "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?
"And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
"And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'
"I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.
Then He said: "A certain man had two sons.
"And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So he divided to them his livelihood.
"And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.
"But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want.
"Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
"And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.
"But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
'I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,
and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants."'
"And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.
"And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
"But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.
'And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry;
'for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry.
"Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
"So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant.
"And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.'
"But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him.
"So he answered and said to his father, 'Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends.
'But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.'
"And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.
'It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.'"
Luke 15:4-32, www.solascriptura.com Father, our children are a great blessing from You. They are all different but they have one thing in common. They are children from You to us. We see here that the joy of seeing a child healed and redeemed is greater to the parent than the sibling.
Father, we are Your children and You have taught us that the saints are on tiptoes, so to speak, watching for the arrival of a soul into the kingdom. Your joy in our redemption, made possible by Jesus' cleansing and preparing us for entry into Your presence, is even greater than our joy in our children. Your joy in Your children is eternal. We were once dead but now are alive, forever! What inexpressible joy that brings to the heart of a parent. Thank You in Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, October 30, 2008
Joy, October 30, 2008 The humble ... shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
You shall have a song as in the night when a holy festival is kept, and gladness of heart as when one goes with a flute, to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the Mighty One of Israel.
...the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose;
It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing... Isaiah 30:29, 29:19, 35:1-2 Father, we know that the proud stand afar from You and You honor those with a humble and contrite spirit whose riches lie in eternity, not in this temporal place. Thank You for the evidence of Your love both in our lives and in that which You have created for our use. The earth does indeed blossom abundantly, even when man turns his back on You and on the opportunity to rejoice in You. Strengthen our resolve to serve You and to acknowledge Your presence in all things. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, January 5, 2009
Joy, January 5, 2009 (Jesus said)"A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father."
Then some of His disciples said among themselves, "What is this that He says to us, 'A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me'; and, 'because I go to the Father'?"
They said therefore, "What is this that He says, 'A little while'? We do not know what He is saying."
Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and He said to them, "Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I said, 'A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me'?
"Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
"A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.
"Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.
"And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.
"Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:16-24, www.solascriptura.com Jesus, You taught Your disciples of Your impending crucifixion and they, at first, did not understand. We now stand on the other side of that event. You likened the depth of Your pain to childbirth, in that while it seemed unfathomable. Shortly thereafter the joy of birth turned the pain into rejoicing in a new life, a child created in Your image. Jesus, You have gone through pain, disgrace and separation for each one of us and have emerged our risen Savior. Your suffering has led us to the portal of eternal life, to our Spiritual birth. Now we rejoice, not in the suffering, which we too will occasionally experience, but in the resurrection and redemption, first of You, then of us. You then teach us that as Your children, You want to endow us with gifts. We know, because Your word teaches us, what the gifts of the Holy Spirit are; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faith, goodness and self-control. Father, we beg You to fill us afresh, this day, with the fruits of the Spirit. These attitudes are so unlike the nature of this world. Help us trust and obey. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, October 4, 2008
Joy, October 4, 2008 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
"For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Isaiah 35:10, 55:12 www.solascriptura.com Jesus, we know that you paid the ransom to redeem us, to rescue us from the captivity of the flesh. We honor and esteem our flesh daily but forgive us for doing so more than we honor Your Spirit in us.
You have taught us that the flesh is a tool of Satan and that a war exists between the instincts of our flesh and the spirit we have within us. Help us to look at our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and not as a body that we should overly esteem and worship. Your word says that sorrow and sighing shall depart and be replaced with joy and gladness as we draw near to You. What a wonderful truth. When we retreat from the cares of the world and come to you there is comfort and peace where there had been anxiety and stress. If we were not to witness of Your love, the very rocks would cry out and the hills would literally be alive with the sound of music. The evidence of Your love abounds. Help us this day to acknowledge You. In Christ we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, September 13, 2008
Joy, September 13, 2008 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness...
...I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
...Enter into the joy of your lord.'
Isaiah 61:10, Habakkuk 3:18, Matthew 25:21 Father, before Jesus was born, Isaiah told us that He clothes us in garments of salvation and that He has covered us with the robe of righteousness. For this fundamental teaching we are grateful. We were yet in our sin when this occurred. We rejoice in our Lord.
When we enter into the joy of the Lord, we do so twice, once now and once again for eternity, in heaven. You teach us to have joy now, even in turmoil, not because we enjoy trouble, but because it is temporary and our joy in Your grace prevails before, during and after difficulty. Help us this day to stand in Your light even when it is dark and to have a sense of joy about Your presence, even when the joy of salvation is not widely celebrated by the world. We trust in You, our sovereign Father. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, August 26, 2008
Joy, August 26, 2008 "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
"By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.
"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.
"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:7-11 Father, we know that the context of the first verse is sitting in verse two. It is Your will that we bear much fruit. We know the fruits of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. You will richly endow those who ask for anything that assists them to bear fruit. We sometimes focus on our wants but here you teach us that you will bless us beyond our needs with those things that help us bear more fruit. Certainly we know Father, that the opposite of each of those fruits is a characteristic of the evil one (hate, despair, depression, impatience, unkindness, sinfulness, faithlessness, bullying and an out of control temper). Help us Father, every moment to evaluate what kind of a fruit tree we are. Let us have more and more of Your nature Jesus which You have so generously offered. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, August 5, 2008
Joy, August 5, 2008 Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake.
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven... "Nevertheless do not rejoice... that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven." Luke 6:22-23, Luke 10:20 Father, what a wonderful truth; if we are reviled by men because of our witness of You, it is a moment of joy, not of persecution. Help us to know that we are never to consider persecution due to our witness to be a problem. Just the opposite Father; it is a confirmation of our love. It is a fact Jesus that Your love will grow deeper for us as we declare You before men. Even in our witness, we seem empowered by You to speak boldly but keep us Father from pride. Help us not to think, even for a minute, that the grace and love we extend to others is from our personal resources. It is You in us that makes it possible for us to transfer that same love You have willingly given to us. Thank You for Your love. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy sent; joy received, July 25, 2008
Joy sent; joy received, July 25, 2008 Family Bible Study, www.solascriptura.com How can I feel joyful when my life and the world around me are falling apart? First, let's understand what God prescribes in a Psalm from David: "…let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield." Psalms 5:11-12 NKJV In the midst of difficult circumstances how can you possibly be "full of joy"? If you are not a Christian, empowered by the Holy Spirit in you, the answer is that, in all probability, you can not. Look carefully at the verse above. Those who put their trust in the Lord, rejoice. Those who are defended by God shout for joy. Those who love the name of God are joyful, in Him. The verse says that the Lord will bless the righteous and surround you with a shield and favor you. Yes, trials will come but you are never going through them alone if you love the Lord. What can you focus on if you feel alone and are hurting? People who are depressed and sad, even though they love the Lord, are sometimes experiencing pain, mental and/or physical and the pain is real. Jesus experienced pain and rejection. Listen: "…(Jesus Christ) made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:7-11 NKJV He who suffered for us, joyfully presents us to the Father, cleansed of our sin. These verses tell it all: "… when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." Acts 5:40-42 NKJV Again, we are taught, "Who shall bring a charge against God's elect?" It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore He has also risen; who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…….. Romans 8:33-39. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8 NKJV Jesus knows our circumstances. Do you feel His presence in all things at all times? Whether you do or not, His Spirit is always present. Is it o.k. to feel sad? Listen to James, Jesus' brother: My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. Yes we will feel sad and depressed but the power of the Holy Spirit will lift your spirit. Core Christian Value: Joy is the condition of a believer's life. Not joy in suffering or rejection, but joy in knowing that through every circumstance the Holy Spirit is with you, comforting and guiding you. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, July 16, 2008
Joy, July 16, 2008 ... be filled with the Spirit,
speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! ...I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Eph 5:18-19, Phil 4:4, 2 Corinthians 12:10, www.solascriptura.com
Father, Your word says rejoice always. Sometimes Father we feel that true rejoicing in the midst of the trials of this earth is nearly impossible. Thank You for reminding us that we rejoice in the victory of Your presence in all situations. We never suffer or go through trials alone.
Father, we expect our joy in You not to always be accepted by others. Help us not to take offense if our pursuit of a relationship with You makes others feel we are rejecting their values and beliefs. Help us, this day, to honor You, no matter how "out of step" we appear to be. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, June 22, 2008
Joy, June 22, 2008 ... sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. ...we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ... we... worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, 2 Corinthians 6:1-10, Romans 5:2, Phil 3:3, www.solascriptura.com Father, we learn from these verses that spiritual poverty makes us ineffective in fulfilling Your will. Yet, when we are full of the Holy Spirit, no matter what our economic situation by worldly standards, we possess all which You intended and by giving it away, we see others inherit the wealth, the Spiritual wealth that You desire for each of us. The grace You extend to us is undeserved. Help us to be as You Jesus in extending that kind of love to others, forgiving them, and praying for them as we rejoice in Your presence in our lives. We pray for more love for others. There is no way for us to ask for more love from You. Our cup overflows. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, June 2, 2008
Joy, June 2, 2008 For this reason we... do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
that you may have a walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; Colossians 1:9-11 Father, Paul instructs us not to cease in our prayers for others and then tells us what specific things to pray for. These things Father, we also need to receive from You, daily. Do fill us with knowledge of Your will with all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Requests like this are so encompassing that we must linger Father over the depth of meaning. If You grant us this prayer our works will become fruitful and pleasing to You. Paul then teaches us that we will be strengthened in all might and spiritual power and that we will joyfully be patient with others. Father, does our witness seem to be joyful and patient? Can those words be in the same sentence? Are we able to do both at the same time? Yes, but only by Your power and in Your grace. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, May 12, 2008
Joy, May 12, 2008 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance...
And you became followers ... of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of joy in Your presence. 1Thessalonians 1:5-6, Acts 2:28, www.solascriptura.com
Father, Your words to us are unlike the words of the world. Your words enable us to change our lives and our eternal destination. Your words have life changing power. Even if we receive Your words while we are suffering, we know that afflictions are going to be replaced with eternal joy.
You have revealed the secrets and mysteries of life to us if we but read Your word. You would not have us remain as children, understanding only the milk of the word. Help us to come to You daily and to joyfully receive Your light into our hearts. We pray these things in Jesus' Holy name. Amen. Bruce Caldwell
Labels: Joy
Joy, April 19, 2008
Joy, April 19, 2008 Rejoice always,
pray without ceasing,
in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Do not quench the Spirit.
Do not despise prophecies.
Test all things; hold fast what is good.
Abstain from every form of evil. 1Thes 5:16-22, www.solascriptura.com Father, in 7 sentences, Paul teaches us the basics of our faith. We do rejoice always, in good times and in bad times because of Your Holy presence with us and in us. We often fail to pray unceasingly but here we see it is Your will that we never stop acknowledging Your presence in every small and every large event of our lives. Not a hair falls from our head that You do not notice. Help us to observe You with equal attention and to ask You into every circumstance of our lives. We do not always give thanks when we are being challenged but again, it is Your will we do so because You are allowing us to be tested. We know that to quench the Spirit is to remove You from the situations we encounter. Father, we acknowledge that absent the presence of the Spirit, we are depending upon ourselves. In such cases we are going it alone. We pray that is never the case. Father, despising teaching is the path of a self centered, self directed person. Help us learn from the prophets and from You Jesus. Help us this day to abstain from evil, to flee from it, never to gaze upon that which is sinful. It feels so good to do the right thing and we feel so weak, so impotent when we allow sin to fill our mind and our eyes. We feel tricked by Satan, the great deceiver, when we entertain sin. We simply want to be as You Jesus. In Your Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Joy, March 27, 2008
Joy, March 27, 2008 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4, www.solascriptura.com
Father, it seems that the only way we could possibly feel joyful about experiencing trials, is to know that You permit the trial and that the trial will force our faith to be stronger.
Patience in the midst of a trial is the perfect work that You bestow upon us. It is the Spirit in us that permits our faith to remain strong even when the evidence all around us is making us feel persecuted, guilty or abandoned. Help us to know, this minute and always, that trials will come but the trials will test and strengthen our faith and that we can, through You, endure and be patient. That is a miracle not available to someone who does not call on You. We feel joyful Father, not about the trial but about Your grace to us that we might endure the test without falling apart. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell
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Joy, March 10, 2008
Joy, March 10, 2008 Wait on the LORD, and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land...
... the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their strength in the time of trouble. Psalms 37:34, 39, www.solascriptura.com Father, may we exhort one another to love and obey your Holy word and to keep Your way. Teach us new truths, afresh every day, so that the life You have given us might bring glory to you. Help us Father not to be overwhelmed with the cares of this world, so pre-occupied that we leave You out of the issues we face and the decisions we must make. Joy does not come easy to a burdened heart. Help us to look past the moment and to resolve to focus on the perfection that awaits us. Our faith in Your love can and will sustain us. We pray this day for your Spirit and our spirit to be as one. That is a huge hope, Father, but we know it is Your will for each of us. In Jesus' Holy name, we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
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Joy February 27, 2008
Joy February 27, 2008 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 1 Pet 1:3-9, www.solascriptura.com
Father, You promise us that through our faith in the resurrection of Jesus, we have eternal life. From this side we do not completely understand nor appreciate that which awaits but we will. Salvation from sin, suffering and weakness is assured. We know that joy and celebration will characterize heaven.
The tests here will continue but they too shall cease. Lead us, today, in paths of righteousness even in the presence of turmoil. Give us internal peace known by us and suspected by others. Give us a witness in this place. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
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Joy #26
... you shall rejoice before the LORD your God in all to which you put your hands. Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, his wonders among all peoples. For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised... ...the joy of the LORD is your strength.” He will yet fill your mouth with laughing, and your lips with rejoicing. Deuteronomy 12:18, 1 Chronicles 16:23-25, Nehemiah 8:10, Job 8:21, http://www.solascriptura.com/Father, In this troubled world we find too little about which to rejoice. Yet You clearly instruct us to rejoice. We are to rejoice in our work, sing to You, proclaim the good news of salvation, joyfully, and declare Your glory among all the nations. Your joy in us is our strength. In spite of the difficulties, You will yet fill our mouths with laughter and our lips will yet joyfully praise You. Your plan for us Father, is to experience joy in You, here and there. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen. Bruce Caldwell Labels: Joy
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