SUNDAYS WITH JOYCE

 

JOY

Gal 5:22... But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.

Psa 33:1... Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones; Praise is becoming to the upright.

Prov 12:20... Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.

John 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.

John 16:24... Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.

Phil 1:25 ... Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith

1 Th 1:6... You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit

James 1:2... Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials

1 Pet 1:6-8... In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,

^{7... so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;}

^{8... and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory}

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He doesn't promise that things will always go our way, but God does want us to have joy in our spiritual lives.

 

 

JOY OF MY SOUL

Joy of my soul, Joy of my heart,
You've given me love from the very start;
In you I live, I move and I breathe ~
To you my whole being does cleave.

Joy of my soul, Joy of my spirit,
Of goodness ~ may I be drawn near it
And to all that is holy, right and true,
May I ever be totally committed to you.

Joy of my soul, Joy of my life,
You are the Rock during all the strife.
Many are the benefits you freely give;
Because of you, I have the will to live.

Joy of my soul, Joy of my heart,
Let's assure one another, we'll never part.
You are my Lord, my God, my All;
I obey your statutes, I love your Law.

Joy of my soul, Joy of my spirit
Absence from you, I surely would fear it.
Never permit me to ever stray
Protect me ever and always, I pray.

Joy of my soul, Joy of my life,
Sin pierces your heart ~ like a knife.
You are The Lord of Lords and The King of Kings,
O the JOY your Salvation brings.

The battle for good and evil still wages,
But You, O Lord, are JOY for all ages.
Judgement day will soon arrive;
The goats'll die and the sheep'll thrive.
Please God ~ your faithful ones'll be alive.

O Jesus, as Groom, you'll come for your Bride
You'll draw her very close to your side
Embrace her with your arms open wide
And together in Heaven forever abide.

You, O Lord, are JOY for all ages.
JOY, JOY, JOY!
YOU are JOY for All Ages! ! !

 

Mel (Carmela) Patterson

 

 

Man only likes to count his troubles, but he does not count his joys

I define joy as a sustained sense of well-being and internal peace - a connection to what matters.

Become more and more innocent, less knowledgeable and more childlike. Take life as fun - because that's precisely what it is!

If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone will profit from it. This is the most basic kind of peace work.

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.

 

Watch the waves in the ocean. The higher the wave goes, the deeper is the wake that follows it. One moment you are the wave, another moment you are the hollow wake that follows. Enjoy both--don't get addicted to one. Don't say: I would always like to be on the peak. It is not possible. Simply see the fact: it is not possible. It has never happened and it will never happen. It is simply impossible--not in the nature of things. Then what to do? Enjoy the peak while it lasts and then enjoy the valley when it comes. What is wrong with the valley? What is wrong with being low? It is a relaxation. A peak is an excitement, and nobody can exist continuously in an excitement

SUNDAYS WITH JOYCE

 

 

 

LIVING FOR GOD

(Ephesians 4:31-32 & 5:1-2).....

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ has also forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children: and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma

 (Romans 12:9-11).....

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord

(Matthew 5:14-16)....."You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. "Nor do men light a lamp and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lamp stand; and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

(Philippians 4:4-7) .....

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

(James 1:22-25).....

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does.

(Colossians 2:6).....

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.

(1 Corinthians 10:31).....

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

(Matthew 10:32-33)....."Everyone therefore who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. "But whoever shall deny Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven."

(Hebrews 12:1).....

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

(Philippians 4: 8-9).....

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.

 

 

Speak To Us Of Love

 

When love beckons to you, follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.
And when he speaks to you believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams
as the north wind lays waste the garden.

For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you.

Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.
Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun,
So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth.

Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself.
He threshes you to make you naked.
He sifts you to free you from your husks.
He grinds you to whiteness.
He kneads you until you are pliant;
And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for God’s sacred feast.

All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life’s heart.

But if in your fear you would seek only love’s peace and love’s pleasure,
Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love’s threshing-floor,
Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears.

Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.
Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;
For love is sufficient unto love.

When you love you should not say,
"God is in my heart," but rather, "I am in the heart of God."
And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it find you worthy, directs your course.

Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself.
But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires:
To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.
To know the pain of too much tenderness.
To be wounded by your own understanding of love;
And to bleed willingly and joyfully.
To wake at dawn with a winged heart
and give thanks for another day of loving;
To rest at the noon hour and meditate love’s ecstasy;
To return home at eventide with gratitude;
And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.

~Kahlil Gibran

 

Faith makes all things possible.... love makes all things easy."

The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons came from the journey, not the destination.

When you have come to the edge Of all light that you know And are about to drop off into the darkness Of the unknown, Faith is knowing One of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on or You will be taught to fly"

 

 

 

 

His Power

Through us, Oh Lord, let Your radiance shine forth
As we bow in humbleness and awe.
Arise within us, Oh Mighty Power
As prayer and faith bring clarity of thought.

Your Love alone, will conquer all!
Nothing else can stand with pride.
As You arise within our hearts
Your Glory alone will shine!

No force within or without is greater
but Your power alone brings light to all.
Open our eyes to Your wondrous Being
capturing our hearts as understanding abides.

Your power will rise within our hearts,
revealing strength, forgiveness, and love to all.
Let mercy and peace reign upon this earth
as revelation knowledge has begun.

Holy, my Lord, to You alone.
Everlasting One…with no beginning and no end.
Embracing You with utter wonderment
Oh, how lovely, pure, and beautiful You are!

Viola M. Jaynes

A Prayer For Anxious People

 

Father, I pray for those in my circle of family and friends who are carrying heavy loads...

Your Word says an anxious heart

weighs a person down,

and this is how I think they must feel—as if they're carrying heavy loads,

more than they can bear.

When they feel upset and beside themselves, calm them down and comfort them with the assurance of Your love.

Help them not be overwhelmed by anxious thoughts.

(Proverbs 12:25a; Psalm 94:19)

Our hearts are not supposed to be troubled;

but that's their struggle—help them trust You

and the Lord Jesus,

as I know they must.

Help them understand

that You are the One

who makes a way when things seem impossible; nothing is too hard for You!

(John 14:27; Isaiah 43:19; Jeremiah 32:17; Luke 1:37)

Help them be faithful to You

and to the way You want them to live,

for You guard the lives of those who are faithful; You protect them and never turn away from them.

Help them know You as their fortress,

as the rock in whom they take refuge,

as One who is good,

whose love endures forever,

whose faithfulness continues through all generations.

(Psalm 97:10; Proverbs 2:8;

Psalm 37:28; 94:22; 100:5)

In Jesus' name, amen.

 

- Jim & Kaye Johns

 

Sundays With Joyce

HUMILITY

Proverbs 15:33

......The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility goes before honor.

Matthew 23:12

..... All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

1 Peter 5:5

..... In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

           Psalm 18:27 ..... For you deliver a humble people, but the haughty eyes   you bring down.

Zephaniah 2:3

..... Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do his commands; seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the Lord's wrath.

Psalm 25:9

..... He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.

Matthew 11:29

..... Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Ephesians 4:1-2

..... I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Colossians 3:12

..... As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

1 Peter 3:8

.... all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

Matthew 18:4 ......

Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

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Humility

Don't brag about your successes,
Don't put on false airs,
Jesus was a truly humble Man
When He lost his life to a nightmare.

God loved the world so much,
He gave His only begotten Son,
That when we truly believe
Great battles are won!

If we will listen to this message,
And believe with all our heart,
We, too, will win great battles,
And our fears will all depart.

Kneel in humble submission,
Invite Jesus to come in,
Confess all your sins to Him
And you can't help but win.

Praise His name with honor,
He is the Prince of Peace,
He takes our every problem,
And our joy will always increase.

Open your heart to the Savior,
Who gave His life for you,
He is the bright and morning star,
Humble, loving, and true.

He will bless all who listen,
All who humble themselves and pray,
Jesus is the only answer,
And He walks with us every day.


~ Eva May Young ~

 

 

'Humility is the only true wisdom by which we prepare our minds for all the possible changes of life.'

'Modesty is a shining light; it prepares the mind to receive knowledge, and the heart for truth.'

'Don't be so humble--you are not that great.'

'In peace there's nothing so becomes a man as modest stillness and humility. '

'God hath sworn to lift on high who sinks himself by true humility.'

'O be very sure That no man will learn anything at all, unless he first will learn humility'

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A Prayer for Humility

Lord Jesus, I must begin my day today by confessing that my heart has often been deceived into thinking that I am living a life of humble service when in reality, many of my motivations are grounded in selfishness.   I am so grateful You helped me to understand this about myself many years ago -- and are still faithfully reminding me when I start to get off track again.

Remind me that it is far better to have no reputation at all than to attain great things on my own power.   The more I have come to understand how wise You truly are, and how Your Holy Word is so full of practical advice for my day to day living, the stronger I have grown.   You have blessed me with fruit that was planted solidly.   Thank You that You are showing me that my feelings of inadequacy are actually good because they keep me from becoming self centered.

I pray today that I will become more like Jesus than I was yesterday.   I pray I will be unafraid to act in obedience when I hear You call.   Make me more aware each day of the tremendous authority I have received from You, which helps me not blow it by claiming it as my own.   Please never let me misuse the gifts You have given me.

I close this prayer today by asking You to never let me become a stumbling block to anyone.   Help me to never do anything that could bring harm to others. True humility empowers and strengthens and casts out fears.

Thank You for reminding me.....

DAILY OM....Choosing True Connections

Technology As Distraction

We are often lured by the promise of new technologies to make our lives easier and help connect us to others.

While they do so in many ways, they also present each of us with opportunities to make new choices about how we spend our time and invest our energy.

Most gadgets are generally meant to improve the quality of our lives, but it is when we spend too much time with them that they actually do the opposite. By always using our portable emailers, cell phones, video games, and surfing the Internet, we actually become less connected and more distracted.

By becoming aware of these tendencies, we harness the power to overcome them and make better choices for ourselves and our families.

Once we decide to consciously put our gadgets to work for us, we become masters of our time. We can give our full attention to whatever we are doing and not let phone conversations and other distractions take the place of human contact.

Each of us has the ability to consciously choose to be more present in our lives. We can decide at any time to leave our gadgets behind and become aware of the sights and sounds around us in order to expand our awareness and be fully present in our bodies and our surroundings.

When we use our discernment about how we invest our personal energy, we can be sure that we choose only the best for ourselves and those we love.

Our gadgets can be useful tools for our journey in the material world, but we must not forget that we are spiritual beings having a human experience and that means interacting with people on a personal level.

Choices that enliven us and help us feel connected to our world and our loved ones always deserve our full attention and presence of mind, body, and spirit.

(Call 1-877-2-DAILYOM (1-877-232-4596) to listen to DailyOM messages on your phone for free.)

 

What do you think?

SUNDAYS WITH JOYCE

Tree of Life

 

Psalm 1:3....... He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

 

Psalm 106:3....... Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right.

Pasalm 106: 8....... His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.

Daniel 12:3..... Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.

Hoseah 10:12..... Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.

Malachi 3:3..... He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness,

Malachi 4:2..... But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.

Matthew 15:4...... Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

Matthew 15: 5...... "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

 

 

The Tree Of Life

Each man is as a tree, created by God,

Unique as it reaches to the heavens above.

For, the tree of life, it blossoms, it grows,

From its roots to the heavens, its majesty shows.

The tree of life, kept strong as it grew,

Shed the old, and began to renew.

With Christ as its roots, that we do not see,

Providing the strength, for each special tree.

With rings of age, trial hidden within - sturdy it stays.

Through life’s stormy days - gently it sways.

Its bark is a shield, to weather the strife,

But, it is the blood that gives precious life.

And, if its trunk grows crooked - may it not fall,

As it searches for heaven - and tries to stand tall.

For, the tree of life, its branches span wide,

Though the tree can be hurt, by those at its side.

But, a broken branch, like a broken heart,

Can make the tree stronger, though it’s ripped apart.

Left alone, it can wither, and most surely die,

As tears, from heaven, rain down - in great cry.

But, cared for, it grows – still mighty and strong,

Its fruits can be many, though its life not long.

For, from a single tree, fruit and seed come in plenty,

Food... shelter...air... soil fertility - so abundantly.

And, though the tree can be cut, shoots continue to sprout,

For, the tree of life can not be put out!

And when the time comes, its wood will burn bright,

For, the tree of life gives warmth and eternal light.

And if lightning strikes, and life on Earth stops,

I’ll reap what I’ve sown as seeds for my crops.

For, the tree of life, it blossoms, it grows,

From its roots to the heavens, it majesty shows.

Yes, each tree is special, for it is true,

That Christ died on the tree -

For me - and for you!

By: Jeanne A. Brohart

 

 

 

"If others believe you not, go ahead and be who you are made to be. Beleiving oneself starts from the capabilities to shoulder the real person you are"

 

"Love your own life,
And make others love their life.
This is nothing but life."

 

 

Unbiased Prayer

 

 

May every creature

abound in well-being and peace

May every living being,

weak or strong,

the long and the small,

the short and the medium-sized,

the mean and the great--

may every living being,

seen or unseen,

those dwelling far off,

those nearby,

those already born,

those waiting to be born--

may all attain inward peace.

 

Let noone decieve another,

despise another in any situation

let noone,

from confusion or hatred,

wish evil to anyone at all.

Just as a mother,

with her own life,

protects her only son from hurt,

so within yourself

foster a limitless concern

for every living creature.

Display a heart of boundless love

for all the world

 

In all it's height

and depth and broad extent--

love unrestrained,

without hate or second thought

Then,

as you stand or walk,

sit or lie,

until overcome by drowsiness,

devote your mind

entirely to this

 

it is known as

...

living here the life divine

SUNDAYS WITH JOYCE

 

THANKFULNESS

 

Ephesians 5:20,.... Give thanks always for all things unto God and the father in the name of the Lord jesus Christ;

Colossians 3:15 .... And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful

Psalm 30:12....To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent, O Lord my God, I will give thanks to thee for ever

Psalm 35:18....I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.

1 Thessalonians 5:18....In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you

Psalm 116:17....I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.

1 Chronicles 29:13....Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

Psalm 69:30....I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 75:1....We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 136:26....Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever

 

 

Everyday I'm Thankful,

by Heather Kemper, USA

 

Everyday I'm thankful
you came into my life.
The good days and the bad
the darkest and the bright.

No matter what has happened
it's been better because you're there.
For your love and understanding
no words can compare.

The gifts that you have given me
I never dreamed that I'd receive.
The strength I've always found in you
gave me hope when I couldn't believe.

Some days I know you question
your effect upon my life.
Trust in all I'm saying
it's been nothing but good and bright.

All my dreams and longings
came true because of you.
Without which I'd be lost
unsure of what to do.

So every day I'm thankful
for the love and hope you give.
You've given me the reason
to dream, to love, to live.

 

 

The word "thankful" is often thought of in the most basic sense: Being grateful for something you have. But all too often, when our turn comes to list the things we are thankful for, we merely rattle off lists we have memorized by heart and that we repeat every year without even thinking about it. Examples of items on such a list are family, friends, having a home, pets, and food. However, the term "thankful" has come to mean so much more.

No more does it simply mean being grateful for the bigger things--it also means being grateful for those moments where you want to lift up your hands and praise God for giving you something. The 'something' doesn't have to be a material possession--it can be the love of a friend, a beautiful sunset, the sound of rain upon a window, or the feeling you get when you accomplish a major goal.

Still, this does not mean that you should not be truly thankful for the bigger things, as well.

I challenge you to take time to think about everything, even the smallest things, that you are thankful for.