11/2/2023 0 Comments Rejoice TodayEvery day has something to be glad for because God made it! We may be feeling the opposite of happiness about our situation, but joy doesn’t depend on what is happening in the moment. True joy comes from recognizing who God is (the creator of the universe!) and the amazing blessings He has poured out upon us. The gift of Jesus as our Savior (the Cornerstone) is an overwhelming reason for us to rejoice and praise the Lord!
Questions for further thought: 1. What evidence do you have that the Lord is “good?” 2. Which character traits of God most inspire you to praise Him? Challenge: The next time you’re struggling to find joy in the midst of your situation, open up the Psalms. Look for a psalm of praise or thanksgiving and read it aloud. Keep reading until you feel indescribable joy well up within the deepest part of you.
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11/1/2023 0 Comments Opportunity for JoyNo one enjoys experiencing trouble or is happy about the stress of temptation. Yet, James tells us to “consider it an opportunity for great joy.” I think what he means by this is best illustrated by a student struggling to learn a new concept or skill. If easy to do, there is less fulfillment in the accomplishment. But when you have to work really long and hard (with failures along the way) to achieve your goal, the victory is even sweeter!
Questions for further thought: 1. When have you experienced the great joy of overcoming a difficult obstacle in your life? 2. How is your spiritual endurance? Challenge: Just as athletes work out physically to build their endurance, so must we develop our spiritual “muscles” so we can endure testing and temptation. Choose a new way to “exercise” spiritually or add to your current “workout.” Remember that unused muscles will atrophy. |
AuthorThis devotional is written every week by Hillcrest members. Archives
May 2024
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