Joyce

Uncontaminated Love

The whole point of what we’re urging is simply love—love uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith, a life open to God. 1 Timothy 1:5 Paul continues to urge his followers to follow Jesus with uncontaminated love. Paul, who was so full of hatred before he met Jesus, is now stuck on the theme of love. LoveContinue reading “Uncontaminated Love”

Commitment-Contentment-Courage

Deuteronomy 6:6 -And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. (NLT) Philippians 4:11 – for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. (NIV)Joshua 1:9 -This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”Continue reading “Commitment-Contentment-Courage”

Do Not Be Intimidated

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 This theme runs throughout the book of Joshua and these verses are some of the most encouraging in scripture. obey Me and be strong. I will never abandonContinue reading “Do Not Be Intimidated”

Forget and Anticipate

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past See, I am doing a new thing!…Isa 43:18 Thank You for this passage, Lord. Oh, how I want to forget all the things that have affected me negatively in my past. All those things that have created insecurity, unfounded fears, poor self-image, distrust and unworthiness. I am so gladContinue reading “Forget and Anticipate”

Merry Thanksmas

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 Today is a day of rejoicing and thanksgiving. Today as we take down the tree and put away the Christmas ornaments and nativities, I will be shedding tears of joy, not only forContinue reading “Merry Thanksmas”

Baptism of the Spirit

16-17 The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God’s Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.” Matthew 3:17-18 Jesus needed John to baptizeContinue reading “Baptism of the Spirit”

Keep Moving

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,.. So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt…. On arrival, he settled in the village of Nazareth. This move was a fulfillment of the prophetic words, “He shall be called a Nazarene. Matthew 2 :1,14,23 Three times inContinue reading “Keep Moving”

Joseph- Love in Action

And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child. Luke 2:4-6 At this time Augustus decreed that everyone inContinue reading “Joseph- Love in Action”

Let the Son Shine In

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2 Isaiah continues his prophecy of the future coming of Jesus. Jesus will bring light into the darkness caused by sin. The NIV says, “to those who walk in the land ofContinue reading “Let the Son Shine In”

Do Not Be Afraid

But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, andContinue reading “Do Not Be Afraid”