Category: Luke

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Adversity on the Road

Jesus is just about to start His public ministry; He has been baptized.

“ While everyone else was being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. Then as he prayed, the sky opened up, 22  and the Holy Spirit came down upon him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven said, “You are my own dear Son, and I am pleased with you.” Luke 3:21-22 CEV

The very next thing that happens is Jesus goes alone into the desert on a 40 day fast.

“When Jesus returned from the Jordan River, the power of the Holy Spirit was with him, and the Spirit led him into the desert. 2 For 40 days Jesus was tested by the devil, and during that time he went without eating. When it was all over, he was hungry.

3 The devil said to Jesus, “If you are God’s Son, tell this stone to turn into bread.”

4  Jesus answered, “The Scriptures say, ‘No one can live only on food.’ ” Luke 4:1-4 CEV

What I’ve read and what I’ve been told it this. Within about 3 days the hunger pains go away but when they return it is a sign that the body is depleted, and it will begin to break down vital tissue to stay alive.

Jesus was hungry. He was at his weakest and that’s when the devil intensified the temptation.

“If” you are God’s Son! The temptation was to get Jesus to doubt who He was. If. How many times have we been faced with the temptation to wonder if we are called, if we were good enough, if God loves us.

If.

But listen to Jesus’ response. It is written. The Scriptures say. When we are attacked with life’s ifs, we need to know what the Scripture says.

First the devil attacked His identity, then he attacked Jesus’ humility and finally he attacked His divinity.

“Then the devil led Jesus up to a high place and quickly showed him all the nations on earth. 6 The devil said, “I will give all this power and glory to you. It has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 Just worship me, and you can have it all.”

8  Jesus answered, “The Scriptures say: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve only him!’ ” Luke 4:5-8 CEV

This was the temptation that the devil himself couldn’t resist. The Bible tells us that satan said he would place his throne above God’s.

“ For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:” Isaiah 14:13 KJV

Surely, he thought Jesus would fall into the same pit he did, the pit of pride. Not being successful there he pulled out one more temptation that he figured would trip Jesus up. The devil used the very thing Jesus was drawing on for strength, the Scriptures.

“Finally, the devil took Jesus to Jerusalem and had him stand on top of the temple. The devil said, “If you are God’s Son, jump off. 10-11  The Scriptures say:

‘God will tell his angels to take care of you. They will catch you in their arms, and you will not even hurt your feet on the stones.’ ”

12  Jesus answered, “The Scriptures also say, ‘Don’t try to test the Lord your God!’ ”

13 After the devil had finished testing Jesus in every way possible, he left him for a while.” Luke 4:9-13 CEV

Two things insured Jesus’ success against the attacks and temptations of the devil. The Word of God, which is the sword of the Spirit and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. God has also given these to us; empowering us to be victorious over all the works of the enemy.

Watch out for the pitfalls on the road. Because of the cross we are victorious!

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Making A Public Stand

After Jesus talked with the elders in the Temple at age twelve, we know nothing further of his life until He starts His public ministry.

“Years later, John the Baptist started preaching in the desert of Judea. 2  He said, ‘Turn back to God! The kingdom of heaven will soon be here.’ 3  John was the one the prophet Isaiah was talking about, when he said, ‘In the desert someone is shouting, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord! Make a straight path for him.’ …5 From Jerusalem and all Judea and from the Jordan River Valley crowds of people went to John. 6 They told how sorry they were for their sins, and he baptized them in the river.” Matthew 3:1-6 CEV

John and Jesus’ mothers were cousins. John was a few months older than Jesus. They grew up in different towns. They each had a God-given purpose; they each had a message to deliver. An angel told John’s father:

“Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayers. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son, and you must name him John. 14 His birth will make you very happy, and many people will be glad. 15  Your son will be a great servant of the Lord. He must never drink wine or beer, and the power of the Holy Spirit will be with him from the time he is born. 16 John will lead many people in Israel to turn back to the Lord their God…This is how John will get people ready for the Lord.” Luke 1:13-17 CEV

Get the people ready for the Lord!

“John told them, ‘I use water to baptize people. But here with you is someone you don’t know. 27 Even though I came first, I am not good enough to untie his sandals.’ 28 John said this as he was baptizing east of the Jordan River in Bethany.

29 The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said: ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 He is the one I told you about when I said, “Someone else will come, who is greater than I am, because he was alive before I was born.” 31 I didn’t know who he was. But I came to baptize you with water, so that everyone in Israel would see him.

32 I was there and saw the Spirit come down on him like a dove from heaven. And the Spirit stayed on him. 33 Before this I didn’t know who he was. But the one who sent me to baptize with water had told me, “You will see the Spirit come down and stay on someone. Then you will know that he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” 34 I saw this happen, and I tell you that he is the Son of God.” John 1:26-34 CEV

John’s life had one purpose – to prepare the way for Jesus. Up to that time he had lived in the desert in basic obscurity but now, God had led him to a very public ministry. His message resonated in the hearts of people; they were looking for the Messiah. John wasn’t Him but he had a message about Him, “he is the Son of God”!

We also have been given a message to deliver.

“We were sent to speak for Christ, and God is begging you to listen to our message. We speak for Christ and sincerely ask you to make peace with God. 21 Christ never sinned! But God treated him as a sinner, so Christ could make us acceptable to God.” II Corinthians 5:20-21 CEV

John’s message announced the path that Jesus would take, the road to the cross. And now it’s time we go public and take the message of the cross to those around us!

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God Was Pleased

We don’t have a lot of Biblical information on the young and formative years of Jesus, but we do know that His earthly parents were faithful to raise Him to love the Lord God and follow God’s statutes.

Each year they would take Jesus to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration. You remember Passover, it’s when God told the Israelites to kill a lamb and place its blood on the door posts and lentils so the death angel would “pass over” their homes when he came through Egypt.

Here is the one story we do have about Jesus’ childhood.

” Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for Passover. And when Jesus was twelve years old, they all went there as usual for the celebration. 43 After Passover his parents left, but they did not know that Jesus had stayed on in the city. 44 They thought he was traveling with some other people, and they went a whole day before they started looking for him. 45 When they could not find him with their relatives and friends, they went back to Jerusalem and started looking for him there. 46 Three days later they found Jesus sitting in the temple, listening to the teachers and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was surprised at how much he knew and at the answers he gave.” Luke 2:42-47 CEV

Now please don’t over spiritualize this story.

We have two parents who thought their son was hanging with friends on their way back to Nazareth. At the end of the day, they find that he isn’t anywhere in the traveling party. They go back to Jerusalem, searching for him. It takes them three days. Three days, to find him!

They must have been worried sick. The city was crowded, the roads they traveled could be dangerous for someone alone; they searched…and finally found Him in the temple. He was learning from the elders and at the same time was amazing them with His knowledge.

“When his parents found him, they were amazed. His mother said, ‘Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been very worried, and we have been searching for you!’ 49 Jesus answered, “Why did you have to look for me? Didn’t you know that I would be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he meant. 51 Jesus went back to Nazareth with his parents and obeyed them. His mother kept on thinking about all that had happened. 52  Jesus became wise, and he grew strong. God was pleased with him and so were the people.” Luke 2:48-52 CEV

Young Jesus was obedient, wise, strong and He pleased His heavenly Father. He was already on the road that would lead Him to the cross. Along that road He touched the lives of the people He came in contact with – the friends, the Temple rulers, the people that came to the Temple to learn from them, His mother and the people in His village.

So, what does that have to do with you and I?

“God himself was pleased to live fully in his Son. 20 And God was pleased for him to make peace by sacrificing his blood on the cross, so that all beings in heaven and on earth would be brought back to God. 21 You used to be far from God. Your thoughts made you his enemies, and you did evil things. 22 But his Son became a human and died. So God made peace with you, and now he lets you stand in his presence as people who are holy and faultless and innocent.” Colossians 1:19-22 CEV

Jesus walked the road to the cross and pleased God so that you and I could have peace with the Father. We have been made holy, faultless and innocent because of Him!

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Navigating in the Dark

Have you ever tried to walk in the dark? In someone else’s house? Or on a dark road in nature? It can be scary, unnerving at best. It’s always helpful and encouraging to have someone there to shed some light on the path.

I think that’s how Joseph and Mary must have felt. They were navigating through the darkness of tradition and propriety. Old Testament law said that the penalty of sexual intercourse before marriage was death and at the very least, worthy of being ostracized by the family.

Enter Joseph.

“This is how Jesus Christ was born. A young woman named Mary was engaged to Joseph from King David’s family. But before they were married, she learned that she was going to have a baby by God’s Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph was a good man and did not want to embarrass Mary in front of everyone. So he decided to quietly call off the wedding.

20 While Joseph was thinking about this, an angel from the Lord appeared to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, the baby that Mary will have is from the Holy Spirit. Go ahead and marry her. 21  Then after her baby is born, name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. 22 So the Lord’s promise came true, just as the prophet had said, 23  “A virgin will have a baby boy, and he will be called Immanuel,” which means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew 1:18-23 CEV

There is no cross without a manger. No Easter without Christmas.

“Then the angel told Mary, “Don’t be afraid! God is pleased with you, 31  and you will have a son. His name will be Jesus. 32  He will be great and will be called the Son of God Most High.” Luke 1:30-32 CEV

“ All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord’s glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened. 10 But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. 11 This very day in King David’s hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:9-11 CEV

The angels came with a message, with direction, with hope and peace. Generally, their first words were “don’t be afraid”. Fear needs to be dispelled so that we can comprehend the rest of the message.

A child, a Savior, the Son of God is born. He IS Christ the Lord and He WILL save His people from their sins!

Jewish babies were born all the time, but none were like this one. He came from God’s right hand and He was miraculously conceived. He had a purpose.

“A man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem. He was a good man who was devoted to God…26 The Holy Spirit told him that he would not die before he saw the Messiah from the Lord…33 Jesus’ father and mother were amazed at what Simeon said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, ‘Many Jews will fall and many will rise because of this boy. He will be a sign from God that some will not accept. 35 So the secret thoughts of many will be made known. And the things that happen will be painful for you—like a sword cutting through your heart.’” Luke 2:25-33 ERV

Here we have the young parents and the old, faithful servant of God. Young parents who have the responsibility of raising God’s Son. The old man, who knows how this child’s life will end. God is faithful to them both.

He is also faithful to us. He has promised to never leave or abandon us; He will shed light on our path, even in the darkest hours, and will provide light for our journey.

“…Everything that was created 4  received its life from him, and his life gave light to everyone…” John 1:3-4 CEV

Because of the cross we never have to navigate the darkness alone!

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Looking Back Going Forward

Looking back on where we’ve been often times reminds us of how far we have come.

A common phrase used throughout the written history of the Israelite people is “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob”. God wanted them to remember how He came to those who lived before and walked with them in the desert, in the wilderness, in times of famine and in times of victory.

“Always make us eager to give, and help us be faithful to you, just as our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob faithfully worshiped you.” I Chronicles 29:18 CEV

We often become anxious as we look to our future, knowing something wonderful has been planned but seems just out of reach. I see Jesus waiting patiently for His entrance into life on earth. From the garden His path had been set. About 400 years before that event Isaiah foretells the birth, ministry and the death of Christ.

“A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace. 7 His power will never end; peace will last forever. He will rule David’s kingdom and make it grow strong. He will always rule with honesty and justice. The Lord All-Powerful will make certain that all of this is done.” Isaiah 9:6-7 CEV

They looked forward to a coming Messiah and we look back. They were waiting for deliverance while we are able to live in the freedom that Christ provided.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is on me, because the Lord has chosen me to bring good news to poor people. He has sent me to heal those with a sad heart. He has sent me to tell those who are being held and those in prison that they can go free. 2 He has sent me to tell about the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day our God will bring punishment. He has sent me to comfort all who are filled with sorrow. 3 To those who have sorrow in Zion I will give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes. I will give them the oil of joy instead of sorrow, and a spirit of praise instead of a spirit of no hope. Then they will be called oaks that are right with God, planted by the Lord, that He may be honored.” Isaiah 61:1-3 NLV

These words that Isaiah recorded are the words that Jesus spoke and are recorded in the book of Luke.

“ Someone handed Him the book of the early preacher Isaiah. He opened it and found the place where it was written, 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me…20 Jesus closed the book. Then He gave it back to the leader and sat down. All those in the Jewish place of worship kept their eyes on Him. 21 Then He began to say to them, “The Holy Writings you have just heard have been completed today.” Luke 4:17-21 NLV

They looked for a coming Saviour; we see a risen Lord!

“3 He was hated and men would have nothing to do with Him, a man of sorrows and suffering, knowing sadness well…5 But He was hurt for our wrong-doing. He was crushed for our sins. He was punished so we would have peace. He was beaten so we would be healed…11 He will see what the suffering of His soul brings, and will be pleased. By what He knows, the One Who is right and good, My Servant, will carry the punishment of many and He will carry their sins.” Isaiah 53 NLV

Christ left all He had possessed in heaven to bring His love to the cross. We leave all we had – our sin, anger, worry, fear, unforgiveness, self-promotion – to the cross and there we find joy, peace, love and forgiveness.

Looking back, we receive new life to go forward!

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The Lamb

Today we will walk in the steps of the Israelites as they get ready to leave Egypt. Over 500 years have passed since Abraham and Jacob went to the mountain and God provided a sacrificial lamb.

In our story today, there is another lamb that needs to be sacrificed.

Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph have all died. The Israelities, Jacob’s descendants, had gone to Egypt during a time of famine. Joseph had been promoted by the pharaoh as the second most influential man in Egypt. His planning had saved many from starvation but after he died the Bible tells us that a pharaoh who “didn’t know Joseph” began to rule and he was afraid of the Israelites, so he enslaved them.

God saw the plight of the Israelites and put a plan in motion for their salvation and deliverance. Enter Moses, the one who would lead them out of Egypt.

Moses had been raised in the pharaoh’s palace. He had been rescued as an infant by pharaoh’s daughter, but he lost his status in the palace, fled Egypt, became a shepherd, had an encounter with the Lord and returned to Egypt as the one who had been called to deliver God’s people.

“Then after Moses grew up, his faith made him refuse to be called the king’s grandson. 25  He chose to be mistreated with God’s people instead of having the good time that sin could bring for a little while. 26 Moses knew that the treasures of Egypt were not as wonderful as what he would receive from suffering for the Messiah, and he looked forward to his reward.” Hebrews 11:24-26 CEV

You’re probably aware of the story, “Let my people go” was God’s message. However, the pharaoh had a hard heart and no matter the severity of the plagues – frogs, locusts, darkness, hail, blood, blight of crops, animals dying, – he refused to let them go.

The final plague was the death of the first born in every household. However, God had a plan that would save and deliver the Israelites.

“ So Moses called all the elders together and told them, ‘Get the lambs for your families. Kill the lambs for the Passover. 22 Take bunches of hyssop and dip them in the bowls filled with blood. Paint the blood on the sides and top of each doorframe. No one must leave their house until morning. 23 At the time the Lord goes through Egypt to kill the firstborn, he will see the blood on the sides and top of each doorframe. Then he will protect that house and not let the Destroyer come into any of your houses and hurt you. 24 You must remember this command. This law is for you and your descendants forever. 25 You must remember to do this even when you go to the land the Lord is giving you. 26 When your children ask you, ‘Why are we doing this ceremony?’ 27 you will say, ‘This Passover is to honor the Lord, because when we were in Egypt, he passed over the houses of Israel. He killed the Egyptians, but he saved the people in our houses.’” Exodus 12:21-27 ERV

The blood of the lamb was a sign of obedience and salvation for the Israelites.

Hundreds of years later Jesus was celebrating the Passover with his disciples, and this is what He said:

“When the time came for Jesus and the apostles to eat, 15 he said to them, “I have very much wanted to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer…19 Jesus took some bread in his hands and gave thanks for it. He broke the bread and handed it to his apostles. Then he said, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Eat this as a way of remembering me!’ 20  After the meal he took another cup of wine in his hands. Then he said, ‘This is my blood. It is poured out for you, and with it God makes his new agreement.'” Luke 22:14-21 CEV

A lamb, an innocent lamb, became a milestone, a sign post of direction pointing the way to the Lamb of God and the cross.

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THANK YOU!

Thank you for reading faithfully and giving me the opportunity to share God’s word with you each day.

“Whoever can be trusted with small things can also be trusted with big things.” Luke 16:10 ERV

Yesterday marked a milestone!

100,037 reads

45,888 visitors

2,418 posts

408 FB followers

143 blog subscribers

7.5 years of daily postings

Untold number of new friends made, and prayers prayed.

Thank you for deep within my heart.

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For Goodness Sake

“But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their sinful self. They have given up their old selfish feelings and the evil things they wanted to do.” Galatians 5:22-24 ERV

I hope you took the opportunities you had yesterday to be kind. Today we will be planting seeds of goodness, which may look very similar to kindness but there is a distinct difference.

Kindness is something we do for others. Anyone can do random acts of kindness, but goodness is an attitude of the heart.

Goodness is a moral excellence.

“People who try hard to do good and be faithful will find life, goodness, and honor.” Proverbs 21:21 ERV

“God’s love will come together with his faithful people. Goodness and peace will greet them with a kiss. 11 People on earth will be loyal to God, and God in heaven will be good to them.” Psalm 85:10-11 ERV

There are several places in the Bible where goodness and fairness are linked together. Some refer to our actions toward others and some refer to God’s heart toward us.

“You must always be fair. You must not favor some people over other people. You must not take money to change your mind in judgment. Money blinds the eyes of wise people and changes what a good person will say. 20 Goodness and Fairness! You must try very hard to be good and fair all the time. Then you will live and keep the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 16:19-21 ERV

“Lord, your faithful love reaches to the sky. Your faithfulness is as high as the clouds. 6 Your goodness is higher than the highest mountains. Your fairness is deeper than the deepest ocean. Lord, you protect people and animals. 7Nothing is more precious than your loving kindness. All people can find protection close to you.” Psalm 36:5-7 ERV

Here the character of God is in full view – His faithful love, goodness, fairness and His kindness. Because God is love, His heart is good, His thoughts are fair and His actions are kind.

Jesus taught about this attitude of the heart.

“ Every tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces. You won’t find figs on thorny weeds. And you can’t pick grapes from thornbushes! 45 Good people have good things saved in their hearts. That’s why they say good things. But those who are evil have hearts full of evil, and that’s why they say things that are evil. What people say with their mouths comes from what fills their hearts.

46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but you don’t do what I say? 47 The people who come to me, who listen to my teachings and obey them—I will show you what they are like: 48 They are like a man building a house. He digs deep and builds his house on rock. The floods come, and the water crashes against the house. But the flood cannot move the house, because it was built well.” Luke 6:44-48 ERV

A good heart is one that is obedient and grounded on God’s word. A good heart will produce kind actions. Let’s all be good, for goodness’ sake!

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Peace Reigns

“But the fruit that comes from having the Holy Spirit in our lives is: love, joy, peace, not giving up, being kind, being good, having faith, 23 being gentle, and being the boss over our own desires. The Law is not against these things.” Galatians 5:22-23 NLV

Today’s image is the International Peace Garden in North Dakota. I think everyone wants peace – peace in our soul, in our hearts, in our families and communities. There’s really only one way to peace, true peace, and that’s through trusting the power of God to be at work in our lives.

 Jesus said: “I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” John 16:33 ERV

The Christian life is not free from struggles or difficult circumstances. All we have to do is look at Jesus’ time with His disciples to see that. They were ridiculed by the religious leaders; they faced mobs that sought to destroy them and then they dealt with physical storms as well.

“‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’ 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:38-39 NKJV

“And what about the seed that fell among the thorny weeds? That is like the people who hear the teaching but let worries about this life and love for money stop it from growing. So it does not produce a crop in their lives.” Matthew 13:22 ERV

Jesus does care! He doesn’t want us to perish; He doesn’t want us to be in turmoil, chaos or confusion. He doesn’t want the cares of this life or fear to choke out our peace.

“I leave you peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid.” John 14:27 ERV

“Suddenly many other angels came down from heaven and joined in praising God. They said: 14 “Praise God in heaven! Peace on earth to everyone who pleases God.” Luke 2:13-14 CEV

“ You will keep the man in perfect peace whose mind is kept on You, because he trusts in You. 4 Trust in the Lord forever. For the Lord God is a Rock that lasts forever.” Isaiah 26:3-4 NLV

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. 7 And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.” Philippians 4:6-7 ERV

“ Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ERV

Christ came into the world bringing peace on earth and good will from His Father. He left earth leaving us with His peace to overcome the attacks we would face. By trusting Him completely, by keeping our thoughts centered on Him, He will stand guard over our hearts and bring us perfect peace.

Because of Christ we have peace. These verses are seeds worth harvesting. Happy Planting!

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Growing Joy

I’ve got joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.

Where?

Down in my heart, down in my heart.

I’ve got joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.

Down in my heart to stay!

That’s a chorus I remember singing as a young girl in Sunday School. Little did I realize that the stories I was learning about Jesus and His love for me were planting seeds of joy in my heart.

“But the fruit that comes from having the Holy Spirit in our lives is: love, joy, peace, not giving up, being kind, being good, having faith, 23 being gentle, and being the boss over our own desires. The Law is not against these things.” Galatians 5:22-23 NLV

Joy: to experience great pleasure or delight : REJOICE.

I can hear someone asking, “Kristi, do you expect me to be happy all the time? That’s just not possible.”

Let’s let the Bible answer that question.

“Be full of joy always because you belong to the Lord. Again I say, be full of joy!” Philippians 4:4 NLV

“Or the one who hates me will say, ‘I have power over him.’ And those who hate me will be happy when I am shaken. 5 But I have trusted in Your loving-kindness. My heart will be full of joy because You will save me. 6 I will sing to the Lord, because He has been good to me.” Psalm 134:4-6 NLV

“Our hope comes from God. May He fill you with joy and peace because of your trust in Him. May your hope grow stronger by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NLV

“ The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. See! I bring you good news of great joy which is for all people. 11 Today, One Who saves from the punishment of sin has been born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 NLV

“You will show me the way of life. Being with You is to be full of joy. In Your right hand there is happiness forever.” Psalm 16:11 NLV

“ The Lord is my strength and my safe cover. My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. So my heart is full of joy. I will thank Him with my song. ” Psalm 28:7 NLV

We can be joy-full when people hate us or when they treat us badly. Joy is not predicated on our outward circumstances. It is a condition of the heart.

“ For every tree is known by its own fruit. Men do not gather figs from thorns. They do not gather grapes from thistles. 45 Good comes from a good man because of the riches he has in his heart. Sin comes from a sinful man because of the sin he has in his heart. The mouth speaks of what the heart is full of.” Luke 6:44-45 NLV

When we plant seeds of joy because we belong to the Lord and dwell in His presence, our heart will produce joy no matter the circumstance.

I looked up the word joy in the NLV, New Living Version, this morning and found 444 verses on joy. That’s a lot of seed and it will produce a big harvest. Time to start planting.

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