devotional - what is joy?

This entry is a copy of a devotional I get emailed to me daily. These online devotionals are easy to read and usually very short. I use these in addition to my daily readings, especially on busy days when I just need a little refueling in between meetings or during a lunch break. If you don't already subscribe to one, I recommend you do. Little encouragements are very helpful in keeping your sanity during a busy day! =)

Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place.
 – 1 Chronicles 16:27 (NIV)

Today’s commentary
 by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org
One of the things that will mark God’s dwelling place is joy. This is more than happiness. Joy is a sense of satisfaction that causes us to be overflowing with life. A joyful person is a satisfied person. That is one reason why God tells us not to try to get life from the things of the world, for joy only resides in Him. As the saying goes: happiness is based upon happenings, but joy is based upon Jesus.

peace

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Through my journey I am continuously encountering new levels and colors of peace. I am in awe of how this little word can translate into such a large emotion. Although I am at peace myself, I feel as though there is someone out there who needs a small reminder that peace is there, all you need do is ask. Whisper it to the Lord and let Him fill you with His peace. Pray these verses and claim them for yourself today. His promises are for you and they cannot be broken. Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God" This is one of my favorite verses because it reminds me that I don't have to be God. I don't have to control everything, I don't even have to worry about everything. All I have to do is remember to be still, and I know that He is God! Claim your peace today my friend.

<><> <><> <><> <><> <><> <><> Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid

Quiet Times

This blog has been silent for quite some time now. For those faithful few out there, here we go again~


The last few months have been some of the most challenging and rewarding I have had in a long time. In the midst of accepting past hurt and finding future hopes, I have been blessed beyond belief. God has brought me to acceptance and peace after a process of deep healing began in me. The healing continues, but the pain is no longer overwhelming. I have discovered new types of joy and hope, and am beginning a new volume in the book that is my life. It's almost funny the way God works to restore us, He takes us through every element of each emotion we try to hide from, and the end result is not only a renewal, but an awakening. New levels of life, and shades of glory never before known are presented to you. Few of you have been here already, and you can understand what I mean, those of you who haven't been through it yet, in God's time you will understand the majesty that comes with allowing Him to recreate you as He intended. You will no longer think of any element of your past with shame, confusion, anger, regret or any of these feelings, rather you will view your past as a journey only you could have travelled. Your experiences become jumping off points for Gods glory, and a new hope for the future springs into your heart as you move into the next volume of your life story.