My Journey - His Plan

I Have Overcome the World...

2009-08-29T13:59:00.004-04:00

Jesus says, in John 16:33, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Too many today preach a gospel that is trouble free - and if you have troubles, you lack faith... but Jesus said, "you WILL have tribulation"... sounds to me like we can bank on it.

This verse has been running through my mind as I think of various friends or family members who are walking through dark days - hard spots in their life. It's hard to walk with them sometimes. Uncomfortable. Why do you suppose it is so hard for us? Perhaps a glimpse into circumstances we'd rather not consider? Surely that would never happen in our family, right?

But, if we are guaranteed trouble, then how do we respond, especially as those who profess faith in Christ? He says - "take heart" - or "be encouraged". I know, easier said than done... but it goes back to our perspective... is this world the best there is, or is there something more? Oh beloved, let us hope in what is to come - that is why we can take heart - because we know there is something more...

Each trouble we face is an opportunity to shout to the world that our Savior and Lord has conquered all this - and we are looking forward to all eternity with Him...

Gracious Speech

2009-07-03T08:23:00.004-04:00

My family has always teased. Depending on which side of the teasing you landed, it was less or more fun. It would seem that one who has experienced the hurt from teasing words would be least likely to participate in the practice, but that is not always the case. Instead, quick defenses come to mind:

"Aww - it just means we love you if we tease you."

"You just need thicker skin - it's just teasing!"

"Can't you take a joke?"

But words can sting. Indeed, they can hurt deeply... and sometimes what is meant in jest can wound. Worse yet, words, once said, cannot be taken back.

Ephesians 4:29 (ESV) says: "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occassion, that it may give grace to those who hear."

Could any of my teasing meet that requirement? It is doubtful. If I really put my teasing words to the test, they would be better described as building myself up, at the expense of someone else. Grace is probably not how the receiver of the teasing would describe my words.

Gratitude fills my heart for my two friends, both brave enough to confront me about my teasing words... I pray they will forgive me, and thank them for their honesty and willingness to confront my sin.

This putting off the old self and putting on the new is full-time work! My prayer for all of us is that we might let our "speech always be gracious" (Col. 4:6). Through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, it will happen!

To the Praise of His Glorious Grace!

2009-06-02T09:01:00.005-04:00

My pastor has frequently recommended journaling through a book in the Bible. Since I journal on a regular basis, I haven't been diligent to heed his advice - until recently. Looking for a way to "spice up" my daily devotional time, the journaling idea came to mind. Ephesians seemed like a good place to begin, and so I did. What a rich experience it has been - and that's just the first 14 verses in just over a week!

This morning, I decided to review the first 14 verses again. I noticed a couple phrases that are repeated:

According to the purpose of His will

To the praise of His glory (or glorious grace)

According to His purpose

That brought to mind something else my pastor said: "Everything God does is right as He sees right". Smart man, my pastor is!

Pondering these phrases, a memory filtered into my mind. Back in my college days, I was zipping around in the red, 5 speed Dodge Colt my sister and I shared. One of Ames' finest pulled me over for not making a complete stop. He didn't pull me over to be mean - but rather - to correct my error, so that I wouldn't suffer more severe consequences in the future. Oh, the shamefulness of my belligerent response. But he didn't write me a ticket - he simply gave me a warning. Now, I understand the mercy and grace he showed. Then, I was irritated at his presumption to tell me what to do. I deserved a ticket - I had earned it, especially with my sassy remarks and attitude. And yet, he gave me mercy and grace.

As I remember that occasion, it grieves me to ponder the times I have responded to God in a similar manner. Times when Jesus "pulled me over" - or when the Holy Spirit warned me against my foolish behavior. Times when I have bowed up against God and His authority in my life. Times when I still do...

After a lesson in the difference between Creator and creation - Job responded to the Creator correctly: "Behold, I am of a small account; what shall I answer You? I lay my hand on my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further." (Job 40:4, ESV)

One of these days (I hope!) I will rest peacefully in the knowledge that God always does right as He sees right. And, as an all-wise, all-perfect, all-loving, gracious and merciful and just God - I can trust Him completely. One of these days, I will truly understand that my ways and my thoughts don't measure up to the perfect counsel of God - and I will quit trying to convince myself that I somehow know better. It may not be this side of heaven - but I am looking forward to the eternal inheritance set aside for me - by His grace and according to His will to the glory of His praise!

Blessed or self-sufficient?

2009-05-23T12:53:00.007-04:00

My rolling cart was weighted down more than normal - the class I was teaching required extra materials. Pushing the elevator button, I had a bad feeling that something wasn't working right when the button didn't stay lit. Pressing it again, and yet again, I silently prayed, "Lord, please - my cart is too heavy - I have too much stuff for the stairs."

A fourth press confirmed there would be no elevator service. I trudged to the stairs dragging the cart and my soured attitude along. I left the cart at the top and took my purse, coffee cup and computer bag down the first flight to the landing. Returning to the top, I hoisted the cart, and one step at a time, made my way to the landing. As I took a break to catch my breath and consider the additional flight of stairs, a passerby offered his help. "No thanks," I proudly said, "I've got it". After all, accepting help would shut down the pity party already in progress and show my weakness - my need for others. I am competent - self-sufficient - able to handle all that comes my way!

A second man stopped to offer help. A nudge from the Holy Spirit reminded me of something I had read that morning. Something that caused me to set aside my pride and accept.

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"Blessed are the poor in spirit..."

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Just that morning, as I read through the beatitudes in Jesus' sermon on the Mount, I stopped to ponder these words. What does that mean, to be poor in spirit? I did a quick word search and found this definition:

"the opposite of self-sufficiency"

Jesus was specifically speaking of our spiritual bankruptcy apart from God... it is only when He gives us eyes to see this bankruptcy that we are able to cry out to Him in faith to receive the help we so desperately need.

Yes, too often, and especially as Americans - we esteem self-sufficiency... independence... lone-ranger mentality. But we were not designed or created to stand alone. We were created to glorify the Creator - through our intimate relationship with Him and as we interact with others. In His goodness - He saw my need - and sent help not once - but twice! And I was blessed, indeed!

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." ~ Matthew 5:3

A Psalm of Praise

2009-05-06T21:56:00.004-04:00

A few weekends ago, I snuck away on a spiritual mini-retreat. Mepkin Abbey is a trappist monastery on the Mepkin Plantation. The grounds feature lovely gardens, which sit along the Cooper River, just north of Charleston. I have retreated there for several day trips and am never disappointed!

I had read in Discipleship Journal about reading through Ps. 136 and then creating your own "verses". Here are mine:

To Him who made green grasses and trees,
His steadfast love endures forever!

To Him who knew I needed a day of rest and restoration,
His steadfast love endures forever!

To Him who kept me from going to Germany,
His steadfast love endures forever!

It is He that knows what is best for me and the plans He has for me.
His steadfast love endures forever!

To Him who convicts us of our sin, and disciplines His children,
His steadfast love endures forever!

To Him that is my source of life and source of true joy,
His steadfast love endures forever!

Lover of my soul, to You alone belongs all the glory and praise! Thank You that Your love does endure forever! Bless the Lord, oh my soul! Bless the Lord!

Bridled like a mule or a horse

2009-05-02T10:20:00.002-04:00

Several years ago, a bunch of my family gathered in Phoenix, AZ. One of our outings together was to rent horses and go for a ride in the desert. I loved to ride, so I was quite excited for the adventure!

Unfortunately, the horses weren't as excited about the trip. Some of the horses just plodded along - not responding to any nudging for a faster ride. BORING! Others, like mine, kept feeling the urge to explore "off-path". The result: crazy jumping cactus pines in their hooves and around their legs. Needless to say - it was quite a disappointment - for both us, and I imagine, the horses too!

This morning, I was reading through some Psalms and I came across this verse:

Ps. 32:8-9 (ESV) ~ "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed wtih bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you."

As I pondered what that meant, I thought of two things: 1) my horse ride in the desert on a disobedient horse, and 2) a stubborn mule (see photo above). Anyone who has ever been around a stubborn mule knows exactly what I'm talking about! What a clear picture of how NOT to react to the Lord's leading!

So, if not a stubborn mule, what then should I look like in my walk with the Lord? Lola. No, that's not an acronym, but rather the name of a beautiful dog my friend Gina owned. Lola was a golden retriever that loved her master. Not that she was perfect - but she was one of the best behaved and loyal dogs I've ever seen. She stuck to Gina, following her everywhere. (Note number one: she followed.) She also obeyed Gina's commands. (Note 2: she obeyed) As a result - both parties found joy in the relationship. Now, it's not a perfect analogy, I know - but if I were to follow and obey my Master, like Lola followed and obeyed hers, I would avoid the stubborn mule syndrome and also experience joy!

Oh Lord, I know that You will counsel me and direct my steps. Please help me to walk in a manner worthy of the calling which I have received - so that I neither need tethered or drug back on course. Help me to do as the Proverb counsels: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." (Prov. 3:5-6)

Mule picture courtesy www.virtualhorses.com

Cadence Video - look for a familiar face!

2009-05-01T17:13:00.000-04:00

Joining forces in military ministry: Partnerships from Cadence International on Vimeo.

Glen Eyrie, Colorado

2009-04-03T18:30:00.009-04:00

The Lord blessed me abundantly this week with an opportunity to spend time with dear friends in an amazing location. Stephanie & Mark Robinson (and little Savannah) happened to be in Colorado Springs (from Houston!) and I was in Denver. We made tentative plans to meet for a few stolen moments together...

As it turns out Deedra (my friend and fellow-coworker/Denver roommate!) needed to head to the Spring to check out the castle as a possible member care retreat location. So, arrangements were made and we set out this morning. Below you'll see pics from the adventure... enjoy!

Caught off Guard

2009-04-03T18:25:00.003-04:00

Like these poor tulips, we are often caught off guard by some change we weren't expecting. Isn't it good to know that God is NEVER caught off guard? Indeed, He will fulfill ALL His promises!

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plan for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jer. 29:11, ESV)

Exciting News!

2009-03-16T20:25:00.003-04:00

Sometimes, a door shuts, and we don't know why... I thought I was going to Germany - but I'm doing HR... in South Carolina.

I recently heard Jerry Rankin (president of IMB) say that we each need to find our place in missions and do our part. For some – that might be on the front line, others might use their resources to send those willing to go. It seems I may have found my place for the time being – doing Human Resources. As we continue to develop and grow systems and structure necessary to allow Cadence to exalt Christ to the nations, it seems that the Lord has prepared me for such a time as this. For all who have wondered what one does with an MBA and a MA in Christian Ministry – look no further! I am enjoying my role, but have found that I have more to do than time to do it! For this reason, I’ll be increasing my hours effective in June. Beyond systems and structures, it is my hope to also do more training and development with missionaries, helping to care for them and enable them to be more effective on the field.”

One of the reasons that I'll need a few extra hours is that I also have an opportunity for more ministry here at Ft. Jackson. I have continued to help with the coffeehouse on Friday nights - and now Bob & Annie Miller have invited me to help with a sunday school class for some of the women! Needless to say - it is a thrilling opportunity. Please keep the women in prayer... this new role will start in April.

I know times are tight for many folks, and I am extremely thankful for those who continue to give. If you would like to support this ministry by prayer - it would be a blessing. If you could donate to help support the costs associated with ministry (books, travel, and my salary) - that would be a huge blessing! (there is a link at the top right corner of my blog that takes you to the secure Cadence website).

Stay tuned for more updates in the future!
Blessings,
Andrea

Some favorite farm pics

2009-03-16T20:17:00.003-04:00

These pics are from my friends Chuck & Gina's farm... I loved the calves - and the chickens always keep me entertained!

Quick Trip Recap

2009-03-16T20:05:00.004-04:00

Mostly - I just want to post a few photos from my trip... what a great time I had seeing Kristie, Gina & Marla (pictured) as well as their families, and the Knowltons, Laura & the Chandlers. It was a lot of miles on the road - but worth it!

It's all in a name

2009-02-21T14:22:00.003-05:00

"Andrea!", I heard my sister call... "Just a minute", was my reply... I was in the middle of an email, and wanted to finish my thought before heading downstairs. It was almost dinner time, and my nephew Will had been sick... Gayle probably needed some help.

Before I could finish, I heard a little voice say, "EEEEAAAHHHH, EEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAHHHH". William had learned the power of a name. Granted, he only used the last two letters of my name - but he knew that if he called, I would come. His expectation was met as I rounded the corner and came down the stairs. And, I must confess, it felt so good to have him say my name... to hear him calling me. It is good to be known... and to be loved.

I've been thinking about names a lot this past week... as I've traveled to see friends and family - I'm known as Aunt Hammy, Aunt Neena, Aunt Andrea... names are important... and I am amazed at the power associated with a name... "and it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord [Jesus] shall be saved." (Acts 2:21) Those who call upon His name can live eternally... that's powerful! In fact, Jesus promises that "The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before His angels." (Rev. 3:5) What an amazing idea - that the Lord of Hosts knows my name! That Jesus, King of kings, pleads my name before God Almighty... what a Savior!

The Lord's Hand of Protection

2009-02-14T09:11:00.003-05:00

I was traveling down the interstate - less than 30 minutes from my destination. It had been a glorious day - spent with long-time friends - first a cup of coffee with Laura - and a long discussion of life and the sometimes difficult lessons learned... but the beauty of God's faithfulness and forgiveness...

From there I traveled north to the foothills of NW Georgia to see the Chandlers... and Camp New Dawn - their retreat and camping center. And we too, discussed the challenges of life and the Lord's faithfulness. After a few hours, I left there and wound through the passes and back roads that returned me to interstate travel and headed south to Kristie's.

Mom had just called me to fill me in on adventures of her travels when right before my eyes, cars became pinballs in the heavy traffic. A Honda was bounced to the left and then came spinning back across the road in front of me - careening to a stop in the ditch. Bumpers and parts and contents of cars littered the road. I lost track of a surburban and another gray car that went to the left. By the grace of the Lord, I was able to avoid the debris and get stopped. I lept from my car and ran toward the Honda. As I dialed 911 others arrived and we ascertained that one woman was in the car and still alive! Reports from the other side of the road also indicated that all had survived! Then I heard one of the other women yell, "Where's your baby? Where's your baby??" We all breathed a sigh of relief when the Honda driver told us she was the only passenger. The ambulance and then a firetruck arrived, then several more emergency vehicles. The professionals tooks over. That's when I cried. It was too much... I was overwhelmed.

Here is what the Honda looked like. The trunk was literally pushed to the back of the woman's driver seat.

For those who have been praying... THANK YOU!! Praise God for His hand of protection - on this mother, on the other drivers and on me! Thank Him for the firefighters, police, EMT's, etc that respond to these scenes - I don't know how they do it!

I'm staying put a few days... and will be back on the road on Monday... thanks again for praying!

Heaven

2009-02-11T21:02:00.004-05:00

Have you ever thought about heaven? What it's like? I don't think about heaven very often - certainly not as much as I probably should... I mean - I look forward to it - and I'm thankful for the righteousness of Christ that wrote my name in the Book of Life - but I just don't spend a lot of time thinking about it. Usually, what prompts me to think about it is a hard day on this earth. Then I LONG for it!

Recently, a friend's grandmother passed away. What was interesting to me, and what got me thinking about heaven, were some of the events leading up to her death. Those in the room became acutely aware that she was seeing people and things that they couldn't. People who had gone before her... like her husband. Also, angels... and even Jesus. She was ready - wanted - to go with them.

So it got me curious... what do we know about heaven? My search led me to Revelation 21 & 22. Here is what I learned:

Heaven is a holy city - the new Jerusalem and it will descend out of heaven from God.
God will dwell with man in this holy city ~ He will be with them, and they will be His people.
There will be no more tears.
Death shall be no more.
There will be no mourning or crying nor pain anymore.
Those who "conquer" will receive this inheritance.
Those who are cowardly, faithless, detestable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters and liars will not - they will instead be thrown into the lake of fire.
The new Jerusalem will have the radiance of a rare jewel - like a jasper - clear as crystal.
There will be twelve gates with the 12 tribes names written on them.
Als0 - 12 foundations - with the apostles names.
There were be jewels every where and the streets will be paved with gold!
The river of the water of life - which is bright as crystal - flowing from the thrown of God and of the Lamb - will flow through the middle of the street of the city - and on either side, the tree of life will yield 12 kinds of fruit.
There will be no light of lamp or sun for the Lord God will be the light - His glory will give it light - and the Lamb is the lamp. There will be no night there.
Nothing unclean will ever enter heaven... nor anyone who does what is detestable or false - but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of Life.

No wonder people talk about "going toward the light". I wonder if it is blinding at first - like when you've been inside a dark building and then you walk into the noon-day sun? You know - the kind of bright that makes you sneeze... I want to be like Todd's grandma - READY to go - seeing Jesus before I leave... taking His hand as I cross over into the next life.

I have so many questions about what it will be like... Oh, to never hunger or thirst again - but to live in the presence of the Lord - forever! I look forward to feeling wholly loved - all the time... I think it will be amazing... I can barely imagine!

Thank You, Jesus - that You shed Your blood on my behalf... that by Your blood I am clean and my name is written in Your book of life... O Lord - help me to conquer - to persevere and endure the trials of this world... to finish well... to glorify you! And my I remember that this world is not my home... I'm just a'passin through - heading to the city of Light!

Quick Update

2009-02-09T11:44:00.003-05:00

Greetings Friends!

I hope this finds you doing well! I am preparing for another road trip - to visit friends/supporters. It is always a time of blessing and encouragement for me to spend time with these folks - and I pray they say the same of me!

I'm not sure where January went - but it got there quickly! I had a pretty full schedule, with teaching (including two Saturdays!) and then a trip to Denver. It was a great time. I was able to spend the weekend with several of the single Cadence women. You can see pictures by clicking on this link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=47768&l=decd6&id=582949158

This past weekend was a good time with my sisters and my nephews... William is two now - and Braedan will be soon (April). They are SO active! This is such a fun age - and I am thankful that the Lord has directed my steps so that I am here for these precious moments. These pictures show the aftermath of an enjoyable bowl of spaghettios!

Well - there is too much to accomplish today for the time allotted - so I will close with those precious faces - and promise to blog again soon... actually, I was meditating on heaven this morning - and hope to blog about that in the near future!

May the Lord Jesus bless you abundantly!

Andrea

Sorry I've been MIA

2009-01-30T10:14:00.000-05:00

I guess the whole point of blogging is that you actually DO it! :) I've been on the road a lot lately - with holidays and work - so not much free time to blog. Hoping to post something again in the near future - just wanted to let you know I'm still out here!

More Christmas decorating pictures

2008-12-16T19:55:00.005-05:00

Here are the results of our actions...

Christmas through a child's eyes

2008-12-16T16:02:00.004-05:00

This past weekend was a TON of fun... Gayle and I had both boys on Friday night and Saturday - so we kicked it into high gear... We decorated a gingerbread house, put up the tree and decorated it, baked and frosted cookies and had a roaring good time!

The video captures our cookie frosting moments... and I'll post some more pics too...

Whiter Than Snow

2008-12-08T22:27:00.004-05:00

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

~ Ps. 51:7

Something we don't see very often in South Carolina - freshly fallen snow... but there is something about it that can't be described. Here in Denver - they are used to it... tonight it's falling at a pretty good clip - covering everything in a blanket of white... and I can't help but think of Ps. 51... like the winter streets in Denver - I am dirty and ugly... and yet, like the beautiful snow covering all that - so has the Lord Jesus blotted out all my iniquities... covering me with His precious blood - so that I too am beautiful in His sight.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. ~ Ps. 51.10

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T22:40:00.003-05:00

What a wonderful day! I thank the Lord for the many blessings He has given me...

Check out this amazing story of how He is still working in hearts... click HERE.

A little face lift...

2008-11-21T13:26:00.003-05:00

OK - so when you don't have time to really write and post your blog update - you can just give the blog a facelift and it is almost the same satisfaction! :)

Actually- I hope to be posting some long overdue blogs soon on more of the attributes of God AND some photos from my trip to DC... stay tuned!

Weekend Warrior

2008-10-10T15:23:00.003-04:00

I'm looking forward to this weekend... it will be action-packed with opportunities to share Christ... in word and deed... Tonight, we'll be serving up lattes, cappuccinos and cookies to soldiers at Ft. Jackson. The weekly Cadence Fortress Coffeehouse is the highlight of the week for many of them, who are in their advanced training. This is sponsored by the chaplains, and provides the soldiers with some down-time to enjoy music, fellowship and a message.

Tomorrow, there is an open house at Victory Ranch - which is a retreat ministry that Cadence does. The regular weekend retreat will be going on - with an opportunity for others to drop in and see the ministry in action. This provides soldiers with a 24-hour respite from training - where they can enjoy home-cooked meals, games, fellowship, outdoor recreations, movies, books and more! We also provide a Bible study and a Sunday message. I'll try to post some pictures after tomorrow!

I'm teaching on the Wisdom of God this weekend in Sunday school... stay tuned for a post on that next week!

Have a great weekend!

Andrea

Rising Above Our Circumstances

2008-10-07T09:14:00.004-04:00

Just to summarize the key points of the first two blogs, in case you may have forgotten… (or didn’t read them):

· God (the LORD – Yahweh) is the source and focus of our joy

· Joy is NOT based in circumstances

· Joy is NOT a synonym for happiness – although - neither does it preclude happiness

· We are commanded to be joyful – in all circumstances

Jesus spoke a fair amount about joy… in fact, at the last supper, He gave the eleven disciples some pertinent information as to how to have “full joy”. In John 15:1-12, Jesus points out three evidences of believers, which are linked to this joy:

1. They will bear fruit – and they will be pruned. Pruning is an interesting thing – because it is NOT just clipping away dead parts. In fact, it occurs in spring when vines are flowering. Fast-growing shoots are clipped, so they won’t grow too quickly, long shoots are clipped so they don’t break in the wind; some flowers or fruit are removed so that the remaining fruit will be of better quality, and “suckers” are removed so that the strength of the vine is not weakened. As believers, the fruit that we will bear is described by Paul in Galatians 5:22: love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. It is important to note that this fruit glorifies God – NOT worldly success.

2. The second identifier of a believer is that they will ABIDE in Christ. You cannot bear this fruit on your own or in your own strength. Christ says this in vs. 4-5. The ONLY way to bear this fruit is to abide in Him. Abide means to remain or continue in Him. So, if you are trusting in a prayer you prayed at some point in your life… you might want to reconsider… we must ABIDE in Him. Some ideas on how that “looks”: prayer, Bible study, fellowship with believers.

3. The third identifying trait of a believer is that they obey God’s commands. Again, Jesus gives direction on this in vs. 9-10 when He tells us that He loves His bride and that we are to abide in His love by keeping His commandments. Then, in vs. 12 He gives us one of the two commands: Love one another. (The other is to love God.) As I pondered this – I thought – “wow… what if Jesus were to return today and the litmus test of belief was the way believers loved one another?” Our churches are in a sad state of affairs – because it seems like we “love” more like the world than the love Paul describes in 1 Cor. 13. I am challenged to love more self-sacrificially by these words.

Jesus didn’t just come up with this list to burden us with more to do or to create a works-based salvation. Salvation is a work of grace – a free gift. These things can ONLY be done by one who has the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who has come to help us. But – these are a good test for us to see where we are abiding… and for those who are abiding – we rest in the knowledge that we have an eternal inheritance – and that knowledge causes our joy to be full! (v. 11) In John 16:11, Jesus says, “I have said these things to keep you from falling away”. In other words – they are boundary markers – if you go outside this – it gives cause to question your allegiances.

Jesus knew this wouldn’t be easy – and if you are like me, you are thinking – “Well, this is all great, but HOW do I do this?” We learn a lot – get “head knowledge” – but how do we move it to our heart, so that the next time our circumstances are overwhelming us, we can remember to “consider it all joy”?

Here are some practical ways to do this:

· Express spiritual affections based on TRUTHS of God

o About His character

o About His Word

o About His doings

· By being content

· By words – prayer, praise, psalms

· By attitude & countenance (smile once in a while)

· By tears of joy – (ie) crying when someone professes faith

· By silent thought – rejoicing in our heart

· By remembering the things God has done in our lives

· By laughter of joy –see 2 Sam. 6:14-16 – where the ark is returned and David and the people are dancing, shouting and singing!

· Cultivate a heart of joy

o Digging for “gold” – looking for the good in hard circumstances

o 5 Things I’m Thankful for…

· Train yourself to be alert to the many reasons FOR rejoicing. We can get so bogged down with the details of life that we MISS opportunity to rejoice. Be looking and listening to what people are telling you about what God is doing in their lives. Watch carefully for answers to your prayers…

A recent example of the last bullet point… last week, our internet suddenly and inexplicably quit working. It was a day when I had a fairly tight schedule, and none of the normal trouble-shooting techniques were working. So, I called the internet provider… which turned out to be unhelpful. In frustration, I unplugged everything and dashed off to our Ladies Bible study at church, trying to refocus my mind on my role in that. On the way home, I thought, “I haven’t even prayed about this!” And so, I asked the Lord to forgive me for not turning to Him immediately – for being independent and trying to always be self-sufficient… and then I asked Him to help me with this situation. (I depend on the internet heavily – as I telecommute).

When I walked in the door, wondering what the next step was and how much of the next day might be consumed with trouble-shooting, my sister said, “I just plugged everything back in about 5 minutes ago [the SAME time I was praying], and the internet came up!” A worldly response to that would be to list out some technical reason… “Oh, it just needed unplugged for a while to reset”… But a God-honoring response was to say, “That was exactly when I asked the Lord to intervene – ISN’T HE GOOD???” He was answering my prayer, even as I prayed it… and it is my hope that I will remember that lesson, and RUN to Him with ALL the details of my life… because He is BIG enough, powerful enough, WHATEVER enough to handle them! To HIM be the honor and glory and praise – FOREVER! He is worthy! And in HIM is our joy complete!

"What We've Learned about Joy"

2008-10-06T10:03:00.006-04:00

I'm getting ready to post my third blog on joy and I thought it might be neat to share some of the photo's of the "joy posters" created at the Unity Presbyterian Church Women's retreat. I asked them to create posters of what they had been learning about joy...