Lent: Joy

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and pace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Roman 15:13

Lent is a season of deep repentance, yes. But, it should also be a time when we are keenly aware of the joy that we have in Christ. As son's and daughter's of Christ..." we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character,  hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by they Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."  Romand 5:2-5

Derek keeps a list of verses on JOY taped to his computer monitor on his desk at work. As he looks at his computer, he can't miss the sheet full of reasons to celebrate JOY. Today, we pray that each of you would know the JOY God has for you and your life.

Psalm 5:11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your  name may rejoice in you.

Psalm 100:1-2 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

 Jeremiah 15:16 When your words came, II ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God Almighty.

 John 15:9-11 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace...

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: REJOICE! 

1 Thessalonians 5:16 Be joyful always. 

James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

1 Peter 1:8-9 Through you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 

Lent: Reflection

As we go deeper into the season of Lent, God has "wowed" us with his presence, his faithfulness and his deep desire to abide in us. I've already posted that Lent is a time of reflecting on the cross of Christ, the life and ministry of Christ and a time of deep repentance of sin. Let me confess that my eyes have not been solely on Christ in the past few weeks. All too often my eyes have turned inward and focused on my needs, my wants, my desires. But, I'm going to say that in all this I am thankful! God has used this time for good in our lives. I'm telling you, he brought a possible job offer into our lives for a purpose. And we think that purpose was to 1. test our faithfulness, 2. reveal his faithfulness, 3. reveal our deeper desires, what's truly in the heart, 4. grow us in wisdom and wise council, 5. have us completely dependent on him and his peace, 6. to reveal areas in our lives where we are "in control" and not HE, where we want to dictate our will and not HIS. He did all of this and more!

What an amazing journey we went on in such a short time. How freeing to know deep down what we are really longing for! Now, to grow in our faith that he is faithful and he will provide! As a member of the body of Christ, the bride, we know that we face nothing alone. What encouraging news! As a daughter and son in Christ, we know that we are being sanctified daily and dying to the flesh only to be renewed in the image of HIM!

Psalm 68:3 says, "But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful!"