Tag Archives: joy

Heavenly Applause

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Can’t you just hear the angels clapping when we get something right down here on earth? Scripture gives us some insight into this business of clapping our hands and so we know that it is not merely a human trait.

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. Psalm 47:1

Let the rivers clap their hands,
Let the mountains sing together for joy. Psalm 98:8

“For you will go out with joy
And be led forth with peace;
The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you,
And all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12

Psalm 134:2. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD. (This doesn’t exactly exemplify clapping but I’m sure you get the picture.)

And then there’s that great children’s song from the fifties:

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands!
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands!
If you’re happy and you know it, and you really want to show it;
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands!

Happy Sunday.

Clap Your Hands

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Today is the last day of February! It brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart. Spring is on the way! Even the trees of the fields will soon clap their hands as Isaiah tells us. Enjoy the day, whatever it holds for you, and be sure to clap your hands as you envision Spring in the air and Covid-19 out of it. Happy Sunday.

“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. . ” Isaiah 55:12 NIV

Arbor Day Prayer - Prayer Ideas

Fear, Awe, and Christmas

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Some people don’t like reading the Bible because it speaks of fearing God. But the kind of fear it speaks of is a reverential fear; more like holding God in awe, not being afraid of him as we would be afraid of an axe murderer.

Whenever I am reading the Bible and come across the word fear I replace it with the word awe. In that way I know what it means to respect going against his teachings. Why would I want to? It is with awe that I view the universe and a newborn baby, both of which he designed and created. It is with awe that I read the words spoken by Jesus after being nailed to the cross, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” Who does that?

So, yes, there are two types of fear; the fear felt when confronted with the terrors of the world, and the healthy fear (awe) felt when confronted with the teachings of God who himself said to Jacob in Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Another of those teachings is about the birth of Jesus where we read in Luke 2:10-12: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Merry Christmas.

In the Manger 300 Large Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

Weathering the Weekend

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How many times do we miss out on a wonderful weekend because we worry about what the weather will be like. Sometimes rain, snow, or sleet is predicted and doesn’t happen. Sometimes the sun will shine and sometimes it won’t. Weathering the weekend can be as exhilarating as we choose to make it. Happy Saturday.

50+ happy Saturday quotes and sayings about the best day of the week ▷ Legit.ng

Today’s Blessing

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Here is today’s reading from one of my devotionals:

Lord, bless all those today who need healing of any kind. Whether it be physical, emotional, or mental, bless them with your merciful grace and eternal love. Let each one know that they are special in your eyes and that, in the realm of spirit, there is only perfection, wholeness, and joy. Amen

Happy Sunday.

Image result for praying hands images"

May Your Needs be Met Today

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Here is a lovely prayer I copied from somewhere at sometime and may have posted before but is worth posting again.

May today be all you need it to be. May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight, and conquer all your fears. May God manifest himself today in ways you have never experienced. May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be closer, and your prayers be answered. I pray that faith enters a new height for you; I pray that your territory is enlarged. I pray for peace, healing, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, true and undying love for God. Amen.

Happy Sunday.

The Bible on Power

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Power is a powerful word…the very sound of it can sometimes evoke the feeling. Here are a few of many scriptures that give meaning to the word.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being…Ephesians 3:16

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

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

Happy Sunday.

20 Amazing Bible Verses about God’s Power

 

Thomas Kinkaid on Life

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The artist, Thomas Kinkaid, known as the painter of light, is also known for his uplifting thoughts of which I share a few here:

Life offers second chances.

You’ll never know if life can be trusted until you take the risk of really living.

Approach every day of your life with dedication.

To gain a fresh perspective on your world, try looking at life through the eyes of a child.

Life, even a balanced, harmonious life, was never meant to be static and unchanging.

Life offers courage and strength and humor to cope with the inevitable negatives.

If you want little gifts of joy in your life…you may actually have to train yourself to notice them.

Life, if you have eyes to see the whole picture, brims with meaning, with purpose.

I’ll have more Kinkaid quotes in a few days.

 

More Thomas Kinkade Quotes

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Thomas Kinkade was known as the Painter of Light because of the beautiful hints of light in all of his paintings. Here are a few more of his quotes.

Feed your heart with beauty.

Somewhere out there is a unique place for you to serve, a unique life role for you to fill.

Condition yourself for joy by doing little things you love on a regular basis.

Even the most mundane tasks can be transformed into inspiring sources of joy.

Opening our eyes to beauty really means opening our hearts and imaginations.

Beauty enters your heart to all the senses. 

Keep your eyes open for the signs of spiritual reality hiding behind a familiar disguise.

Only you can make your particular contribution to humankind.

We live far more joyfully when we allow ourselves a playful spirit.

Don’t be afraid to go deep, to dig out a spiritual reality that might not be readily discernible at first glance.

More to come.