Good Books & Chocolate

Is there a better combo than these two in all the world?

This week I got that itchy feeling... that "I've GOT to get out of here" feeling. Not "I've got to get out of CHINA...just the "I've got to get out of my apartment and its immediate 1 mile radius within which I normally live 95% of my life" feeling.

If there's one thing I love doing most with my girls, it is reading books together. There is almost nothing I enjoy spending money on more than buying books for my girls. So I decided to take them downtown to "Walking Street" to the Foreign Language Bookstore and then out for a special treat.

First-- the bookstore. It has something AWESOME that you can't find just about anywhere else in this city-- great English children's books. (And bonus--during the holiday, everything in the store is 12% off!) We took the elevator up to the 3rd floor where the doors open to the children's section-- Kathryn shouts Woah, mom! Ellie gasps as if she's seen a ghost. I had the same reaction when I first checked out this store. They have rows and rows of readers, excellent picutre books and lots of educational materials. But when I saw the whole shelf of Caldecott and Newberry winners, I about fell over. Living overseas certainly has made good children's literature a precious thing to them--score!

Along the street were plenty of Chinese New Year decorations and so I snapped a fun shots... (The Year of the Ox)


































And the big treat? At the end of the street is an Outback Steakhouse where Jim and I went to dinner once last year on our anniversary. Since that night the girls have heard of the fabled "Chocolate Thunder from Down Under" and this was their turn. This image is a bit fuzzy, but could I have captured better expressions?















The smile says it all!

Closing Thoughts on Joy

This “joy nugget” series began as a desire to take some of the best fodder from our Bible study and put it in a more “devotional form.” I have no idea how many of you followed me though this series, but it has been a good review for me! I saved some of the stories and examples for the study itself, because I can’t put everything on the blog. But some have asked me, Tracie, what are you taking away? What did He impress on your heart during this study?

OK, I’ll share:) These are the things fixed on my heart—the things I don’t have to consult my notes for…

*I had one fear going into writing this study: I thought, What if I study all about joy, and find at the end that I have no more of it? I found a curious thing as I wrote this study this semester. At times there was a great disconnect. A delight in the discoveries of joy in the Scriptures, and a lack of seeming fruit in my heart and state of mind. At the same time I was uncovering “nuggets of joy” that unfolded in a wonderful study for our local community, it seemed the Lord was also uncovering several things in my own heart that tend to steal joy. Though I know my own danger of too much introspection, sometimes the path to joy travels some pretty rocky “heart-terrain.” If I don’t see the pitfalls, then I can’t find the way. Part of His love for us is seen in his pursuing our hearts to free us from those things that steal our affections away from Himself. (Repeat to self: Is He driving a hammer over my head? It is love, it is love, it is love!)

*But just seeing things that steal joy is not enough. Yes, it gets me further down the path, but only enough to say, “Well, there I go again…” So, I believe in a more heart-felt way that cultivating joy is a fight. The truths that cause my heart to be centered and fixed upon joy in Jesus don’t just “happen”. They must be fought for. I forget. I sin. I grow weary. I get sick. I get self-centered. I lose focus. I need to soak my mind and my heart in what is true. I need to ask Him (over and over and every day) to work in me what only He can do. I need to need to be reminded, encouraged, preached to, exhorted, challenged. I need you. And you need me.

*Joy is in Jesus. Why do I say this again? It has been fixed upon my heart in deeper ways. Even though the ‘topic’ of our study is “joy”, I found that my heart was most delighted when I saw the clear intersection of JOY & JESUS. He is the leader who pursues our joy. He is the giver of ecstatic joy. He is the One who shows us how to face the traumas of this life with the joy set before us. He is the One who makes me stand blameless and full of joy in His presence. He is the joyful King whose dominion is from sea to sea! He is the initiator… pursuer… giver… example… bridge... tutor… means… goal… and object of our joy!

"Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You. Let those who love you say continually, "Let GOD be magnified!"

Joy #50: Stop & Ponder

How do you observe the world around you seeking joy that is not lasting – “joy gone wrong”? What are those ideals or promises the world promotes that tend to steal your affections away from delight in Him alone?

It’s not just “the world”; Christians too promote this subtle shift of focus—seeking a good gift offered by the Lord and turning it into an ultimate goal. Where have you seen examples of this? What Christian books/counseling models/talks, etc… have you encountered that encourage others to pursue joy, yet lack a foundation in God Himself as the source and end of that pursuit? What is the danger here?

How can you purpose to cultivate a joyful heart that ends in His worship and praise?

Write out your own words of worship to Him, the One who gives, and is Himself, our joy!

Joy #49: The End Goal of Joy

Yes, the Bible does make clear the goal of joy, and it will not surprise you. But soak it in, and it will change you, challenge you, and delight you…

-“Let them sing for joy…that those who love your name may exult in you.” Psalm 5:11

-“We sing for joy over your victory… We boast in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:5-7

-Let the foreigners rejoice…Let the nations praise you. May God bless us…that the ends of the earth will give you the praise that you deserve. Psalm 67:4-7

-Let all who seek you rejoice and say, “Let God be magnified.” Psalm 70:4

-Let those who rejoice say, “All my springs of joy are in you.” Psalm 87:7

-“He brought His people out with joy…so they would obey Him—Praise the Lord” Psalm 105:43-45

-Israel will be a name of joy to me…they will fear me because of all the good I do for her…the voice of joy will be again heard and say, “Give thanks to the Lord of hosts!” Jeremiah 33:9-11

-He makes you to stand before Him, blameless with great joy…To the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, and authority! Jude 1:24

What emerges from these verses is a God who promises bubbling over, spilling out delight in Himself, that we might know Him and declare, “You are the Lord and there is NO OTHER!”

Joy #48: Joy Gone Wrong

OK! We're in the home stretch...

Did you ever consider that joy is not an “end” but a “means?” Sure, sure, of course, I may say. But do I really live this way? If I am content to stop with “how do I find joy?”, I will not find it at all. I struggle with this too—content to seek happiness just for its own sake. I mean, when is the last time you heard someone wrestle with the question, “Why do I want to be happy?”

These passages show us “joy gone wrong”… leading us to see that joy is not our end goal…

-The people were joyful that God gave them a king, but God was displeased because they had rejected Him as their king. 1 Samuel 10:17-18; 11:15; 12:12-13, 19

-David’s adversaries rejoice over David when he is shaken. Psalm 13:3-4

-King Solomon warns, “Rejoice and follow the desires of your heart, but know God will judge you for these things…” Ecclesiastes 11:9

-Some receive the Word with joy, but have no firm root and wither away in persecution. Matthew 13:20-21

-The world rejoices when Jesus goes away. John 16:20

So we see a type of joy expressed that is clearly not lasting or rightly placed. But does the Bible lead us to the purpose, the end goal of joy?

If Only I Could Sleep Like That!

Last night we rung in the New Year (the Chinese one, that is) -- the Year of the Ox-- with much vim and vigor. Living right outside the city where fireworks are permitted, we witnessed fantastic displays of vibrant color and DEAFENING NOISE. Our apartment windows face an open field which wins "Most Popular Fireworks Setoff Location of the Year" award. You would think we were in a war zone--exactly how I imagine a sound clip from a Civil War battlefield! We let the girls stay up an extra hour and watched fireworks together out their bedroom window. And then, wonder of wonders, they fell asleep. There was a steady stream throughout the night, with-- I'm not kidding-- no greater than a 30 second gap between 6pm and 1am. When it was bedtime, we decided that we'd seen enough and at least we could try to sleep... For awhile, we tossed and turned, and then gave up and opened the curtains again. At midnight there were no fewer than 8 major displays going off at the same time, for over an hour. After I got over resenting the missed sleep, it was pretty cool. When is the last time you got to snuggle in the arms of your beloved while watching such a scene out your bedroom window?


Since I have no video editing skill (or software), I'm afraid this clip doesn't show the dramatic ending that it is supposed to-- the sheer wonder of a peacefully sleeping child in the midst of ear-splitting racket! If only I could sleep like that!

Joy #47: Stop & Ponder

Think of the last time you were part of community rejoicing or celebration. (A wedding, a party, a time of thanksgiving/praise) How does “together” joy compare with the joy we might seek as individuals?

In revelation, we see the multitude praising God in loud, joyful expression. Could you see yourself as one of those ‘in a vast throng shouting’ today? How might you cultivate growth in ‘together’ expressions joy?

When is a time you felt a leader sought after your joy? What form of expression did this take? How have you seen this done well, or poorly?

What might it look like for you to “seek the joy of your people?” How does the example of Jesus, the ultimate leader who initiates our joy, inform your thoughts?

A final question I posed to myself:
If you are struggling to find joy of your own, can you seek joy for others?

My thoughs…
Leadership is not taking others to the place you have arrived. It is guiding others along where you are going. You don’t have to “have joy” in order to “offer it”. You just have to know in whom it is found... (And I'll add-- But if I seem to be lacking it entirely, my witness surely isn't convincing. So in those times, it's time to stop and ask Him why.)

Joy #46: Joy & Leadership

Are you a leader? A leader of employees? A team? Co-workers? Students? Small children? (even your own?) Everyone is a leader of someone.

Here’s a curious trend I didn’t expect to find in our study—Leaders seek the joy of their people.

Paul says that leadership is not “lording it over.” He says, “We are workers with you for your joy.” 2 Corinthians 1:23-24

Paul says he works, “for their progress and joy in the faith.” Philippians 1:25

John says he writes his epistle “so their joy will be complete.” 1 John 1:3-4

And Jesus, the ultimate model of leadership, relates over and over that He works/speaks

…that that your joy will be full (John 15:11)

…so your joy will be complete (John 16:24)

…that your joy would be full. (John 17:13)

In seeking the joy of others, perhaps we will discover our own!

Joy #45: Joy Together

Where do we see “joy together” in the Word?

“And rejoice before the LORD your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name — you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, the Levites in your towns, and the aliens, the fatherless and the widows living among you.” (Deuteronomy 16:11, 14)

“The whole assembly then agreed to celebrate the festival seven more days; so for another seven days they celebrated joyfully.” 2 Chronicles 30:23-24

“Already he who reaps is receiving wages, and is gathering fruit for life eternal; that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.” John 4:36

If anyone could “go it alone”, surely the apostle Paul didn’t need any outside encouragement, right?

“And I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus; because they have supplied what was lacking on your part. 18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours.” 1 Corinthians 16:17-18

“But, brothers, when we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you-certainly I, Paul, did, again and again-but Satan stopped us. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

Did you notice even Satan tries to stop community fellowship?

And there are no individual praise scenes in heaven:

After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for true and just are his judgments…” Revelation 19:1-2

So perhaps if joy is eluding you, maybe the problem is not “you.” Maybe He wants you to discover the joy of His people!

(This is, by the way, why this blog is titled “Bring ME to Jesus.” It’s something I need from you too!)

Joy #44: On Community

Allow me a bit of a soap box today...

Inside an individualistic Western framework, our cultural baggage can be weighted against discovering God's design for community expressions of joy. Here are a few scenarios…

Sometimes I've heard it said that spending time alone in the Word by ourselves is better than hearing the Word preached to us on Sunday morning. (I’ve heard it put this way—a pastor’s sermon is regurgitated truth. But your quiet time—that is discovering fine fare for yourself!) But why? Why would we think that a gifted and studied student of the Word who spends the week soaking in His Truth to deliver to God’s people—why would we not expect to be brought to Jesus by them, at times in a more profound and meaningful way than I can do by myself? Why is that 2nd place? Now sure, if you are content to let others study the Bible for you, then that’s not good. He does want us individually to be students and soakers in His Word! But in all of our lives, aren't there those times when we need someone else to bring us to Jesus?

Sometimes I’ve heard it said that when you need to make an important decision, it’s best to spend alone in prayer time to most clearly discern the will of God. Now sure, sometimes if I am swayed like the wind by other’s opinions, then seeking outside counsel may confuse me. But the Bible doesn’t talk like this! We need other saints. To hear their perspectives. To be blessed by their gifts. To glean from their insights. To learn from their experiences. To benefit from their expertise.

Or here’s one more. At times I have heard others say, “I am learning to depend upon the Lord—He is all I need; No one can meet my needs.” I’m OK with this—as long as they don’t mean that God wants them to remain alone. When Adam was alone with God in the garden (perfect person, perfect setting), this is the one time God said “It is not good.”

Of course we should spend time alone before God in His Word. Of course our relationship with Him is personal and individual, too. Yet, I miss out on much potential joy when I fail to seek His gifts, His wisdom, and His encouragement which He has liberally spread throughout the community of His Body.

Where do you find joy spread throughout those in your community?

As the Stomach Turns

Perhaps some of you are asking... How much longer is this joy series going to go on? :) I didn't script it out, but now that it's finished there are 50 all together. So, soon. If I had it to write over again, I would have added the stories along with the "nuggets", but I just don't have time for that!

Wallace household update: Jim returned from Korea on Sunday night with a little bug. His lasted an intense but relatively short window. K felt a bit queasy 2 days ago, so I assumed her turn was over. Then last night at 4am, Ellie started throwing up. Want details? She threw up 15 times today. I changed out her clothes, sheets, and blankets 8 times. (You'd think we could have developed a bit faster reaction time throughout the day, but no.)

Tonight we had a "Soup Party" at a friends' house. Perfect day for it--the coldest yet this winter. A sort of "welcome to the neighborhood" party for a few new families, altogether 8 families who work with us in the same general area. My sweet hubby volunteered to stay home with Ellie so I took Kathryn with me. Kathryn told me her tummy hurt, but then in pursuit of dessert, said it didn't. But then when I told her she had to eat her soup if she wanted dessert, well, it hurt again. And then when I said that if it hurt, we should go home, it was another miraculous recovery.

Again, a bit faster reaction time (mommy's mental clock at least) would have been helpful. She threw up ALL OVER the elevator on the way out. Yes, the elevator that all of the other 7 families would also shortly be using. And what can I do? A sick & crying child. A pot of soup. 8 degrees outside. I leave the mess. So gross, I know. (But I did ask my friend to call the housekeeping people, so maybe they took care of it shortly after??)

When I got home, I threw all Kathryn's clothes in the wash. Water line is frozen solid as the washer is out on the balcony... In fact, the balcony window is frozen open too... (you have to keep the window open to vent the dryer) This has happened before at very inopportune times... It will probably thaw out tomorrow afternoon.

So, all the little ones are bedded down for the night. Will they sleep? Will mom and dad sleep? Will there be more laundry? And when will the washer thaw out? (I already have 4 loads spilling over the basket in the kitchen I have already decided to leave till tomorrow--what's one more?) Will mom have to pay her dues with the stomach bug? Will we have infected all 7 other families in our little community with this dastardly bug?

Yes, welcome to the neighborhood indeed!

Joy #43: Stop & Ponder

Ponder your own expressions of sorrow and rejoicing in this life. Do you feel at home with their co-existence, or do they feel mutually exclusive? How do you think God intends the sorrows of this world to shape you?

“Unending joy; lasting joy; joy that none will take away; indescribable and glorious joy”… How should these expressions of a promised ‘future joy’ reflect upon this life?

The desire for joy and reality of sorrow are not experiences unique to Christians. How could you use these thoughts above to relate to others who need the hope and joy offered in Christ alone?

As a result of your thoughts about sorrow and joy in this life and ‘future joy’ unending, what would you like to say or ask of Christ today?

Joy #42: Is There a Bridge?

So we have seen that our world is full of sorrow, yet we can rejoice in some measure now, because we know our future hope. Yet there is perhaps a danger if we do not connect these thoughts with the ultimate object of our joy. These reveal the One who bridges the gap between the ‘partial joy’ of now and the permanent joy awaiting us later; Even more, He shows us how it’s done! Dig a little bit here with me.

In Psalm 132, we read about both Old Testament rejoicing over God’s temporary dwelling place via the ark of the covenant (I’ll call this partial joy), and God’s permanent dwelling place in Zion (permanent joy). In the middle of this Psalm, bridging the two ends, we read:

“The LORD has sworn to David A truth from which He will not turn back:" Of the fruit of your body I will set upon your throne. 12 "If your sons will keep My covenant And My testimony which I will teach them, Their sons also shall sit upon your throne forever…17 "There I will cause the horn of David to spring forth; I have prepared a lamp for Mine anointed."

Did you catch it? In the middle of the temporary joy of NOW and the permanent joy of LATER is a PERSON. He is the Anointed King who sits on His throne forever.

Here’s one more. Read this familiar verse with fresh eyes.

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Do the sorrows of this world have you weary? Losing heart? Jesus is not just the goal of our joy. He also is the means, showing us how to thrive in the affliction of ‘today’ with a view to ultimate joy ‘tomorrow’!

Joy #41: Joy & Sorrow--Now & Later

Last time we saw that Joy & sorrow can co-exist… and yet, they will not always! In this sense we see many examples of sorrow now; joy unending coming later…

*Those who sow in tears will reap with joyful shouting (Ps. 126:1-6) – This Psalm is talking about when God brought His people back from exile… and a ‘return Home’ to come.

*We are told to rejoice in the midst of persecution now, because our reward in heaven in great (Mt. 5:11-12)

*Jesus tells the disciples that though they weep now, (incidentally, while the world rejoices), their sorrow will be turned to joy which no one can take away! (John 16:20-24)

*We have the hope of a coming inheritance that will not perish, though we are in the midst of trials now…thus we can rejoice with joy inexpressible because we know what is coming! (1 Peter 1:3-9)

So, we live in sorrow now. But when our hope is fixed on His promises of future joy, we can rejoice even now in the midst of great distress.

Are you there? Are you able to rejoice in the midst of trials because of your future hope? Oh, how I struggle with this too! Let us strive to press on toward this hope, because He promises fullness of joy!

But how can we really live this way? How is it done?

Joy #40: Joy & Sorrow Now

Remember when we talked about the phrase “fullness of joy” (#32) which Jesus used in the gospel of John? I was floored to discover that despite Jesus’ desires for their joy, the disciples at that very moment were “full of sorrow!” How do we make sense of this?

Can they… Do they… coexist? Are they supposed to?

*After the first group returns to Jerusalem after exile, the people begin to build a new temple. After the foundation is laid, they get together for a celebration. There are joyful shouts of praise! Yet, the older priests, (who knew the former temple) wept with loud voices. “…The people could not distinguish the sound of the shout of joy from the sound of the weeping of the people…” (Ezra 3:10-13)

*Job wishes God would crush him, but rejoices in the midst of his pain that he has not denied God. (Job 6:8-10)

*We are told to rejoice with those who are happy and mourn with those who are sorrowing. (Romans 12:15)

]*Paul overflows with joy in affliction because he hears how his letter to the Corinthians lead to sorrowful repentance. (2 Cor. 7:4-16)

*The Thessalonians received the Word in the midst of great tribulation, with joy from the Holy Spirit. (1 Thess. 1:6)

So yes! Sorrow and joy can co-exist now… yet there is a difference between worldly sorrow without hope (and thus no joy), and godly sorrow over sin and trials (where joy can also flourish.) More to come...

Bishop Suprise!

Per your request for another video, we have a Bishop Surprise! I am truly a novice at this. Can someone tell me how to turn the image around? There were many outtakes, (all hilarious and worth posting in my opinion), but per the allotted size, I had to pick a shorter one. It was hard to pick, as there were a few where Ellie was a more animated participant. But here's the winner--
My favorite part is for you, Uncle JOOOOOooooooooeeeeeEEEEEEFFFFF!

Joy #39: Stop & Ponder

As you contemplate joy and fear (#36-38), what do you think is the difference between the fear of man and the fear of God? What makes one good and the other crippling?

Many industries and products in our society exist by capitalizing on unhealthy fear, yet “the Fear of the Lord” is often dismissed. How should Christians respond to the unhealthy, fear-inducing realities in our society? In contrast, how would you describe a healthy “Fear of the Lord”?

In light of your thoughts about fear and joy, what would you like to say to the Lord and ask of Him now?

Joy #38: Joy & the Fear of the Lord

Here was one of the most fascinating passages I studied this whole semester. Are you familiar with this story?

The Israelites lost the precious ark of the covenant—the chest containing the Law handed down to Moses before their entrance into the promised land, the holy symbol of God’s own presence with His people—in battle. They had in battle— ‘used’ it as a luck charm, and God was not obliging. The Philistines soon want to get rid of it (they experience tumors and problems galore once they’ve captured it), and King David can’t wait to bring it back to Jerusalem. In transit, Uzza reaches out to settle the tipsy ark, and the Lord strikes him dead. The joyful celebration comes to a halt as we read,

“Then David became angry because of the LORD'S outburst against Uzza…David was afraid of God that day, saying, "How can I bring the ark of God home to me?"

Three months later, David attempts to bring the ark back again. This time, he is very serious about following every detail the Lord has instructed about the handling of the ark. But that’s not all that is different…

“Then David spoke to the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their relatives the singers, with instruments of music, harps, lyres, loud-sounding cymbals, to raise sounds of joy.”

In fact, it tells us David was leaping and dancing!

Now, follow me here. Something very significant happened in David’s heart during those 3 months. Something that caused him to move from being afraid of God, to reverencing God while at the same time leaping in joyful celebration!

I submit that ‘something’ is the fear of the Lord. Far from a kill-joy, legalistic view of God, David’s realization of the awesome holiness of God brought Him ever greater confidence and trust in God as he lead the celebration bringing the ark back. David experienced that the fear of the Lord brings greater joy!

Joy #37: Joy & Another Kind of Fear

Different from the verses above, there is another kind of fear that is often seen together with joy…a kind of fear that even seems to increase joy. Check these out:

“He put a song of joy in my mouth…many will see, fear, and trust in the Lord.” (Ps 40:3)

“Let the nations rejoice and praise Him… He blesses us, that the ends of the earth with fear Him.” (Ps 67:4-7)

“The cheerful heart has a continual feat. It is better to have little with the fear of the Lord, than have great treasure without it.” (Proverbs 15:15-16)

Upon seeing the resurrected Lord, the women left the tomb with fear and great joy. (Matthew 28:8-10)

Our coming salvation brings us great joy…So we should live in fear on the earth. (1 Peter 5-6, 17)

So this is the fear of the Lord… A reverence and awe of Him living in ever-increasing awareness of a God-shaped reality. “None of the available synonyms in the English language…seems quite adequate… finding ourselves in the sacred presence…” (This quote and a wonderful discussion about ‘fear of the Lord’ come from Christ Plays in 10,000 Places, pg. 42-43.) More tomorrow…

Joy #36: Joy & Fear

During our study, I noticed a fascinating trend. Joy is often mentioned alongside fear. I had to get to the bottom of it. Here it is!

There are two kinds of fear. Here’s the first:

Do not fear, but rejoice! This kind of fear and joy are meant to be mutually exclusive.

The Lord tells Jehoshaphat: Do not fear, because the battle is Mine. Then the people go into battle with musical instruments, and God gives them total victory. They rejoice! (2 Chronicles 20:15-17, 27)

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? …I will offer sacrifices in His tent with shouts of joy.” (Ps 27:1-6)

Don’t be afraid… There will be joyful feasts in the house of Judah. Zechariah 8:14-19)

A recently familiar one: “Don’t be afraid—I bring you good news of great joy!” (Luke 2:10-11)

Paul says his imprisonment has given him courage to speak the word of God without fear; He rejoices that Christ is being proclaimed, no matter what. (Phil. 1:14-18)

How about you? Do you know this kind of fear? A fear of people, enemies, threats within and without? But there is another kind of good fear.

Joy #35: Stop & Ponder

As you think about “Joy in Jesus” (32-34), chew on these questions:

When Jesus exhorts his disciples not to rejoice because of their power over demons, he introduces the idea that some rejoicing is not the ‘best’ rejoicing. Where do you see rejoicing around you that is not ultimately best? Are there things you delight in that bring you a measure of joy that is not lasting?

The events that brought rejoicing in Acts are sometimes echoed more strongly in places in the world where the gospel is spreading rapidly. Do you know any modern day Acts stories—rejoicing over the spread of God’s kingdom despite opposition? (Want to hear some? Let me know!)

“Fullness of joy” (#32) – do you have it? As you ponder this, what do you want to ask Him to reveal to you or grow in you?

Girls' Quotes of the Day

From Ellie:

"Ellie, what kind of party do you want for your birthday?"
"A BIG one!"

"Do you want to invite boys and girls?"
"Just girls. That means you can come, momma."

"Can daddy come, too?"
"Well… um… Daddy can only watch."


From Kathryn:

"Momma, I’ve been thinking. You know, a mommy has so many jobs to do…just WORK, WORK, WORK! And you know, I’m just not that kind of girl… So, I’m just not sure I’m going to make it as a mommy."

"But I thought you told me you want to have 10 babies."

"Well, of course I want to have the babies—just not take care of them."

Joy #34: Joy "Post-Jesus"-- What about 'now'?

The end of the last entry might sound depressing to some… Yes, we know joy is Jesus is coming one day, but what about now? These scenarios in Acts answer our questions—Can we too know the joy of Jesus, even after He ‘went away’?

In the book of Acts, we see the disciples who carry on with the work of spreading His good news of salvation after He has returned to heaven. They have been given His great gift—the Holy Spirit—while He is ‘away’, as a guide and advocate. Here are some of their responses…

Barnabus rejoiced to see many “Gentiles” (those of other nations) putting their faith in Christ, and his joy encouraged them to even greater devotion (Acts 11:21-24)

The Gentiles rejoice that God has enabled those from other nations to receive His gospel of grace. (Acts 13:48)

The Jews mount a persecution against Paul and Barnabus, but they ‘shake it off’ and are filled with great joy. (Acts 13:51-52)

As Paul and Barnabus pass through Phoenecia and Samaria, their fellow believers are filled with great joy to hear of many who put their faith in Christ (Acts 15:1-4) What a change, considering the former hatred between Israelites and Samaritans!

The Philippian jailer rejoices greatly when Paul shares the gospel with him; he and his whole household believe. (Acts 16:27-34)

What are the kinds of things they got excited about? How about you?

Joy #33: Jesus on Joy II

After His resurrection in the gospels we read…

“The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.” (Jn 20:20)

After His ascended into heaven, they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy… (Luke 24:50-52

This is affirmed in other passages too…

“In Thy presence is fullness of joy!” (Ps. 16:11)

We know we will be with Him one day, but the great question that my friend Mel wrestled with is, “How can I grow in experiencing this fullness of joy now?” In this sense, joy in Jesus is “already”—absolutely guaranteed and secure; and “not yet”—we have a measure now, but we long to see it fully consummated when we see Him face to face!

A Thousand Questions

This is an amazing and intense video; about 10 minutes long but worth it to the end. Be as Christ where you are!

Joy #32: Jesus on Joy

Now, listen up! Don’t you think Jesus would be the expert on this subject? Be a fly on the wall while Jesus takes advantage of these teachable moments…

#1- Jesus sends out 72 of his followers to preach and prepare the way for Him. They come back rejoicing because they had power over the evil spirits. Jesus warns them not to rejoice in miraculous signs and wonders, but to rejoice that their names are written in heaven. This is something only God can do.

#2- Three times during His speech to His disciples and in the garden right before His death, Jesus uses the phrase, fullness of joy. It’s a phrase that indicates a degree of joy which is complete or fulfilled.

John 15:9-11 “Just as the Father has loved me, I have also loved you; remain in my love. 15:10 If you obey my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 15:11 I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete.

So, obeying His commands enables us to rest in His love, which leads to joy fulfilled.

John 17:12-13 Holy Father, keep them safe in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one. 17:12 When I was with them I kept them safe and watched over them in your name that you have given me. Not one of them was lost except the one destined for destruction, so that the scripture could be fulfilled. 17:13 But now I am coming to you, and I am saying these things in the world, so they may experience my joy completed in themselves.

So, He keeps us safe in His name, that we may know fullness of joy.

Perhaps the most noteworthy takeaway from this lesson, is not to scramble to work harder in obeying His commands, or strive with more diligence to remain in His love. (All worthy endeavors, yes!) But what is more striking here, is that Jesus pursues us; pursues our joy to an exceeding degree! Do you believe that?