Enjoying the Journey
Posts Tagged ‘Joy’
More To Come
Are you worn down? Nerves on edge? Wondering what is coming next? These have been challenging days for so many, but we should not be surprised. As we near the end of time things in this world will no doubt seem more and more “out of sync.” Ours is a world out of step with the Creator. God predicted it and we should expect it! “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13). Do not be in despair.…
Read MoreA Brand New Series Of Bible Messages Now Available
When I was a student in college, Dr. Frank Sells once challenged us to choose a “life book” – a book of the Bible to immerse ourselves in and to hide in our hearts. That book became the New Testament letter of Philippians for me. It has for many years served as both an anchor to keep me from drifting and a prod to move me forward. Over time the truth of “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4) became the ministry emphasis of “Enjoying The Journey.” We all preach and teach out of the overflow of what God is teaching us. I love sharing with others the reality of joy that is found in…
Read MoreDon’t Just Serve The Lord!
When the Queen of Sheba came to visit King Solomon it was not just his riches and wisdom that she observed with amazement. It was his servants. She noted, “Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom” (1 Kings 10:8). The joyful servants were a testimony to the king. When the world looks at the servants of God they should see the happiest people on earth. And this joy is not just for others to witness; it is for God to see. He rejoices when our greatest joy is serving Him. The God who knows everything is concerned not only with what we do but with why we do…
Read MoreLoving What You Do
“Do you enjoy what you are doing?” I hear this question often. The answer for me is…absolutely! While there are challenges in every work, there is nothing as fulfilling as being in the will of God. There are many needy places around this world and one individual cannot go everywhere or do everything. We all must find God’s choice for us. The will of God for some will be an obscure village or a small town. God’s will is not done by our logical schemes and plans; it must be done God’s way. Philippians 2:13 teaches, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” God meets us along the path of His…
Read MoreImproving Your Devotional Life
Just today over lunch the topic of the devotional life came up. Let’s be honest. We all struggle with it. Not just consistency, but truly having a meaningful time with God. How can my quiet time become a true meeting with the Lord? In college I was given a copy of George Muller’s Soul Nourishment First. It has been a joy to share it with many people through the years, and I find myself going back to its principles again and again. I am posting it below in its entirety. It is a longer article than most but it can be read in less than five minutes. It will be time well spent. I am praying that the Holy Spirit will…
Read MoreThe Most Important Characteristic of A Staff Member
For nearly two decades I had the joy of serving on the staff of a wonderful church and college. After the first few years I had the responsibility of not only being a staff member but also having staff who answered to me. I told someone recently that I learned more about serving on a staff after having the opportunity of supervising others! I truly tried to be a help to the man I served under but I am sure in my youth I made a host of mistakes. Thank God for patient leaders! Now, as an evangelist, I have the privilege of spending time with staff members in many churches. Just last week I enjoyed a lunch meeting with…
Read MoreA Lesson From A Student
A few days ago I was talking with a school teacher who has a number of special education children in her class. As we spoke about the importance of this work, she told me that there was one student who had made a tremendous impact on her. This young man shows up every morning with a smile on his face. He is positive all through the day. He always has something nice to say. My teacher friend said that this one young man is like a ray of sunshine every day. One morning she finally asked, “How are you so happy all of the time?” With tears in her eyes she relayed to me his simple and sincere reply. He…
Read MoreHow to Be Happy In An Unhappy World
My favorite book of the Bible is the little New Testament book of Philippians. I love it for many reasons, but most of all, because it is a book of joy. Repeatedly we are told to “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). God not only commands us to rejoice, He shows us the way. I believe the Lord intended for us to enjoy the journey. One of Christ’s favorite words was “blessed” or superlatively happy. In His closing words to His disciples He gave them instructions and said, “Happy are ye if ye do them” (John 13:17). How can you be happy in an unhappy world? Stop trying to be happy. Have you ever…
Read MoreAugust Resource: FREE Audio Recording Downloads!
This months resource is one of my favorites. In fact, it is my favorite book of the Bible! One of my instructors in college said that his favorite book of the Bible was the one he was reading at the time. Without doubt, all Scripture is wonderful. But many years ago I was challenged to adopt a “life book” and immerse myself in it. That book became the little New Testament letter of Philippians. I love this book for many reasons. Its theme is Jesus, and the joy that He alone can bring. It was the truth behind the name of our blog – Enjoying the Journey. It is the prayer of my life, that God would allow me to…
Read MoreDaily Thanksgiving (Daily Living – Part 3)
I love Thanksgiving. (And, yes, I know this is not November!) For too many of us thanksgiving is a day of the year instead of a way of life. We have established a tradition without applying the truth. God never meant us to give thanks from time to time. He blesses us every day. This is why David wrote, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah” (Psalm 68:19). Daily benefits deserve daily blessing. Notice that the “blessing” mentioned here is not the Lord blessing us, but us blessing Him. His blessings upon us are constant. It is our blessing and praising of His name that seems to waver. He continues…
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