why so serious?

hey hey,

I hope you are having a good February and I hope you are enjoying this new “short and snappy” blog where we focus on one nugget of truth with “a Word, a Song and a Laugh.”

I know that as you read the blog each week, you will be encouraged as you look up the Scriptures, listen to the songs and have a chuckle!

Today, let’s talk about a serious topic: Why so serious?

A Word: “...for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NLT

Have you ever noticed that while topics like: the Bible, heaven, hell, eternal matters and the like are “serious” things, God is not an uptight stick-in-the-mud, but rather His whole atmosphere and kingdom is one of: JOY! Is it time for you to lighten up, un-wrinkle your face and live in the joy of the Lord?

Joy belongs to you!

Think about it.

Joy in the Beginning: “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” Job 38:4-7, NLT

Joy at Jesus Birth: “Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!” he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.’ ” Luke 2:9-10, NLT

Joy Before the Cross: “… Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:2, NLT

Joy After the Cross: “So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.” John 16:22-24, NLT

Joy in God’s Presence: “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” Psalm 16:11, NLT

Joy at Salvation: “In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.” Luke 15:10, NLT

Joy from God’s Word: “When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight … “ Jeremiah 15:16, NLT

Joy is a Fruit of the Spirit: “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:22, NLT

Joy is Our Strength: “…for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Nehemiah 8:10, NLT

Joy Filled Jesus: “You love justice and hate evil. Therefore, O God, your God has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.” Hebrews 1:9, NLT

So, today, why not make a decision to live in the joy of the Lord? Let joy define you. Joy is not a weakness, it’s a strength and a sign of real faith! Don’t fall for the “religious” idea of being serious, stoic, unemotional, passionless, fearful or boring … be like Jesus … anointed with more joy than anyone else!!

A Song: To help you experience the joy of the Lord, listen to these four songs with your heart and sing along. These are NOT the predictable songs you might think of -- so keep a humble heart and let joy fill you up!

Oh Happy Day, by Aretha Franklin - the original song was written all the way back in 1969!! A classic for sure and the more you sing it the happier your heart will be!

Joy Song, by Motion Worship. A great song to sing and dance around your house with!

Let There Be Joy, by Ray Gene Wilson. We love Ray Gene — he’s a good friend of ours and we love the spirit of faith that flows out of his music. Enjoy!

I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, by Kid’s Church classic! Surprise! This is a great song for your kids and YOU! Don’t be too dignified, keep a childlike faith and sing along!

peace, love and blessings,

A Laugh: Don’t be that guy. :)

Jesus delights in you …

hey hey,

Have you enjoyed Jesus lately? Are you resting in His love? I think He has a word for you today.

A Word: "For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17, NLT

Several years ago, I had a dream. I had just finished writing the book, Reinvent and I was laboring (with the Publisher) over what cover design would best suit this book. I had gone back and forth on several design ideas with the Publisher, but we couldn’t quite land on a cover we all loved.

So, one night I had a dream. In the dream, I was walking down an all white hallway, like you would see in an art museum, and there were two large and brightly colored pieces of art on the wall. I walked up to these two pieces and I was astounded at the vivid colors! The pieces of art almost seemed alive! They were so beautiful and thick and dimensional. When I touched them, they moved as if breathing. I was so excited about these amazing pieces of art and sort of lost in my exuberance, that when I looked up, I saw someone standing in the hallway watching me.

I realized this person was, Jesus! (I’ve had many dreams from the Lord over the years, but never with Jesus Himself actually IN the dream!) I was so happy to see Him. He had such a delighted smile and was laughing. I said to Him over and over, “Look at this? Is this heaven? This is amazing. Wow! Look at this art? It’s breathing and moving and the colors are so vivid…” I was just beside myself with joy and enthusiasm about the pieces of art and Jesus was just laughing and smiling. He seemed to be so delighted with MY delight about the art. He never said anything … but His smile. His laugh. His joy. His love. When I saw Him delight in the simple fact that I was so happy with these two pieces of art, it really gave me a fresh revelation on how much He loves us.

Then the dream ended.

When I woke up (and still today) I can’t forget His smile, laugh and His delighted disposition. He is kind. He is full of joy. He loves us!

So back to the book cover for a moment, the day after this dream, the Publisher sent me a book cover concept and it was full of paint brushes covered in vivid paint colors! I knew that was the cover design we should go with — and we did.

So, today - keep your heart centered on Jesus and remember He delights over you with gladness!!

A Song: Are you ready for 3 more songs? I love eclectic worship ... old school, gospel music, hymns, upbeat, mellow, thumping ... I love it all -- from ALL era's ... so I hope you enjoy being introduced to some of contemporary Christian music's pioneers (from the 70's) as well as current worshippers who may be less known than others. I love listening for the anointing and touch of God on music. I hope you enjoy these 3 songs …

Jesus, My Redeemer, Matthew Ward and Randy Stonehill - I cut my Christian teeth listening to these two legendary musicians…and this song written by Keith Green. Let’s go back to the early 80’s!

As the Deer, by Matt Gillman - moves me to the core!

Jesus, Strong and Kind, by CityAlight - sweet and inviting

peace, love and blessings,

A Laugh: Thank you, Jesus! #grace #grace