A long-term problem can become an idol. When you are troubled by a situation that just won’t go away, it’s important to monitor your thoughts. An ongoing difficulty can occupy more and more of your thinking, until it looms in idolatrous proportions — casting ugly shadows on the landscape of your mind. When you realize…
Joy Inexpressible
In Me you can discover Joy inexpressible and full of Glory! You will not find this kind of pleasure anywhere else; it is available only in your relationship with Me. So trust Me, beloved, and walk confidently along your life-path. As we journey together, you will encounter many obstacles — some of which are quite…
Be Faithful in Prayer
I am able to do far beyond all that you ask or imagine. Come to Me with positive expectations, knowing that there is no limit to what I can accomplish. Ask My Spirit to control your mind so that you can think great thoughts of Me. Do not be discouraged by the fact that many…
Be Joyful Always; Pray Continually
Be joyful always; pray continually. The way to rejoice at all times is to find moment-by-moment pleasure in your relationship with Me — the Lover of your soul. This relationship is so full of comfort and encouragement that it’s possible to be joyful in hope even when you’re in the midst of adversity. Give thanks…
Raising Kids That Choose Joy
Choose joy. I say it all the time: to myself, to my friends and especially to my children. But is it as easy as that? I dare say it is not. In my book, Raising Uncommon Kids, I wrote about how I’ve struggled throughout my years as a parent to redefine our priorities and model…
A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken
I draw near you in the present moment. Seek to enjoy My Presence in the present; trust and thankfulness are your best allies in this quest. When you wallow in the past or worry about the future, your awareness of Me grows dim. But the more you trust Me, the more fully you can live…
God Approves of You
I approve of you, My child. Because you are Mine — adopted into My royal family — I see you through eyes of grace. I chose you before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in My sight. I know you fall short of this perfect standard in your daily living. But…
10 Tips for a Joy-Filled Life
Dear Friend, I wrote Jesus Always, my new 365-day devotional, with a desire to help readers live a joy-filled life. No matter what is happening in our world, we Christians can find Joy in Jesus. I want to share with you 10 tips to help you approach every day joyfully. Each tip includes an excerpt…
Jesus, You Are My Joy
I am your Joy! These four words can light up your life. Since I am always with you, the Joy of My Presence is continually accessible to you. You can open up to My Presence through your trust in Me, your love for Me. Try saying, “Jesus, You are my Joy.” My Light will shine…