WORSHIP JESUS irrespective of our circumstances

As we are in the season of Christmas; Let us cultivate the lifestyle of worship in this season. 

Christmas is all about worship and we are created to worship Jesus.

• Mathew 2: 2 “we saw his star in the east and have come to WORSHIP him”
• Mathew 2: 11 “They saw the child with Mary and they BOW DOWN AND WORSHIPED HIM”

wise men from the east to Jerusalem and shepherds, they all came for a same purpose that to worship Jesus. Irrespective of their position, circumstances they all came to worship Jesus. 

Job worshiped Jesus irrespective of his situation; Job chapter 1 we read that he lost everything, his possessions, wife and children’s and his own body was afflicted. But we read in Job 1: 20, 21- Irrespective of his situation he  worshiped Jesus.

In the life of Daniel we see in Chapter 6:10- though the law was written against him- that he is going to put in to Lion den; still he choose to worship Jesus irrespective of his situation.

We read in Acts 16:18 apostles Paul in the prison because he preached the about Jesus. And in the midnight though his hand and legs were in the chain – he started to worship Jesus irrespective of their circumstances.

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We are called to WORSHIP JESUS irrespective of our circumstances.

No desire to lead

A true and safe leader is likely to be one who has no desire to lead, but is forced into a position of leadership by the inward presence of the Holy Spirit and the press of the external situation. Such were Moses and David and the Old Testament prophets. I think there was hardly a great leader from Paul to the present day but that was drafted by the Holy Spirit for the task, and commissioned by the Lord of the Church to fill a position he had little heart for. I believe it might be accepted as a firmly reliable rule of thumb that the man who is ambitious to lead is disqualified as a leader. The true leader will have no desire to lord it over God’s heritage, but will be humble, gentle, self-sacrificing and altogether as ready to follow as to lead, when the Spirit makes it clear that a wiser and more gifted man than himself has appeared. A.W TozerNo desire to lead

A true and safe leader is likely to be one who has no desire to lead, but is forced into a position of leadership by the inward presence of the Holy Spirit and the press of the external situation. Such were Moses and David and the Old Testament prophets. I think there was hardly a great leader from Paul to the present day but that was drafted by the Holy Spirit for the task, and commissioned by the Lord of the Church to fill a position he had little heart for. I believe it might be accepted as a firmly reliable rule of thumb that the man who is ambitious to lead is disqualified as a leader. The true leader will have no desire to lord it over God’s heritage, but will be humble, gentle, self-sacrificing and altogether as ready to follow as to lead, when the Spirit makes it clear that a wiser and more gifted man than himself has appeared. A.W Tozer

An Unspoken Bible

This story find it very powerful; however the author and source unknown

His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans and no shoes. This was literally is wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant. Kind of esoteric and very very bright. He became a Christian recently while attending college.

Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and So Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat.

The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything. Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit and, when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet. (Although perfectly acceptable behaviour at a college fellowship, trust me, this had never happened in this church before!

By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick. About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, an Elder is slowly making his way toward Bill. Now the Elder is in his eighties, has silver-grey hair, and a three-piece suit. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do. 

How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor? It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. 

All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the Elder does what he has to do. And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone. Everyone chokes up with emotion.

When the minister gains control, he says, "What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget. Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read." 

(Internet)

FEAR NOT !

Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand". 

I heard a pastors saying it recently there are 365 'FEAR NOT" in the Bible, one for every day of the year. Probably we need to remind/ hold on to one promise for each day. We live in a world where so much of fear, people are living under fear and move in the fear and die in their fear. But for the child of God everyday is an exciting day to walk with Jesus. Whatever comes on the way Jesus is bigger than all the mountains and challenges we have and His promises always there to leads us further.

The first reference we see in the Bible on this word in Genesis 15:1 "After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying FEAR NOT, Abraham: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward"

Moses is giving instruction to all the people of Israel towards end of his life"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you."

Jesus told his disciples in Luke 12:7 "But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. FEAR NOT therefore; you are more value than many sparrows".

In all the above references God is telling to His people fear not, i will fight your life battles. Battle is not yours but it belongs to the Lord  and he will see you though it.
Always remember in your life Journey, you are not alone, God is always there with you. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you

Here I am sharing one of my favorite songs;

1. I've seen the lightning flashing,
   And heard the thunder roll,
   I've felt sin’s breakers dashing,
   Trying to conquer my soul;
   I've heard the voice of my Savior,
   Telling me still to fight on,
   He promised never to leave me,
   Never to leave me alone.
   • No, never alone,
     No, never alone,
     He promised never to leave me,
     Never to leave me alone.
2. The world’s fierce winds are blowing,
   Temptation’s sharp and keen,
   I have a peace in knowing
   My Savior stands between—
   He stands to shield me from danger,
   When earthly friends are gone,
   He promised never to leave me,
   Never to leave me alone.
3. When in affliction’s valley
   I’m treading the road of care,
   My Savior helps me to carry
   My cross when heavy to bear,
   Though all around me is darkness,
   Earthly joys all flown;
   My Savior whispers His promise,
   “I never will leave thee alone.”
4. He died for me on the mountain,
   For me they pierced His side,
   For me He opened the fountain,
   The crimson, cleansing tide;
   For me He’s waiting in glory,
   Seated upon His throne,
   He promised never to leave me,
   Never to leave me alone.
5. 
   

Jesus is the Vine

Jesus is the Vine (Author Unknown)

Jesus is the Vine:

I am the true vine,

He is your real source of life.

You are the branches.

If you will rest in Him,

Abide in Me,

And let Him live through you—

And I in you,

You will be all He wants you to be.

Then you will bear much fruit.

You will know what He wants you to ask of Him,

Ask whatever you will,

For it will be exactly what He has been waiting to do for you.

And it shall be done for you.

His love is so great

I have loved you;

That you will never need to look elsewhere again.

May My joy be in you.

You will be completely satisfied

That your joy may be full—

Because He is your friend!

For you are My friend.

Memorizing the Word of God

Hiding God’s Word in our heart is a key component to Christian growth. There are many wonderful verses in the Bible which can be an encouragement to you daily. If you are new to memorizing scripture, then these are some great Bible verses to memorize. You can add to this list and keep learning the scripture and that will be great treasure for you. In psalms 119:11 says “I HAVE HIDDEN YOUR WORD IN MY HEART THAT I MIGHT NOT SIN AGAINST YOU”.

 Chuck Swindoll wrote, “I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. . . . No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified” (Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994], p. 61). 

• Psalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. 
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 
• Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think 
• Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 
• 2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 
• John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 
• Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 
• Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
• Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
• 1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
• Mathew 28:18-19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
• 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
• Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
• Proverb 3:5,6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.
• Joshua 1:8 The book of the Law shall not depart form your mouth, but you shall MEDITATE in it day and night, that you may observe to DO according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
• Ephesians 5:16-17 Make use of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord want us to do.
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WHY? WHY?

WHY? WHY?

 This is the familiar question we asked in our life journey; especially when we face various trails and difficulty in life. Sometime uncertain future, unexpected circumstances may cause us to ask this question. But one way or other we all ask God why? Why that’s happened to me? Why that happened to a good believer? 

Bibles reveals to us that our God who is a sovereign God and God in his sovereignty he chooses to do certain things in His creation. As we see in Jeremiah 18, God is a potter and we are the clay in His hands; so God has ultimate control over events in our lives. 

When we see the people from Bible; God never answer to the WHY part of their life but sometime in life God will reveal to you for what He allows you to go through the trails. If we see the life of Joseph; he was devoted to God and was having good life. But in the life journey he faced various trials such as his own brothers betrayed him, he was in the jail for his purity, etc. 

Sometimes, it seems as if there is no point for going through trails. However, you know the true God and that He always has a purpose- whether you understand it or not why? 

When the trial was over, God exalted Joseph. He even got his family back. God exceedingly blessed him. 

Finally Joseph is telling his brothers in Genesis 50:20 “you intended it to harm me, but God intended it all for good”. 

God never revealed WHY part of the life but sometime on the journey he will revel to you for what He allows trails or certain things in your life. Our God is sovereign God!

Chuck Swindoll, 10 Leadership Lessons

Chuck Swindoll, 10 Leadership Lessons Learned in 50 Years of Leadership 

Chuck Swindoll, accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award at Catalyst 09, offered the following lessons he has learned:

1. It’s lonely to lead. Leadership involves tough decisions. The tougher the decision, the lonelier it is. 
2. It’s dangerous to succeed. 
3. I’m most concerned for those who aren't even 30 and are very gifted and successful. Sometimes God uses someone right out of youth, but usually he uses leaders who have been crushed. 
4. It’s hardest at home. No one ever told me this in Seminary. 
5. It’s essential to be real. If there’s one realm where phoniness is common, it’s among leaders. Stay real. 
6. It’s painful to obey. The Lord will direct you to do some things that won’t be your choice. Invariably you will give up what you want to do for the cross. 
7. Brokenness and failure are necessary. 
8. Attitude is more important than actions. Your family may not have told you: some of you are hard to be around. A bad attitude overshadows good actions. 
9. Integrity eclipses image. Today we highlight image. But it’s what you’re doing behind the scenes. God’s way is better than my way. 
10. Christ likeness begins and ends with humility.

Which of these lessons strikes you most? Why?

If you were to add an 11th lesson, what would it be?

Finishing Well - Dr. J. Robert Clinton

Finishing Well  - Dr. J. Robert Clinton

(free PDF download is available from their website or you can find it in my resources sessions)  

I found this article on Christian leadership very  helpful and encouraging; so I am sharing it here with you all.

In his introduction Clinton writes,

"A repeated reading of the Bible with a focus on leadership reveals four crucial observations fraught
with leadership implications:

• Observation 1. Few leaders finish well.
• Observation 2. Leadership is difficult.
• Observation 3. God's enabling presence is the essential ingredient of successful leadership.
• Observation 4. Spiritual leadership can make a difference.

And what is true of Biblical leaders is equally true of historical and contemporary leaders. It is the first
observation to which this article speaks. Identifying the fact that few leaders finish well was a breakthrough warning for me. This led to further study. Why do few leaders finish well? What stops them? What helps them? What does it mean to finish well? This article identifies six characteristics of those finishing well."

Six Characteristics of Leaders who Finish Well.

• Characteristic 1 - They maintain a personal vibrant relationship with God right up to the end.
• Characteristic 2 - They maintain a learning posture and can learn from various kinds of sources—life especially.
• Characteristic 3 - They manifest Christ-likeness in character as evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit in their lives.
• Characteristic 4 - Truth is lived out in their lives so that convictions and promises of God are seen to
  be real.
• Characteristic 5 - They leave behind one or more ultimate contributions.
• Characteristic 6 - They walk with a growing awareness of a sense of destiny and see some or all of it
  fulfilled.

Six Major Barriers Identified to Finishing Well

• Barrier 1. Finances—their Use And Abuse
• Barrier 2. Power—its Abuse
• Barrier 3. Pride--which Leads To Downfall
• Barrier 4. Sex--illicit Relationships
• Barrier 5. FAMILY--Critical Issues
• Barrier 6. Plateauing.

Five Factors That Enhance Finishing Well

• Enhancement 1. Perspective.
• Enhancement 2. Renewal.
• Enhancement 3. Disciplines.
• Enhancement 4. Learning Posture.
• Enhancement 5. Mentoring.

Checklist: 30 Key Areas in our Christian Walk

I found this check list in Missional Challenge. And it is useful resources to evaluate and see our beliefs, virtues and practices as we grow in the Lord.  Some of these 30 lists might simply "ticked off" and others worth spending time for evaluation and for asking God's grace to live out our faith.

30 Key Areas in our Christian Walk

Beliefs
1. Trinity. I believe the God of the Bible is the only true God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
2. Salvation by Grace. I believe a person comes into a right relationship with God by God’s Grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
3. Authority of the Bible. I believe the Bible is the Word of God and has the right to command my belief and action.
4. Personal God. I believe God is involved in and cares about my daily life.
5. Identity in Christ. I believe I am significant because of my position as a child of God.
6. Church. I believe the church is God’s primary way to accomplish his purposes on earth today. 
7. Humanity. I believe all people are loved by God and need Jesus Christ as their Savior.
8. Compassion. I believe God calls all Christians to show compassion to those in need. 
9. Eternity. I believe there is a heaven and a hell, and I believe Jesus Christ is returning to judge the earth and establish his eternal kingdom.
10. Stewardship. I believe everything I am or own belongs to God. 

Virtues
1. Love. I sacrificially and unconditionally love and forgive others.
2. Joy. I have inner contentment and purpose in spite of my circumstances.
3. Peace. I am free from anxiety because things are right between God, myself, and others.
4. Patience. I take a long time to overheat, and I endure patiently the unavoidable pressures of life.
5. Kindness/Goodness. I choose to do the right things in my relationships with others.
6. Faithfulness. I have established a good name with God and with others based on my long-term loyalty to that relationship.
7. Gentleness. I am thoughtful, considerate, and calm in dealing with others.
8. Self-Control. I have power, through Christ, to control myself.
9. Hope. I can cope with the hardships of life and death because of the hope I have in Jesus Christ.
10. Humility. I choose to esteem others above myself.

Practices
1. Worship. I worship God for who he is and what he has done for me.
2. Prayer. I pray to God to know him, to lay my requests before him, and to find direction for my daily life.
3. Bible Study. I study the Bible to know God, the truth, and to find direction for my daily life.
4. Single-mindedness. I focus on God and his priorities for my life.
5. Biblical Community. I fellowship with other Christians to accomplish God’s purposes in my life, others’ lives, and in the world.
6. Spiritual Gifts. I know and use my spiritual gifts to fulfill God’s purposes.
7. Giving Away My Time. I give away my time to fulfill God’s purposes.
8. Giving Away My Money. I give away my money to fulfill God’s purposes.
9. Giving Away My Faith. I give away my faith to fulfill God’s purposes.
10. Giving Away My Life. I give away my life to fulfill God’s purposes.

10 Disciplines from Paul’s life and ministry

10 Disciplines from Paul’s life and ministry (extracted from a message by C.B. Samuel-former EFICOR director]

Discipline is that you do consistently in spite of your situations, positions,challenges.

1. Discipline of prayer and study Bible: secret of your power directly proportional to your prayer life. If we study the life of Paul he was always consistent in his prayer life irrespective of his situation. We see Paul praying @ the prison when his arms were locked with chain, while travelling in the ship, etc. Acts 16:13 -And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to a riverside, where we were supposing that there would be a place of prayer. Psalms 119:164 psalmist says seven times a day i praise you Lord.
2. Discipline of doing requirement of the law: Acts 17:2-it says as was Paul custom, he went to the synagogue service on Sabbath day. Once Dr. Bill graham confessed that he never missed any Sundays.
3.  Discipline of learning: if we read and learn we can meaningfully share the gospel. Acts 17:22-26 when Paul addressing to people @ Athens he knew very well about them and their culture.
4. Discipline of hard work: Acts 18:3, 20:35, 1 Thessalonians 2:9 these scripture shows that how Paul works hard for the gospel even worked himself to earn livelihood.
5. Discipline of accountability: 2 Corinthians 8:20, 21- Paul was accountable to the church the graciously send gift for them- an offering for Jerusalem
6. Discipline your body: 1 Corinthians 9:27-Paul says i practice what i preach. Let your progress seen by others. Beat your body/mind/ thoughts obedient to Christ
7. Discipline of making and keeping promises: Acts 18: 18
8. Discipline of using gift appropriately: Rom1:11- imparting the gift, 1 Corinthians 14:18, 19 Use your gift to make a difference
9.  Discipline of giving: 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Tithe-responsibility
10.  Discipline of reflection (Evaluation): 2 Corinthians 13:5- examine yourselves/ test your faith, “1 Timothy 4:16- keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you”.

Refining Silver

He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the LORD Malachi 3:3


For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver.Psalm 66:10


Some time ago, a few ladies met in a certain city to read the scriptures, and make them the subject of conversation. While reading the third chapter of Malachi they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse: “And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” One lady’s opinion was that is was intended to convey the view of the sanctifying influence of the grace of Christ. Then she proposed to visit a silversmith and report to them what he said on the subject.

She went accordingly and without telling the object of her errand, begged to know the process of refining silver, which he fully described to her. “But Sir” she said, “do you sit while the work of refining is going on?” “Oh, yes, madam,” replied the silversmith; “I must sit with my eye steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining be exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured.”

The lady at once saw the beauty, and comfort too, of the expression, “He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” Christ sees it needful to put His children into a furnace; His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for them. Their trials do not come at random; “the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”

As the lady was leaving the shop, the silversmith called her back, and said he had forgotten to mention that the only way that he knows when the process of purifying is complete when he sees his own image reflected in the silver….

Author Unknown

What are you asking for God?

What are you asking for God? What are your prayer concerns these days?

When we see around, the people are asking God for many things; blessings, riches, etc. Nothing wrong in blessings but what we really need for life? Let us listen to Solomon and David for some wisdom;

Solomon says in Proverb 30:7-9, “two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread”. 

• Keep falsehood and lies far from me
• Give me neither poverty nor riches

Solomon, the richest man ever lived on this earth prayed this prayer and this is his advice for us to follow. And it shows daily depends on God. He is not asking for bread for a week and for a long period. Lord, let me depend on you every day- give me only my daily bread. Jesus taught us to pray this way “Give us this day our daily bread”

David says in Psalm 27:4, one thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and see him in his temple.

•  I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life

Solomon and David knew what really matter in life and this is the prayer of priority. When we give our life priority for Jesus; there will so much of joy and peace with in us.

Let us examine our lives; what are you asking for God these days? 

Lord, help us to pray this prayer every day!

Does God really care about the details?

Several times I used to think on this question; Does God rally care about the details of my life?

In the Gospels of Mathew 21:2-7, Mark 11:2-7 and again in Luke 19:29-34 we see our Lords detail instruction for two of his disciples to get a colt for him to ride down in to the city of Jerusalem. See how beautiful Jesus gave the direction [Go to that village 2. You will see a young donkey tied there 3. Untie it and bring it here 4. If anyone ask what are you doing? Just say, “The Lord need it and will return soon] and the followed as Jesus instructed them. How wonderful to follow our master, who knows every details?

When we study on Tabernacle of Moses in the book Exodus, It was constructed during Israel’s time in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. Exodus 24:15-18 we read- For forty days and nights Moses was on the mountain and in the presence of God receiving the law and detailed instruction to make the Tabernacle. God gave Moses very detailed instruction such as instruction about worship, sacrificial system, clothing for priests, what kind of washbasin, kind of light, table, lampstand, kind of material (acacia wood) and its measurements. God gave Moses instruction for everything with its smallest detail. Exodus 39: 43, Moses inspected all their work. When he found it had been done just as the Lord had commanded him, he blessed them.

Genesis 6:14-21 when we look at Noah’s life, God gave Noah the details instruction on how to make a boat. God told him what kind of wood and how big to make it –with its measurement. He also told him to out a door in the side of the ark. Genesis 6:22 And Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.

Are you struggling with any aspect/ details of life; God is interested in every details and He has specific plan for every detail of your life. As you continue to trust and lean on Him, he will reveal his plans and path to go forward.

Remember that God cares about even the smallest details of our lives. Luke 12:7 Jesus says indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So we should never lost sight of what God can do, he is in absolute control of your lives in every details. The question to consider: Do I open to God’s wisdom to show me what he would like in every detail?

Lord, help me to see the details as you see them and respond to them with your wisdom and love.

JOY vs Happiness

As I read the Bible, several times the word “Joy” caught my attention. What is the difference between “happiness” and “Joy”?

Depending on the translation, the Bible uses the words “happy” and “happiness” about 30 times, while “joy” and “rejoice” appear over 300 times.

·        The Joy of the Lord is My Strength – Nehemiah 8:10.

·        Restore to me the Joy of your salvation- Psalm 51:12

·        What Joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises-Psalm 84:4

·        What Joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem 84:5

·        What Joy for those who trust in you Psalm 84:12

·        I will Joyful in God my saviour Habakkuk 3: 18

·        ALWAYS JOYFUL 1 Thessalonians 5:16

To understand more on HAPPINESS, one exercise that we can do; write down specific things that make us happy in this world? Probably you will have a list of things such as listen to music, a trip, favourite food, money, friends, etc. when we closely observed all these are temporary and bring temporary emotional happiness.

Happiness is depending on what is happening around you. That’s what we see in the world people are happy when they have money, power, resources etc. when things around them are good, people are happy. There are many things that influence my happiness on a daily basis.

The word “Joy” comes from the Greek root word Chara and means “to be exceedingly glad”. Joy is entirely different from happiness. Joy, in the Bible context is attitude of the heart. It is not based on your circumstances or what is happening around you. When happiness is temporary, joy remains. Joy brings us peace in the middle of storm. Bible talks about joy in the Holy Spirit. So this is something God deposit with in us.

James 1:2 says, dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. It is obvious that this joy is not depending on the circumstances. How can ever have joy in the midst of trouble? This is the joy that God gives you when you put that trouble in His hand. I can testify many times in my life, that I have experienced the Joy in the midst of confusion, trouble, uncertainty, etc. This is the Joy that God gives as we depend on God and spend time with Him.

1 Thessalonians 5:16, “Always be joyful, Never stop praying and be thankful in all circumstances” this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.  So this is the command that always be joyful. No matter what, when, who, where, how your circumstances. Irrespective of our circumstances we can find our Joy in the Lord.

Always remember Joy is what God gives you in the midst of trouble when you put that trouble in God's hands. 

Daniel: A man of excellence

Why Daniel was successful in a country where he was a slave boy? When we study the life of Daniel there are three significant areas that he was an excellent leader. In his devotion, character and work. 

Excellence in his devotion: Daniel 6:10 but when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.

He pray three times a day, giving thanks to the Lord and in prayer knelt down as usual in his upstairs room. What a great lesson we can learn from Him. When he comes before God, he gives all reverence to Gods presence.

Daniel knew that the law had been signed (If you are not worshipping the king, you will be thrown in Lion’s Den) but Daniel went home and knelt down as usual in God’s presence. He had such confidence in the living God to whom he served. And he knew his God very intimately. Daniel 2:21 God is the one who controls everything- not the kind or his kingdom. In every occasion Daniel was careful enough to give all glory back to God and lift His name before the King.

Excellence in His Character: Daniel 6:4 then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they could not find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible and completely trusts worthy.

• He was faithful
• Always responsible
•  Completely trust worthy

Excellence in his work: Daniel 6: 3 Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.

Daniel was excellence in his work, so that his fellow workers unable to find any fault in him.

“God makes three requests of his children; Do the best you can, where you are, with what you have now” unknown

2 Corinthians 8:7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, and in all eagerness and in the love from us that is in you—make sure that you excel in this act of kindness too. (NET)

God is calling each one of us to give our best to Him. Do your best!