Choose joy

Choose joy

Everywhere you look you see shirts that say “choose joy” - even though it sounds a little cliché, we can in fact choose our attitude daily!

Romans 15:13 says

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

I try to teach my kids that we can’t change anything around us or change other people’s attitudes but we can always choose our words and our actions.

In a world filled with evil and darkness, we have an important job to create discussions and moments to ring light and hope.

The best thing we can do as parents, is to train the future generation on how to make good decisions, choose their attitude and weigh their words!

Romans 12:12 reminds us

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

We do a lot of board games in the house, one of the board games that we like to play frequently is chess. Each move is thawed out before proceeding. I like to give the analogy of our words and our actions is the same way. In a world with reactions- anger and violence- we need to coach and train about how we can think through and visualize what we do before we do it.

Choosing joy and life-giving actions is definitely a muscle we must exercise and train. This is why our job as parents and leaders is so vital!

Philippians 4:4 says

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.”

Ask yourself, how are you choosing joy today? How are you choosing your words today?

How can you make time in your busy schedule to train and teach someone else on how to do so?

What season are you in?

What season are you in?

Don’t be afraid of the waiting season- where you are unsure of what to do next-

Don’t be afraid of the pressing season- where you feel pushed, pulled, stretched beyond strength

Don’t be afraid of the season of lack- where food is simple, memories cost nothing and hugs are currency.

Don’t be afraid of the season of darkness- seeds are always planted underground to get their nutrients first before seeing the sun.

Don’t be afraid of the season where you feel unseen, under utilized or under appreciated.

Life has seasons- hold on through the season- push through knowing that everything in life has a timer- whether good or bad.

Here is the secret: come close- sit and hear: you can do it- you have unlimited knowledge, creativity and power- through community- through your family, and through your faith.

You can push through anything- you are a warrior- you are a fighter. You might get knocked down-but you get up. You might get tired- so take a timeout- but get back in the game!

“Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let your joy overflow! And let gentleness be seen in every relationship, for our Lord is ever near. Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ. Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always. I know what it means to lack, and I know what it means to experience overwhelming abundance. For I’m trained in the secret of overcoming all things, whether in fullness or in hunger. And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:4-8, 12-13‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Monthly devotional: breathe

Today, we will explore the profound connection between Yahweh, the Creator of all life, and the breath that sustains us. Just as breath is essential for our physical existence, so is Yahweh crucial for our spiritual well-being.

Scripture Verse:

Genesis 2:7 (NIV)

"Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being."

Just as breath is a continuous cycle, so is our connection with Yahweh. Each breath we take is a reminder of His presence within us, sustaining us, and giving us life. Our every inhale is an invitation to receive His love, guidance, and strength. And with every exhale, we release our worries, fears, and burdens into His capable hands.

Yahweh's breath is not only physical but also spiritual. His breath revives our weary souls, renews our minds, and restores our spirits. When we align our breath with His, we become attuned to His will and experience His peace that surpasses all understanding.

Application:

1. Be mindful of your breath: Take a moment to pause, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. With each inhale, imagine receiving the breath of Yahweh, filling you with His love, peace, and purpose.

2. Breathe in His Word: As you read and meditate on Scripture, allow the words to penetrate your heart and mind. Inhale His promises, His guidance, and His wisdom. Let His Word shape your thoughts and actions.

3. Share His breath of life: Just as Yahweh breathed life into us, let us share His love and life with those around us. Through acts of kindness, encouragement, and love, let us become vessels of His breath, bringing hope and renewal to others.

Prayer:

Gracious Father, thank you for the gift of breath and the reminder of your presence within us. Help us to be mindful of our connection with you through each breath we take. May your breath, O Yahweh, fill us with your love, peace, and purpose. Teach us to rely on your guidance and strength in every aspect of our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.