Wrap Yourself in Joy Podcast: Recent Episodes
Karen Dwyer
Join award winning speaker, teacher and author, Karen Dwyer as we search for joy together. We will explore how to find true JOY, how to awaken JOY, how to defeat JOY Busters and how to create a JOY-filled prayer life – from a Christian perspective, a Biblical Perspective, a Catholic perspective. We will especially focus on God‘s love and God‘s truth, and what we can do to be filled with more JOY.
The Presentation in the Temple Painting by Philippe de Champaigne, 1648
The Feast of the PresentationYou can be filled with joy and led by the Spirit! Join the podcast today as we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation with Anna and Simeon. These two seniors, guided by the Holy Spirit and filled with joy when they recognized the Savior, will show us how.
Jesus Came to Fulfill All the Law Today, we will discuss these points: (1) Forty days after Jesus’ birth, Joseph and Mary follow the Mosaic Law for the presentation of Jesus in the temple and Mary’s purification; (2) the meaning of the presentation and redemption; (3) the humble Blessed Mother offered “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” as prescribed in Leviticus 12:8; (4) although their lives differed, hope-filled seniors Simeon and Anna saw the Lord and had much in common; (5) Simeon prayed the “Nunc Dimittis,” now a canticle in the Liturgy of the Hours; and (6) you too can be led by the Spirit and filled with joy and peace.
LinksThe episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
For bookmarks or prayer points from The Joy of Advent Podcast series, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Find Karen’s books:* + Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear + Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy + Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
The post The Presentation of Jesus with Anna & Simeon: Be Filled with Joy & Led by the Spirit appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
The Adoration of the Shepherds, painting by Domenico Zampieri, 1610
Jesus Christ is BornToday, we return to the book of Luke. There, we join Blessed Mary and Joseph on their 80-mile trek to Bethlehem. When they arrive, they find it crowded with people who, like them, had come at the command of Caesar Augustus. We will encounter the Angels and Shepherds who have much to share. Connecting your heart with the Angel’s Gloria and the Shepherd’s praises will help you find more JOY and peace.
No Home for the Creator of CreationJoin us today as we discuss these points: (1) Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the City of David, prophesied over 700 years earlier by the Prophet Micah (Micah 5:1-3). (2) Emperor Caesar Augustus issued a decree requiring a public enrollment of his subjects. (3) Joseph, a descendant of King David, had to travel to Bethlehem because he was of David’s lineage. Mary also went along—she might have been required to register, or Joseph wanted her with him. (4) Finding no room in an inn, Jesus, God Incarnate and the Savior of the World, was born and wrapped tightly in cloth by His Mother Mary, then laid in a manger where animals eat. (5) We join the Angel’s “Gloria” (Luke 2:14-20), named because the first word in St. Jerome’s Latin translation is “Gloria,” and then visit the Baby in the manger with the shepherds. (6) This is the night to create a “manger” for Jesus in your heart by inviting Him to be your Savior and Lord now and forever.
Bishop Fulton J. Sheen notes: Joseph “searched in vain for a place where He, to Whom heaven and earth belonged, might be born. Could the Creator not find a home in creation? … A stable would be the last place in the world where one would have looked for Him. Divinity is always where one least expects to find it”(Life of Christ, 1958, p. 13-24).
LinksThe episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
For bookmarks or prayer points from The Joy of Advent Podcast series, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Find Karen’s books:* + Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear + Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy + Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
The post The Joy of Advent #6 ~ Jesus Christ is Born: Join the Angels & Shepherds in Praise appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
The Dream of St. Joseph, Painting by Anton Raphael Mengs, 1773
Joseph’s Dream from God to Take Mary as His WifeToday, we turn to Matthew’s Gospel and hear about Joseph’s dream to take Mary as his wife, and how he joyfully embraced God’s plan. Mary and Joseph often changed their plans as they listened to God. They serve as an example to us of how to trust in God’s plan rather than our own. Join the podcast today as we learn about an angel sent to Joseph in a dream and discover how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His!
The Family Record & Embracing God’s PlansToday, we will discuss these points: (1) the genealogical record or family tree, of Jesus through Joseph, (2) how Jewish lineages around the time of Christ often did not include women’s names, but Christ’s ancestry in Matthew mentions five women, (3) Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba were four women in Christ’s lineage who turned from sin or idolatry to God, (4) Joseph’s dream involving communication from an angel and his response to embrace God’s plans, and (5) how we can trust in God’s plan.
LinksThe episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
For bookmarks or prayer points from The Joy of Advent Podcast series, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Find Karen’s books:* + Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear + Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy + Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
The post The Joy of Advent #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary as His Wife & Joyfully Embraces God’s Plans appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
The Birth of John the Baptist: “Zachariah wrote, His Name is ‘John’.” Painting by Jacopo Pontormo, 1526, USA
Celebration at Zechariah’s Home and Naming of the BabyThe Scriptures invite us to a celebration at Zechariah’s home. It’s time to name his newborn boy and perform the baby’s circumcision. You can imagine yourself as one of the neighbors who has come to help name the baby born to the old couple, the priest Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth. What would you say? Maybe this: “The boy is a miracle baby! What a blessing from the Lord for Elizabeth! Shockingly, Zechariah has been muted since the last time he served in the temple. I wonder if he will ever recover his speech.”
Zechariah’s tongue is freedToday, we will cover these points: (1) John’s circumcision, (2) the neighbors choosing the name Zechariah to honor his father, (3) Zechariah wrote, “his name is John” and immediately, his tongue was freed, (4) Zechariah praises God for the promises that will be fulfilled in His son John and the coming of the Messiah, and (5) we can pray the Benedictus with joy every day of Advent.
LinksThe episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
For bookmarks or prayer points from The Joy of Advent Podcast series, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Find Karen’s books:* + Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear + Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy + Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
The post The Joy of Advent #4 ~ Joy at the Birth of John the Baptist & Zechariah’s Benedictus appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
The Visitation Painting by Philippe de Champaigne, 1643-1648
The Visitation of Mary & Sharing Joy with Elizabeth
Do you need more JOY in your life this Advent? Today, Mary and Elizabeth will show you how to share and receive more joy.
In this podcast, we join Blessed Mary on her journey from Nazareth to the Hill Country of Judea, near Jerusalem. There she visits her old cousin Elizabeth. Both women are expecting, celebrating the upcoming births, and excited to see each other. Previously, we read that God supernaturally conceived His Son Jesus in the Virgin Mary and granted a child to be born to old Zechariah and Elizabeth. “For nothing is impossible with God!”
Today, we cover these inspiring events: (1) John the Baptist leaps for joy, (2) Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and proclaims words of great joy, (3) Mary praises and skips with joy in the Magnificat Canticle, (4) and the two share joy-filled fellowship around stories of Gabriel and Scriptural promises about to be fulfilled with their sons, including Jesus, the Messiah.
LinksThe episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
For bookmarks or prayer points from The Joy of Advent Podcast series, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Find Karen’s books:* + Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear + Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy + Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
The post The Joy of Advent #3 ~ Filled with JOY: The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
The Joy of Advent – Gabriel’s Annunciation to Mary & Nothing is Impossible with God
The Annunciation and Nothing is Impossible with GodWith God, nothing is impossible! If God can supernaturally conceive the Son of God in a virgin and grant a child to an elderly couple, then He can make your impossible become POSSIBLE. Join us today as we travel to Nazareth. We will hear the Great Annunciation of JOY to Mary as well as Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancy. “For nothing is impossible with God.” The episode is based on my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
Another Message from Gabriel and Mary’s FiatToday, we will cover these points from Luke 1: 25-38: (1) The powerful Archangel Gabriel brings the second annunciation– this time to a young girl in Nazareth, (2) The Baby would be named Jesus, [Yeshua in Hebrew] after His Heavenly Father [Yahweh God in Hebrew], (3) Mary’s Fiat [Latin for Let it Be], (4) The incarnation means God became man, reaching out to mankind, and (5) Mary’s example shows us to Listen, Dialogue with God, and Surrender.
LinksThe episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
For bookmarks or prayer points from The Joy of Advent Podcast series, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Find Karen’s books:* + Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear + Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy + Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
The post The JOY of Advent #2 ~ The Annunciation of Mary: With God, Nothing is Impossible appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
The JOY of Advent: Journey with the People, Prayers, and Events at Jesus’ First ComingAre you hoping for a Joy-filled Advent? Join our podcast series and celebrate the joy of the people, events, and prayers at Jesus’ first coming. You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, the Angels, the Shepherds, Simeon, Anna, and the Magi. It’s as if you will travel with them via Scripture and partake in the most meaningful events in their lives. In Episode #1, we will share the Joy of Zechariah and God’s answer to his prayers.
Episode #1 ~ Zechariah’s JOY: God Answers PrayerAre you waiting for an answer to prayer? Stay hopeful this Advent! In our Joy of Advent Episode #1, we meet Zechariah. He will teach us a joy-filled lesson in an unusual way: Don’t give up hope – God hears & God answers prayer. We will cover these points today: (1) the meaning of Advent, (2) the two annunciations in Luke 1: 1-7, (3) Gabriel, the might of God- no puny angel, (4) God was preparing Joseph and Mary while Zechariah had to wait a little longer, and (5) prayer points for a new and fresh encounter God, asking for new joy and everyday miracles.
LinksFor bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
Find Karen’s books:* + Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear + Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy + Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
The post The Joy of Advent #1: Zachariah ~ Keep Hope Alive, God Answers Prayer appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
WRAP fosters a personal two-way conversation with your heavenly Father through prayer and Scripture.
Hearing God’s VoiceHave you heard from God today? He wants to speak to you. Are you listening? Join the podcast this week and learn how to hear from God and “WRAP yourself in Scripture.” (Scroll Down to play the Podcast.)
Two-Way ConversationYou can have a personal two-way conversation with your heavenly Father. He wants to speak to you. Begin today to practice the original WRAP method for reading, reflecting on, and hearing God’s voice in Scripture with author Karen Dwyer. Karen, with husband Larry, created the WRAP acronym and the book WRAP Yourself in Scripture in 2009, and now it’s in a NEW 4th edition. We will cover these points:
Method Promoted by the Church Fathers WRAP is based on the principles of Lectio Divina (pronounced Lect-see-oh Di-vee-na), an ancient, yet rediscovered, method of reading, reflecting on, and praying Scripture. * The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes Lectio Divina as a method “where the Word of God is so read and meditated on that it becomes prayer” (CCC 1177*). This method has been practiced for centuries by the Desert Fathers, the Benedictines, the Carmelites, and various Doctors of the Church, including St. Gregory the Great, St. Jerome, St. John of the Cross, and St. Teresa of Avila, among others.
Defined by the Catechism The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Christian prayer as “a covenant relationship between God and Man in Christ” (CCC 2564). Inherent in this relationship is a two-way conversation. * The Second Vatican Council points out: “In the sacred books [of Scripture] the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children and talks with them” (Dei Verbum 21*).
WRAP – Simplified Guide to Lectio Divina* Lectio Divina is Latin for “divine reading” of Scripture. It is much more than simply perusing the chapters of Scripture as if reading a novel or a newspaper or reading a history book. * The Latin word lectio means deeply consuming a reading. * The four steps of WRAP is a simplified version of Lectio Divina, which includes lectio, meditatio, oratio, and contemplatio in the original Latin.
WRAP, the Acronym WRAP is an Acronym that stands for: * W=WRITE the verse(s) down when the words jump out to you. * R = REFLECT or meditate on the words, reread them, mutter them, and imagine the meaning in dialogue with Jesus. * A=APPLY by continuing to ask the Lord if there is an application and response. * P*= PRAY & PRAISE, by making the verse your prayer. Praise the mighty name of Jesus your Savior, God your Heavenly Father, and the Holy Spirit, your Guide * Enhance your joy by cultivating a deeper relationship with God.
Download the template and 14 Days of WRAP bookmark from my website WRAPyourselfinJOY.com and start by practicing WRAP with Psalm 103: 1-13.
Four Part Series coming* + Part 2 The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls” + Part 3 Holy, Heavenly Meditation
Books* Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com * Check out more podcasts here! * Find Karen’s books: + Wrap Yourself in Scripture: A Guide to Lectio Divina, Fourth Edition + Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear + Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy + Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
Cup of Joy* Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with friends. It’s free, and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection that accompanies each podcast. To learn more or sign up for free materials, Go to: + CUP of JOY Women or Gathering.
The post Wrap Yourself in Scripture ~ Hearing God’s Voice appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
WRAP can lead you to hear Jesus Christ with a personal message just for you.
Tips for Hearing God Every DayHave you ever thought, “Can I really hear from God every day?” The answer is, “Yes, you can!” But you have to pause. WRAP can help you hear Jesus Christ with a personal message meant just for you. With WRAP, you’ll discover that God’s Word is truly alive and that He wants to speak to you. But you have to pause and make room for Him. Being faithful in reading and praying the Word of God will transform your life forever! Join us today and discover the tips you need to hear from God every day, pausing for a message specifically for you. (Scroll Down for Podcast.)
Practical Council in the Holy SpiritFr. John Horn, in the foreword of our book, WRAP Yourself in Scripture, says, “WRAP provides a way of receiving practical counsel in the Holy Spirit and a new, intimate relationship with Jesus and the Father. This method of prayer will awaken your inner desire to become more and more ‘filled with all the fullness of God’” (Ephesians 3: 19). Today, we will cover these tips for hearing God every day, pausing, and being ‘filled with all the fullness of God.”
How Much Time Does WRAP Take?* You can follow this method for as little as 10 minutes or much longer. * For example, you could take your Bible and journal with you to WRAP in Adoration.
Where should I WRAP?* Try to pause for a few minutes every day to practice WRAP. * To pause means to intentionally slow down and step away from the chaos of daily life. * Spiritually, it’s more than just taking a break; it means you take time to be with God in prayer-a time free of distractions, to pray and connect to His peaceful presence. * Go to a place where you can be alone to pray and listen for God’s voice; you may simply shut the door.
What Supplies Do I need for WRAP?* You will need an empty notebook to use as your journal, a pen or pencil and of course, your Bible. * Keep a zippered notebook or tote bag that holds these supplies so you will have them handy
How do I Select Verses for WRAP?* Choose a section from a daily or Sunday Mass reading. * You could choose a Psalm. * Choose a passage that’s about 5 to 10 verses.
How do I Begin?* Close your eyes and picture in your mind that the Lord is sitting with you, and you can sense his loving, sustaining presence. * Offer a simple prayer of thanksgiving and invite the Holy Spirit to guide and speak to you.
Personal Application* Grab a pen and a small, inexpensive notebook and call it your WRAP Journal, plus your Bible. * Turn to Psalm 27 in your Bible and WRAP with it.
Four Part Series* Part 1 Hearing God’s Voice * Part 2 The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls” * Part 3 Holy, Heavenly Meditation * Part 4 Tips for Hearing God Every Day
Books* Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com * Check out more podcasts here! * Find Karen’s books: + Wrap Yourself in Scripture: A Guide to Lectio Divina, Fourth Edition + Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear + Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy + Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
Cup of Joy Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with friends.* It’s free, and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection that accompanies each podcast. + CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.
The post Wrap Yourself in Scripture #4 ~ Tips for Hearing God Every Day appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
WRAP with the “Four M’s of Christian Mediation” will guide you in Prayer and Reflection
Meditation & WRAPHave you ever wondered if meditation could really be part of prayer? It can! Meditation on Scripture can bring you into a two-way conversation with God. Join us today to learn how to approach the Word of God with Holy Heavenly Meditation and prayer, guided by WRAP. (Scroll Down for Podcast.)
Distinctions Among Prayerful Meditation and Other FormsThere is a big distinction between prayerful Biblical meditation and other forms of meditation. Eastern or New Age meditations have an inward focus on the deepest self. Biblical meditation, on the other hand, brings us into a closer encounter with God and His presence around Scripture. We will cover the “Four M’s of Christian Meditation” and these points:
Straightforward and Uncomplicated WRAP Christian meditation “engages thought, imagination, emotion, and desire” (CCC 2708*). * You speak to God from your thoughts, feelings, and desires as you contemplate the message in the verse. * What does it mean for the way you act, live, and treat others?
The Bible Encourages Meditation Joshua 1: 8: “You shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful * Psalm 1: 1-2: Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers;but their delight is in the law of the Lord. * Psalm 119: 97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. * Luke 2: 10: Mary treasured all these words [the words from God] and pondered them in her heart.*
The Old Testament Hebrew Words translated “Meditation” HÂGÂH*, translated “meditate,” means “to murmur or mutter or to repeat over and over,” “to ponder,” and “to deeply imagine” God’s word. * SIYACH means to meditate upon, study, ponder, to talk, to speak aloud, and even to sing.
The 4 M’s of Meditation MULL OVER means positively pondering and intensely considering the meaning of the verse. * MUTTER means repeating the verse and words aloud and to yourself in order to chew them. * MENTALLY IMAGINE means to put yourself in a scene as you read it. * M*EMORIZE comes easily after mulling over, muttering, and mentally picturing the verse or verses.
Personal Application* Grab a pen and a small, inexpensive notebook and call it your WRAP Journal, plus your Bible. * Turn to Psalm 1: 1-6 in your Bible and WRAP with it.
Five Part Series* Part 1 Hearing God’s Voice * Part 2 The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls” * Part 3 Holy, Heavenly Meditation
Books* Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com * Check out more podcasts here! * Find Karen’s books: + Wrap Yourself in Scripture: A Guide to Lectio Divina, Fourth Edition + Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear + Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy + Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
Cup of Joy Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with friends.* It’s free, and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection that accompanies each podcast. + CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.
The post Wrap Yourself in Scripture #3 ~ Holy, Heavenly Meditation appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
The Bible is: “a pharmacy open to all souls….with remedies just right for your cases.”
A PharmacyDid you know the Bible offers a “pharmacy open to all souls” with remedies for your worries and troubles? Saint Basil the Great tells us this and more. Join us today to learn how WRAP – the acronym for Lectio Divina- can help you discover the medicine just right for your body, soul, and spirit. (Scroll Down to Listen.)
WRAP – Simplified Guide to Lectio Divina The WRAP acronym stands for Write, Reflect, Apply, and Pray. * It’s a simplified guide for the practice of Lectio Divina, which Christians have used in prayer since the third century. * Pope Benedict XVI recommended Lectio Divina for all: If it is effectively promoted, this practice will bring to the Church – I am convinced of it – a new spiritual springtime. … Lectio Divina should therefore be increasingly encouraged, also through the use of new methods, carefully thought through and in step with the times. It should never be forgotten that the Word of God is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (cf. Ps 119[118]:105). (International Congress on Dei Verbum (9- 16-2005).*
Four Stages of Prayer The four stages of prayer described by Rev. Mark Thibodeaux (The Armchair Mystic) include: . Talking at God, Talking to God, Listening to God speak to your heart –through reading & reflecting on Scripture daily, Resting in God’s presence*, enjoying His company. * Take the Self-report Prayer Survey in WRAP Yourself in Scripture, 4th Edition, by Karen & Lawrence Dwyer, or download the bookmark from WRAPYourselfinJoy.com.
St. Basil the Great “The Holy Spirit composed the Scriptures so that in them, as in a pharmacy open to all souls, we might each of us be able to find the medicine suited to our own particular illness…and in the Books of Psalms we can find… remedies just right for their cases.” (Spidlik, T., & Drake, P. (1993). Drinking from the Hidden Fountain: A Patristic Breviary, Liturgical Press.) * He reminds us that the Lord, encountered through the passages of Scripture, heals our cases. * Cases can refer to problems, worries, anxieties, rejection, and much more.*
Personal Application* Grab a pen and a small, inexpensive notebook and call it your WRAP Journal, plus your Bible. * Select a Scripture passage WRAP with Psalm 103: 1-13 again. * Go to a quiet place to be alone for 10 minutes. * Pray, ask, and open your heart for God. Begin your prayer of thanksgiving. Acknowledge that the Lord is with you. Thank Jesus, that He wants to speak to your heart today through Scripture. Pray, Come, Holy Spirit, and enlighten my mind to Your truth.” * Spread out the W R A P in your journal over at least one page. * Download the template bookmark from the website WRAPyourselfinJOY.com and practice WRAP.
Five Part Series* Part 1 Hearing God’s Voice * Part 2 The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls” * Part 3 Holy, Heavenly Meditation
Books* Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com * Check out more podcasts here! * Find Karen’s books: + Wrap Yourself in Scripture: A Guide to Lectio Divina, Fourth Edition + Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear + Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy + Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
Cup of Joy Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with friends.* It’s free, and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection that accompanies each podcast. + CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.
The post Wrap Yourself in Scripture #2 ~ The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls” appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
The Presentation in the Temple Painting by Philippe de Champaigne, 1648
Are you seeking more joy at this time? Join our podcast at the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Anna and Simeon will show you how to find joy and consolation today and everyday.
At the TempleWelcome to Advent JOY Podcast #7, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events, and Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ. Today, we travel with Mary and Joseph to the Temple and the Presentation of the Lord. There we meet Anna and Simeon for this very special event. We will cover the following points:
Circumcised, Redeemed, and Purified (Luke 2: 21-23) At the time of Jesus’ birth, the Old Testament Mosaic Law required every firstborn Jewish male to be circumcised at 8 days after birth * The naming of the baby took place at the same time as the circumcision. * Mary and Joseph by divine appointment knew what the Child was to be called. And so “He was named Jesus” which means the Lord saves-* the name told to both Mary and Joseph via an angel (Luke 1: 30 and Matthew 1: 20).
Jesus Came to Fulfill All the Law (Luke 2: 23-24) Now, forty days after Jesus’ birth, Joseph and Mary again follow the Mosaic Law for the Presentation of Jesus in the temple and Mary’s Purification*. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said He came to “fulfill the law,” which begins at His birth. * For Mary’s Purification, the sweet Blessed Mother of humble means offers “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” which Leviticus 12: 8 prescribed for a new mother who could not afford a sheep to offer.
The Presentation or Redemption of Jesus (Luke 2: 25-38) This “redemption of the firstborn” meant that the parents redeemed Jesus or bought Him back from God*. Isn’t it amazing that almost 33 years later, it would be Jesus who would pay the price for our redemption by dying on the cross? * The Church celebrates the Presentation of the Lord on February 2 every year. The readings also appear near December 29th during the Christmas season.
Simeon & AnnaAlthough their lives differed, Simeon and Anna had much in common.
- Both Simeon and Anna were described as deeply spiritual people. They loved the Lord, practiced their faith, and did not allow themselves to become bitter or decrepit with the times.
- Both were “senior citizens” active in serving God. Pope Francis says of the Presentation: It is a meeting between the young, who are full of joy in observing the Law of the Lord, and the elderly who are full of joy in the action of the Holy Spirit. It is a unique encounter between observance and prophecy, where young people are the observers and the elderly are prophets! (The Feast of the Presentation, Vatican, 2-2-2014).
- Both knew the Scriptures.
- Both believed in the Scriptures and were looking for the Messiah. Bible scholars and theologians say Jesus has fulfilled at least 300 Old Testament prophecies.
- Both were looking forward with HOPE. The words looking for indicate they were actively waiting for the Savior with hope.
- Both worshiped, prayed, and adored God. Their eyes went more to God than to the news of the day. That brought consolation.
- The Spirit of God guided both.
- Both Simeon and Anna recognized the Messiah.
- Both received Jesus and were changed.
- Both Simeon and Anna received a message about Jesus from the Holy Spirit, and they shared it.
Simeon’s Prayer – The Nunc Dimittis Reflects Isaiah’s Prophecies (Luke 2: 29-32) Simeon’s prayer is one of the Church’s great prayers, or canticles (little songs). It is called the Nunc Dimittis because v. 29 in the Latin translation of the Bible begins with the words “Nunc Dimittis,” which means “now dismiss your servant.” In other words, Simeon was saying to the Lord, “Now I am ready to die; you can dismiss me, Lord; I have seen the Savior.” * Every evening, all priests, religious, and laypeople who pray the Liturgy of the Hours pray the Nunc Dimittis* prayer. * Today and every day, you can pray the Nunc Dimittis from Luke 2: 29-30.
Personal Reflection & ApplicationWhy not spend some time with these verses of Luke 2?
- Reflect on the lives of Simeon & Anna who practiced their faith, were filled with joy in the Holy Spirit, knew the Scriptures, looked for the Savior in hope, praised and adored the Lord daily, were guided by the Holy Spirit, recognized the Messiah, received Jesus and were changed plus shared the message of Jesus with others. Ask the Lord how you can be filled with Holy Spirit as they were.
- Using your holy imagination, see yourself receiving Jesus from Mary’s arms as Simeon did.
- Look into the face of Jesus and give Him your shame and sadness.
- In exchange, receive His Love and JOY. Jesus has come for YOU. You will be consoled.
- Like Anna, praise God because you have seen the Savior of the World. He has come to give You JOY. In John 15: 11, Jesus says he gives you His joy that “your joy may be complete.”
- Receive peace & consolation. Luke 2: 14 says Jesus comes to give Peace on earth, good will toward to ALL. He has come to give you peace so pause and receive His peace and His comfort.
A Joyful Advent Journey~ The Seven-Part Series * A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and… * A Joyful Advent Journey #2 ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God. Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God… * A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country… * A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer. * A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His! * A Joyful Advent Journey #6~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds You will receive more joy and peace as you too worship the Savior. * A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy Recognize the Savior, praise Him and receive His Joy and consolation.
Cup of JOY WomenConsider forming a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy Women’s small group-you will meet for seven weeks. Brief study guides accompany this podcast series, and you can begin anytime. It’s free!
- Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize by meeting with one or more friends over coffee or tea in your home or church.
- For information, email me or go to Cup of Joy Women.
MOREFor bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
Other Joy Books by Karen.
The post A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Adoration of the Shepherds painting by Domenico Zampiere, 1610
Jesus Christ is BornJoin us today for the birth of Jesus and meet the Angels and the Shepherds who have a lot to share. Uniting your heart with the Angel’s Gloria and the Shepherd’s praises will help you receive more JOY and peace.
Looking for More JOY and Peace? Join our Trek to BethlehemWelcome to Advent JOY Podcast #6, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events And Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ. Today, we return to the book of Luke. There we join Blessed Mary and Joseph on their 80-mile journey to Bethlehem. When they arrive, they find it crowded with people, who like Mary and Joseph, had come at the command of Caesar Augustus.
Join us today for these points:
No Home for the Creator of Creation (Luke 2: 1-7) Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, in the City of David, as prophesied by the Old Testament prophet Micah over 700 years earlier and recorded in Micah 5: 1-3. * Emperor Caesar Augustus, a master bookkeeper and statistician, likely wanted to keep track of his subjects and kingdom by public enrollment. * Joseph had to go to Bethlehem, as he was a descendant of King David. Mary went along too – she may have been required to register, or Joseph wanted her with him. * Bishop Fulton J. Sheen explains: Joseph “searched in vain for a place where He, to Whom heaven and earth belonged, might be born. Could the Creator not find a home in creation? … A stable would be the last place in the world where one would have looked for Him. Divinity is always where one least expects to find it. (Life of Christ*, 1958, p. 13-24. * Jesus, God Incarnate and the Savior of the World was born and then tightly wrapped in bands of cloth by his mother, Mary, and laid in a manger where animals ate.
The Good News (Luke 2: 8-11) The angel’s message of “Good News” is summarized (v. 10-11): “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the * We can say with assurance that Jesus is our Savior, who delivers us from sin and makes us right with God. He is our Messiah*, the anointed one who will reign as KING forever.
The Fields Outside of Bethlehem (Luke 2: 12-20)* Amazingly, God chooses shepherds—the little, the lowly, the less important of the world (1 Corinthians 1: 28), but also calls himself a shepherd (e.g., “I am the Good Shepherd,” John 10:11). In Ezekiel 34:12-16, God describes himself as one who “shepherds right.” He tends sheep, rescues them, leads them, gives them rest, brings back the lost, binds up the injured, and heals the sick. * Jesus is our Shepherd: If at times you feel “lowly,” please know that Christ is YOUR Savior and Shepherd. He came for you! You are His little lamb, and He loves you. * Some shepherds around Jerusalem took care of the temple lambs used in the temple sacrifices. Shepherds would wrap lambs born without blemish in swaddling cloths and place them away from the others (e.g., Leviticus 4-5). Amazingly, the shepherds caring for the temple lambs used for sin offerings would be the first to recognize Jesus Christ, who came as our sin offering forever!
The Angel’s Gloria and the Shepherds Praises (Luke 2: 14-20) We find two beautiful choruses in Luke 2:14-20. First, there’s the Angel’s* “Gloria” (v. 14), which is so-called because the first word in St. Jerome’s Latin translation is “Gloria.” * This song of the angels proclaims peace to a world that needs peace as we do now. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; the peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27, NABRE). The only place of true peace is in Jesus; today, we must remind ourselves of this. We can join the angels in praise: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward all.” * The second chorus includes the shepherds’ praises (v. 20). They praised God for the good news from the angel and the song of the heavenly host of angels. From them, we learn that praising God for His goodness is a wonderful way to evangelize and get other’s attention on our Savior.
Mary Treasured and Pondered God’s Words (Luke 2: 19)* Mary “treasured and pondered” these things in her heart. * She gives an example for us in treasuring, pondering, and delighting in the things God has revealed, especially because we have God’s Word in Scripture.
Personal Reflection & ApplicationTry to put yourself in the scenes with Mary, Jesus, the angels, and the shepherds. Then in prayer:
- Praise God for sending Jesus, like the angels and shepherds did.
- Make a “manger” for Jesus in your heart by inviting Him to be your Savior and Lord?
- Receive the true joy and peace that Jesus offers? Just ask and take time to receive.
- Treasure God’s Word in your heart like Mary did? Ask Jesus to help you do this. Start by reading Luke 2.
Related Posts – The Seven-Part Series ~ A Joyful Advent Journey * A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and… * A Joyful Advent Journey #2 ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God. Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God… * A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country… * A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer. * A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His! * A Joyful Advent Journey #6~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds You will receive more joy and peace as you too worship the Savior. * A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy Recognize the Savior, praise Him and receive His Joy and consolation.
LinksCup of JOY & Free Materials. A Cup of Joy small group study accompanies each podcast series. All materials are FREE. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.
For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
Other Joy Books by Karen.
The post A Joyful Advent Journey #6 ~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
“The Dream of St. Joseph” Painting by Anton Raphael Mengs, 1773
A Joyful Advent JourneyToday, we travel with Matthew’s Gospel and hear of Joseph’s dream to take Mary as his wife and how he accepts God’s plan joyfully. Mary and Joseph changed their plans often as they listened to God. They show us an example of leaning into God’s plan not our own. Join the podcast today as we hear of an angel sent to Joseph in a dream and learn how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His!
The Family Record (Mathew 1: 1-7, 16-17)* So, we start with Matthew 1. At the time of Jesus, families kept a genealogical record (or family tree) to distribute inherited property and other rights under Jewish laws. * Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI points out that Matthew 1 is not a perfect historical account, including every single member of the ancestry of Jesus Christ. He explained, ”This was not Matthew’s goal.” (Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives, 2012, p. 8). * Matthew wrote to appeal to the Jews by placing Jesus first and foremost as the Son of Abraham. Thus, he was the Patriarch and Father of Israel, part of God’s everlasting covenant (Genesis 17: 6-7). * Plus, he was the Son of David, the priestly King of Israel, whose ancestors were prophesied to reign forever (2 Samuel: 7:13).
Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba in the Lineage of Jesus Jewish lineages, at the time of Christ, usually did not contain names of women. Christ’s ancestry lists five women in Matthew 1. Of course, we would expect the Blessed Virgin Mary to be named. But there were four others listed—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. All were Gentile women who turned away from immoralities or idolatries or had converted to become faithful to God. * Even if your “family tree” seems dishonorable, Jesus offers you forgiveness, grace, mercy, and a new beginning when you turn to Him.* You are part of the family of God. Every day you can have a new life in Christ. Hebrews 2: 11: God is not ashamed to call them [or you] brothers and sisters.” * Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI wrote on the deeper meaning of the genealogies of Jesus and said:“[T]hose who believe in Jesus enter through faith into Jesus’ unique new origin, and they receive this origin as their own…Joseph did not beget Jesus but was truly born of the Holy Spirit from the Virgin Mary, so it can now be said of us that our true ‘genealogy’ is faith in Jesus who gives us a new origin and …to birth ‘from God” (Jesus of Nazareth, p. 12-13).
Found with Child (Matthew 1: 18-25) Dreams were a common way God communicated with His people in the Old Testament. Joseph did not hesitate in his response to the angel in the dream. He trusted God to work everything out. He willingly exchanged his plans for God’s plans. We could say he leaned into God’s plans.* * Joseph, from the tribe of Judah and the house of David, a carpenter by trade, became the legal head of this precious family (Abbott Ricciotti, The Life of Christ, 1947). Joseph is a role model to families—looking for God’s plans and leaning into them. This was the beginning of Joseph’s mission for life. Some have said it this way, Joseph was born for this vocation — to be the father of Jesus and Mary’s most chaste spouse. Like Mary, Joseph said “yes” to his vocation. His entire happiness was in knowing what God wanted him to do and carrying it out to the end ( Fernandez, Conversation with God, Vol. 1, 1997). He was devoted to God and his family.
Personal Reflection & Application1. Lean into God’s Plans. Can you picture Joseph’s perplexity when his plans suddenly changed? He was likely building the house, planning the wedding, or earning extra money for the marriage, but he was unprepared to hear Mary’s announcement. Then God gave him more direction through an angel in a dream. He leaned in the changes. You can ask yourself: Am I open to changing my plans to fit God’s plan? Talk to Jesus about how you can stay open to God’s plans. What changes will you lean into? 2. Accept Your Place in God’s Family. If you feel unworthy or unqualified to be part of God’s family, remember Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth. These women changed direction to follow God, joined God’s family, and are part of the lineage of Jesus. It is not too late to come to God. Ask Jesus to forgive you and your family. Ask him to help you change directions. And your family too. Then do what he tells you.
Related Posts – The Seven-Part Series ~ A Joyful Advent Journey * A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and… * A Joyful Advent Journey #2 ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God. Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God… * A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country… * A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer. * A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His! * A Joyful Advent Journey #6~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds You will receive more joy and peace as you too worship the Savior. * A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy Recognize the Savior, praise Him and receive His Joy and consolation.
LinksCup of JOY & Free Materials. A Cup of Joy small group study accompanies each podcast series. All materials are FREE. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.
For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
Other Joy Books by Karen.
The post A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
The Birth of John the Baptist: “Zachariah wrote, His Name is John”
Join our Advent journey today as Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born and he sings a joyous prayer.
Celebration at Zechariah’s HomeThe Scriptures invite us to a celebration at Zechariah’s home. It’s the circumcision and naming of his newborn boy. You can picture yourself as one of the neighbors who has come to help name the baby boy born to the old priest Zechariah and his aged wife, Elizabeth. What would you say? Maybe this:
“The boy is a miracle baby! What a blessing from the Lord for Elizabeth! Shockingly, Zechariah has been mute since the last time he went up to serve in the temple. I wonder if you will ever recover his speech.”
Today, we will cover these points.
The Circumcision and the Sacrament of Baptism (Luke 1: 56-59) The neighbors come to celebrate the birth and help with the circumcision. * Circumcision is a rite by God under the Old Covenant, usually performed on the 8th day after birth. It was a mark on a male and a sign that he was in covenant with God, sanctified for divine service, and a member of the Jewish people. * Under the New Covenant, circumcision is not a religious ritual for us (Galatians 5: 6). * The circumcision ritual is similar to the Sacrament of Baptism, celebrated with family, friends, and godparents. * For the Christian, baptism is a sign one belongs to Christ, is united with Him in His death, and is incorporated into the Church (Hahn, Catholic Bible Dictionary*).
The Neighbors Want to Name the Baby Zechariah (Luke 1: 60-66) Zechariah confirms that His name is JOHN*. * Immediately, Zechariah’s mouth was open, and his tongue was freed.
Zechariah’s Silent Retreat Results in Joyous Benedictus Blessings (Luke 1: 67-79) Zechariah grew in faith, peace, and trust in stillness with God. * Benedictus means Blessed be...the Lord.* * Zechariah’s prophecy is called a canticle, which means “little song”- a liturgical song from a Biblical text. * Most importantly, he thanks God for the promises to be fulfilled in the Messiah and for His Son John, who would go before the Lord to prepare His way, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by forgiving their sins.
Personal Reflection & Application Seek God in stillness. It was in Zechariah’s stillness with God for 9 months that helped him sort out who God really is, and how much God loved him and his people. + Prayer. Choose a quiet morning or evening during Advent. Turn off all media and be present with the Lord in adoration, prayer, and Scripture. Sit with God and LISTEN. You may find a new vision, peace, and a deeper relationship with God – the one He wants with you. * Let God redeem you. If you are living in any darkness or carrying baggage, Jesus wants to carry your baggage, forgive your sins, and give you peace. Trust him today. * Prayer.* You can pray the Benedictus every day this week. “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace…”
Related Posts – The Seven-Part Series ~ A Joyful Advent Journey * A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and… * A Joyful Advent Journey #2 ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God. Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God… * A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country… * A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer. * A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His! * A Joyful Advent Journey #6~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds You will receive more joy and peace as you too worship the Savior. * A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy Recognize the Savior, praise Him and receive His Joy and consolation.
LinksCup of JOY & Free Materials. A Cup of Joy small group study accompanies each podcast series. All materials are FREE. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.
For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
Other Joy Books by Karen.
The post A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth painting by Philippe de Champaigne, 1643-1648
The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing JoyDo you need more joy in your life? Today, Mary and Elizabeth will show you how to share and receive more joy. Join the podcast as we travel with Mary 90 miles to visit Elizabeth and experience their overflowing joy and delight. They truly show us the power of sharing joy as we drop in on the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth.
Welcome to A JOY-Filled Advent Podcast #3, based on my book The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. Previously, we read that God supernaturally begot His Son Jesus in the Virgin Mary and gave a child to an old woman, Elizabeth. “For nothing is impossible with God!”
Advent JOY in the Hill CountryToday, we travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country of Judea, near Jerusalem. Mary visits her old cousin Elizabeth. Both women are expecting, rejoicing over the births to come, and thrilled to see each other. We will cover these exciting points:
The Visitation – Leaping for JOY (Luke 1: 39-45)* John the Baptist leaps for Joy * Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaims words of JOY. * Mary praises and skips with JOY. * Jesus is always joy-filled—even in the womb!
The JOY of Sharing Fellowship – God Knows Our Need (Luke 1: 31-33) Fellowship in the Scriptures is translated from New Testament Greek Koinonia,* occurring 20 times in the New Testament. * Elizabeth brought out Mary’s JOY, and Mary brought out Elizabeth’s JOY. True fellowship strengthens and encourages faith. * The Holy Spirit reveals the presence of Jesus in Mary’s womb to Elizabeth as John leaps for joy.
The Magnificat – Mary’s Song of Praise (Luke 1: 46-56) First, Magnificat was the first word in Luke 1: 46 found in St. Jerome’s Latin translation of the Bible (4th-century common language of the people) and it means “my soul magnifies.” * Second, Canticles are liturgical songs from a Biblical text. * Third, Mary’s Song shows Mary’s love for Scripture. She knew the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) well. * Finally, Mary’s Canticle r*eflects themes from many Old Testament Scriptures, including the powerful arm of God, His mercy to all, His justice and faithfulness, and His care for the poor and afflicted (e.g., 1 Samuel 2:1-10 and Psalm 34:2, 35: 9, 103: 17, 107: 9, 132: 11, 138: 6).
Three Months of Sharing Hearts* We can only imagine the comfort Mary and Elizabeth must have been to each other. * For example, the two talked of the Scriptures to be fulfilled because they knew well the promises regarding the Messiah and the one who would precede Him. * Also, lingering over the stories about Gabriel, both knew he changed their lives forever.
Advent ApplicationWe can respond to these verses of JOY shared between Mary and Elizabeth by taking these actions:
- 1) New JOY. Ask Jesus to open your heart to receive HIS new joy every day this Advent.
- 2) Rejoice in the Lord. Make it your goal to thank the Lord every day for all he has done for you and praise Him for his greatness. Remember, gratitude often precedes genuine joyfulness.
- 3) Quiet Prayer Time. Jesus is near to you, and He wants to be even nearer. Try to spend at least 5 minutes alone and in quiet with Jesus every day? You will notice the difference.
- 4) Share the Joy. Are you sharing your joys and encouraging others? Ask God, who needs your uplifting and strengthen the one who comes to mind.
God has JOY for YOU and wants to share His JOY through you.
Related Posts – The Seven-Part Series ~ A Joyful Advent Journey * A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and… * A Joyful Advent Journey #2 ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God. Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God… * A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country… * A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer. * A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His! * A Joyful Advent Journey #6~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds You will receive more joy and peace as you too worship the Savior. * A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy Recognize the Savior, praise Him and receive His Joy and consolation.
LinksCup of JOY & Free Materials. A Cup of Joy small group study accompanies each podcast series. All materials are FREE. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.
For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
Other Joy Books by Karen.
The post A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Painting -The Annunciation by Beccafumi, 1545, USA.
The Annunciation and Nothing is Impossible with GodWith God, nothing is impossible! The Annunciation should remind you of that. If God can supernaturally conceive the Son of God in a virgin and grant a child to an elderly couple, then He can make your impossible become POSSIBLE too. Join us today as we travel to Nazareth. We will hear the Great Annunciation of JOY to Mary and learn about Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancy—because nothing is impossible with God. The episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. Today, we will cover these points:
Gabriel’s First Annunciation (Luke 1: 1-25) After 430 years of silence from heaven, the Archangel Gabriel appeared with an annunciation to Zechariah in Luke 1: 1-25. * Zechariah just couldn’t believe he and Elizabeth could have a baby. After all, they were to old, past the time of child-bearing. It seemed impossible. * Gabriel gave Zechariah a 9-month silent retreat to ponder the annunciation of what looked impossible. * Next, Luke 1: 26 takes us to a small town in Galilee, the hometown of Mary and Joseph. Gabriel’s message here is what we call, The Annunciation*.
Another Message from Gabriel (Luke 1: 26-30)* The powerful Archangel Gabriel brings the second annunciation– this time to a young girl in Nazareth. * This most important heavenly announcement comes to a girl in a remote village. It’s where you might least expect it to occur. * BUT God causes miracles to happen in the most unlikely and even ungodly places when people are open to Him. * Mary is the recipient of this great Annunciation. She is a virgin and teenager who is engaged to Joseph. Joseph is in the lineage of David, which points to the Old Testament prophesies soon to be fulfilled.
Jesus Name by His Heavenly Father (Luke 1: 31-33) The Baby would be named Jesus, which is Yeshua in Hebrew. Jesus is derived from Yahweh – the Most Holy Name of God in the Old Testament. The message is clear: Yahweh God would name His son Yeshua after Himself. * Truly, Jesus would be the Son of God and fulfill Isaiah 7: 14. Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel (God with us).*
Mary’s Fiat (Luke 1: 34-38) “Fiat” is the first word of Luke 1: 38 in the early Latin Bible translation and it means “let it be.” This was Mary’s “YES.” * Mary received the Word of God*, surrendered, and entrusted herself and her life to God’s will.
God’s Power Some may find it hard to believe in the virgin birth. But the virgin birth and incarnation are essential parts of our Christian faith. * The incarnation* means God became man, reaching out to mankind. In no other religion does God “become flesh” (John 1: 14), “accept the limitations of humanity,” come to earth to show His love, and then die for the sins of all (Fulton Sheen, 1958, Life of Christ, p. 19). St. Augustine says that when we cannot understand this miracle, “Let us grant that God can do something which we confess we cannot fathom. God is the God of the impossible!” (John Willis, 2002, Teachings of the Church Fathers).
Personal Reflection for Advent* Prayerfully meditate on the marvelous encounter between the Angel Gabriel and Mary in “The Annunciation.” * Picture yourself in the scene with Mary. How would she feel when she hears she will be the mother of the long-awaited Savior? How will she contain the joy? Mary gives us this example of how to seek and accept God’s will: Listen, Dialogue with God, and Surrender.
Application & Prayer PointsMary gives us this example of how to seek and accept God’s will: Listen, Dialogue with God, and Surrender. Imagine yourself as a humble one, like Mary—living in the obscurity of a town like Nazareth. Yet, you are open to all the ways of God. God shares His joy with you.
- Listen to the message God speaks to you. YOUR SAVIOR IS COME. Your joy overflows.
- Dialogue with Jesus about the Good News He is announcing. Share any doubts with Him. God became man to show his Love for you. Jesus died for your sins. God is with you! He loves you. Receive His joy.
- Surrender your heart. Jesus wants to come more deeply into your life. Trust the Lord! Join Mary in her YES to God, “Let it be with me according to your Word.” I surrender my life to you. I trust you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I give you the control of my life.
Related Posts – The Seven-Part Series ~ A Joyful Advent Journey * A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and… * A Joyful Advent Journey #2 ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God. Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God… * A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country… * A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer. * A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His! * A Joyful Advent Journey #6~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds You will receive more joy and peace as you too worship the Savior. * A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy Recognize the Savior, praise Him and receive His Joy and consolation.
LinksCup of JOY & Free Materials. A Cup of Joy small group study accompanies each podcast series. All materials are FREE. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.
For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
Other Joy Books by Karen.
The post A Joyful Advent Journey #2 ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
The JOY of Zechariah – Angel Gabriel Brings an Annunciation
A Joyful Advent Journey: Meet the People, Prayers, and Events of AdventAre you hoping for a Joyful Advent Journey this year? Join this podcast series to discover the joy of the people, prayers, and events so important to Jesus’ first coming. You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, the Angels, the Shepherds, Simeon, Anna, and the Magi. It’s as if you will travel with them via Scripture and partake in the most meaningful events in their lives.
Episode #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers PrayerAre you waiting for an answer to prayer? Stay hopeful this Advent! Please listen today as we start our Advent Journey Episode #1 with the JOY of Zechariah. He will teach us this lesson in an unusual way: Don’t give up hope – God hears & God answers prayer. We will cover these points today;
Advent Celebrates Hope and the Coming of Christ* The celebration of ADVENT often surprises us because it comes so quickly. * It’s easy to miss it. It was just fall, then Thanksgiving, and then within a few weeks, it’s Christmas. * Advent helps us prepare our mind and heart to celebrate Christ’s coming anew this Christmas.
The Meaning of Advent* Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus, ” which means “coming.” * The Advent season focuses on the present coming of Jesus in our lives and on increasing our desire for His presence every day.
The First of Two Annunciations (Luke 1: 1-7)* For 430 years prior to the birth of Jesus Christ, God had stopped speaking to His people because they had stopped listening to His prophets. Fast forward 430 years and we will drop in on the “first annunciation” in Luke 1. The term “annunciation” in Latin means announcement. * When God began speaking again, He sent announcements through His most important heavenly messenger – the Archangel Gabriel. * In Luke 1, Gabriel brings the first announcement to Zechariah. He and his wife Elizabeth served God, trusted him for everything, while they waited and prayed for children, which overtime seemed more impossible (Luke 1: 5-7).
Gabriel, The Might of God and No Puny Angel (Luke 1: 12-23)* Zechariah just couldn’t believe he would have a miracle with joy and gladness after all those years of waiting. He said, “how can this be, we are old!” * Poor Zechariah—the Archangel Gabriel just couldn’t take his unbelief so with one look he muted Zechariah for the next nine months. * Gabriel is no puny angel – “Gabriel” in New Testament Greek means “the Might of God,” but we will soon see he has a gentle side.
Personal Reflection After listening to the podcast, please reflect on the powerful message of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and us in the first part of Luke 1: God hears. God answers. Don’t give up on God. * Have you ever prayed for something so long that you gave up? Have you ever received more than you expected – just as you were about to give up? * St. Jerome wrote about Zechariah: “Your prayer is heard…that is to say you are given more than you asked for. You prayed for the salvation of the people and you have been given the Precursor” [John the Baptist] (Souvay, 1910, The Catholic Encyclopedia – Zacharias). * While Zechariah was praying and waiting and giving up on prayer all those years, he did not know that God was preparing Joseph and Mary and so, he had to wait just a little longer.*
Application and Prayer PointsConsider these prayer points because Jesus wants to share His joy while you wait for His answers:
- Ask Jesus for a new and fresh prayer encounter with Him. Ask for new joy and to experience His presence while you look for everyday miracles.
- Take Time. Make a point to take some quiet time every day to listen to the Lord, read LUKE 1, and stay connected to the joy of the Lord
- Converse. Share with Jesus what you are waiting for. Then keep an open attitude to receive heavenly surprises JOY. (For example, you could pray: Jesus, I have given up on… Please give me new insight. Show me the little places where I see your hand at work.)
- Start an ADVENT PRAYER Journal. Why not record your prayer and conversation with Jesus this Advent? You may be surprised at the transformation to JOY you receive and will want to record during Advent.
- Thank God. Let the Lord know that you trust your life and circumstances to Him.
Related Posts – The Seven-Part Series ~ A Joyful Advent Journey * A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and… * A Joyful Advent Journey #2 ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God. Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God… * A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country… * A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer. * A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His! * A Joyful Advent Journey #6~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds You will receive more joy and peace as you too worship the Savior. * A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy Recognize the Savior, praise Him and receive His Joy and consolation.
LinksCup of JOY & Free Materials. A Cup of Joy small group study accompanies each podcast series. All materials are FREE. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.
For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
Find Karen’s books:* + Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear + Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy + Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
The post A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
If your life needs transformation, consider reading the Book of Ruth, where God powerfully transforms each character and wants to do the same for you. God’s faithfulness can bring triumph out of tragedies, restoration from waywardness, and blessing out of loss. Join us oday as we conclude our series on the Book of Ruth..
Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Transformed by God’s Grace Episode #7Finding Joy in Tough Times is a seven-part series. Today, we will cover these points.
The Family* The beautiful, gracious, and even joyous Naomi, according to the meaning of her name suffers great loss. (Ruth 1-3) * Elimelech and family left Bethlehem, meaning house of bread to find more bread during the famine. * Naomi’s husband died and the two sons married Moabite wives – Orpah and Ruth. * They lived in Moab about ten years, and both sons died. * In Ruth 1:16, Ruth made a declaration of loyalty to Naomi and the God of Israel -it changed her life forever.
Naomi Becomes Mara but returns to Naomi* Naomi said, “Do not call me Naomi [pleasant, gracious, joyous]. Call me Mara [bitter], for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty…the Lord has afflicted me, and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?” (Ruth 1: 19) * Ruth returned home after gleaning in Boaz’ fields with 30 pounds of grain. * Naomi praises and blesses the Lord again; joy returns. * Naomi sees God’s footsteps in their lives: Boaz to become the kinsman redeemer and agrees to marry Ruth and become her kinsman redeemer.
Boaz, a Messianic Type of Christ* Boaz’s loving-kindness shadows God’s love sent to us in Jesus Christ. * As the kinsman redeemer, Boaz was a Christ-like figure.
Ruth, the “Worthy Woman”* Boaz described Ruth as one known as a “worthy woman” among the people. (Ruth 3:11) * These exact words appear in Proverbs 31: 10-31. * She is foremost “a woman who fears the Lord” and “to be praised” (v. 30). * Boaz, her husband, was “known in the city gates when he sits among the elders in the land” (v. 23). * “Her children rise and bless her; her husband too, her husband also, he praises her” (v. 28), as seen in the record of Matthew 1: 5 where she will be praised and remembered forever as a great-grandmother of King David and member of Christ’s lineage.
The Marriage, the Lineage of David and Jesus Christ* JOY multiplies for Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz as the town’s women pray a blessing over their lives and new life Obed (Ruth 4). * Boaz and Ruth are in the lineage of David (Ruth 4: 18-22) and of Jesus (Matthew 1). * Once a prostitute and Canaanite, Boaz’s mother was Rahab, who helped Joshua’s spies.
Blessings* Blessing Prayers are themes of Ruth, and there are seven recorded blessings. * Blessings are one of five types of prayer : 1) blessing or adoration, 2) petition, 3) intercession, 4) thanksgiving, and 5) praise . * A blessing for another proclaims God’s goodness, kindness, and power and it includes a petition asking God to share His goodness, power, compassion, and favor to change a situation. * Ruth includes blessings of Naomi praising God and asking for the daughters-in-law, Boaz blessing and praying for Ruth, the neighbors blessing and praying for Naomi, Ruth Boaz and Obed (Ruth 1: 17, 2:4, 12; 2:19–20; 3:10, 4:11-12, 14).
God is the HERO of RUTH!* Ultimately, God is the hero of the Book of Ruth. * God directs each detail and composes everything according to His divine purpose. * God’s grace leads us beyond the short span of our lives- He blesses us in our earthly lives and uses us to impact our immediate sphere and generation, as well as those in the generations to come. * Let’s remember to look to God in impossible situations and allow him to impact the next generation through our witness and loving-kindness.
LinksSeven Part Series Finding Joy In Tough Times
- Part 1
- Part 2
- Part 3
- Part 4
- Part 5
- Part 6
- Part 7 (This podcast)
Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study accompanying each podcast series: 1) Esther for This Time, 2) Seek & Find Joy, 3) Joyful & Battle-ready (Dressing in the Armor of God), 4)Nehemiah0 Rebuilding Hope & Joy, 5) Ruth – Finding Joy in Tough Times and 6) A Joyous Advent. Read more (here) on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the one-hour discussion and study.
- CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.
- Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: com
- Check out more podcasts here!
Find my books:* + Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear + Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy + Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
The post Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Transformed By God’s Grace ~ Ruth #7 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Boaz Marries Ruth
Do you need restoration or reversals of circumstances, where there has been pain, sorrow and emptiness. Join the podcast today as the Book of Ruth reveals how God offers to rescue, save, deliver, and restore you.
Problem: Another Goel Ruth asked Boaz to initiate the Levirate Marriage* legal procedure and become her husband. * In reply, Boaz blessed Ruth and told her he would all that she asked * Another was closer kin and had the right to redeem her.
The City Gate (Ruth 4: 1-6) The City Gate* (Ruth 4:1) was the business district in ancient Israel * .Boaz was wise in his approach with the possible other kin and “goel” * The goel refused when he heard the stipulation that he must marry Ruth the Moabitess. * He turned his right over to Boaz.
The Legal Transaction (Ruth 4: 7-10)* Boaz chose 10 men to witness his conversation and exchange of a sandal. * Boaz agrees to marry Ruth and claim the land to maintain the Elimelech – Mahlon name on the inheritance. * Elimelech’s family name is alive in the community for all generations.
The Blessings (Ruth 4: 11-14)* The sixth blessing is a powerful prayer spoken by the elders for Boaz and Ruth – from the Bible. * Rachel and Leah were the mothers to the twelve sons or leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel. * Tamar has a levirate marriage too; the witnesses prayed for Ruth to have a son and be famous in Israel. * In the final blessing, Naomi receives kin and a grandson.
Personal Application What impacts you most from Ruth 4? 1. God is a God of Reversals. He can do miracles. You too can have a reversal in circumstances. If you need one, ask the Lord in prayer, Stay faithful. Remember his promises, especially Ephesians 3:20 2. God is a Redeemer. He not only reverses situations, but He redeems them. A redeemer is one who rescues, saves, restores and delivers. Elimelech’s name has been redeemed. His land has been redeemed; the family name has been restored in Bethlehem. Ruth is no longer called a widowed Moabitess from a pagan culture, she is has become the wife of Boaz. She is no longer a barren woman, she is a mother. So if you need a redeemer for your life, call on Jesus. He will rescue, deliver and restore you. Remember: Jeremiah 30:17 and Colossians 1: 13-14.*
LinksConsider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one. Read more (here) on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the one-hour discussion and study.
- CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.
- Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com
- Check out more podcasts here!
- Find my books:
- Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
- Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
- Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
The post Ruth #6 – Finding Joy in Tough Times – Final Blessings and Reversals appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Ruth Awaits Boaz While God is at Work
Is waiting in peace for God to answer a prayer difficult? It can be challenging for every Christian. Join the podcast today as the Book of Ruth shows us that God is at work even when we don’t see the answers yet, so we can His rest in peace. We will cover these points:
Wait Time* Time has passed between Chapters two and Chapter three of Ruth—between two and three months. * Waiting often prepares our hearts to what’s ahead in life. * Time and love prepared Naomi and Ruth for God’s blessing and challenges that were about to come.
Wash and Anoint Yourself (Ruth 3: 1-5)* Naomi wants a husband and home life for Ruth. * She reminds Ruth that Boaz is the kinsman and landowner who just happens to be winnowing barley that night. * Naomi gives Ruth four instructions and Ruth obeys. * Uncovering his feet, was signaling Ruth wants to be his wife and he, her kinsman redeemer!
Boaz was Startled! (Ruth 3: 6-13) Boaz was startled to find a woman lying at his feet. * By asking him to spread his cloak over her, Ruth was repeating Boaz’s words of Ruth 2 when he blessed her for seeking refuge under the wings or cloak of God. * In Ezekiel 16:8, God even uses the same phrase saying he will spread his cloak over Israel in covenant love to protect the nation and make the nation his forever* just like the covenant commitment in a marriage. * Boaz says he will marry her and spread his cloak (meaning provision, protection and warmth) over her; everyone in the village knows she is a worthy woman (in Hebrew word haill) which means honorable, noble and excellent.
Problem: Another Goel * Boaz agrees to marry Ruth but says a closer kinsmen exists who legally has the first opportunity to marry her and claim the land of Elimelech that might have gone to Mahlon. * Boaz likely had been considering his obligation all along- he knew he was in line to be the kinsman-redeemer.
Provision and More
- Boaz, in his display of hesed love, gives Ruth 60 pounds of Barley to take back to Naomi.
- Naomi would understand the gift of barley to mean Boaz was giving his word in agreement with God’s laws.
- She said to Ruth, wait my daughter, let your heart be peaceful, you can count on Boaz to work this out.
Personal ApplicationWhat impacts you most from Ruth 3?
- Surrender & Trust. At one point on the threshing floor, Ruth came to complete trust and complete surrender to God and his laws. She did everything she knew to do and now would trust the rest to God. Proverbs 3: 5-6 reminds of the same: Proverbs 3: 5-6 reminds us we can count on God. Surrender you needs to him and trust he is leading you as you walk forward.
- Wait in Peace, God is at Work. Remember that while waiting for God to answer but not seeing answers yet, God is still at work. We can pray with Psalm 27: 13-14 that reminds us God will answer, He is at work while we wait. Our Savior Jesus will “settle the matter for us” always. Even if you feel empty like Naomi did, wait on God and His son Jesus. You will see that He will settle the matters for you. Proverbs 16: 3 also assures us of this. Repeat these Scriptures daily, declare them to yourself and pray them.
LinksConsider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one. Read more (here) on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the one-hour discussion and study.
- Check out my books Here:
- Download Bookmarks from this podcast series: WRAPyourselfinJOY.com.
- Check out more podcasts here!
The post Ruth #5 – Finding Joy in Tough Times – Waiting in Peace appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
‘Ruth Gleaning’, James Tissot, 1896
Starting Over & Noticing God’s FootstepsAre you starting over? Is it a new job, a new home or hometown, a new relationship, or a new phase in life? We all face times of change and even upheaval, but it’s a perfect time to return to God and prayer, forgive the past, and look for God to go before you. Join the podcast today as the Book of Ruth shows how to start over and notice God’s footsteps walking ahead of you. We will cover these points:
[powerpresss]
Ruth Gleans Forward (Ruth 2: 14-16)* Working in the fields was strenuous and hazardous(v. 9) but Ruth gleaned forward. * Ruth did not look back or hold on to the past. She gleaned forward. * She was not stymied by bitterness or self-pity. * With Boaz’s instructions, Ruth’s first day of gleaning was very successful!
Naomi’s Surprise & Bitterness Surrendered (Ruth 2: 17-19)* Ruth beat out an ephah (eefuh) of barley– hard work! * Ruth showed Naomi 30 pounds (5 ½ gallons) of Barley * Naomi notices God’s Footprints of guidance and blessings.
Changed Outlook – Our Nearest Kin (Ruth 2: 20-23)* Now Naomi has a change of mind and heart. * She is confident God has not forsaken them. * Boaz is the Goel (Deuteronomy 25: 5-10) – the closest male relative, the kinsman redeemer
Ruth Gleans for Three Months (Ruth 2: 23) Ruth gleaned in Boaz’s fields for Barley & Wheat Harvest, which lasted three months. * A blessing can be a simple prayer asking God to share his loving kindness, guidance, and favor on another. * The Jewish Midrash “A widow or a female convert must wait three months before marrying to make sure she was not pregnant.”I Will Go Where You Go*
Personal Reflection & ApplicationWhat impacts you most from Ruth 2: 14-23?
- Start Over & Give God Your Bitterness & Receive His Joy. Do you feel bitter about anything? If left to fester, disappointment, grief, unforgiveness, and unresolved anger can lead to bitterness. Bitterness is a joy-zapper and will stop any new beginning. When life seems unfair, we are prone to turn from God and allow bitterness to take hold. Instead, ask the Lord where you have any bitterness or unforgiveness, then confess it and ask the Lord for his glorious grace to dispense bitterness and start over. (You likely need to forgive yourself or another person or God). Only by God’s glorious grace can you go forward. Naomi told her friends to call her Mara – the Bitter one. But she returned to God and the faith community. Declaring her bitterness was a confession at this time. She started over. Now, she notices God’s footsteps and you can sense the joy that come across her face. Remember Ephesians 4: 31-32 and pray Psalm 51:10.
- Look for God’s Footsteps. God is with you. He is for you. He is guiding you. In Ruth 1: 20, she said that God made her life bitter and sent her trouble. But in Ruth 2: 20, she notices God’s footsteps ahead of them and how he provided abundantly for them via Boaz, so she exclaimed. “The Lord always keeps his promises to the living and the dead.” (Good News Translation). Do you need a change of heart? Ask God to help you see his footsteps in your life. He will show you how HE is guiding you and showering you with his loving kindness. Memorize and pray Lamentations 3:22-23.
Links Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with your friends.* It’s free, and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection that accompanies each podcast. * Click here to read about hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up. * Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com * Check out more podcasts here! * Find my books: + Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear + Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy + Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
The post Ruth #4 – Finding Joy in Tough Times – Starting Over & Noticing God’s Footsteps appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Image: “Ruth in Boaz’s Field” by Schnorr von Carolsfeld, 1828
Do you find yourself losing hope? We all face times of discouragement and sadness, but that’s when we need to turn to God. Join the podcast today as the Book of Ruth shows us new hope in tragedy, blessing prayers, and new direction as we look to Him.
Return to JerusalemPreviously, we accompanied Elimelech, Naomi, and the family en route from Bethlehem to Moab to escape a famine. Disaster hits the family—Elimelech dies, the two sons marry Moabite women, and then, after ten years, the sons die. In grief, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem with her two daughters-in-law and then begs the women to return to their Moabite mothers and culture. Three essential details from the Book of Ruth emerge, including 1) Blessings-Naomi blessed her daughters-in-law, 2) Hesed (Hebrew for loving-kindness) – she prayed for God’s loving-kindness on the women, and 3) She remembers God but says she is bitter against God. How could Naomi be bitter against God for what happened yet still pray for the Lord’s loving-kindness? The answer is related to the opening verse of Ruth 1: In the days the judges ruled. Today, we cover the following points.
Mara (Ruth 1: 19-22)* Naomi is aware of the cycle when her nation fell into sin, servitude, supplication, and salvation stages from Judges. * Her return signifies her repentance. * She asks to be called Mara, meaning bitter, but in the Book of Ruth, no one ever calls her that.
New Hope (Ruth 2: 1-3) Ruth gleans to support Naomi, and herself-it’s the barley harvest. * Gleaning provides for the poor ((see* Deuteronomy 24:19 and Leviticus 19: 9-10). * Ruth” happens to” end up on a field owned by Boaz, who turns out to be a kinsman of Elimelech.
Divine Providence (Ruth 2: 4-13)
- Ruth happened to glean in part of Boaz’s field. Boaz was Elimelech’s relative and a man of great wealth. Unlike Elimelech, he had stayed in Bethlehem during the famine, and God had taken care of him.
- Divine Providence means God “watches over and governs all the things that He made, reaching from end to end with might and disposing of all things with gentleness” [The First Vatican Council (1869-70, Denziner, p. 3003) and “all events, even the most personal decisions of human beings, are part of God’s eternal plan” (Hardon, 1999, p. 448).
Hesed
- HESED (loving-kindness and covenant faithfulness) becomes more apparent
- Divine Providence means God “watches over and governs all the things that He made, reaching from end to end with might and disposing of all things with gentleness” [The First Vatican Council (1869-70, Denziner, p. 3003) and “all events, even the most personal decisions of human beings, are part of God’s eternal plan” (Hardon, 1999, p. 448).
- God gave Ruth favor, and Boaz demonstrated favor and loving-kindness to protect Ruth.
The Blessings* Boaz speaks and prays the language of blessing: When Boaz came from Bethlehem, he said to the reapers, “The Lord be with you!” * He prayed over Ruth: 12 May the Lord reward you for your deeds, and may you have a full reward from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge!” * A blessing can be a simple prayer asking God to share his loving kindness, guidance, and favor on another.
Personal Reflection & ApplicationWhat impacts you most from Ruth 1: 19 – 2: 13?
- Look for God’s providence, hope, and care in small ways. Naomi and Ruth approached Bethlehem at the start of the barley harvest, which meant food was plentiful again – new hope. Ruth just happened to land in Boaz’s field to glean, and he gave her favor—a sign of hope. Rely on 2 Corinthians 9:8-10.
- Pray Blessings Over Your Friends and Family Today. Consider praying a blessing over another. Try to include 1) a focus on God’s goodness, kindness, and His power to change a situation, 2) a petition asking Him to share this goodness, kindness, strength, favor, and joy with another, and 3) why the person needs it. Why not share the blessing in a note, text, or email? They will be blessed.
Links Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with your friends.* It’s free, and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection accompanying each podcast. * Click here to read about hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up. * Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com * Check out more podcasts here! * Find my books: + Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear + Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy + Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
The post Ruth ##3: Finding Joy in Tough Times – New Hope, New Direction & Blessing Prayers appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Ruth and Naomi Weep Forward
Are you weeping forward or backward? Sometimes, we must weep, but we must also go forward, trusting that God is leading us on. Join the podcast today, where we focus on Naomi’s blessing and Ruth’s words, “I will go where you go, and your God will be my God,” as they weep forward.
From Moab to BethlehemLast week, we met the family – Elimelech, Naomi, sons Mahlon and Chilion who made the decision to leave Bethlehem to escape a famine. They left their faith community and their family and even overlooked God’s warning about living among those who worshiped idols. Soon, Elimelech died. The sons married Moabite women, and within ten years, they also died. So Naomi was left with the two daughters-in-law in Moab. Today, we cover the following points.
Who are Moabites?* So, who are the Moabites? * All Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham’s nephew. * In Genesis 18, Abraham asks God to refrain from destroying Sodom and Gomorrah. * God heard Abraham’s prayer and brought out Lot and his family before any destruction. * Lot’s daughters became convinced they would never marry and have children. * So, after getting Lot drunk, they seduced their father, and the relationship produced a son Moab and another son named Ammi.
God Remembers the Prayers* Moab became the father of the Moabite nation and Ammi the father of the Ammonite nation; both nations soon worshiped other gods that even required child sacrifice. * God remembered the prayers and, in His providence, brought one of Lot’s descendants—Ruth—into the ancestral line of David, the line of Christ.
The Journey Home to Bethlehem (Ruth 1: 6-11)* Somewhere en route, Naomi’s thoughts turned to what problems the daughter-in-laws would face in Bethlehem. The levirate law would provide them NO security or future.. * This law assured a widow that a brother or relative of her dead husband would marry her and raise up children in her husband’s name and for his estate. * Naomi realized it was too late for her to marry again and have more sons. She begged them to return.
The Blessing (Ruth 1: 8-9) Naomi blessed the women with the words in v 8-9, the first of seven blessings in Ruth, where blessing becomes a strong theme. * A blessing can be a simple prayer asking God to share his loving kindness, guidance, and favor on another. * Naomi asked the Lord to “deal kindly with them.” Kindly in the original Hebrew is “hesed.” * Hesed involves kindness, covenant-type love, faithfulness, and mercy – a deep commitment, devotion, and care. God himself, throughout Scripture, is the model for hesed*. * God’s loving-kindness was sent to us through his Only Son, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins.
I Will Go Where You Go (Ruth 1: 17-18). Orpah returned to Moab, but Ruth clung to Naomi * Ruth showed hesed* “Don’t ask me to leave you! Let me go with you. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and that is where I will be buried. May the Lord’s worst punishment come upon me if I let anything but death separate me from you” (v. 16-17, Good News translation). * Ruth used Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel in Hebrew, which means “I am who I am,” * Her profession of faith put her story in the Bible and give her a place in salvation history forever. * Together, they wept and walked forward to Bethlehem.
Personal Reflection & ApplicationWhat impacts you most from these first six verses of Ruth?
- Weep & Walk Forward. Sometimes, we must weep, even cry our eyes out over loss and disappointment. Share your tears with trusted friends and family and keep going forward. Keep looking for God to open doors. Psalm 56: 8-9 is a comfort: “O God, You have kept count of my tossings [wonderings]; [you] put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your record? … This I know, that God is for me.“God sees and remembers all your tears and the sufferings you. Rely on Isaiah 41: 10.
- Speak Blessings. The Hebrew word for deep devotion and compassion is hesed, Even in great trial and pain, we can pray a blessing of God of God’s loving kindness for others. Naomi blessed her daughters-in-law simply by asking God to show his kindness, guiding love, and favor to them. For example, you can bless with others Numbers 6: 24-26 and bless the Lord with Psalm 104.
Links Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with your friends,* It’s free and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection that accompanies each podcast. * Click here to read about hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up. * Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com * Check out more podcasts here! * Find my books: + Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear + Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy + Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
[1] Pope Francis:
The post Ruth, Finding Joy in Tough Times Part #2: Weeping Forward – I Will Go Where You Go appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Ruth – Finding JOY in Tough Times #1: Decision Making
Decision Making & TurnaroundDo you regret a decision you made? God can help you find a turnaround. The Book of Ruth is about turnarounds and finding new joy and purpose in difficult circumstances. Join the podcast and uncover how a book written over 3000 years ago can speak to us today.
Then and NowWelcome to Ruth-Finding Joy in Tough Times and Trusting in God’s Goodness Episode #1. The Book of Ruth reveals God’s goodness. It’s about God’s providence, Godly relationships, and most importantly, how God uses faithful women in Salvation history, especially Ruth, a refugee and convert who ended up in the lineage of Jesus Christ. God’s Word is always alive and fresh and will speak to our hearts by the Holy Spirit and in this case, through the Book of Ruth. Hebrews 4: 12 assures us: “[T]he word of God is always living and active.”
My JourneyMy journey with Ruth started when Pope Benedict XV1, in the summer of August 2011, encouraged the faithful to read the Book of Ruth. So I did and invited others to join me. Then, in 2022, Pope Francis called the faithful to study Ruth.[1] Others joined me again. We had fresh insights both times, and God spoke to our hearts in amazing ways, filling us with joy. So, even if you have read Ruth before, let’s read it again with a new heart and open mind to hear what the Holy Spirit may teach us. Today, we cover the following points.
Background for the Book of Ruth Ruth is one of five Old Testament books (with Esther, Song of Songs, Lamentations, and Ecclesiastes) that make up the Megillah; eac*h is read in the synagogue during a specific Jewish festival. * Ruth is about 1/4th of the way into the pages of your Bible, between Judges and 1 Samuel. * Ruth is among the historical books in the Old Testament; with the time period, “In the days that the judges ruled (v. 1),” which is about 1380 BC to 1050 BC. * It was a dismal time for Israel; the people would not listen to the judges God sent, turned away from God, and fell into idolatry and immorality (Judges 2: 16-17).
Elimelech, Naomi, Mahlon & Chilion Move to Moab (Ruth 1: 1-2) The family moved from Bethlehem to Moab because of famine, but problems arose from that decision. * Elimelech’s name in Hebrew means My God is King,* but Elimelech did not look to God, just wanting out of the famine. * The family were Ephrathites. Ephratha is the former name of Bethlehem in Scripture and is about five miles south of Jerusalem. * God cautioned the Israelites about associating with their enemies, especially the Moabites because they hated Israel and led them to worship their idols. * God always gives his people choices (Deuteronomy 30: 19).
Ten Years Later & Great Loss (Ruth 1: 3-6).
- Elimelech died, the boys married Moabite women, and after ten years, both sons died.
- Naomi suffered emotionally, plus knowing legally, the family name and inheritance would be gone.
- She was left ONLY with two daughters-in-law in a foreign country,. BUT GOD!!
- Psalm 146: 9: “The Lord watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow.”
The Turnaround (Ruth 1: 6).
- Grief-stricken, Naomi heard in Moab that the LORD came to help his people with food in Bethlehem.
- Naomi rose and, with the daughters-in-law, started the return to her people, her faith community, and her God.
Personal Reflection & Application What impacts you most from these first six verses of Ruth? + Arise. Have you made a choice you regret? God will lead you forward. Arise. Don’t look back or stay in despair. + Remember. Do you feel like God has forsaken you? Are you bereaved or lonely? Naomi remembered the Lord. Do you remember God’s goodness? Start today thanking God for how he has blessed and helped you, even in the smallest matters. + Listen* for him to speak to you, especially in the Scriptures. * God is with you always. God has a plan that can change devastation to joy.
Prayer Response* Read, memorize, and pray these verses: + John 6:37. Jesus said, “I will never turn away anyone who comes to me.” (Good News) + Hebrews 13: 5. The Lord God says, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (NRSVCE) + Jeremiah 29: 11.“I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope.” (Good News)
Links Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy* small group study with your friends, It’s free and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection that accompanies each podcast. * Click here to read about hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up. * Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com * Check out more podcasts here! * Find my books: + Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear + Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy + Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
[1] Pope Francis:
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Esther and Mordecai Writing the Second Letter of Purim, Painting by Aert de Gelder, 1685
Celebrating God’s GoodnessDo you celebrate God’s goodness? Reflecting on what God has done can inspire you to trust Him more and will strengthen your faith. For Esther and Jewish families, the Feast of Purim is an annual celebration that reminds them how God delivered them from their enemies and continues to do so. Join the podcast today to celebrate God’s goodness and review the many reversals in the Book of Esther.
Reversals ContinueApproximately two months and ten days after the first decree was issued, Mordecai wrote the second edict, empowering the Jewish people to defend themselves against their enemies. The turnarounds were astounding! Today, we share at least 15 reversals and cover these points:
No Plundering (Esther 9: 1-17) To plunder means to steal goods by force, often during a war and with an objective of making profit. * In Esther 9, the Jewish people remembered the violation of God’s commands in their heritage (1 Samuel 15) and acted in* holy retribution for self-defense but took no plunder for their profit.
The Feast of Purim Established Forever (Esther 9: 18 – 10: 3) Mordecai and Esther declared two days of celebration in an official decree to be remembered forever. * Purim means “lots” or dice which is what Haman used to pick the date for the Jewish annihilation. * The Book of Esther, also called the Megillah, is read twice during the Feast dated according to the Hebrew calendar. * Children “boo and hiss” and throw popcorn when they hear Haman’s name. * Today, Jewish families celebrate by bring gifts to the poor, giving gifts to each other, and eating fruit-filled triangular cookies called Hamantashens* [haa·muhn·taa·shn] or Haman’s Ears. They are delicious! You can pick up a recipe card on my website WRAPYourselfinJOY.com or in my book.
Banquets and Feasts in Esther* Esther begins with a banquet and ends with a feast, all with great joy. * Four pairs of feasts celebrate the turnarounds and triumphs of God.
The Dream, Memory, and Plot (Esther 10 – 16). Esther 10 -16 , the Deuterocanonical additions A – F, suggest Mordecai remembers a Dream.* It foretold God’s deliverance relating to the main events in Esther. In addition, these chapters add a few details to the occurrences.
The Hero of the Book of Esther is GOD* God used the beautiful Esther, caused the sleeplessness of the king, brought down Haman, exalted Mordecai, and gave the Jewish people victory over their enemies. * God showed tremendous power on behalf of his people. Almost like fireworks, the reversals came quickly and spectacularly, fifteen in all.
Remembering God’s Goodness* The Feast of Purim, still celebrated yearly in the Jewish tradition, helps families remember God has delivered them and will continue to deliver them. * Psalm 77 calls us to remember God’s goodness.
Personal Reflection1. Do you set aside time to remember, joyously celebrate and thank God for what He has done for you? How can you implement Esther’s example? 2. Do you call upon God for creative solutions or turnarounds when problems arise? Try it! 3. Are you encouraging others that God intervenes in history when his people seek him with prayer, repentance, and fasting? Please consider it!
New Podcast Series & Cup of JOY Women Join my newest podcast coming this summer: Ruth – Finding JOY in Tough Times and Trusting in God’s Goodness. If you would like to host a weekly one-hour “Cup of Joy Women ” study with your friends, email me: karen@WrapYourselfInJoy.com.* It’s free and I will send you all the materials you need for the weekly one-hour discussion and study over coffee. You can read more HERE on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.
Links You can download Bookmarks (and recipe card) from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com * Check out more podcasts here! * Click here to find the book: Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY*
The post Esther for This Time #10 – Celebrating God’s Goodness & the Feast of Purim appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Esther Reigns as Queen
Creative Solutions for Esther & Her PeopleDo you need some creative solutions for your life? It may look like there is NO way out, but God working behind the scenes can always give a perfect solution. Today, we watch the reversals in Esther unfold through a second edict as many watching Esther and the nation’s deliverance express a desire for conversion.
In this podcast, we will cover the following points.
Mordecai Authorized to Write a Second Edict (Esther 8: 3-8)* Mordecai not only acquired Haman’s wealth and property but also his position. The king gave him his signet ring making him the second most powerful man in Persia. * However, there was still unfinished business! If Haman’s first edict issued in the king’s name was not overturned, all Jews would still be killed. Legally, a king’s edict was irrevocable. * For the second time, Esther appeared before the king, and using gentle leadership asked for Haman’s decree to be revoked. * The king had given Mordecai his signet ring allowing Mordecai to write whatever he pleased.
Reversals: Jewish People Empowered (Esther 8: 9-10, 13-17 & 16: 15-23[E])Two months and ten days after Haman issued the first edict, Mordecai summons the king’s secretaries and wrote a second edict that counteracted Haman’s edict, empowering the Jews to defend themselves. At least six more reversals transpired:
- Haman‘s edict was written and dispatched to kill the Jews (3: 13-15) The Reversal (8: 10-14): Mordecai’s edict was sealed and dispatched to give the Jews authority to attack those who would attack them.
- Haman‘s edict becomes the law (3: 14) The Reversal (8: 10-14): Mordecai’s writ becomes a decree that all must obey.
- Mordecai mourns in sackcloth, and ashes (4: 1). The Reversal (8: 15): Mordecai wears royal robes of blue and white, a crown, and a mantle.
- Mordecai wails in disgrace at the king’s gate (4: 2). The Reversal (8: 15): Mordecai was honored as the whole city shouted and rejoiced.
- The Jews mourn in sackcloth and ashes with fasting (4: 3). The Reversal (8: 16): They celebrate a time of gladness, joy, and honor with a royal festival and holiday.
- The Jews were weak and dispersed in the culture (3: 8). The Reversal (8: 17): The turnarounds brought about such fear of the Jews that many Persians converted or said they were Jews.
Personal ReflectionDo you need creative solutions and more reversals? Don’t give up. Ask our Lord to show you creative solutions for your impossible situations. Invite the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and your ears to what you don’t yet see. Remember God loves reversals and His solutions are always the best solutions and they will bring JOY!! Principles from Esther to help guide you in difficult times might include:
- When God defeats your enemies, they are vanquished.
- Assemble with others for increased strength to defeat foes.
- God can give gladness, joy, and honor to replace sadness, darkness, and despair.
- When people observe reversals and empowerment on your behalf, it could lead to turnarounds, change of heart or conversions.
Links Consider hosting a weekly one-hour C*up of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the weekly one-hour discussion and study over coffee. * Download Bookmarks from this podcast series: WRAPyourselfinJOY.com. * Check out more podcasts here! * Click here to find the book Es*th*er For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY
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Painting: Esther reveals Haman’s plot to the King by Jan Lievens, 1623
God Loves ReversalsDo you need reversals in your life? Let Esther encourage you. God loves reversals, and He can make them happen for you.
Three ReversalsToday in our podcast, we encounter three reversals in Chapter Seven of the Book of Esther. This is God’s providence, bringing dramatic changes in circumstances in response to the prayers of His people. It can happen again, and it can happen in your life! Join us today as we cover these points:
God’s Intervention* When King Ahasuerus cannot sleep, he reads his chronicles and discovers Mordecai’s service needs a reward. * The King asks Haman what he can do for the man he delights to honor. * Haman replies the man should wear the King’s clothes, ride the King’s horse, and be proclaimed for service throughout the streets.
A Peripety* Haman hates Mordecai and is humiliated when the King tells him to proceed with these actions for Mordecai. * It is a peripety – a significant reversal of circumstances or turnaround of intentions written in heaven. * When Haman told his friends and wife Zeresh about the Mordecai incident, they warned him: “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the Jewish people, you will not prevail against him but will surely fall before him.”
God Reverses Evil (Esther 7: 1-8)* Esther dishes up sweet words to the King. * She knew when it was NOT time to speak and when it was time to say her request to the King. * She used the exact words from the edict so that the King knew he was hearing the truth.
Persian Culture* In Persian culture, + Diners eat at a table while reclining on a couch. + Men could not come within seven steps of a woman in the King’s charge or harem. * Haman approached Esther’s couch to beg for mercy – he had overstepped his bounds by 7 feet. * To the King, he was assaulting Esther. So, he orders a face cloth draped on Haman. * In the Persian culture, a facecloth covers an enemy of the King so the King would not have to look upon the one he condemned.
The Lord Loves Reversals (Esther 7: 9 – 8: 2)* Harbona, one of the King’s chief consultants, appears to know of Haman’s hatred for the Jews and of the gallows he built in his backyard to execute Mordecai. He suggests Haman hang on these gallows. * Oh, how the Lord loves reversals! His divine providence reversed three evil events for today. + The gallows built in Haman’s backyard for Mordecai are used to hang Haman. + The King removes the signet ring, indicating “a second in charge” position, from Haman and gives it to Mordecai. + Haman’s decree is reversed. Instead of plundering the property of the Jews, the King gives Haman’s property to Queen Esther. * What the study of literature calls peripety—an event that suddenly brings a reversal of fortune and dramatic change in circumstances, is what Christians call a miracle.
Personal Reflection* Romans 15: 4 reminds us: “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.” Let Esther give you hope. God can give you reversals too: * Which of the following principles do you find most helpful for you? 1. 1. God can reverse the evils around us. 2. Gentle leadership with prayer and God’s discernment accomplishes much. 3. Teachers of drama or literature call a reversal “peripety,” but Christians call it a miracle. * What miracle or turnaround do you need today? Based on what you observed from Esther and Mordecai, how will you pray for one? 1. 1. Read Psalm 37: 1-5 and notice all the phrases “do not fret” and “trust in the Lord” instead. Which will you do? The Lord will act as you delight in Him and commit your way to Him. 2. Ask Jesus to bring laughter and joy to your life as you pray for the reversal.
Links Consider hosting a weekly one-hour C*up of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the weekly one-hour discussion and study over coffee. * Download Bookmarks from this podcast series: WRAPyourselfinJOY.com. * Check out more podcasts here! * Click here to find the book Es*th*er For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY
The post Esther for This Time #8 – Reversals Begin appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Mordecai Led Through the City by Haman by Azor Masters, Painting, 1420 AD, The Hague
God-designed ComedyGod-designed comedy can reverse calamity! Don’t you wish every tragedy turned into a good laugh instead? Sometimes, we think God doesn’t have a sense of humor. Today in our podcast on Esther, we cannot help but see the comedy from the hand of God that reverses a tragedy.
In Between Dinner PartiesIn our last study, Esther asked the king and Haman to a festive banquet dinner she prepared. At the end of the dinner, Esther invited the king and Haman to a second dinner the next day. She delayed the real request because her discernment through prayer and fasting told her the timing was not right. Between the two dinner parties, Haman bursts with pride to family and friends at being asked to dine twice with the king and queen of Persia. However, his joy disappears at the sight of Mordecai, who refuses to stand up in his presence. Today, we join the king, whose sleeplessness, ordained by God, leads to a reversal of circumstances. We cover these points:
The Sleeplessness of the King Results in a Peripety (Esther 6: 1-12)* The King can’t sleep, so he entertains himself by reading his annals – large volumes that record the history and accomplishments of a king’s reign. * The King’s sleeplessness begins with peripety (pronounced “pe-rip-e-tē”). The term is used in dramatic arts to define a sudden reversal of fortune with a change in direction. * In a tragedy, the plot turns a lead character’s fortune into ruin. * In a comedy, the reversal changes tragedy into comedy. * In Esther Chapter Six, we see both kinds of peripety.
God’s Reversals (Esther 6: 12)* The king turns in his annals to an event that occurred five years earlier, only to discover that Mordecai’s service had NEVER been rewarded. * Just then, Haman arrives at the inner court after constructing a 75-foot-high gallows for hanging Mordecai. * Haman lusts for power and hopes to wear the King’s robe. * The ancients attached great significance to wearing a royal robe. It was considered a mark of great favor and honor. * Haman tells the king what could be done to the man whom the king wants to honor.
Haman Humbled (Esther 6: 13-14)* Haman hated Mordecai and was greatly humbled when he proclaimed his greatness while wearing the king’s robes and crown and riding the king’s horse. * God’s hand seems to create a peripety: Haman, once honored as second in power to the king, is humiliated, and Mordecai, in sackcloth and ashes, is exalted in the king’s robe and attire. * Haman’s friends and wife Zeresh realize that the Jews worshipped a God, who seemed to be intervening. * Haman did not know the warnings of Proverbs 16:18 and Matthew 23: 12. * Proverbs 16: 18. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. NRSV-CE or * Matthew 23: 12. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. NRSV-CE
The Greatest Peripety of All (Ephesians 2: 4-6)* The greatest reversal of all God planned since creation was our redemption from sin and eternal death through Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection. * It was the greatest REAL peripety of all.
Personal Reflection In Esther Chapter 6, we see God’s hand at work reversing many situations. Which of the following principles do you find most helpful? 1. Wait for God’s timing and guidance: He can intervene in your life with a miracle that changes everything. 2. God intervenes in history when His people call out to Him with prayer, repentance, and fasting. 3. Jesus Christ is your reversal of fortune—He died out of love for you to forgive your sins and offer you eternal life. Now is the time to accept His forgiveness as His plan for your life. 4. I will try to remember these verses to remind me of God’s ability to intervene in the worst of circumstances: * Isaiah 59:1.* See, the Lord’s hand is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. * Jeremiah 32: 27. See, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too hard for me? NRSV-CE
Links Consider hosting a weekly one-hour C*up of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the weekly one-hour discussion and study over coffee. * Download Bookmarks from this podcast series: WRAPyourselfinJOY.com. * Check out more podcasts here! * Click here to find the book Es*th*er For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY
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Image: Esther before Ahasuerus (1547-48) Painting by Tintoretto
Pray, Wait & DiscernAre you praying, waiting, and discerning? Have you ever prayed in a daunting situation? Were you looking for a quick solution? Sometimes a quick solution is not the best solution. In our podcast today, Esther shows us the value of prayer, but also why it’s important to wait and discern God’s solution.
Esther Puts Her Life on the LineEsther’s name comes from the Hebrew root “SIT-UR seter,” which means “concealed.” It suggests her identity would be concealed for a time, but the time had come for her to reveal her faith. Mordecai asked her to go to the king to stop the edict against the Jews, but without an invitation, she could be executed. Esther finally agreed to put her life on the line for such a time as this. She knew she needed God’s intervention, so she called for three days of fasting from food and water for all Jews, and even her maids. Then she would go to the king with the conclusion, “If I perish, I perish.” In the podcast today, we will cover these points.
The Third Day (Esther 5: 1-8)
- The “third day” in the Jewish faith is significant. A Jewish commentary suggests believed God’s deliverance for Israel would come after prayer on “the third day” (Midrash Raba, Esther).
- For example, in the Old Testament, Hosea 6: 2 says, After two days, He will revive us; on the third day, God will raise us up, that we may live before him. NRSV-CE
- The third day also connects to the Christian faith and Jesus’ resurrection.
Esther’s Gentle-Discerning Leadership (Esther 5: 5-7) Esther “stood” before the king, radiating inner strength and outer beauty from God. * Esther 15 (Deuterocanonical): the King invited Esther to him, saying: “Come near. 11 Then he raised the golden scepter and touched her neck with it; 12 he embraced her, and said, “Speak to me.” * Gentle leadership characterizes a leader who is kind, compassionate, loyal, and willing to listen to the needs of those around her. * A discerning leader prays and waits for God’s direction. * Queen Esther was truly a gentle and discerning leader.* She leaned completely on God for strength and guidance.
Esther’s Discernment and the First Banquet (Esther 5: 9-14)
- The fasting and prayers of Esther and God’s people changed the heart of the King.
- On the third day of fasting, Esther abandoned herself in total submission to God, put on royal robes to show her authority as Queen of Persia, and became the leader God designed her to be.
- Esther asked the king and Haman to a festive dinner banquet she had prepared.
- At the end of the meal, Esther delayed and again asked the king and Haman to come to a second dinner on the following day.
- God’s guidance and discernment indicated Esther needed to wait one more day.
Haman and His Prized Sons
- Haman boasted to his family and friends (v. 10-12). He had 12 sons.
- Historian Herodotus says the Persians prized a large number of sons, second only to great courage in war.
- Haman’s pride burst with pride at being invited to dinner twice with the king and queen of Persia.
- Only the sight of Mordecai, who would not bow to him, pricked his joy. His wife, Zeresh, suggested he build a 75-foot (50-cubit)- high gallows and hang Mordecai immediately.
Personal Reflection* Which principles on prayer, waiting and discernment will you apply? * I need to seek God with other pray-ers for support to stand firm in spiritual battles. * To become gentler and more discerning, I need to increase my time in prayer, repenting for myself and others, fasting, and waiting. * I want to rely more on God’s discernment. I must wait where God has placed me and invite his discernment and leadership. * I will try to remember this verse: Isaiah 40:31.“But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” NRSV-CE
Links Consider hosting a weekly one-hour C*up of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one. Read more (here) on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the one-hour discussion and study. * Download Bookmarks from this podcast series: WRAPyourselfinJOY.com. * Check out more podcasts here! * Click here to find the book Es*th*er For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY
The post Esther for This Time #6: Pray, Wait and Discern appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Your Mission For Such a Time as ThisDo you have a mission for such a time as this? You indeed do, and this podcast will help you! Join us today as Queen Esther trusts the power of God in prayer, gains needed courage and discovers her mission.
A Passover Turned to WeepingIn Esther Chapter 3, Mordecai refuses to bow down and pay homage to Haman. Enraged Haman hatred for Jews and cast Purim (somewhat similar to our dice) to determine the date for the killing of all Jews throughout all of Persia. The king agreed, and the announcement for the annihilation of all the Jewish people was distributed throughout the kingdom on Passover—the very day Jewish families annually commemorate the time God delivered them from slavery in Egypt and saved their firstborn.
Now, their joy-filled Passover celebration was turned into a time of wailing. Could you imagine this happening to you, your family, or your church family on a celebration like Easter?
For Such a Time as This is a phrase that comes directly from Chapter 4 of the Book of Esther.
Today, we cover these points:
Sackcloth and Ashes (Esther 4: 1-4) Mordecai heard of the edict, and he sobbed greatly, tore his clothes, and put on sackcloth and ashes. He wailed and wept bitterly on the city square at the palace gate. * For all Jews, the happy celebration of Passover with family, friends, traditions, and food quickly turned into wailing, fasting, and prayer. According to Scripture, the Jewish people always linked prayer and repentance with fasting. * Sackcloth, made from grain bags, was scratchy and could cut the skin. It served as an act of penance and pleading with the Lord. Ashes, worn on the head or sat in, were a sign of self-humiliation and deep sorrow, often over a national disaster. See Joel 2:12 and 17* to summarize this Biblical purpose for fasting, weeping, and penance.
Persian Palace Life (Esther 4: 5-12)* Esther lived in the plush palace environment, but she may have become secluded from the world around her. She was not aware of Haman’s edict. * She tried to send clothes to Mordecai. Only when he refused the clothes did she ask what was wrong? Mordecai gave her the evidence of the edict, but she indicated she could not go to the king as he had not called for her in over 30 days. She could be put to death if he did not reach out.
National Fasting (Esther 4: 13-17)* Esther called a day of national fasting. * Throughout Old Testament history, fasting meant fervently calling out to God with a heart of repentance, sorrow, submission, and supplication to seek his help, protection, provision, and forgiveness. For example, refer to Judges 20, Deuteronomy 9, Joel 1-2, 1 Samuel, and Jonah 3. * Every year, according to Leviticus 23, all of Israel fasted on the Day of Atonement, and a scapegoat would be driven into the desert to represent the people’s sins (a foreshadowing of what Christ would do on the cross for us). As they prayed, repented, and humbled themselves, their sins would be taken from God’s sight on the scapegoat. * See Esther 13 and 14 for examples of how to intercede/pray for a nation from Esther and Mordecai’s prayers (e.g., praising God’s goodness, repenting for your sins and the sins of your nation, pouring out your heart to God, asking for God’s intervention).
Planning a Fast* Fasting is about aligning ourselves with God—drawing close to Him, worshiping Him, hearing from Him, repenting (turning), and changing our ways. * Fasting requires planning for most of us, but most importantly, it involves replacing our time spent focused on food and “busyness” with prayer and seeking the Lord. * A fast, drinking only water or juice, can last for a meal, a full day, or more. Fasting can also involve refraining from certain foods (see Daniel 10: 2-3). or refraining from distractions like media or television, internet usage, shopping for a certain amount of time, etc.). * For the plan, you may want to take five steps: (1) write down your objective, (2) decide how you will fast, (3) schedule time in adoration & personal prayer, (4) read God’s Word & ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you (e.g., John 14 and 15), and (5) believe that God will answer with discernment, direction, and/or a miracle. * In Esther’s case, an extreme response would be required for her to safely go to the King, so she called for an extreme fast— three days of abstaining from food and water for the entire nation!
Personal ReflectionToday, our story teaches us:
- At first, Esther was unaware that God had a mission for her—God planned to use her powerfully. With Mordecai’s help and God’s providence, she discerned her mission but was initially afraid and denied it.
- Esther needed fellow pray-ers. She asked her entire Jewish nation to pray, fast, repent, and seek God’s intervention. Only after three days of prayer and fasting did she find the grace and strength to proceed in her mission- to be used by God to save the Jewish People.
Application1. What is God’s mission for you at your place and time? The Lord Jesus has a mission for you. Ask Him in prayer. Often, it involves bringing God’s love and testimony to those around you. But sometimes, it may be more than you ever thought possible. 2. Finally, you can pray with St. John Henry Newman’s Prayer I Have a Place. Start with praying these few sentences: “I have a place in God’s counsels, in God’s world, which no one else has; whether I be rich or poor, despised or esteemed by man, God knows me and calls me by my name. God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me, which He has not committed to another. I have my mission…” The rest is in a free bookmark on my website WrapyourselfinJOY.com.
Links Consider hosting a weekly one-hour C*up of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one: Esther for this Time: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the one-hour discussion and study. For questions, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com * You can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPyourselfinJOY.com. * Check out more podcasts here! * Click here to find the book Es*th*er For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY
The post Esther for This Time # 5 – Your Mission For Such a Time as This appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Unwavering Resolve & the First EdictEsther 3: 8 Painting: “Haman Convinces Ahasuerus” by Masters, 1420 AD
Do you ever have unwavering resolve? In relationships, we use compromise for cooperation and keeping the peace. Nonetheless, we must stand firm, determined, and unshakable in some situations. Join us today as Esther reveals the importance of unwavering resolve in difficult times.
Persia, 474 BC – Five Years After Esther’s BanquetWelcome to Esther & Turnaround Joy Episode #4: Unwavering Resolve & the First Edict, where we encounter Esther and Mordecai five years after King Ahasuerus sponsored the beauty contest, crowned Esther as queen and celebrated with Esther’s banquet.
Next, we watch as the providential hand of God becomes more evident. We will see why God put Esther in a position of influence—even before the Jewish people faced the possibility of annihilation. It’s 474 BC, and we join Mordecai as he stands near the palace gate and overhears a plot to kill the king. We cover these points:
Mordecai at the Palace Gate & Assassination Plot Foiled (Esther 2: 19-23)* Mordecai is “sitting at the gate” checking on Esther and likely working in a government position. * Mordecai told Esther not to reveal her nationality. * While at the gate, Mordecai overheard a plot to kill King Ahasuerus and reported it to Esther, who told the king. He hanged the would-be assassins Bigthan and Teresh. * Acts of loyalty like Mordecai’s were officially recorded so the king could reward the hero.
Mordecai is Resolute (Esther 3: 1-6) Mordecai stood firm with unwavering resolve, which means firm, determined, not shakable, and displaying unwavering loyalty. (Vocabulary.com dictionary). * Therefore, he refused to bow down to Haman because God had commanded the Jewish people not to bow in adoration to anyone (e.g., Exodus 20: 3-*6). * Haman was the king’s top advisor and “an enemy of the Jews” (Esther 3:10). * Haman was an Agagite, a descendent of King Agag of the Amalekites, who was of a fierce nomadic tribe that made their living by raiding settlements, killing the men, women, and children, and then taking their possessions. They had a “blood feud” with Israel, which demanded total extermination of the Israelites (see Exodus 17 and Deuteronomy 25).
The Pur, the Plan, and the Drink (Esther 3: 7-15 & Esther 13)The Pur Mordecai stood firm in his faith and obedience to God’s law and would not bow to Haman. * Infuriated Haman in April 374 BC cast the pur – purim is the plural form. * The Purim were similar to our dice and were thrown to help make decisions and choose dates. * Esther 3:7 indicates the pur* fell on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Aadar, March 7, 374 BC, for destroying all Jews.
The Plan* Haman offered the king 10,000 talents or about 375 tons of silver, which of course he hoped to acquire by killing Jewish families and plundering their homes. * King Ahasuerus gave Haman his signet ring, his signature used to stamp the wax on an official letter from the king. * Haman summoned the scribes to draft the edict on the day before Passover- April 17th, 474 BC (Esther 3:12). * The announcement was sent out to the 127 provinces of the Persian Empire on Passover—the day Jewish families annually commemorated God delivering them from slavery (see Exodus 12). The date was chosen to dishearten and terrorize the Jewish people. * The Passover celebration with family and friends quickly became a day of confusion and weeping. How ironic! The day of the announcement would fall on a commemoration of God’s deliverance. Could God again deliver them from destruction? It would be only God who could!
The Drink* To Haman and the king, it was just another day to celebrate their power, so they had a drink. * Haman’s heart was hardened with generational hatred, so he rejoiced in the genocide of the Jews. * Hebrews 4: 13 reminds us: “before him [God] no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.” * Little did Haman know that the God of heaven was in control.
Personal Reflection: Unwavering Resolve We witnessed a good example of unwavering resolve with Mordecai. He showed us there are times for unwavering resolve when we must follow God no matter the cost. We cannot deny God’s commandments ever. * Mordecai refused to bow in worship to anyone other than the God of heaven and earth. He followed Exodus 20, “You shall have no other gods beside Me…You shall not bow down to them…” * Psalm 119: 2-4 reminds us: “2 Happy [blessed and joyful] are all who search for God and always do his will, rejecting compromise with evil and walking only in his paths. You [O God] have given us your laws to obey. * Unwavering resolve and devotion to God may be met with persecution. However, I can stay strong in the Lord and keep his commandments. 1 Corinthians 16: 13-14 says: Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.* * Ask God, ”Where do you want me to have unwavering resolve?” Henceforth, ask God for help to be resolute. He will give it to you.
Links Consider hosting a weekly one-hour C*up of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one: Esther for this Time: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the one-hour discussion and study. For questions, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com * You can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPyourselfinJOY.com. * Check out more podcasts here! * Click here to find the book Es*th*er For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY
The post Esther for This Time #4 – Unwavering Resolve & the First Edict appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Esther Bedecked by Aert de Gerder, 1684; The Painting shows Esther about to be crowned & bedecked in an ermine-edged coat
The Spa & A New QueenAre you seeking attractiveness and favor with others? On the way to becoming queen, Esther offers us an example of attractiveness, God’s way. Join us today at the Spa, circa 479 BC, and hear how the attractiveness of heart wins friends and favor and witness the providence of God unfold.
Persia, 479 BC* Four years have passed between Chapters One and Two of Esther (see Esther 1:3 and 2: 16). According to Greek historian Herodotus, during that time, King Ahasuerus suffered a great military defeat by the Greeks and returned home to consume himself with overindulgence and sensuality. * He also missed the lasting relationship with his beautiful wife, Queen Vashti, whom he dethroned at his last party. The king’s advisors suggest a beauty contest with exotic spa treatments to help find a new queen. So today we are off to the spa to witness a new queen’s crowning.
Mordecai Brings Up Esther (Esther 2: 1-8) Mordecai was introduced as a Jew* in the family line of Kish (King Saul’s family) of the tribe of Benjamin. (Calling him a Jew repeatedly suggests that he was somehow still a foreigner and not completely accepted into secular Persia.) A person’s family line shows his status in Jewish lineage. When the Scriptures mention Nebuchadnezzar carried away Kish, the verses refer to the Babylonian captivity, with a second forced removal involving King Jeconiah of Judah in 597 BC. Likely, Mordecai’s grandfather and family members were among those taken captive in 597 BC. * Mordecai was born in Susa of Persia after the defeat of the Babylonian Empire. He and his family had chosen not to return to Jerusalem when Cyrus the Great allowed the Jews to return home beginning in 539 BC. * Esther was introduced as Mordecai’s younger cousin (Esther 2:7) whom he raised because she had been orphaned. Likely, her parents died when she was young. So it would have been Mordecai who taught her the Hebrew Scriptures and the Jewish faith
Esther & The Spa Treatments (Esther 2: 9-12)* The beauty contest was not the usual Persian way to select a queen. Normally, kings took their wives from the families of the Persian nobles, which is probably how King Ahasuerus crowned Vashti. However, a self-indulgent and powerful king could choose any woman he wanted for a wife. * In Susa, Esther was given seven servants plus food, probably laden with oils to fatten her up and help her display the Persian ideal of beauty. The women were given oil baths of delicious-smelling flowers and herbs to soften the skin and add a fragrant aroma. * At Susa, Divine Providence – God unfolding his purposes – becomes more visible to the spiritual eye, as we notice Esther found favor with Hegai.
Esther is Crowned Queen (Esther 2: 12 -18)* After twelve months of beauty treatments, it was Esther’s turn to come before the king. * Esther pleased the king, even though we do not know the details or how this happened in one evening. Obviously, the king saw her inner and outer beauty—the first woman that pleased him since Vashti. It was Divine Providence behind the scenes that surely turned the king’s heart toward Esther, even if she was only cooperating with circumstances that were beyond her control.
Esther’s Banquet When King Ahasuerus crowned Esther as his Queen, he. gave another party, calling it Esther’s Banquet*. This celebration included both men and women, generous gifts, and even tax relief.
Personal ReflectionToday, our story teaches us:
- The Lord can turn the heart of a leader. We can trust and pray that He does in our times as well.
- God is at work even though we don’t see him right away. We can pray to see God active in the scenes of our lives, for he is surely there at work.
- Ultimately it is God who turns the heart of the king. He gave Esther favor, and her inner beauty seemed to capture the king’s favor and love.
Personal Application & God’s Attractiveness Plan * Read Proverbs 31: 30 and 1 Peter 3: 3 to summarize God’s beauty plan. * Proverbs 31: 30. Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting, but a woman who fears [worships, honors, and respects] the Lord is to be praised. (GNT) Obviously, with age, beauty fades, but to worship, honor and respect God creates a lasting attractiveness that appeals to others too. God blesses all of our attempts to honor Him. So how is your attractiveness quotient when you consider spending time daily to worship and honor God is an important part of any beauty plan? * 1 Peter 3:3-4. Don’t depend on things like fancy hairdos or gold jewelry or expensive clothes [outward adorning] to make you look beautiful. 4Be beautiful in your heart by being gentle and quiet [with a calm temper and contented mind]. This kind of beauty will last, and God considers it very special [precious in His sight]. (GNT) It’s not that God objects to putting our best foot forward, so to speak, or trying to look our best at any age, but His Word suggests an attractiveness plan. * Does your attractiveness plan include a gentle, quiet spirit with a calm temper and contented mind or demeanor? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you. Ephesians 5: 22 says, the fruit of the Holy Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, and more in our lives.
Links Consider hosting a weekly one-hour C*up of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one: Esther for this Time: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the one-hour small group discussion and study. For questions, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com * You can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPyourselfinJOY.com. * Check out more podcasts here! * Click here to find the book Es*th*er For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals and JOY
The post Esther for This Time #3 – The Spa & A New Queen appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Vashti Dethroned
Queen Esther ~Refusal of Bad AdviceWhat can you learn from Queen Esther? Do you need more wisdom and less bad advice in your life? Today, we will encounter the outrageous King Ahasuerus, who regrets the outcome of his bad decision based on bad advice! Join us as we discuss the true wisdom from God that does not disappoint.
The Party (Esther 1: 1-8)Welcome to Esther for This Time: Prayer, Reversals & JOY Episode #2 based on my book Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals and JOY. The Book of Esther in the Old Testament was written so that even 2500 years later, we can still relate it to our culture. We can learn so much from Queen Esther.
Today, we continue in Esther Chapter 1 with our introduction to the pompous and extravagant King Ahasuerus and the opulent six-month party he threw in the capital city of Susa (modern-day Iran) in the third year of his reign. Ancient historians suggest over 15,000 men came to the party, which lasted 187 days. Amid the grand party, the king received and followed bad advice. In the podcast today, we will cover these points.
Vashti’s Refusal (Esther 1: 9-12)* Queen Vashti was throwing a grand party herself for the wives of governors, nobles, and officials who came to the king’s celebration when the king called her to appear before an unruly, intoxicated horde of men to show off her beauty. * She refused to come for reasons we might guess. * When she refused, she did not expect the king’s boiling rage!
The Bad Advice to the King (Esther 1: 13-21)* King Ahasuerus’ wise men, led by their spokesman Memucan, advised the king to dethrone and remove Vashti forever. Guided by his wounded pride, with no respect for his wife, the king followed this bad advice and dethroned Vashti. * The Scriptures teach women to honor and respect their husbands and men to love their wives (Ephesians 5: 25, 3). But the king was a pagan consumed with pride and self-indulgence who did not know God’s commands or God’s ways. * Greek Historian Herodotus records that King Ahasuerus won a great battle after this feast but later suffered a terrible loss to the Greeks during the four years that occurred between Esther Chapters One and Two. * The King returned home from battle and likely consumed himself with even more indulgence and sensuality, only to find he missed a lasting relationship with his lovely wife.
Personal ReflectionWhere do you need wisdom today? Our historical story teaches us
- Be cautious when taking counsel from worldly advisors who stroke your ego or are motivated by a desire for power.
- Be courageous and maintain your integrity in difficult situations.
- Anger and violence do not demonstrate strength in a husband or a leader.
Application1. Read Proverbs 3: 5-7, James 1: 5, and Proverbs 3:17. 2. These verses instruct us to ask God for wisdom, who promises to give it generously and ungrudgingly. 3. So, ask God to lead YOU and clear the road for YOU to follow.
Links Consider hosting a weekly one-hour C*up of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one: Esther for this Time: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the one-hour discussion and study. For questions, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com * You can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPyourselfinJOY.com. * Check out more podcasts here! * Click here to find the book Es*th*er For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals and JOY
The post Esther for This Time # 2 – The Queen, the Refusal & the Bad Advice appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Prayer, Reversals, and JOYHave you studied the book of Esther? Do You Need Reversals in Your Life? Are you struggling to find faith and courage? Esther will show you how. Join our newest series based on the Book of Esther. It’s a wonderful study for Lent. It is about trusting in God, intercessory prayer, and receiving strength to stand firm amid life’s challenges. It is about gentle leadership, discernment, and how God can give you reversals and joy in situations and relationships. Esther is a book of faith, hope, and joy!
[Don’t forget the Joy podcast series here.]
This is the TimeWelcome to Esther for This Time: Prayer, Reversals & JOY Episode #1, based on my book Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY. When we wonder, “Where is God in our lives or our families or communities,” Esther reminds us that God never abandons us. He is faithful. Now is a good time to start if you have never read or studied Esther. You cannot depend on movies depicting Esther because some are more fictional than historically accurate. You will gain so much more by reading it yourself, as the lessons from Esther are so encouraging. And, of course, there is a JOYFUL ending. Today, we will cover these points:
The Backdrop for Esther (Esther 1: 1-3) The days of Ahasuerus (Esther 1:1) refer to the reign of King Ahasuerus, who historically ruled the world as King of the Persian Empire from 486 to 465 BC.* In Greek, his name was Xerxes. * The Persians, led by Cyrus the Great, the grandfather of Ahasuerus, had defeated the Babylonian Empire of King Nebuchadnezzar, who had taken the Jewish people captive to Babylon beginning in 605 BC. Cyrus the Great had a relaxed attitude toward the Jewish people and allowed them to return to Jerusalem or move to other places. Some went back to Jerusalem. Some scattered throughout Europe. Some stayed in Persia and learned to fit into its culture. This is where we meet Esther.
The Lavish Party (Esther 1: 4-8)* King Ahasuerus resided in Susa, one of the three royal cities in the Persian Empire. * He threw the lavish party, mostly to inspire patriotism and show off his wealth and splendor to his military leaders so they would support him for going to war against Greece, as history tells us. * An old tradition stated that the rest of the party could drink only as the king drank, but at his party, all were instructed to drink freely. The golden goblets used for serving the wine may very well have been the sacred goblets seized from the Jewish temple in Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar in 605 BC (see Daniel 1). Now, they were being used in a very unholy way by a very pagan king!
Personal Reflection.* King Ahasuerus was trying to make himself a god in power, prestige, and more. * He did not know or refused to acknowledge the truth that God loves us dearly but as Proverbs 15:3 points out: “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good,” or Hebrews 4:13, saying: “And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” * Consider these questions for reflection today: + Do you wonder where God is when you see the world focused on self-image, power, and prestige? + Do you get discouraged when it appears God is silent about all the evil taking place in the world? + When God seems silent, do you turn your attention to the party—that is, to the worldly distractions that draw you away from God, faith, and family?
Prayer Response1. Read and pray with Psalm 103: 15-22. Try to memorize the verse that speaks most to you. 2. Seek God. When you think he is silent as the world parties on, open yourself more to God. Remember that only God, our heavenly Father, Jesus, our Savior, and the Holy Spirit can offer you the true Joy, Peace, Love, and Fulfillment that the world is seeking, as epitomized by King Ahasuerus. 3. Ask for your needs. When you are lonely, confused, or frustrated, talk to Jesus from your heart. Ask Him for what you need. Remember Jesus’ words in John 15: 11: As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. (You may want to listen to my podcast season #1 series, Finding JOY.)
Links
- Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one: Esther for this Time: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the one-hour discussion and study. For questions, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com
- You can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPyourselfinJOY.com.
- Check out more podcasts here!
- Click here to find the book Es*th*er For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals and JOY
The post Esther for This Time: Prayer, Reversals & JOY – The Backdrop & the Party appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
InvitationYou are invited to start a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering (men and women). A CUP of JOY small group is an easy way to gently evangelize and encourage others. It fosters fun, faith, sharing, and Scripture in small groups. All materials are free and accompany each weekly 15-minute WRAP Yourself in JOY Podcast with Karen Dwyer.
As a host-facilitator, you would get together weekly with friends over a cup of coffee (or tea) for one hour of thanksgiving, prayer, and discussion. Your small group will grow together in faith, hope, love, and joy.
The new Spring podcast series is Esther for This Time: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY, based on Karen’s book which has an imprimatur. The series will last eight weeks and is perfect for Lent. Go to Wrapyourselfinjoy.com to sign up.
Answers to common questions include:
Why coffee?Inviting others for coffee (or tea) will make your invitation seem friendly and casual. As a host- facilitator, you will find the handout for each meeting and the format easy to use for the one hour over coffee.
Why meet only for one hour?The weekly one-hour format encourages participants to know the meeting will be focused and not take up much of their precious time. Discussing the content covered in the questions and Scripture will help the Scriptures come alive.
Are other topics available?Esther for This Time: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY starts the week of February 14. But if you choose, you could select the JOYFUL and Battle Ready podcast series with the accompanying Cup of JOY. This series focuses on defining true joy and putting on the armor of God from Ephesians. All series are eight weeks, plus a suggested wrap-up finale meeting. Go to Wrapyourselfinjoy.com to sign up.
What does the host-facilitator do?Hosting a Cup of Joy Women’s small group is a beautiful way to gently evangelize and involve others in prayer, Scripture reflection, and discussion. Your main job as a host/facilitator is to arrange a meeting place, invite guests, prepare coffee, and facilitate the meeting. Your small group can meet at home or church, and it can include 2 to 10 women or more. You will receive weekly a prepared PDF worksheet that will guide your group through discussion, prayer, and study. As the host, you will make a copy of the worksheet for each person. All will listen to the podcast to prepare for the weekly meeting.
How do I sign up?Go to Wrapyourselfinjoy.com to sign up as a small group host and for your small group members. Then, you receive an email with all the necessary information for your group.
The post A Cup of JOY for Lent – An Invitation appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
The Presentation in the Temple, Philippe de Champaigne. 1648; Join Simeon & Anna at the Presentation of Jesus
Seeking Consolation and JOY? Ann and Simeon Show Us the Way.Are you seeking consolation or more joy? Join us today at the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, where Anna and Simeon show us JOY. They offer us ten ways the Holy Spirit can help YOU.
Off to the TempleWelcome to Advent JOY Podcast #7, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events, and Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ. Today, we travel with Mary and Joseph to the Temple and the Presentation of the Lord. There Anna and Simeon will join us at this very special event as we cover the following points:
Circumcised, Redeemed, and Purified (Luke 2: 21-23) At the time of Jesus’ birth, the Old Testament Mosaic Law required every firstborn Jewish male to be circumcised at 8 days after birth * The naming of the baby took place at the same time as the circumcision. * Mary and Joseph by divine appointment knew what the Child was to be called. And so “He was named Jesus” which means the Lord saves-* the name told to both Mary and Joseph via an angel (Luke 1: 30 and Matthew 1: 20).
Jesus Came to Fulfill All the Law (Luke 2: 23-24) Now, forty days after Jesus’ birth, Joseph and Mary again follow the Mosaic Law for the Presentation of Jesus in the temple and Mary’s Purification*. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said He came to “fulfill the law,” which begins at His birth. * For Mary’s Purification, the sweet Blessed Mother of humble means offers “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” which Leviticus 12: 8 prescribed for a new mother who could not afford a sheep to offer.
The Presentation or Redemption of Jesus (Luke 2: 25-38) This “redemption of the firstborn” meant that the parents redeemed Jesus or bought Him back from God*. Isn’t it amazing that almost 33 years later, it would be Jesus who would pay the price for our redemption by dying on the cross? * The Catholic Church celebrates the Presentation of the Lord on February 2 every year.
Simeon & AnnaAlthough their lives differed, Simeon and Anna had much in common.
- Both Simeon and Anna were described as deeply spiritual people. They loved the Lord, practiced their faith, and did not allow themselves to become bitter or decrepit with the times.
- Both were “senior citizens” active in serving God. Pope Francis says of the Presentation: It is a meeting between the young, who are full of joy in observing the Law of the Lord, and the elderly who are full of joy in the action of the Holy Spirit. It is a unique encounter between observance and prophecy, where young people are the observers and the elderly are prophets! (The Feast of the Presentation, Vatican, 2-2-2014).
- Both knew the Scriptures.
- Both believed in the Scriptures and were looking for the Messiah. Bible scholars and theologians say Jesus has fulfilled at least 300 Old Testament prophecies.
- Both were looking forward with HOPE. The words looking for indicate they were actively waiting for the Savior with hope.
- Both worshiped, prayed, and adored God. Their eyes went more to God than to the news of the day. That brought consolation.
- The Spirit of God guided both.
- Both Simeon and Anna recognized the Messiah.
- Both received Jesus and were changed.
- Both Simeon and Anna received a message about Jesus from the Holy Spirit, and they shared it.
Simeon’s Prayer – The Nunc Dimittis Reflects Isaiah’s Prophecies (Luke 2: 29-32) Simeon’s prayer is one of the Church’s great prayers, or canticles (little songs). It is called the Nunc Dimittis because v. 29 in the Latin translation of the Bible begins with the words “Nunc Dimittis,” which means “now dismiss your servant.” In other words, Simeon was saying to the Lord, “Now I am ready to die; you can dismiss me, Lord; I have seen the Savior.” * Every evening, all priests, religious, and laypeople who pray the Liturgy of the Hours pray the Nunc Dimittis* prayer. * Today and every day, you can pray the Nunc Dimittis from Luke 2: 29-30.
Our Response Why not spend some time with these verses? Using your holy imagination, see yourself receiving Jesus from Mary’s arms as Simeon did. + Look into the face of Jesus and give Him your shame and sadness. + In exchange, receive His Love and JOY. He has come for YOU. You can’t help but be consoled. + Then like Anna, praise God because you have seen the Savior of the World. He has come to give You peace, as John 15 says, Peace I give you, but not as the world gives. He has come to give the world peace as Luke 2: 14 says, Peace on earth, good will toward to men*. He has come to give you His love.
Remember Lamentations 3:22-25. (ESV) … His mercies are fresh every morning. Great is His faithfulness 25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him.
LinksJoin me for my next podcast series, starting in February: Esther for this time: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY.Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this next one: Esther for this Time: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the one-hour discussion and study. For questions, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com
You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from A Joy-filled Advent Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here for the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
The post Seeking Consolation and JOY? Join Anna & Simeon at the Presentation – A JOY-Filled Advent & Christmas #7 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Perplexed? Exchange Your Plans for God’s Plans!Do you find changing plans perplexing? Mary and Joseph changed their plans often as they listened to God. Why not ask God to help you lean into change? God can help you most when you are willing to exchange your plans for God’s plans!
Advent JOYWelcome to Advent JOY Podcast #5, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events, and Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ. Today, we travel with Matthew’s Gospel, meet some unexpected members of Jesus’ ancestry, and hear of Joseph’s dream and his faithfulness to Mary. Matthew fills us in on details of Mary’s return home to her betrothed Joseph after she visits Elizabeth.
The Family Record (Mathew 1: 1-7, 16-17)* So, we start with Matthew 1. At the time of Jesus, families kept a genealogical record (or family tree) to distribute inherited property and other rights under Jewish laws. * Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI points out that Matthew 1 is not a perfect historical account that includes every single member of the ancestry of Jesus Christ, saying: ”This was not Matthew’s goal.“ (Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives, 2012, p. 8). * Matthew wrote to appeal to the Jews by placing Jesus first and foremost as the Son of Abraham—the Patriarch and Father of Israel promised as part of an everlasting covenant with God (Genesis 17: 6-7), and as the Son of David—the priestly King of Israel, whose ancestors were prophesied to reign forever (2 Samuel: 7:13).
Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba in the Lineage of Jesus Jewish lineages, at the time of Christ, usually did not contain names of women. Christ’s ancestry lists five women in Matthew 1. Of course, we would expect the Blessed Virgin Mary to be named. But there were four others listed—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba who came from foreign ancestry or had a reputation for immorality that could have disqualified them from inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ. All were Gentile women who turned away from immoralities or idolatries to become faithful to God in their circumstances. * Even if your past life or “family tree” seems dishonorable, Jesus offers you forgiveness, grace, mercy, and a new beginning when you turn to Him.* You are part of the family of God, and every day you can have a new life in Christ. Hebrews 2: 11: G”od is not ashamed to call them [or you] brothers and sisters.” * Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI wrote on the deeper meaning of the genealogies of Jesus and said:“[T]hose who believe in Jesus enter through faith into Jesus’ unique new origin, and they receive this origin as their own…Joseph did not beget Jesus but was truly born of the Holy Spirit from the Virgin Mary, so it can now be said of us that our true ‘genealogy’ is faith in Jesus who gives us a new origin and …to birth ‘from God” (Jesus of Nazareth, p. 12-13).
Found with Child (Matthew 1: 18-25) Dreams were a common way God communicated with His people in the Old Testament. Joseph did not hesitate in his response to the angel in the dream. He trusted God to work everything out. He willingly exchanged his plans for God’s plans. We could say he leaned into God’s plans.* * Joseph, from the tribe of Judah and the house of David, a carpenter by trade, became the legal head of this precious family (Abbott Ricciotti, The Life of Christ, 1947). Joseph is a role model to families—looking for God’s plans and leaning into them. This was the beginning of Joseph’s mission for life. Some have said it this way, Joseph was born for this vocation — to be the father of Jesus and Mary’s most chaste spouse. Like Mary, Joseph said “yes” to his vocation. His entire happiness was in knowing what God wanted him to do and carrying it out to the end ( Fernandez, Conversation with God, Vol. 1, 1997). He was devoted to God and his family.
Our Response1. Lean into God’s Plans. Can you picture Joseph’s perplexity when his plans suddenly changed? He was likely building the house, planning the wedding, or earning extra money for the marriage, but he was unprepared to hear Mary’s announcement. Then God gave him more direction through an angel in a dream. He leaned in the changes. You can ask yourself: Am I open to changing my plans to fit God’s plan? Talk to Jesus about how you can stay open to God’s plans. What changes can you lean into? 2. Accept Your Place in God’s Family. If you feel unworthy or unqualified to be part of God’s family, remember Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth. These women changed direction to follow God, joined God’s family, and are part of the lineage of Jesus. It is not too late for your family to come to God. Ask Jesus to forgive you and your family. Ask him to help you change directions. Then do what he tells you.
Links
Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one: A Joy-filled Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. For more information, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com
You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from A Joy-filled Advent Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here for the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
The post Perplexed? Exchange Your Plans for God’s Plans! – A Joy-Filled Advent #5 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds!
Needing More JOY and Peace?Do you need a message that brings MORE JOY and Peace? Join us today for the birth of Jesus and meet the Angels and the Shepherds who have a lot to share. Uniting your heart with the Angel’s Gloria and the Shepherd’s praises will help you know more JOY and peace.
Traveling to BethlehemWelcome to Advent JOY Podcast #6, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events And Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ. Today, we return to the book of Luke. There we join Blessed Mary and Joseph on their 80-mile journey to Bethlehem. When they arrive, they find it crowded with people, who like Mary and Joseph, had come at the command of Caesar Augustus.
Join us today for these points:
No Home for the Creator of Creation (Luke 2: 1-7) Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, in the City of David, as prophesied by the Old Testament prophet Micah over 700 years earlier and recorded in Micah 5: 1-3. * Emperor Caesar Augustus, a master bookkeeper and statistician, likely wanted to keep track of his subjects and kingdom by public enrollment. * Joseph had to go to Bethlehem, as he was a descendant of King David. Mary went along too – she may have been required to register, or Joseph wanted her with him. * Bishop Fulton J. Sheen explains: Joseph “searched in vain for a place where He, to Whom heaven and earth belonged, might be born. Could the Creator not find a home in creation? … A stable would be the last place in the world where one would have looked for Him. Divinity is always where one least expects to find it. (Life of Christ*, 1958, p. 13-24. * Jesus, God Incarnate and the Savior of the World was born and then tightly wrapped in bands of cloth by his mother, Mary, and laid in a manger where animals ate.
The Good News (Luke 2: 8-11) The angel’s message of “Good News” is summarized (v. 10-11): “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the * We can say with assurance that Jesus is our Savior, who delivers us from sin and makes us right with God. He is our Messiah*, the anointed one who will reign as KING forever.
The Fields Outside of Bethlehem (Luke 2: 12-20)* Amazingly, God chooses shepherds—the little, the lowly, the less important of the world (1 Corinthians 1: 28), but also calls himself a shepherd (e.g., “I am the Good Shepherd,” John 10:11). In Ezekiel 34:12-16, God describes himself as one who “shepherds right.” He tends sheep, rescues them, leads them, gives them rest, brings back the lost, binds up the injured, and heals the sick. * Jesus is our Shepherd: If at times you feel “lowly,” please know that Christ is YOUR Savior and Shepherd. He came for you! You are His little lamb, and He loves you. * Some shepherds around Jerusalem took care of the temple lambs used in the temple sacrifices. Shepherds would wrap lambs born without blemish in swaddling cloths and place them away from the others (e.g., Leviticus 4-5). Amazingly, the shepherds caring for the temple lambs used for sin offerings would be the first to recognize Jesus Christ, who came as our sin offering forever!
The Angel’s Gloria and the Shepherds Praises (Luke 2: 14-20) We find two beautiful choruses in Luke 2:14-20. First, there’s the Angel’s* “Gloria” (v. 14), which is so-called because the first word in St. Jerome’s Latin translation is “Gloria.” * This song of the angels proclaims peace to a world that needs peace as we do now. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; the peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27, NABRE). The only place of true peace is in Jesus; today, we must remind ourselves of this. We can join the angels in praise: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward all.” * The second chorus includes the shepherds’ praises (v. 20). They praised God for the good news from the angel and the song of the heavenly host of angels. From them, we learn that praising God for His goodness is a wonderful way to evangelize and get other’s attention on our Savior.
Mary Treasured and Pondered God’s Words (Luke 2: 19)* Mary “treasured and pondered” these things in her heart. * She gives an example for us in treasuring, pondering, and delighting in the things God has revealed, especially because we have God’s Word in Scripture.
Our ResponseTry to put yourself in the scenes with Mary, Jesus, the angels, and the shepherds. Then prayerfully ask:
- Am I praising God for sending Jesus, like the angels and shepherds did?
- Am I making a “manger” for Jesus in my heart, allowing Him to be my Savior and Lord?
- Am I receiving the true joy and peace that Jesus offers?
- Am I treasuring God’s Word in my heart as Mary did?
LinksPlease consider hosting a weekly one-hour CUP of JOY Women’s small group. Karen provides studies and discussion questions to accompany each podcast and each series. In February and for Lent, we will start the new series: Esther for This Time: Prayers, Reversals, and JOY. It is an exciting podcast series about how God answered prayer and sent mighty reversals for a family, people, and nation. Click here to read about hosting a CUP of JOY Women’s small group. For more information, email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com.
Free Bookmarks: You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from A Joy-filled Advent Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
More Podcasts: Check out more podcasts here!
Advent book: Click here to get a copy: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
The post Needing more JOY or Peace? Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds! – A JOY-Filled Advent & Christmas #6 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Zechariah writes, His Name is John!
Needing Calm? Seek Stillness with God!Do you need more calm in your life? Today, Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness and shows us the joyous blessings. Stillness with God will do the same for you this Advent, giving you more joy and peace!
Advent JOY & the Celebration at Zechariah’s HomeWelcome to Advent JOY Podcast #4, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events, and Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ.
Today, we are going to a celebration at Zechariah’s home. It’s the circumcision and naming of his newborn boy. Can’t you picture yourself as one of the neighbors who has come to help name the baby born to the old priest Zechariah and his aged wife, Elizabeth? Can you hear yourself say:
“This must be some child—a miracle baby! What a blessing from the Lord for Elizabeth! Zechariah is mute since the last time he went up to serve in the temple.” Join the podcast as we cover these exciting points:
The Circumcision and the Sacrament of Baptism (Luke 1: 56-59) The neighbors come to celebrate the birth and help with the circumcision. * Circumcision is a rite by God under the Old Covenant, usually performed on the 8th day after birth. It was a mark on a male and a sign that he was in covenant with God, sanctified for divine service, and a member of the Jewish people. * Under the New Covenant, circumcision is not a religious ritual for us (Galatians 5: 6). * The circumcision ritual is similar to the Sacrament of Baptism, celebrated with family, friends, and godparents. * For the Christian, baptism is a sign one belongs to Christ, is united with Him in His death, and is incorporated into the Church (Hahn, Catholic Bible Dictionary*).
The Neighbors Want to Name the Baby Zechariah (Luke 1: 60-66) Zechariah confirms that His name is JOHN*. * Immediately, Zechariah’s mouth was open, and his tongue was freed.
Zechariah’s Silent Retreat Results in Joyous Benedictus Blessings (Luke 1: 67-79) Zechariah grew in faith, peace, and trust in stillness with God. * Benedictus means Blessed be..the Lord. * Zechariah’s prophecy is called a canticle, which means “little song”- a liturgical song from a Biblical text. * Zechariah thanks God for the promises to be fulfilled in the Messiah and for His Son John, who would go before the Lord to prepare His way, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by forgiving their sins.*
Responding to the Scripture Seek God in stillness. Choose a quiet morning or evening during Advent. Turn off all media and be present with the Lord in adoration, prayer, and Scripture. Sit with God and LISTEN. You may find a new vision, peace, and a deeper relationship with God – the one He wants with you. * Let God redeem you.* If you are living in any darkness or carrying baggage, Jesus wants to carry your baggage, forgive your sins, and give you peace. “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Links
Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies one of the podcast series, especially this one: A Joy-filled Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. For information, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com
You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from A Joy-filled Advent Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here for the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
The post Needing Calm? Seek Stillness with God! – A JOY-Filled Advent #4 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Today, we witness the visitation of Mary and the Joy of fellowship. Do you need more JOY in your life? Who doesn’t? Advent is the perfect time to receive and share more JOY with others! Mary and Elizabeth will show us how.
Join us today as we travel with Mary 90 miles to the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth. We will drop in on a special meeting of hearts to partake in the delight, the prayer, and the JOY of Fellowship.
The Advent JOY PodcastWelcome to A JOY-Filled Advent Podcast #3, based on my book The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. Last week, we heard how God supernaturally begot the Son of God in the Virgin Mary and gave an old woman, Elizabeth, past her time conceiving a child. We discovered any barrenness in life can become a breakthrough! “For nothing is impossible with God!”
Advent JOY in the Hill CountryToday, we travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country of Judea, near Jerusalem. We will drop in on Mary’s visit to her old cousin Elizabeth. Both women are expecting, rejoicing over the births to come, and thrilled to see each other. Join the podcast today as we cover these exciting points:
The Visitation – Leaping for JOY (Luke 1: 39-45)* John the Baptist leaps for Joy * Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaims words of JOY. * Mary praises and skips with JOY. * Jesus is always joy-filled—even in the womb!
The JOY of Fellowship – God Knows Our Need (Luke 1: 31-33) Fellowship in the Scriptures is translated from New Testament Greek Koinonia,* occurring 20 times in the New Testament. * Elizabeth brought out Mary’s JOY, and Mary brought out Elizabeth’s JOY. True fellowship strengthens and encourages faith. * Elizabeth praises Mary for believing Gabriel. * The Holy Spirit reveals the presence of Jesus in Mary’s womb to Elizabeth.
The Magnificat – Mary’s Song of Praise (Luke 1: 46-56) Magnificat was the first word in Luke 1: 46 found in St. Jerome’s Latin translation of the Bible (4th-century common language of the people) and it means “my soul magnifies.” * The Magnificat is a canticle – a liturgical song from a Biblical text. * The Magnificat shows Mary’s love for Scripture. She knew the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) well. * The Magnificat* reflects themes from many Old Testament Scriptures – the powerful arm of God, His mercy to all, His justice and faithfulness, and His care for the poor and afflicted (e.g., 1 Samuel 2:1-10 and Psalm 34:2, 35: 9, 103: 17, 107: 9, 132: 11, 138: 6).
Three Months of Sharing Hearts* We can only imagine the comfort Mary and Elizabeth must have been to each other. They talked of the Scriptures to be fulfilled because they knew well the promises regarding the Messiah and the one who would precede Him. They shared the stories about Gabriel as his message had changed each of their lives. They would have known of Gabriel’s former visitations and announcements recorded in Daniel 9.
Advent Application We can respond to these verses of JOY shared between Mary and Elizabeth by 1) Asking God for Advent JOY (He wants to give us His JOY), 2) Rejoicing in God’s goodness, 3) Preserving a quiet time for prayer, and 4) Sharing JOY with others, especially during Advent. God has JOY for YOU.*
Links
Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies one of the podcast series, especially this one: A Joy-filled Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers.
Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. For information, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com
You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from A Joy-filled Advent Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
The post The Visitation & JOY of Fellowship – A JOY-Filled Advent #3 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
A Joy-Filled Advent The Annunciation- Nothing is Impossible with God
JOY in Nazareth
Welcome to A JOY-filled Advent, Podcast #2. It’s based on my book The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. Last week we met the Archangel Gabriel, who appeared to Zechariah in the temple after 430 years of silence from heaven. When Zechariah disbelieved his announcement, Gabriel gave him a 9-month silent retreat. This week, we follow Luke 1: 26 to a small town in Galilee, the hometown of Mary and Joseph, to hear another announcement called The Annunciation in the Catholic Church. Join our journey today as we visit Mary, hear of a Savior to be born, and learn that “nothing is impossible with God.”
Another Message from Gabriel (Luke 1: 26-30) The powerful Archangel Gabriel brings the second announcement– this time to a young girl in Nazareth. * This most important heavenly Annunciation comes to a girl in a remote village where you might least expect it to occur. BUT God causes miracles to happen in the most unlikely and even ungodly places when people are open to Him. * The recipient of the Great Annunciation is Mary*, a virgin teenager, engaged to Joseph in the lineage of David, which points to the Old Testament prophesies soon to be fulfilled.
Jesus Name by His Heavenly Father (Luke 1: 31-33) The Baby would be named Jesus, Yeshua in Hebrew and derived from Yahweh – the Most Holy Name of God in the Old Testament. The message is clear: Yahweh God would name His son Yeshua after Himself.* * Truly, Jesus would be the Son of God and fulfill Isaiah 7: 14: Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel (God with us).
Mary’s Fiat (Luke 1: 34-38) “Fiat” is the first word of Luke 1: 38 in the early Latin Bible translation and it means “let it be.” This was Mary’s “YES.” * Mary received the Word of God*, surrendered, and entrusted herself and her life to God’s will. Mary gives us this example of how to seek and accept God’s will: Listen, Dialogue with God, and Surrender.
God’s Power Some may find it hard to believe in the virgin birth. But the virgin birth and incarnation are essential parts of our Christian faith. * The incarnation means God became man, reaching out to mankind. In no other religion does God “become flesh” (John 1: 14), “accept the limitations of humanity,” come to earth to show His love, and then die for the sins of all (Fulton Sheen, 1958, Life of Christ, p. 19). St. Augustine says that when we cannot understand this miracle, “Let us grant that God can do something which we confess we cannot fathom. God is the God of the impossible!” (John Willis, 2002, Teachings of the Church Fathers). * For example, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli told God he felt barren in his old age and then received a great miracle! * If you are unsure about God’s power to accomplish miracle*s or significant changes in your own life, consider this: If God can supernaturally beget the Son of God in a virgin and give an old woman Elizabeth, past her time of conceiving a child, God can fix the barrenness in your life too. If you feel unproductive or barren, ask the Holy Spirit to come upon you in new ways and to open new doors where least expected. He will give you a breakthrough! “For nothing is impossible with God!”
LinksConsider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies one of the podcast series, especially this one: A Joy-filled Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers.
Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small groups. For information, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com
You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from A Joy-filled Advent Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
The post “For Nothing Is Impossible with God” – A JOY-Filled ADVENT # 2 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
God Hear & God AnswersAre you waiting for an answer to prayer, or are you about to give up hope? Join us today as Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Gabriel teach us this lesson: Don’t give up hope – God hears & God answers prayer.
The celebration of ADVENT often surprises me because it comes so quickly. How about you? It was just fall, then Thanksgiving, and then within a week, it’s Advent. So let’s prepare our thinking—our mind and heart with plenty of time to find the JOY of Advent this year. We will cover these points today;
The Meaning of Advent* Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus, ” meaning “coming.” * The Advent season helps us focus on the present coming of Jesus in our lives and on increasing our desire for His presence every day.
The People, Prayers, and Events* This podcast will help you discover the people, prayers, and events so important to Jesus’ first coming. * You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, the Angels, the Shepherds, Simeon, Anna, and the Magi. * It’s as if we will travel with them and partake in the most meaningful events in their lives.
The First of Two Annunciations* For 430 years prior to the birth of Jesus Christ, God had stopped speaking to His people because they had stopped listening to His prophets. Fast forward 430 years and we will drop in on the “first annunciation.” The term “annunciation” in Latin means announcement. * When God began speaking again, He sent announcements through His most important heavenly messenger – the Archangel Gabriel. * In Luke 1, we read that the first announcement came to Zechariah. He and his wife Elizabeth served God, trusted him for everything, while they waited and prayed for children, which overtime seemed more impossible (Luke 1: 5-7).
Gabriel, The Might of God and No Puny Angel* Gabriel may sound harsh to you, but he has a gentle side too. We have to consider the circumstances: the GREAT Archangel Gabriel had been sent by God to O * Poor Zechariah—the Archangel Gabriel just couldn’t take his unbelief so with one look he muted Zechariah for the next nine months. * Gabriel is no puny angel – “Gabriel” in New Testament Greek means “the Might of God.”
Personal Reflection After listening to the podcast, please reflect on the powerful message of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and us in the first part of Luke 1: God hears. God answers. Don’t give up on God. * Have you ever prayed for something so long that you gave up? Have you ever received more than you expected – just as you were about to give up? * St. Jerome wrote about Zechariah: “Your prayer is heard…that is to say you are given more than you asked for. You prayed for the salvation of the people and you have been given the Precursor” [John the Baptist] (Souvay, 1910, The Catholic Encyclopedia – Zacharias). * While Zechariah was praying and waiting and giving up on prayer all those years, he did not know that God was preparing Joseph and Mary and so, he had to wait just a little longer.*
Application and Prayer PointsConsider these prayer points because Jesus wants to share His joy while you wait for His answers:
(a) Ask Jesus for a new and fresh prayer encounter with Him. Ask for new joy and to experience His presence while you look for everyday miracles.
(b) Take Time. Make a point to take some quiet time every day to listen to the Lord, read LUKE 1, and stay connected to the joy of the Lord
(c) Converse. Share with Jesus what you are waiting for. Then keep an open attitude to receive heavenly surprises JOY. (For example, you could pray: Jesus, I have given up on… Please give me new insight. Show me the little places where I see your hand at work.)
(d) Start an ADVENT PRAYER Journal. Why not record your prayer and conversation with Jesus this Advent? You may be surprised at the transformation to JOY you receive and will want to record during Advent.
(e) Thank God. Let the Lord know that you trust your life and circumstances to Him.
LinksYou can download a Bookmark of prayer points from the Advent JOY Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
The post God Hears & God Answers; Don’t Give Up Hope – A JOY-Filled Advent #1 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Pray at Every Opportunity (Ephesians 6:18)
Wrapped in JOY and Armored in Prayer
Is there a way to stay wrapped in Joy and Armored in God? This final podcast of the Joyful and Battle-Ready series focuses on the key to living in JOY and being protected with armor. So join the podcast today and discover how prayer secures your JOY and activates your armor. Join us today as we cover these points:
True and Lasting JOY As the Scriptures point out, prayer is the key to staying wrapped in joy and armored. * Psalm 16 reminds us that God offers the fullness of JOY in his presence. * In John 15 11, Jesus says, Abide in my love… I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.* * To abide in God’s love means we are always in communication with him in prayer.
Prayer and JOY* Essential points covered in the last eight weeks include: 1) receiving JOY from God the Father, Jesus our Savior, and the Holy Spirit our fruit bearer of JOY, 2) asking God to increase your capacity to receive His Joy and Love, 3) Praising and thanking God-two of the five forms of prayer associated with JOY, 4) Using the Prayer and Holy Imagery to defeat Joy Busters, 6) Rejoicing to stop worry, 7) Reading and Praying scripture leads to deep spiritual JOY. * Prayer is the path to JOY.
Prayer and The Armor of God After the armor message of Ephesians 6: 17, verse 18 says: With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones (NABRE). The NRSVCE translation says: Pray at all times… * Interestingly, PRAYER* isn’t called a piece of armor but is connected to the armor. * There was not any punctuation or separation of sentences in the original New Testament Greek manuscripts, so the need to pray at all times connects to the armor. * We have found that each piece represents Jesus, whom we come to daily, and, in a sense, we “put on Jesus daily.” So we put the armor on with prayer.
Pray at Every Opportunity in the Spirit Prayer to Christians is like oxygen to life- live and breathe with prayer. * Many Christians say, “All we can do is pray.” We should say, “We will pray. God will hear, and He will change everything.” * When prayer is the atmosphere we breathe, and we keep breathing it, the Holy Spirit is released to work in unimaginable ways, and supernatural graces and gifts are poured out.* * Heaven will even surprise us when we stay connected with the King of Kings and His Kingdom in prayer!
Pray at all times, Aware of His Presence The Catholic Church defines prayer as a “vital and personal relationship with the living and true God” (CCC 2558). It is “Christian…insofar as it is communion with Jesus Christ” – ” a covenant relationship between God and man in Christ”(CCC 2565, 2564).” * Prayer is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. In relationship with a living God, we are continually communing with our Savior. God is with us always. He is for us. He is our Helper in all things. * Praying at all times* means you are constantly connecting with your closest friend.
Praying at every opportunity Praying at every opportunity, as translated in the NABRE,* conveys that opportunities arise at various times of every day and evening. We need to pause momentarily and give that event or situation to Jesus. * For example, in Nehemiah 6:9, he prayed, “But now, O God, strengthen my hands.”
Confidence in Prayer Praying at every opportunity establishes a deep personal bond between you and your Heavenly Father in everything you do. It is always heart-to-heart with your heart speaking directly to the Heart of Jesus. He hears you. * Pope Francis says, “Prayer is more than just a physical, emotional, or intellectual act; it is an inner desire to encounter God with confidence.* God has revealed Himself to us in His Son, Jesus Christ. So, the prayer of a Christian brings us into a relationship with God without any fear or trepidation. One can establish a relationship built on confidence with Him in prayer” (May 5, 2020).
Personal Reflection Remember all that God taught you in Ephesians 6 about standing strong and firm in battle. Read Ephesians 6 often. * Visualize yourself putting on each piece of the armor of God—the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, Shoes ready to Proclaim the Gospel of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Lord of God, plus, Praying at every opportunity in the Spirit.* Act it out in your mind. Try it!
Cup of JOY Women or Cup of JOY GatheringConsider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies one of the podcast series, especially the one that starts next week: A Joy-filled Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers.
Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women’s small group. For information, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com
Links* Download bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: wrapyourselfinjoy.com. * Check out more podcasts here! * Click here for the book Wrap Yourself in Joy: find the Joy, fight the Fear.
The post Wrapped in JOY and Armored in Prayer – Joyful & Battle Ready #8 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Did you know that JOY is associated with reading and praying with scripture? The Word of God promises a deep spiritual joy in interacting with God via His Word. Join the podcast today as we cover the pleasures found in the Word of God and how to use the Word as a Sword of the Spirit to protect your mind and emotions from attacks of the evil one.
Join us today as we cover these points:
Deep Spiritual JOY* Happy in Psalm 1 (ASRAI in Hebrew) more closely means—a deep spiritual joy (Ross, A. P. (2011). * The BENEFIT is the deep, joyous pleasure and satisfaction that will come when you listen to the Lord in verses of Scripture and interact with Him around the verses.
Four Stages of Prayer In The Armchair Mystic, Rev. Mark Thibodeaux describes four stages of prayer, summarized as: Talking at God, Talking to God. Listening to God speak in Scripture daily and Resting in God’s presence*, * Stage 4 is the goal.
Joy and Healing Another benefit of reading and praying God’s word: HEALING * Basil the Great said: “The Holy Spirit composed the Scriptures so that in them, as in a pharmacy open to all souls, we might each of us be able to find the medicine suited to our own particular illness*… (Spidlik, T., & Drake, P. (1993).
WRAP – Simplified Lectio Divina for Reading and Praying with Scripture WRAP* is an acronym for reading, praying, and reflecting on Scripture, and it works best if you journal what you hear (from WRAP Yourself in Scripture, a book by Karen & Larry Dwyer, Institute of Priestly Formation, * WRAP aims to foster a personal encounter with Jesus in the Scriptures so that the words come alive and you hear God speak to YOUR HEART. * It’s a form of Lectio Divina— which the Catechism of the Catholic Church defines as reading to hear God speak to you and meditating on His Words so that it becomes your prayer (CCC 1177).
WRAP Method* W: Write down the verse that inspires you or seems to arise out of the passage. * R: Reflect on the principles/ ideas the verse is inspiring in you & record your thoughts. (Mull Over, Mentally Picture, Mutter, & Memorize.) * A: Apply the principles. Write down your response to the Scripture & how it applies to your life today. * P: Pray and praise. Talk with Jesus about what the verse opened in your heart.
The Sword of the Spirit In Ephesians 6:17, Paul calls the Word* the Sword of the Spirit. * The Roman soldier carried his sword in his belt (or girdle). * The Romans employed two types of swords: the “rpomphaia” (Revelation 1,2), a large, long, and broad sword that took two hands to wield, and the “makchaira” ( Ephesians 6: 17), a short 6” to 18” sharp and piercing dagger for hand-to-hand combat.
A Formidable and Sure Defense* Hebrews 4:12 describes the WORD of God as “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, …able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. * The Word brings truth where there is falsehood, light where there is darkness, and joy where there is sorrow. Psalm 119: 11, 105 * Luke 4: 1-13 shows Jesus using the Word of God in defense all three times. * We can speak the Scriptures to help us stand firm against temptations, discouragement, fear, or other attack on our faith.
An Offensive Weapon* You can hide God’s Word in your heart to help identify and reject sin and strengthen your inner person. * When you share the Word with someone—especially a word that deeply moved you—it is a sword that pierces another’s heart.
Personal Reflection: Sword of the Spirit Declarations* You can WIELD THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT with these Declarations from God’s Word: 1. I will love and read God’s Word daily (Psalm 119: 11, NRSVCE). 2. The Word of God is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119: 105, NRSVCE). 3. The Word of God is my defensive weapon as Jesus showed in his fight with the evil one (Matthew 4:10-11, NRSVCE). 4. When I gently share the Word of God with others, I can be confident that God’s Word is “living and active (Hebrews 4:12, NRSVCE).
Cup of JOY WomenConsider hosting a weekly one-hour cup of Joy women’s small group study accompanying this podcast. It’s free! The next opportunity if for Advent JOY.
- Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize a small group of friends over coffee or tea. Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy women’s small group.
- For information, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com
Links* Download bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: wrapyourselfinjoy.com. * Check out more podcasts here! * Click here for the book Wrap Yourself in Joy: find the Joy, fight the Fear.
The post The JOY of Scripture & Wielding the Sword of the Spirit (Joyful & Battle Ready #7) appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Stop Worry, Return to JOY and Put on the Helmet of Salvation
Stop Worry, Return to JOY and Put on the Helmet of Salvation (Joyful & Battle Ready #6)
Are you ready to stop the worry and return to JOY? Worry is the big JOY thief that brings on fretting. In only a few dances with fretting, you will be exhausted. Your JOY will be sidelined. Join us today and discover how to stop the worry, return to JOY, and put on the Helmet of Salvation to protect your thoughts and reasoning about what God has done for you.
Join us today as we cover these points:
Do You Worry?* You will find that worry is not only a joybuster but also a joy thief. * In Matthew 6: 25 34, Jesus talks directly to us about worry.
Worry Defined The Cambridge Dictionary defines – to give way to anxiety or uneasiness, to allow one’s mind to continually dwell on difficulties and troubles, to think about problems and become distracted. * Even Jesus shows the anxiety and distraction connection. * Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things, but there is a need for only one thing* (Luke 10 41- 42).
Fretting The Hebrew word we translate as fretting includes firing up rage and kindling anger. * The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a fret as a worry, an annoyance, a discontentment that gnaws at you. * Fretting eats away at your peace. * Psalm 37 advises, Do NOT fret*.
Actions Advised in Philippians 4: 4-7* Rejoice means to return to joy. Actively be glad, actively pursue joy. * In prayer and supplication, make your requests known to the Lord. * For every need you express in prayer, offer a thanksgiving about something related. * Receive peace. The peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
The Helmet of Salvation Ephesians 6:17 says we must “take the helmet of salvation. * Pope Francis says the helmet is “not so much that of acknowledging the Resurrection of Jesus — everyone believes in it — but of believing in the resurrection of the dead.” * The helmet of a Roman soldier called a galea, was designed to cover the head with thick leather enclosed in beaten metals of iron and bronze, protecting the head from weapons of warfare causing injury. * The helmet of salvation* shows that Satan’s flaming arrows target our minds and are directed at our faith in Jesus, who paid the price for our salvation with his passion, death, and resurrection. * The devil will try to discourage you and destroy your faith.
Personal Reflection: Helmet of Salvation Declarations Take the Helmet of Salvation in defense against the evil one who pushes doubts to divert you from the truth of eternal life in Jesus Christ. * Starting today, say the Apostles Creed often. * Remind yourself of the Helmet of Salvation Declarations* with the truths from Scripture: 1. Eternal life is in Jesus, and it’s for me (Romans 8: 12). 2. I will not be anxious about my salvation (Romans 5: 8-9). 3. I do not need to worry; I can know I have eternal life (1 John 5: 11-13).
Cup of JOY WomenConsider hosting a weekly one-hour cup of joy women’s small group study that accompanies this podcast, and you can begin anytime. It’s free!
- Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize a small group of friends over coffee or tea. Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy women’s small group.
- For information, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com
Links* Download bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: wrapyourselfinjoy.com. * Check out more podcasts here! * Click here for the book Wrap Yourself in Joy: find the Joy, fight the Fear.
The post Stop Worry, Return to JOY and Put on the Helmet of Salvation – Joyful & Battle Ready #6 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
How are you at defeating Joy Busters? Everyone faces those situations that can steal their JOY. But you can develop a plan to stop their impact on your life. You can become AWARE of the JOY Busters, UNDERSTAND their sources, and TAKE ACTION to stop their influence. Join the podcast today to uncover the actions you can take to defeat JOY Busters and learn how to” take up the shield of faith to quench the flaming arrows” coming at you.
JOY Busters Merriam-Webster defines a buster* “as a person or thing that breaks up, overpowers, or eliminates something.” * A JOY buster breaks up, overpowers, or steals your joy and includes, for example, interruptions to plans, hurt feelings, discouragements, fear, family quarrels, busyness, complaints, and weariness. Today, we will cover these points:
Joy Busting Responses* How do you respond to JOY Busters, called JOYBUSTING? * Joybusting happens when our emotions take over, and our responses leave us with more negative feelings and challenging relationships. * Joybusting includes, for example, angry outbursts, discouragement, fretting, gossip, negative thoughts, overeating, over partying, over drinking, over shopping, profane talk, procrastination, promiscuity, more quarrels, bitterness, and more.
Plan to Reject Troubles of the Heart In Galatians 5: 16-26, St. Paul reminds us that to conquer the JOYbusting, which he calls “works of the flesh,” is to LIVE by the Holy Spirit. * Timothy Gallagher says each person needs an action plan to reject troubles of the heart (JOY busters and joy busting): (1) Be aware, (2) Understand, and (3) Take action*. (The Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide for Everyday Living, 2018).
TIP: Three QUICK Actions to Defeat JOY Busting* You can take three simple actions to stop JOY Busting: thanksgiving, imagery, and persistence.
(1) Thanksgiving – immediately turn to Jesus with genuine thanksgiving
(2) Imagination- use holy imagination and picture Jesus with arms outstretched. You give him your joy buster.
(3) Persist – Persist in praising God and remembering the Thanksgiving JOY.
- Also, consider getting a prayer partner to pray for more JOY for each other and to defeat JOYbusting.
The Shield of Faith Ephesians 6:16. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. * Pope Francis, when speaking on this verse, tells us how important it is to take the shield of faith: The devil is a liar; he is the father of lies. And as St. Paul says, we must be girded in the truth, armored in justice.… Without faith, you cannot go forward; you cannot defend the salvation of Jesus. We need this shield of faith because the devil does not throw flowers at us but “flaming arrows” to kill us* (General Audience, October 30, 2014).
The Roman Soldier’s Shield* In Roman history, at the time of Paul, a military soldier held a body shield to about 2.5 x 4 feet to protect himself from an enemy who hurled flaming arrows (dipped in pitch and set on fire) called “plumbata.” * Often, the soldiers interlocked shields in a “tortoise” formation – they raised their shields together overhead and in front so it looked like a tortoise.
Faith Defined The word for faith used in New Testament Greek is “pistis,” which means to agree with, trust in, and live out what you believe. * Translated belief or faith, it appears at least 200 times in the New Testament * Hebrews 11: 1 defines faith, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen*” and then gives examples, including Noah, Abraham, and Moses.
Jesus is Our Shield The Lord God says he is our shield. See Psalm 28:7, Psalm 33:20. * Proverbs 30:5.* Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Take Up Our Shield of Faith1) Read the Word of God every day and keep the Scriptures in your mind and heart. Romans 10:17.
2) Pray that moment. Hebrews 2:2 says.
3) Turn to a Prayer Partner or prayer group – In Tortoise Formation, you lock shields with others.
Personal Reflection –Shield of Faith DeclarationsYou can take up a shield of Faith against temptations, fear, and doubt.” Call on the name of Jesus and repeat these truths aloud and often.
- When the devil sends the flaming arrow of fear, you say Psalm 56:3. O Lord God, “when I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” or Isaiah 41: 10. [the Lord says] … I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
- When the devil sends the flaming arrow of temptation and doubts, you say Romans 8: 33-34. Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. He forgives us.
- When the devil sends a flaming arrow saying you are getting old or God no longer cares and cannot use you, you say in Isaiah 46:4, The Lord says, even to your old age I am he, even when you turn gray I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. Or Psalm 92: 13-14. The Lord says They are planted in the house of the Lord…In old age, they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap…
Finally, thank the Lord daily for your joys and for helping you defeat the JOY Busters.
Cup of JOY WomenConsider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy Women’s small group study that accompanies this podcast, and you can begin anytime. It’s free!
- Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize a small group of friends over coffee or tea. Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy Women’s small group.
- For information, please email Karen@WRAPyourselfinjoy.com
Links* Download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com. * Check out more podcasts here! * Click HERE for the book WRAP Yourself in JOY: Find the JOY, Fight the Fear.
The post Defeat Joy Busters & Take Up the Shield of Faith (JOYFUL & Battle Ready #5) appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Singing for JOY & Slipping on Gospel Shoes
Singing for JOY & Slipping on Gospel Shoes (#4 JOYFUL & Battle Ready)Are you singing for JOY? Did you know there is a connection between praising God and experiencing more JOY and Peace? Join our podcast today as we cover singing for JOY and slipping on shoes, ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.
JOY and PEACEWhen we praise God, we surrender everything to Him and proclaim that He is God, and we are NOT. He has everything in our lives under control, and even when we do not see it, we can trust Him. Even in hardships, we can sing praises to the Lord, and he will comfort us with deep, calming JOY. In addition, we can put on shoes of Gospel peace as part of the armor we wear everywhere we go. In our JOYFUL & Battle Ready series, Podcast #4 will cover these points:
The Praise-Joy Connection* Are your prayers primarily prayers of petition? * The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) #2644 encourages us to use all five forms of prayer: blessing/adoration, petition with contrition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise. * There is a particular link of JOY with praise or thanksgiving prayers.
Enter God’s Courts with Praise* Psalm 100:3 says: Enter God’s gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise… * Pope Francis tells us to “NOT be formal Christians, prisoners of formality” (January 28, 2020).
A Garment of Praise* In Luke 4, Jesus said he was the fulfillment of Isaiah 61: 3- “to provide the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of discouragement.” * Jesus can give you a garment of praise, and it comes with the oil of JOY.
Paul and Silas Praise in a Desperate Situation, Miracles Happen In Acts 16, at midnight and in the wretchedness of a Philippian jail, imprisoned Paul and Silas praised God as chains fell off and prison doors were opened. * CCC #2639 says, “Praise* is the form of prayer…it gives God glory for his own sake, quite beyond what he has done, but simply for who he is.”
A Garment of Praise* Praise God with the psalms, instruments, singing, shouting, and clapping hands (Psalm 150, 100). * Praise does not have to be complicated. You can tell Jesus you love Him and praise Him … * Spend just one minute of praise this week, and it will be life-changing.
The Armor of God – The Battle Shoes Ephesians 6: 15: As shoes for your feet, put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.* * Roman soldiers wore shoes to avoid the battlefield’s rocks, sticks, and debris. * Shoes were a combination of heavy sandals and boots with soles of layered leather clenched together with metal studs that could grip the ground for traction.
Peace Isaiah 52: 7 says: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” * Peace means harmony and tranquility, without inner conflict, even amid chaos and upheaval. * In John 16: 33, Jesus said: I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world*.
Proclaim In Mark 16:15, [Jesus] said, “Go into all the world and proclaim* the gospel to the whole creation. * The best way to start sharing your faith is to share your relationship with Jesus, including His answers to your prayers and your thanksgiving.
St. Pope John Paul II Pope John Paul II in Catechesis in Our Time (1979) said the faithful must proclaim the Gospel message. The Gospel kerygma: – “ the initial ardent proclamation by which a person is brought to the decision to entrust himself to Jesus Christ by faith* — is gradually deepened, developed,” and “channeled towards Christian practice in the Church and the world” (CT 25). * Remind your friend how much God loves her and wants her to experience His love and presence. * Invite her to entrust her life to Jesus, to give Him their baggage and shame, and to ask for forgiveness. * You can prepare yourself with a few words of Scripture about God’s love and how Jesus is the sacrifice for all sin. Invite the person to trust Jesus now. * Then, of course, invite your friends to church and keep helping them along the Christian journey.
Personal Reflection – Shoes of Peace Declarations These Shoes of Peace Declarations from Scripture can help you stand firm in peace so that you are “ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.” * When the devil tries to make you afraid to proclaim, you can proclaim: The Prince of Peace lives in me. (John 14:23). I have his peace. I will not let my heart be troubled or afraid. I will stand firm in Jesus, my Lord, and my strength, my God in whom I trust. Repeat John 14:27. * When the devil whispers, you are NOT ready to proclaim the Gospel. You say: In Jesus, I am prepared and willing to share the Gospel with anyone. It is what Jesus calls me to do. I am not ashamed to talk about Jesus and my faith with family, friends, or others. Repeat Romans 1: 16. I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…”* * Finally, remember to praise and thank the Lord -just one minute of praising the Name of Jesus every day can be life-changing and joy-filling. You can find a free bookmark on my website to help you with ways to praise the Lord.
Cup of JOY Women
Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy Women’s small group study that accompanies this podcast, and you can begin anytime. It’s free!
- Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize a small group of friends over coffee or tea.
- For information, email me or go to Cup of Joy Women.
Links* Download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com. * Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy Women’s small group. * Check out more podcasts here! * Click HERE to find the book WRAP Yourself in JOY: Find the JOY, Fight the Fear.
The post Singing for JOY & Slipping on Gospel Shoes – Joyful & Battle Ready #4 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Heaven Rejoices & the Breastplate of Righteousness
Heaven Rejoices and We Put on RighteousnessDid you know you serve a joy-filled God who rejoices over you? Join us today as we cover the rejoicing of heaven and the songs God sings over you. You will discover how to put on the Breastplate of Righteousness to protect your heart, keep the JOY, and stand firm against the devil’s lies of your unworthiness.
Heavenly JOYLast week, we defined true and lasting joy, and with that in mind, we prayed with the More JOY Prayer Guide. We pursue JOY, invite JOY, and pray for more JOY! This week, we start with Heaven’s JOY. Today, we cover these points:
The JOY of the Lord* “The joy of the Lord is my strength” is the source of our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). * God and all of heaven are joyful and want to share it with us. * Some think God is a grump; if we follow him, we are destined for a life lacking any fun. That is NOT the truth.
Heavenly JOY* The Scriptures call our attention to God’s joyful creation (e.g., Psalm 61: 12-13). * The Lord takes pleasure in you and even sings over you (e.g., Zephaniah 3: 17). * God is a celebrating God (e.g., Luke 15: 20-24). * The angels rejoice when one sinner repents (e.g., Luke 15: 8-10)
Put on the Breastplate of Righteousness Over Your Heart We put on the “breastplate of righteousness ” to protect our hearts (Ephesians 6: 14). * In spiritual language, the heart “refers to our inner orientation, the core of our being,” including our “thoughts, feelings, and desires.” (Fr. John Horn, S.J., Heart Speaks to Heart*, IPF Publications). * Jesus is concerned for your heart (Matthew 15:19). * So is the devil, so you must guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23).
What is Righteousness? The Catholic Dictionary of the Bible defines righteousness as “communion in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ through which we begin a new life in the spirit –a life in which we live in Christ and Christ lives in us”( p. 743). * Righteousness can be summarized as the Right Relationship and Right Living* (e.g., 2 Corinthians 5:15).
Jesus Christ, the Righteous One The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains Righteousness: “Justification has been merited for us by the Passion of Christ. It was granted us through Baptism. It conforms us to the righteousness of God, who justifies us*. …It is the most excellent work of God’s mercy” (CCC, 2020). * The Scriptures tell us we do not have to produce righteousness on our own; we can look to “Jesus Christ” (Romans 5: 17).
Personal Reflection: Breastplate of Righteousness Declarations Lies: The devil will whisper lies to attack your thoughts, feelings, and desires, especially saying you are unworthy. 1. You cannot expect God to keep loving you and helping you. 2. You should be discouraged and fearful. You do not deserve His help. 3. You can never be holy; it’s too difficult to follow God and be righteous. * Truths: When faced with spiritual warfare, put on the breastplate of righteousness. In the mighty power of Jesus Christ, speak these Breastplate Declarations (inserting your own name in the verse). 1. In Jesus, I am the righteousness of God. (Repeat 2 Corinthians 5: 21). 2. I live in Jesus Christ. I am forgiven and free. I refuse to feel discouraged, downcast, or fearful. (Repeat Galatians 2: 20). 3. I will follow the ways of the Lord because they will bring JOY, not hardship.* (Repeat Psalm 19: 9 and 14 aloud.)
Cup of JOY WomenConsider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy Women’s small group study that accompanies this podcast, and you can begin anytime. It’s free!
- Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize a small group of friends over coffee or tea.
- For information, email me or go to Cup of Joy Women.
Links* Download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com. * Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy Women’s small group. * Check out more podcasts here! * Click HERE to find the book WRAP Yourself in JOY: Find the JOY, Fight the Fear.
The post Heaven Rejoices & We Put on the Breastplate of Righteousness (JOYFUL & Battle Ready #3) appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Drenched with JOY
Would you like to be drenched in JOY and armored in truth? Are you willing to put on the armor of God to stand firm to keep the joy, to stand strong against fear, and to put on the armor of God to protect yourself from lies? Join us today as we cover how to define JOY, receive more joy, and put on the belt of truth.
Heavenly JOYLast week, we learned that Jesus has complete JOY for you, God the Father has JOY and pleasures for you, and the Holy Spirit produces JOY in your life. So, how do we get more of this JOY?
Today, we cover these points:
A Niagara Falls of God’s Love & JOY Many times, we come to our Heavenly Father—who is a Niagara Falls of Love*, and we hold out only a teaspoon to catch it. * We must increase our capacity to receive more great love and joy.
Defining JOY* After searching many definitions of Joy and primarily based on the teachings of our last three popes, we find a definition of true JOY. * We cover the quote from my book, Wrap Yourself in JOY. * The definition involves mind, soul, body, and spirit and its Trinitarian.
The More JOY Prayer Guide* We ask God to increase our capacity for JOY. * We receive His Love and Joy daily. * We thank Jesus for the JOY Rays. * We praise Him with Scripture.
It’s Warfare* Ephesians 6 was written when Roman soldiers and guards surrounded Paul in prison. * The Holy Spirit likely inspired him as he observed the Roman soldier’s armor.
The Belt of Truth* The BELT for a soldier served as a girdle to support his core or loins and stabilize his weapons. * Pilate answered Jesus, “What is truth?” * In John 14:6, Jesus defined truth: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” * Run to Jesus, our truth. Let him lead you.
Put on Truth* The devil’s favorite lies are targeted at your JOY, happiness, and identity as a Christian. * Do not give into deception, diversion, discouragement, or division. * In John 17: 17, Jesus prayed, “Consecrate them in the truth. Your [God’s]word is truth.” * Fill your mind with the truths of God and His word. Don’t let a day go by without reading Scripture, even for just 5 minutes.
Personal Reflection: Biblical Belt of Truth DeclarationsGirdle UP!! Make Jesus your Core. Do not give into deception, diversion, discouragement, or division. Declare and remind yourself of these truths:
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For Deception (Identity), the Truth: I am the daughter [or son] of God. God knows me and loves me. Romans 8:15.“
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For Diversion (God doesn’t hear my prayers), the Truth: My prayers are powerful and effective, and nothing can separate me from the love of God. He listens, and He is answering. James 5: 16.
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For Discouragement (You are fearful- God can’t meet your needs), the Truth: The Lord has not given me a spirit of fear but one of power, love, and a sound mind. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I can understand His Word and reserve time to pray and read Scripture daily. 2 Timothy 1:7.
Cup of JOY WomenConsider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy Women’s small group study for seven weeks. It accompanies this podcast, and you can begin anytime. It’s free!
- Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize by hosting a small group of friends over coffee or tea.
- For information, email me or go to Cup of Joy Women.
Links* Download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com. * Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy Women’s small group. * Check out more podcasts here! * Click HERE to find the book WRAP Yourself in JOY: Find the JOY, Fight the Fear.
The post Drenched with JOY & Armored in Truth (JOYFUL & Battle Ready #2) appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Do you find it difficult to embrace JOY and at the same time stand firm in life’s battles? You are not alone. Daily, we all face challenges and fears. Join us today as we discuss embracing true JOY, standing firm, and being strong in the Lord when facing fears and struggles.
Happiness and Joy are Not the SameAbout 45% of 12,000 people surveyed say they have not felt true happiness since before the pandemic. Around 25% surveyed say they don’t know, or have forgotten, what it means to feel truly happy (Oracle). The natural question is this: Are JOY and happiness the same thing? We will find that happiness depends on external circumstances, while true joy is “a gift that fills us from within” and “is to be searched for and shared continuously (Pope Francis. May 10, 2013). Today, we cover these points:
You Are Made for JOY* If you allow God to give you His JOY, it will change your life. * It can even change the atmosphere around you! * Three Scriptures help you get started in your search for more JOY: John 15: 9-11, Psalm 16: 9-11, and Galatians 5: 22-23. JOY and LOVE are fruits of the HOLY Spirit, the result of the presence of the Holy Spirit living within YOU. * Jesus died for your sins and mine. When he arose from the dead, as promised (e.g., John 14: 15-26; John 16: 7), God sent the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit wants to produce deep, lasting JOY in your life.
JOY and Love From the Trinity Declarations* Jesus, my Savior. You love me like the Heavenly Father loves You, and You want to give me your JOY—complete JOY. Thank YOU, Jesus, I embrace it. (John 15: 9-11) * Heavenly Father. You LOVE me and offer me gladness and fullness of JOY in Your presence. Thank YOU, Father, I receive it. (Psalm 16: 9-11) * Holy Spirit. You love me and produce the fruit of JOY in & through me. Thank YOU, Holy Spirit, fill me afresh today. (Galatians 5: 22-25)
It’s a Battle! Now, we move to Ephesians 6: 10-14, where we are told by St. Paul we must be prepared for battle. * Therefore, when Paul wrote Ephesians 6, he was imprisoned “in chains” (v. 20) and knew hardships, challenges, and struggles. * Paul tells us to be strong in the Lord and stand firm.*
Stand Firm, Stand Strong To stand is a military term meaning “to hold a position” and “to resist an impending attack” (Collins). * To stand firm as Christians* means we are prepared to resist an attack, and we look to our commander, Jesus Christ. * “To be strong in the Lord means to rely on God’s strength, God’s power, and God’s courage.
Wiles Paul calls the attacks we face the devil’s wiles (cunning strategies and ensnarement). * In the book The Devil You Don’t Know, Fr. Louis Cameli says there are many common wiles of the devil with which you will struggle, including Deception, Division, Diversion, and Discouragement. * The Catechism of the Catholic Church* (409) clearly speaks: This dramatic situation of “the whole world is in the power of the evil one” [1 John 5: 19] makes man’s life a battle.
Recognizing Spiritual Warfare
- Recognize if you are in spiritual warfare and facing some arrows or wiles.
- You may be facing what the Bible calls the devil, tempter, murderer, accuser, liar, stumbling block, and adversary.
Personal Reflection – The Rs to Stand Firm and Stand Strong
- You can “strengthen yourself in the Lord” and not depend on your own strength to fight against the wiles, using the “3 R’s” to combat the devil in any of your struggles:
- REMEMBER and Receive God’s Love and JOY. Daily, declare the JOY and Love from the Trinity declarations.
- RESIST the devil, his wiles, and temptations. Don’t let the accuser win. Participate in the sacrament of reconciliation and go forward.
- RENEW your mind with Scripture. God’s Word will give you strength to stand firm and resist the wiles and lies. See Romans 12:2.
- Finally, be strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6: 10). Weakness is no excuse to lay down and be spiritually slaughtered. The Lord wants to be your strength in weakness. Call upon the Name of Jesus. Try to memorize and declare every day this week: Ephesians 6: 10-14. Put your name in the words so you pray with Scripture.
Cup of JOY WomenConsider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy Women’s small group study for seven weeks. It accompanies this podcast, and you can begin anytime. It’s free!
- Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize by hosting a small group of friends over coffee or tea.
- For information, email me or go to Cup of Joy Women.
Links* Download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com * Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy Women’s small group. * Check out more podcasts here! * Click HERE to find the book WRAP Yourself in JOY: Find the JOY, Fight the Fear
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The Book of Nehemiah has reassured us that prayer changes everything, that every obstacle can be overcome, and that every false accusation can lead to persistence, more prayer, and joyous victory. With Nehemiah, we declare: God is with us! God is for us! God is at work! God has a plan that changes everything! We can confidently exclaim: The JOY of the LORD is my strength! (Nehemiah 8: 14).
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Adding praise and thanksgiving to your prayer can increase your faith, lift your spirit, help you recall God’s goodness, encourage you in hard tasks, and add much more joy to your life.
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Consider Nehemiah Chapter 9. Do you feel forsaken by God ever? Always remember this: God is ready to forgive. He is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and abounds in steadfast love. Join us today as Nehemiah says, God will never forsake you. Celebrating God’s Goodness In our last podcast, we joined the Israelites on Rosh […]
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In our last study, Nehemiah and the Israelites in Jerusalem completed the walls, but the enemies did everything possible to stop the final building thrust. Thanks be to God, Nehemiah through discernment, with constant prayer, speaking the truth and persevering, directed the people to complete the walls and gates in 52 days (v. 7: 15). Now Nehemiah begins the process of restoring the faith of his beloved people. Today, he points us to a spiritual “prayer booth” for rejoicing, Scripture reading and recalling what God had done for us.
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Pray, Speak the Truth & Persevere Always Look to Nehemiah. Are you facing slander? Have mistruths been spoken about you? You can overcome the discouragement and discern the lies, deception, and diversion around you! Nehemiah will show you how. Join the podcast today as he says to pray, speak the truth, and persevere always. Today […]
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Consider Nehemiah. Do you get angry easily? Do you get riled up? Nehemiah shows us to step back before acting. It never works to respond with emotions. In Chapter 5, during their rebuilding, the people face opposition from within their ranks. It seems that if the opposition doesn’t hit us from without, it comes from […]
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Nehemiah asks, Are you led by anger? Do you get riled up easily? Nehemiah shows us to step back before acting. It never works to respond with emotions. In Chapter 5, during their rebuilding, the people face opposition from within their ranks. It seems that if opposition doesn’t hit us from without, it comes from […]
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Do you suddenly face opposition when you are making progress in a daunting task? Do you respond with insult for insult when ridiculed? In Nehemiah Chapter 4, Nehemiah and the people face criticism, ridicule, name-calling, and insults as they try to repair the burned-down walls and broken gates. This can happen to any of us. Join the podcast today as Nehemiah shows us the best approach for success when it comes to overcoming opposition and discouragement.
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Nehemiah calls perfumers! All teams need workers from all walks of life with a heartfelt desire to build—even beyond their known skills. The “perfume makers” provide sweet-smelling assistance, even though their hands are soft and they are not seasoned builders. Join us today as Nehemiah reveals team-making skills and appoints the perfume makers. Become a perfume-maker! If you feel lacking in giftings, become a perfume maker and set your mind to building anyway. Bring the sweetness of God’s spirit and a sweet attitude of prayer to every stinky situation.
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Do you need favor? Let Nehemiah encourage you! When you pray for favor, you are asking God for grace to help solve a difficult problem or turn a bad situation around. After supplication, God gave Nehemiah favor with the king and the king blessed him with all that he asked. Join us today to discover how to trust God more and ask for favor when approaching challenges.
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Nehemiah teaches about interceding for a people and a nation. In Nehemiah 1, he demonstrates powerful intercession and all five types of prayer. His prayer starts the process of bringing great solutions to great difficulties and a broken nation.
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Do you have messy situations in your life? The Book Nehemiah will remind you of God’s presence and power to transform brokenness and disappointment. You can overcome the fear and discouragement. Join our podcast today and allow Nehemiah to teach you to walk with God in new hope and joy. The Book of Nehemiah speaks to our faith today, even though it was written almost 2500 years ago. It will inspire you and your family in times of discouragement, trouble or worry in the face of life’s difficulties. Nehemiah reminds us all how God’s presence and power are with us and can transform lives.
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Are you looking for encouragement and JOY? Esther will help you celebrate God’s goodness. When you recall and celebrate what God has done, your faith is strengthened, you are inspired to trust Him more, and you are encouraged with hope. For Esther and all Jewish families, the annual Feast of Purim celebration helps them recall that God delivered them and will continue to deliver them. Join our podcast today and be encouraged to joyously celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness as we review the many turnarounds in the Book of Esther.
Reversals ContinueApproximately two months and ten days after the first decree was issued, Mordecai wrote the second edict, which empowered the Jewish people to defend themselves against their enemies. The turnarounds were astounding! Today we share at least 15 reversals and cover these points:
No Plundering (Esther 9: 1-17) To plunder means to steal goods during a war for your profit. * The Jews remembered the violation of God’s commands in their heritage (1 Samuel 15) and acted in* holy retribution for self-defense but took no plunder for their profit.
The Feast of Purim Established Forever (Esther 9: 18 – 10: 3) Mordecai and Esther declare two days of celebration in an official decree to be remembered forever. * Purim means “lots” or dice which is what Haman used to pick the date for the annihilation. * The Book of Esther (also called the Megillah) is read twice during the Feast (the date in March is based on the Hebrew calendar). Children “boo and hiss” and throw popcorn when they hear Haman’s name. * Today, families bring gifts to the poor, give gifts to each other, and eat fruit-filled triangular cookies called Hamantashens* [haa·muhn·taa·shn] or Haman’s Ears. They are delicious! You can pick up a recipe card on my website WRAPYourselfinJOY.com or in my book.
Banquets and Feasts in Esther* The Book of Esther shows us joy; Esther begins with a banquet and ends with a feast. * Four pairs of feasts celebrate the turnarounds and triumphs of God.
The Dream, Memory, and Plot (Esther 10 – 16). Esther 10 -16 or deuterocanonical additions A – F suggest Mordecai remembers a Dream.* It foretold God’s deliverance relating to the main events in Esther plus the chapters add a few details to the occurrences.
The Hero of the Book of Esther is GOD* God used the beautiful Esther, caused the sleeplessness of the king, brought down Haman, exalted Mordecai, and gave the Jewish people victory over their enemies. * God showed tremendous power on behalf of his people. Almost like fireworks, the reversals came quickly and spectacularly, fifteen in all.
Remembering God’s Goodness* The Feast of Purim, still celebrated yearly in the Jewish tradition, helps Jewish families remember God has delivered them and will continue to deliver them. * Psalm 77 calls us all to remember God’s goodness.
Personal Reflection1. Do you set aside time to remember, joyously celebrate and thank God for what He has done for you? 2. Do you call upon God for creative solutions or turnarounds when problems arise? 3. Are you encouraging others that God intervenes in history when his people seek him with prayer, repentance, and fasting?
New Podcast SeriesJoin my podcast this summer, Ruth – Finding JOY in Tough Times: God’s Purpose for Every Age. If you would like to host a weekly one-hour “Cup of Joy Women” study on Ruth with your friends, email me: at HeartofJesusPublishing@gmail.com for free materials that accompany the podcast and get you started.
Links You can download Bookmarks (and recipe card) from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com * Check out more podcasts here! * Click here to find the book: Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY*
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Creative Solutions for Esther & Her PeopleDo you need some creative solutions for your life? Today, the Book of Esther will inspire you with more reversals and some creative remedies—all part of God’s answer to prayer. It may look like there is NO way out, but God working behind the scenes can always give a perfect solution. The turnarounds in Esther are uplifting and become so evident through a second edict that many Persians watching Esther and the nation’s deliverance expressed a desire for conversion.
In this podcast, we will cover the following points.
Mordecai Authorized to Write a Second Edict (Esther 8: 3-8)* Mordecai not only acquired Haman’s wealth and property but also his position. The king gave him his signet ring making him the second most powerful man in Persia. * However, there was still unfinished business! If Haman’s first edict issued in the king’s name was not overturned, all Jews would still be killed. Legally, a king’s edict was irrevocable. * For this second time, Esther appeared before the king, and using gentle leadership asked for Haman’s decree to be revoked. * The king had given Mordecai his signet ring allowing Mordecai to write whatever he pleased.
Turnarounds: Jewish People Empowered (Esther 8: 9-10, 13-17 & 16: 15-23[E])Two months and ten days after Haman issued the first edict, Mordecai summoned the king’s secretaries and wrote a second edict that counteracted Haman’s edict, empowering the Jews to defend themselves. At least six more turnarounds transpired:
- Haman‘s edict was written and dispatched to kill the Jews (3: 13-15) The TURNAROUND (8: 10-14): Mordecai’s edict was sealed and dispatched to give the Jews authority to attack those who would attack them.
- Haman‘s edict becomes the law (3: 14) The TURNAROUND (8: 10-14): Mordecai’s writ becomes a decree that all must obey.
- Mordecai mourns in sackcloth, and ashes (4: 1). The TURNAROUND (8: 15): Mordecai wears royal robes of blue and white, a crown, and a mantle.
- Mordecai wails in disgrace at the king’s gate (4: 2). The TURNAROUND (8: 15): Mordecai was honored as the whole city shouted and rejoiced.
- The Jews mourn in sackcloth and ashes with fasting (4: 3). The TURNAROUND (8: 16): They celebrate a time of gladness, joy, and honor with a royal festival and holiday.
- The Jews were weak and dispersed in the culture (3: 8). The TURNAROUND (8: 17): The turnarounds brought about such fear of the Jews that many Persians converted or said they were Jews.
Personal ReflectionDo you need creative solutions and more turnarounds? Don’t give up. Ask our Lord to show you creative solutions for your impossible situations. Invite the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and your ears to what you don’t yet see. Remember God loves reversals and His solutions are always the best solutions and they will bring JOY!! Principles from Esther to help guide you in difficult times might include:
- When God defeats your enemies, they are vanquished.
- Assemble with others for increased strength to defeat foes.
- God can give gladness, joy, and honor to replace sadness, darkness, and despair.
- When people observe reversals and empowerment on your behalf, it could lead to turnarounds, change of heart or conversions.
Links You can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com * Check out more podcasts here! * Click here to find the book: Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY*
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Image: Esther reveals Haman’s plot to the King by Jan Lievens, 1623
Do you need reversals in your life? Let Esther encourage you. God loves reversals!
Three ReversalsToday in our podcast, we encounter three reversals in Chapter Seven of the Book of Esther. This is God’s providence bringing dramatic changes in circumstances in response to the prayers of His people. It can happen again and it can happen in your life! Join us today as we cover these points:
God’s Intervention* When King Ahasuerus could not sleep, he reads his chronicles and discovers that Mordecai’s service had never been rewarded. * The king asks Haman what can be done to the man whom the king delights to honor, Haman replies, the honored person should wear the king’s clothes, ride the king’s horse, and be proclaimed for service throughout the streets.
A Peripety* Haman hated Mordecai so he is humiliated when the king tells him to do those very things for Mordecai. * It is a peripety – a great reversal of circumstances or turnaround of intentions written in heaven. * When Haman told his friends and wife Zeresh about the Mordecai incident, they warned him saying: “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the Jewish people, you will not prevail against him but will surely fall before him.”
God Reverses Evil (Esther 7: 1-8)* Esther dishes up sweet words to the King. * She knew when it was NOT time to speak and when it was time to speak her request to the king. * She used the exact words from the edict so that the king knew he was hearing the truth.
Persian Culture* In Persian culture, + Diners ate at a table while reclining on a couch. + Men could not come within seven steps of a woman who was in the king’s charge or harem. * Haman came close to Esther’s couch to beg for mercy – he had overstepped his bounds by 7 feet. * To the king, he was assaulting Esther. So, he had a face cloth put on the Haman. * In the Persian culture, a facecloth covers an enemy of the king so the king would not have to look upon the one he condemned.
The Lord Loves Reversals (Esther 7: 9 – 8: 2)* Harbona, one of the king’s chief consultants, appears to know of Haman’s hatred for the Jews and of the gallows he built in his backyard to execute Mordecai. He suggests that Haman be hung on his own gallows. * Oh, how the Lord loves reversals! His divine providence reversed three evil events for today. + The gallows built in Haman’s backyard for Mordecai were used instead to hang Haman. + The king’s signet ring, indicating “a second in charge” position, was removed from Haman and given to Mordecai. + Haman’s decree to plunder all the property of the Jews was transposed and the king gave Haman’s property to Queen Esther. * What the study of literature calls peripety—an event that suddenly brings a reversal of fortune and dramatic change in circumstances, is what Christians call a miracle.
Personal Reflection* Romans 15: 4 reminds us: “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.” Let Esther give you hope. * Today, Esther teaches us: + God can reverse the evils around us. + Gentle leadership with prayer and God’s discernment accomplishes much. + Teachers of drama or literature call it a peripety, a reversal. Christians call it a miracle. * What miracle or turnaround do you need today? How will you pray for a turnaround based on what you observed from Esther and Mordecai? + Read Psalm 37: 1-5 and notice all the “do not fret” but instead “trust in the Lord” phrases. He will act as you delight in Him and commit your way to Him. + Ask Jesus to again bring laughter and joy to your life.
Links You can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: com. * For all Esther & Turnaround JOY podcasts click here: * Check out more podcasts here! * Click here to find the book: Esther For Such A Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, And Joy*
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Image: Mordecai led through the city by Haman, Azor masters ca., 1430
God-designed ComedyGod-designed comedy can reverse calamity! Don’t you wish every tragedy turned into a good laugh instead? Sometimes, we think God doesn’t have a sense of humor. Today in our podcast on Esther, we cannot help but see the comedy from the hand of God that reverses a tragedy.
In Between Dinner PartiesIn our last study, Esther asked the king to come with Haman to a festive banquet dinner she prepared. At the end of the dinner, Esther invited the king and Haman to a second dinner the next day. She delayed the real request because her discernment through prayer and fasting told her the timing was not right. In between the two dinner parties, Haman bursts with pride to family and friends at being asked to dine twice with the king and queen of Persia. However, his joy disappears at the sight of Mordecai who refuses to stand up in his presence. Today, we join the king, whose sleeplessness, ordained by God, leads to a reversal of circumstances. We cover these points:
The Sleeplessness of the King Results in a Peripety (Esther 6: 1-12)* The King can’t sleep so he entertains himself by reading his annals – large volumes that recorded the history and accomplishments of a king’s reign. * The King’s sleeplessness begins the peripety (pronounced “pe-rip-e-tē”). The term is used in dramatic arts to define a sudden reversal of fortune where there is a change in direction. * In a tragedy, the plot changes the fortune of a lead character into ruin. * In a comedy, the reversal changes tragedy into comedy. * In Esther Chapter Six, we see both kinds of peripety.
God’s Reversals and Turnarounds (Esther 6: 12)* The king turns in his annals to an event that occurred five years earlier, only to discover that Mordecai’s service had NEVER been rewarded. * Just then, Haman arrives at the inner court after constructing 75-foot-high gallows for hanging Mordecai. * Haman lusts for power and hopes to wear the King’s robe. * The ancients attached great significance to wearing a royal robe. It was considered a mark of great favor and honor. * Haman tells the king what could be done to the man whom the king wants to honor.
Haman Humbled (Esther 6: 13-14)* Haman hated Mordecai and was greatly humbled in proclaiming the greatness of Mordecai while he wore the king’s robes and crown and rode on the king’s horse. * God’s hand seems to create a peripety: Haman once honored as second in power to the king was humiliated, and Mordecai in sackcloth and ashes was exalted in the king’s robe and attire. * Haman’s friends and wife Zeresh realize that the Jews worshipped a God, who seemed to be intervening. * Haman did not know the warnings of Proverbs 16:18 and Matthew 23: 12. * Proverbs 16: 18. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. NRSV-CE or * Matthew 23: 12. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. NRSV-CE
The Greatest Peripety of All (Ephesians 2: 4-6)* The greatest reversal of all God planned since creation was our redemption from sin and eternal death through Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection. * It was the greatest REAL peripety of all.
Personal Reflection In this Esther Chapter 6, we begin to see God’s hand at work reversing many situations. Which of the following principles do you find most helpful? 1. Wait for God’s timing and guidance: He can intervene in your life with a miracle that changes everything. 2. God intervenes in history when His people call out to Him with prayer, repentance, and fasting. 3. Jesus Christ is your reversal of fortune—He died out of love for you to forgive your sins and offer you eternal life. Now is the time to accept His forgiveness as His plan for your life. 4. I will try to remember these verses to remind me of God’s ability to intervene in the worst of circumstances: * Isaiah 59:1.* See, the Lord’s hand is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. * Jeremiah 32: 27. See, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too hard for me? NRSV-CE
Links You can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com. * Check out more podcasts here! * Click here to find the book: Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY*
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Image: Esther before Ahasuerus (1547-48) Painting by Tintoretto
Pray, Wait & DiscernAre you praying, waiting, and discerning? Have you ever prayed in a daunting situation? Were you looking for a quick solution? Sometimes a quick solution is not the best solution. In our podcast today, Esther shows us the value of prayer, but also why it’s important to wait and discern God’s solution.
Esther Puts Her Life on the LineEsther’s name comes from the Hebrew root “SIT-UR seter,” which means “concealed.” It suggests her identity would be concealed for a time, but the time had come for her to reveal her faith. Mordecai asked her to go to the king to stop the edict against the Jews, but without an invitation, she could be executed. Esther finally agreed to put her life on the line for such a time as this. She knew she needed God’s intervention, so she called for three days of fasting from food and water for all Jews, and even her maids. Then she would go to the king with the conclusion, “If I perish, I perish.” In the podcast today, we will cover these points.
The Third Day (Esther 5: 1-8)
- The “third day” in the Jewish faith is significant. A Jewish commentary suggests believed God’s deliverance for Israel would come after prayer on “the third day” (Midrash Raba, Esther).
- For example, in the Old Testament Hosea 6: 2 says, After two days He will revive us; on the third day God will raise us up, that we may live before him. NRSV-CE
- The third day is also connected to the Christian faith and Jesus’ resurrection.
Esther’s Gentle-Discerning Leadership (Esther 5: 5-7) Esther “stood” before the king radiating an inner strength and outer beauty from God. * Esther 15 (Deuterocanonical): the King invited Esther to him, saying: “Come near. 11 Then he raised the golden scepter and touched her neck with it; 12 he embraced her, and said, “Speak to me.” * Gentle leadership characterizes a leader who is kind, compassionate, loyal, and willing to listen to the needs of those around her. * A discerning leader prays and waits for God’s direction. * Queen Esther was truly a gentle and discerning leader.* She leaned completely on God for strength and guidance.
Esther’s Discernment and the First Banquet (Esther 5: 9-14)
- The fasting and prayers of Esther and God’s people changed the heart of the King.
- On the third day of fasting, Esther abandoned herself in total submission to God, put on royal robes to show her authority as Queen of Persia, and became the leader God designed her to be.
- Esther asked the king to come with Haman to a festive dinner banquet she had prepared.
- At the end of the meal, Esther delayed and again asked the king and Haman to come to a second dinner on the following day.
- God’s guidance and discernment indicated Esther needed to wait one more day.
Haman and His Prized Sons
- Haman boasted to his family and friends (v. 10-12). H
- Historian Herodotus says the Persians prized a large number of sons, second only to great courage in war.
- Haman’s pride burst with pride at being invited to dinner twice with the king and queen of Persia.
- Only the sight of Mordecai the Jew who would not bow to him pricked his joy. His wife Zeresh suggested he build gallows 75 feet (50 cubits) high and hang Mordecai immediately.
Personal Reflection* Which principles on prayer, waiting and discernment will you apply? * I need to seek God with other pray-ers for support to stand firm in spiritual battles. * To become a gentler and more discerning person, I need to increase my time in prayer with repentance for myself and others, fasting, and waiting. * I want to rely more on God’s discernment. I must wait where God has placed me and invite his discernment and leadership. * I will try to remember this verse: Isaiah 40:31.“But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” NRSV-CE
Links You can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com. * Check out more podcasts here! * Click here to find the book: Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY*
The post Esther & Turnaround JOY #6 – Pray, Wait and Discern appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
Image: Mordecai & Esther by Aert de Gelder, 1685 – Mordecai urges Esther’s Intervention
For Such a Time as This.Do you have a mission for such a time as this? You indeed do and this podcast will help you! Join us today as Queen Esther trusts the power of God in prayer, gains needed courage, and discovers her mission.
A Passover Turned to WeepingIn Esther Chapter 3, Mordecai refused to bow down and pay homage to Haman. Enraged Haman hatred for Jews and cast Purim (somewhat similar to our dice) to determine the date for the killing of all Jews throughout all of Persia. The king agreed and the announcement for the annihilation of all the Jewish people was distributed throughout the kingdom on Passover—the very day Jewish families commemorate annually the time God delivered them from slavery in Egypt and saved their firstborn.
Now, their joy-filled Passover celebration was turned into a time of wailing. Could you imagine this happening to you, your family, or your church family on a celebration like Easter?
The words For Such a Time as This, come directly from Chapter 4 of the Book of Esther. Today, we cover these points:
Sackcloth and Ashes (Esther 4: 1-4) Mordecai heard of the edict and he sobbed greatly, tore his clothes, and put on sackcloth and ashes. He wailed and wept bitterly on the city square at the palace gate. * For all Jews, the happy celebration of Passover with family, friends, traditions, and food quickly turned into wailing, fasting, and prayer. According to Scripture, the Jewish people always linked prayer and repentance with fasting. * Sackcloth, made from grain bags was scratchy, could cut the skin, and served as an act of penance and pleading with the Lord. Ashes, worn on the head or sat in, were a sign of self-humiliation and deep sorrow often over a national disaster. See Joel 2:12 and 17* to summarize this Biblical purpose for fasting, weeping, and penance.
Persian Palace Life (Esther 4: 5-12)* Esther lived in the plush environment of the palace, but she may have become secluded from the world around her. She was not aware of Haman’s edict. * She tried to send clothes to Mordecai. Only when he refused the clothes did she ask what was wrong. Mordecai gave her the evidence of the edict but she indicated she could not go to the king as he had not called for her in over 30 days. She could be put to death if he did not reach out.
National Fasting (Esther 4: 13-17)* Esther called a day of national fasting. * Throughout Old Testament history, fasting meant fervently calling out to God with a heart of repentance, sorrow, submission, and supplication to seek his help or protection, provision, and forgiveness. For example, refer to Judges 20, Deuteronomy 9, Joel 1-2, 1 Samuel, and Jonah 3. * Every year, according to Leviticus 23, all of Israel fasted on the Day of Atonement and a scapegoat would be driven into the desert to represent the sins of the people (a foreshadowing of what Christ would do on the cross for us). As they prayed, repented, and humbled themselves, their sins would be taken from God’s sight on the scapegoat. * See Esther 13 and 14 for examples of how to intercede/pray for a nation from Esther and Mordecai’s prayers (e.g., praising God’s goodness, repenting for your sins and the sins of your nation, pouring out your heart to God, asking for God’s intervention).
Planning a Fast* Fasting is about relationship. It is about aligning ourselves with God—drawing close to Him, worshiping Him, hearing from Him, repenting (turning), and changing our ways. * Fasting takes planning for most of us, but most importantly it involves replacing our time spent eating or running around in “busyness,” with prayer and time seeking the Lord. * A fast, drinking only water or juice, can last a meal, until nightfall, a full day or more. Fasting can also involve refraining from certain foods (see Daniel 10: 2-3). or refraining from distractions like media or television, internet usage, shopping for a certain amount of time, etc.). * For the plan, you may want to take five steps: (1) write down your objective, (2) decide how you will fast, (3) schedule time in adoration & personal prayer, (4) read God’s Word & ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you (e.g., John 14 and 15), and (5) believe that God will answer with wisdom, direction, and/or a miracle. * In Esther’s case, an extreme response would be required for her to safely go to the King, so she called for an extreme fast— three days of abstaining from food and water for the entire nation!
Personal ReflectionToday, our story teaches us:
- At first, Esther was not aware that God had a mission for her—God planned to use her powerfully. With Mordecai’s help and the providence of God, she discerned her mission but was afraid and at first denied it.
- Esther needed fellow pray-ers. She asked her entire Jewish nation to pray, fast and repent, and seek God’s intervention. Only after three days of prayer and fasting did she find the grace and strength to proceed in her mission- to be used by God to save the Jewish People
- What is God’s mission for you at your place and time? The Lord Jesus has a mission for you. ASK in prayer. Often, it involves bringing the love of God and a testimony of Him to those around you. But, sometimes, it may be more than you ever thought possible.
- Finally, consider praying with St. John Henry Newman’s Prayer I Have a Place. Start with praying these few sentences: “I have a place in God’s counsels, in God’s world, which no one else has; whether I be rich or poor, despised or esteemed by man, God knows me and calls me by my name. God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission…” The rest is in a free bookmark on my website WrapyourselfinJOY.com.
Links You can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourseldinJOY.com. * For all Esther & Turnaround JOY podcasts click here: * Check out more podcasts here! * Click here to find the book: Esther For Such A Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and Joy*
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Do you ever have unwavering resolve? Have you pondered when to be resolute or when to compromise? In relationships, compromise is used for cooperation and keeping the peace, so we need to negotiate our desires with the positions of others. Nonetheless, there are some situations where we must stand firm, determined, and unshakable. Join us today in the Book of Esther where we learn unwavering resolve in difficult times.
Persia, 474 BC – Five Years After Esther’s BanquetWelcome to Esther & Turnaround Joy Episode #4: Unwavering Resolve & the First Edict, where we encounter Esther and Mordecai five years after King Ahasuerus sponsored the beauty contest, crowned Esther as queen, and celebrated with Esther’s banquet.
Now, the providential hand of God becomes more evident as we see why God put Esther in a position of influence—even before the Jewish people faced the prospect of annihilation. Now it’s 474 BC we join Mordecai as he stands near the palace gate and overhears a plot to kill the king. I hope you enjoy these points:
Mordecai at the Palace Gate & Assassination Plot Foiled (Esther 2: 19-23)* Mordecai is “sitting at the gate” checking on Esther, and likely working in a government position. * Mordecai told Esther not to reveal her nationality. * While at the gate, Mordecai overheard a plot to kill King Ahasuerus and reported it to Esther, who told the king. The villains were hanged. * The would-be assassins Bigthan and Teresh were hanged. * Acts of loyalty like Mordecai’s were officially recorded so the king could reward the hero.
Mordecai is Resolute (Esther 3: 1-6) Mordecai stood firm with unwavering resolve which means firm, determined, not shakable, and displaying unwavering loyalty. (Vocabulary.com dictionary). * He refused to bow down to Haman because God had commanded the Jewish people not to bow down in adoration to anyone (e.g., Exodus 20: 3-*6). * Haman was the king’s top advisor and “an enemy of the Jews” (Esther 3:10). * Haman was an Agagite, a descendent of King Agag of the Amalekites, who was of a fierce nomadic tribe that made their living by raiding settlements, killing the men, women, and children, and then taking their possessions. They had a “blood-feud” with Israel, which demanded total extermination of the Israelites (see Exodus 17 and Deuteronomy 25).
The Pur, the Plan, and the Drink (Esther 3: 7-15 & Esther 13)The Pur Mordecai stood firm in his faith and obedience to God’s law and would not bow to Haman. * Infuriated Haman in April 374 BC cast the pur – purim is the plural form. * The purim were similar to our dice and were thrown to help make decisions and choose dates. * Esther 3:7 indicates the pur* fell on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Aadar, March 7, 374 BC, for destroying all Jews.
The Plan* Haman offered the king 10,000 talents or about 375 tons of silver, which of course he hoped to acquire by killing Jewish families and plundering their homes. * King Ahasuerus gave Haman his signet ring, which was his signature used to stamp the wax on an official letter from the king. * Haman summoned the scribes to draft the edict on the day before Passover- April 17th, 474 BC (Esther 3:12). * The announcement was sent out to the 127 provinces of the Persian Empire on Passover—the very day Jewish families annually commemorated God delivering them from slavery (see Exodus 12). The date was chosen to dishearten and terrorize the Jewish people. * The Passover celebration with family and friends quickly turned into a day of confusion and weeping. How ironic! The day of the announcement would fall on a commemoration of God’s deliverance. Could God again deliver them from destruction? It would be only God who could!
The Drink* To Haman and the king, it was just another day to celebrate their power, so they had a drink. * Haman’s heart was hardened with generational hatred so he rejoiced in the genocide of the Jews. * Hebrews 4: 13 reminds us: “before him [God] no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.” * Little did Haman know that the God of heaven was in control.
Personal Reflection: Unwavering Resolve We witnessed a good example of unwavering resolve with Mordecai. It reminds each of us that there is a time for unwavering resolve when we must follow God no matter the cost. We cannot deny God’s commandments ever. * Mordecai refused to bow in worship to anyone other than the God of heaven and earth. He was following Exodus 20, “You shall have no other gods beside Me…You shall not bow down to them…” * Psalm 119: 2-4 reminds us: “2 Happy [blessed and joyful] are all who search for God and always do his will, 3 rejecting compromise with evil and walking only in his paths. 4 You [O God] have given us your laws to obey. * My unwavering resolve and devotion to God may be met with persecution, but I can choose to be strong in the Lord and keep his commandments. 1 Corinthians 16: 13-14 says: Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.* * Please ask God, ”Where do you want me to have unwavering resolve?” Then ask for his help to be resolute. He will give it.
Links YOU can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: com. * Check out more podcasts here! * Click here to find the book: Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY*
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Are you seeking to become more attractive and win favor with others? Who isn’t? Join us today at the Spa, circa 479 BC and hear how attractiveness, God’s way, finds favor and how the providence of God unfolds slowly but surely. (The image is an ancient painting entitled Esther Bedecked by Aert de Gerder, 1684, showing Esther bedecked in an ermine-edged coat.)
Persia, 479 BC* Four years have passed between Chapters One and Two of Esther (see Esther 1:3 and 2: 16). According to Greek historian Herodotus, during that time King Ahasuerus suffered a great military defeat by the Greeks and returned home to consume himself with overindulgence and sensuality. * He also missed the lasting relationship with his beautiful wife Queen Vashti whom he dethroned at his last party. The king’s advisors suggest a beauty contest with exotic spa treatments to help find a new queen. So today we are off to the spa and to witness the crowning of a new queen.
Mordecai Brings Up Esther (Esther 2: 1-8) Mordecai was introduced as a Jew* in the family line of Kish (King Saul’s family) of the tribe of Benjamin. (Calling him a Jew repeatedly suggests that he was somehow still a foreigner and not completely accepted into secular Persia.) A person’s family line showed his status in Jewish lineage. When the Scriptures mention Nebuchadnezzar carried away Kish, the verses are referring to the Babylonian captivity, with a second forced removal involving King Jeconiah of Judah in 597 BC. Likely, Mordecai’s grandfather and family members were among those taken captive in 597 BC. * Mordecai was born in Susa of Persia after the defeat of the Babylonian Empire. He and his family had chosen not to return to Jerusalem when Cyrus the Great allowed the Jews to return home beginning in 539 BC. * Esther was introduced as Mordecai’s younger cousin (Esther 2:7) whom he raised because she had been orphaned. Likely, her parents died when she was young. So it would have been Mordecai who taught her the Hebrew Scriptures and the Jewish faith
Esther & The Spa Treatments (Esther 2: 9-12)* The beauty contest was not the usual Persian way to select a queen. Normally, kings took their wives from the families of the Persian nobles and that is probably how King Ahasuerus crowned Vashti. However, a self-indulgent and powerful king could choose any woman he wanted for a wife. * In Susa, Esther was given seven servants plus food probably laden with oils to fatten her up and help her display the Persian ideal of beauty. The women were given oil baths of delicious-smelling flowers and herbs to soften the skin and add a fragrant aroma. * At Susa, Divine Providence – God unfolding his purposes – becomes more visible to the spiritual eye, as we notice Esther found favor with Hegai.
Esther is Crowned Queen (Esther 2: 12 -18)* After twelve months of beauty treatments, it was Esther’s turn to come before the king. * Esther pleased the king, even though we do not know the details or how this happened in one evening. Obviously, the king saw her inner and outer beauty—the first woman that pleased him since Vashti. It was Divine Providence behind the scenes that surely turned the king’s heart toward Esther, even if she was only cooperating with the circumstances which were beyond her control.
Esther’s Banquet When King Ahasuerus crowned Esther as his Queen, he. gave another party, calling it Esther’s Banquet*. This celebration included both men and women, generous gifts, and even tax relief.
Personal ReflectionToday, our story teaches us:
- The Lord can turn the heart of a leader. We can trust and pray that He does in our times as well.
- God is at work even though we don’t see him right away. We can pray to see God active in the scenes of our lives, for he is surely there at work.
- Ultimately it is God who turns the heart of the king. He gave Esther favor and her inner beauty seemed to capture the king’s favor and love.
God’s Attractiveness Plan Proverbs 31: 30 and 1 Peter 3: 3 summarize God’s beauty plan.
- Proverbs 31: 30. Charm is deceptive, and beauty fleeting but a woman who fears [worships, honors, and respects] the Lord is to be praised. (GNT) Obviously, with age, beauty fades, but to worship, honor and respect God creates a lasting attractiveness that appeals to others too. God blesses all of our attempts to honor Him. So how is your attractiveness quotient when you consider spending time daily to worship and honor God is an important part of any beauty plan?
- 1 Peter 3:3-4. Don’t depend on things like fancy hairdos or gold jewelry or expensive clothes [outward adorning] to make you look beautiful. 4Be beautiful in your heart by being gentle and quiet [with a calm temper and contented mind]. This kind of beauty will last, and God considers it very special [precious in His sight]. (GNT) It’s not that God objects to putting our best foot forward so to speak or trying to look our best at any age, but His Word suggests an attractiveness plan.
- Does your attractiveness plan include a gentle and quiet spirit with a calm temper and contented mind or demeanor? Ask the Holy ‘Spirit to help you. Ephesians 5: 22 says, the fruit of the Holy Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, and more in our lives.
Links You can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourseldinJOY.com. * For all Esther & Turnaround JOY podcasts click here: * Check out more podcasts here! * Click here to find the book: Esther For Such A Time As This: Prayer, Reversals and Joy*
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Queen Esther ~Refusal of Bad AdviceWhat can you learn from Queen Esther? Do you need more wisdom and less bad advice in your life? Do you seek God, who offers wisdom generously to those who ask? Today, we will encounter the outrageous King Ahasuerus, who regrets the outcome of his bad decision based on bad advice! Join us as we discuss the true wisdom from God that does not disappoint.
The Party (Esther 1: 1-8)Welcome to Esther & Turnaround Joy Episode #2 based on my book Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals and JOY. The Book of Esther in the Old Testament was written so that even 2500 years later, we can still relate it to our culture. We can learn so much from Queen Esther.
Today we continue in Esther Chapter 1 with our introduction to the pompous and extravagant King Ahasuerus and the opulent six-month party he threw in the capital city of Susa (modern day Iran) in the third year of his reign. Ancient historians suggest over 15,000 men came to the party that lasted 187 days. In the midst of the grand party, the king received and followed bad advice. In the podcast today, we will cover these points.
Vashti’s Refusal (Esther 1: 9-12)* Queen Vashti was in the midst of throwing a grand party herself for the wives of governors, nobles, and officials that came to the king’s celebration when the king called her to appear before an unruly, intoxicated horde of men to show off her beauty. * She refused to come for reasons we might guess. * When she refused, she did not expect the king’s boiling rage!
The Bad Advice to the King (Esther 1: 13-21)* King Ahasuerus’ wise men, led by their spokesman Memucan, advised the king to dethrone and remove Vashti forever. Guided by his wounded pride, with no respect for his wife, the king followed this bad advice and dethroned Vashti. * The Scriptures teach women to honor and respect their husbands and men to love their wives (Ephesians 5: 25, 3). But the king was a pagan consumed with pride and self-indulgence who did not know God’s commands or God’s ways. * Greek Historian Herodotus records that King Ahasuerus won a great battle after this feast, but later suffered a terrible loss to the Greeks during the four years that occurred between Esther Chapters One and Two. * The King returned home from battle and likely consumed himself with even more indulgence and sensuality, only to find he missed a lasting relationship with his lovely wife.
Personal Reflection. Where do you need wisdom today? Our historical story teaches us: 1. Be cautious when taking counsel from worldly advisors who stroke your ego or are motivated by a desire for power. 2. Be courageous and maintain your integrity in difficult situations. 3. Anger and violence do not demonstrate strength in a husband or a leader. * Proverbs 3: 5-7, James 1: 5, and Proverbs 3:17 instruct us to ask God for wisdom who promises to give it generously and ungrudgingly and to lead YOU and clear the road for YOU to follow*.
Links You can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourseldinJOY.com. * For all Esther & Turnaround JOY podcasts click here: * Check out more podcasts here! * Click here to find the book: Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals and JOY*
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Turnarounds for Your LifeDo You Need Turnarounds in Your Life? Are you struggling to find faith and courage? Esther will show you how. Join me in our new series starting today based on the Book of Esther. It’s a wonderful study for Lent. It is about trusting in God, interceding in prayer, and receiving strength to stand firm amid Life’s challenges. It is about gentle leadership, discernment, and how God give can give you reversals in situations and relationships. Esther is a book of faith, hope and joy!
This is the TimeWelcome to Esther & Turnaround Joy Episode #1 based on my book Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals and JOY. Just when we wonder, “Where is God in our lives or our families or our communities,” Esther reminds us that God never abandons us. He is faithful. If you have never read or studied Esther before, now is a goodtime to start. You cannot depend on movies depicting Esther because some are more fictional than historically accurate. You will gain so much more by reading it yourself as the lessons from Esther are so encouraging. And of course, there is a JOYFUL ending. Today we will cover these points:
The Backdrop for Esther (Esther 1: 1-3) In the days of Ahasuerus (Esther 1:1) refers to the reign of King Ahasuerus who historically ruled the world as King of the Persian Empire* from 486 to 465 BC. In Greek, his name was Xerxes. * The Persians led by Cyrus the Great, the grandfather of Ahasuerus, had defeated the Babylonian Empire of King Nebuchadnezzar, who had taken the Jewish people captive to Babylon beginning in 605 BC. Cyrus the Great had a relaxed attitude toward the Jewish people and allowed them to return to Jerusalem or move to other places. Some went back to Jerusalem. Some scattered throughout Europe. Some stayed in Persia and learned to fit into its culture. This is where we meet Esther.
The Lavish Party (Esther 1: 4-8)* King Ahasuerus resided in Susa—one of the three royal cities in the Persian. * He threw the lavish party, mostly to inspire patriotism and show off his wealth and splendor to his military leaders so they would give him support for going to war against Greece as history tells us. * An old tradition stated that only as the king drank could the rest of the party drink, but at his party, all were instructed to drink freely. The golden goblets used for serving the wine may very well have been the sacred goblets seized from the Jewish temple in Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar in 605 BC (see Daniel 1). Now, they were being used in a very unholy way, by a very pagan king!
Personal Reflection.* King Ahasuerus was trying to make himself a god in power, prestige and more. * He did not know or refused to acknowledge the truth that God loves us dearly but as Proverbs 15:3 points out: “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good” or Hebrews 4:13, saying: “And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” * So my questions for reflection today are: + Do you wonder where God is when you see the world focused on self-image, power and prestige? + Do you get discouraged when it appears God is silent about all the evil in the world? + When God seems silent, do you turn your attention to the party—that is to the worldly distractions that can take you away from God, faith and family?
Prayer Response1. Read and pray with Psalm 103: 15-22. Try to memorize the verse that speaks most to you. 2. Seek God. When you think he is silent as the world parties on, open yourself more to God. Remember only God our heavenly Father, Jesus our Savior and the Holy Spirit can offer you the true Joy, Peace, Love, and Fulfillment that the world is seeking as epitomized by King Ahasuerus. When you are lonely and confused or frustrated, talk to Jesus from your heart. Ask Him for what you need. Remember Jesus’ words in John 15: 11: As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. (You may want to listen to my podcast season #1 series, Finding JOY.) * You can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPyourselfinJOY.com. * Check out more podcasts here! * Click here to find the book: Es*th*er For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals and JOY
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Seeking Consolation and JOY?The Presentation in the Temple, Philippe de Champaigne. 1648
Ann and Simeon Show Us How?Are you seeking consolation or more JOY? Join us today at the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord where Anna and Simeon show how. They offer us 10 ways the Holy Spirit can help.
Advent JOYWelcome to Advent JOY Podcast #7, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events And Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ. Today, we travel with Mary and Joseph to the Temple and the Presentation of the Lord. There Anna and Simeon will join us at this very special event.
Circumcised, Redeemed, and Purified (Luke 2: 21-23) At the time of Jesus’ birth, the Old Testament Mosaic Law required every firstborn Jewish male to be circumcised at 8 days after birth * The naming of the baby took place at the same time as the circumcision. Mary and Joseph by divine appointment knew what the Child was to be called. And so “He was named Jesus” which means the Lord saves-* the name told to both Mary and Joseph via an angel (Luke 1: 30 and Matthew 1: 20).
Jesus Came to Fulfill All the Law (Luke 2: 23-24) Now, forty days after Jesus’ birth, we again find Joseph and Mary again following the Mosaic Law for both the Presentation of Jesus in the temple and Mary’s Purification*. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said the He came to “fulfill the law” and this begins at birth. * For Mary’s Purification, the sweet and Blessed Mother of humble means offered “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons ” as Leviticus 12: 8 described for a new mother who could not afford a sheep to offer.
The Presentation or Redemption of Jesus (Luke 2: 25-38) This “redemption of the first born” meant that the parents were redeeming Jesus or buying Him back from God*. Isn’t it amazing that almost 33 years later, it would be Jesus who would pay the price for our redemption by dying on the cross? * The Catholic Church celebrates the Presentation of the Lord on February 2 every year.
Simeon & AnnaAlthough their lives were different, Simeon and Anna had a lot in common.
- Both Simeon and Anna were described as deeply spiritual people. They loved the Lord, practiced their faith and did not allow themselves to become bitter or decrepit with the times.
- Both were “senior citizens” active in serving God. Pope Francis says of the Presentation: It is a meeting between the young, who are full of joy in observing the Law of the Lord, and the elderly who are full of joy in the action of the Holy Spirit. It is a unique encounter between observance and prophecy, where young people are the observers and the elderly are prophets! (The Feast of the Presentation, Vatican, 2-2-2014).
- Both knew the Scriptures.
- Both believed the Scriptures and were looking for the Messiah. According to Bible scholars and theologians, Jesus has fulfilled at least 300 Old Testament prophecies.
- Both were looking forward with HOPE. The words looking for indicate they were actively waiting for the Savior with hope.
- Both worshiped, prayed, and adored God. Their eyes went more to God then to the news of the day. That brought consolation.
- Both were guided by the Spirit of God.
- Both Simeon and Anna recognized the Messiah.
- Both received Jesus and were changed.
- Both Simeon and Anna received a message about Jesus from the Holy Spirit and they shared it.
Simeon’s Prayer – The Nunc Dimittis Reflects Isaiah’s Prophecies (Luke 2: 29-32) Simeon’s prayer is one of the great prayers, or canticles (little songs) of the Church. It is called the Nunc Dimittis because v. 29 in the Latin translation of the Bible begins with the words “Nunc Dimittis,” which mean “now dismiss your servant.” (In other words, Simeon was saying to the Lord, “Now I am ready to die; you can dismiss me Lord, I have seen the Savior.”) Every evening, all priests and religious as well as all who pray the Liturgy of the Hours, pray the Nunc Dimittis* prayer. Today and every day, you can pray the Nunc Dimittis from Luke 2: 29-30.
Our Response Why not spend some time with these verses? Using your holy imagination, see yourself receiving Jesus from Mary’s arms as Simeon did. Look into the face of Jesus and give Him your shame and sadness. In exchange, receive His Love and JOY. He has come for YOU. You can’t help but be consoled. Then like Anna, praise God because you have seen the Savior of the World. He has come to give You peace, as John 15 says, Peace I give you, but not as the world gives. He has come to give the world peace as Luke 2: 14 says, Peace on earth, good will toward to men*. He has come to give you His love.
Remember Lamentations 3:22-25. (ESV) … His mercies are fresh every morning. Great is His faithfulness 25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him.
Join me for my next Podcast Series, starting soon: Esther & Turn-around JOY.Also enjoy these LINKs:
WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here to find the books: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. Or Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY.
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Needing More JOY and Peace?The Adoration of the Shepherds by Domenico Zampieri
Do you need a message that brings MORE JOY and Peace? Join us today for the birth of our Savior and meet the Angels and the Shepherds who have a lot to share. In fact, uniting your heart with the Angel’s Gloria and the Shepherd’s praises will help you know more JOY and peace.
Traveling to BethlehemWelcome to Advent JOY Podcast #6, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events And Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ. Today, we return to the book of Luke. There we join Blessed Mary and Joseph on their 80-mile journey to Bethlehem. When they arrive, they find it crowded with people, who like Mary and Joseph, had come at the command of Caesar Augustus. Join us today for:
No Home for the Creator of Creation (Luke 2: 1-7) Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, in the City of David as prophesied by the Old Testament prophet Micah over 700 years earlier and recorded in Micah 5: 1-3. * Emperor Caesar Augustus, a master bookkeeper and statistician, likely wanted to keep track of his subjects and his kingdom by public enrollment. * Joseph would have to go to Bethlehem, as he was a descendent of King David. Mary went along too – she may have been required to register or Joseph wanted her with him. * Bishop Fulton J. Sheen explains: Joseph “searched in vain for a place where He, to Whom heaven and earth belonged, might be born. Could it be that the Creator would not find a home in creation? … A stable would be the last place in the world where one would have looked for Him. Divinity is always where one least expects to find it. (Life of Christ*, 1958, p. 13-24. * Jesus, God incarnate and the Savior of the world, was born and tightly wrapped in bands of cloths by his mother Mary and then laid in a manger where animals would feed.
The Good News (Luke 2: 8-11) The angel’s message of “Good News” is summarized in the announcement by the angel (v. 10-11): “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the * We can say with assurance: Jesus is our Savior, who delivers us from sin and makes us right with God. He is our Messiah* the anointed one who will inaugurate God’s Kingdom and reign as KING forever. He is our LORD, who has dominion overall.
The Fields Outside of Bethlehem (Luke 2: 12-20)* It is amazing that God chooses shepherds—the little, the lowly, the less important of the world (1 Corinthians 1: 28), but also calls himself a shepherd (e.g., “I am the Good Shepherd,” John 10:11). In Ezekiel 34:12-16, He describes himself as one who “shepherds rightly:” he tends sheep, rescues them, leads them, gives them rest, brings back the lost, binds up the injured, and heals the sick. * Jesus is our Shepherd: If at times you feel “lowly,” please know that Christ is YOUR Savior and Shepherd. He came for you! You are His little lamb, and He loves you. * Some of the shepherds around Jerusalem took care of the temple lambs used in the temple sacrifices. Shepherds would wrap lambs born without blemish in swaddling cloths and place them away from the others—even in a manger (e.g., Leviticus 4-5). It’s amazing that the shepherds who took care of the temple lambs used for sin offerings would be the first to recognize Jesus Christ, the one who came as our sin offering forever!
The Angel’s Gloria and the Shepherds Praises (Luke 2: 14-20) We also find two beautiful choruses in v. 14-20. First, there’s the song (v. 14) called the Angel’s* “Gloria” because the first word in in St. Jerome’s Latin translation is “Gloria.” * This song of the angels proclaimed peace to a world that needs peace, like we do right now. Jesus said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27, NABRE). The only place of true peace is found in Jesus and today we remind ourselves of this. We can join the angels in praise: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward all.” * The second chorus includes the shepherds’ praises (v. 20). They praised God for the good news from the angel and the song of the heavenly host of angels. From them we learn: Praising God for His goodness is a wonderful way to evangelize and get other’s attention on our Savior.
Mary Treasured and Pondered God’s Words (Luke 2: 19)* Mary “treasured and pondered” these things in her heart. * She gives an example for us in treasuring, pondering, and delighting in the things God has revealed, especially since we have the Word of God in Scripture.
Our ResponseTry to prayerfully put yourself in the scenes and ask:
- Am I praising God for sending Jesus, as the Angels and shepherds did?
- Am I making a “manger” for Jesus in my heart as my Savior and Lord?
- Am I receiving the true joy and peace that Jesus offers?
- Am I treasuring God’s Word in my heart as Mary did?
- You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from the Advent JOY Podcast #6 at my website: WRAPyourselfinJOY.com.
- Check out more podcasts here!
- Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
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Image: The Dream of St. Joseph by Mengs, 1773
Perplexed? Exchange Your Plans for God’s Plans!Are you perplexed or bewildered over changes that have come into your life? Mary and Joseph had to change their plans often. Why not ask God to help you lean into these changes? God can give you the best results ever when you willingly exchange your plans for God’s plans!
Advent JOYWelcome to Advent JOY Podcast #5, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events And Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ. Today, we travel with Matthew’s Gospel and meet some unexpected members in Jesus’ ancestry and hear of Joseph’s dream and his faithfulness to Mary. Matthew fills us in on details of Mary’s return home to her betrothed Joseph after her visit with Elizabeth.
The Family Record (Mathew 1: 1-7, 16-17)* So, we start with Matthew 1. At the time of Jesus, families kept a genealogical record (or family tree) for use in the distribution of inherited property and other rights under Jewish laws. * Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI points out that Matthew 1 is not a perfect historical account that includes every single member in the ancestry of Jesus Christ, saying: ”This was not Matthew’s goal.“ (Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives, 2012, p. 8). * Matthew wrote to appeal to the Jews by placing Jesus first and foremost as the Son of Abraham—the Patriarch and Father of Israel promised as part of an everlasting covenant with God (Genesis 17: 6-7), and as the Son of David—the priestly King of Israel, whose ancestors were prophesied to reign forever (2 Samuel: 7:13).
Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba in the Lineage of Jesus Jewish lineages at the time of Christ, usually did not contain names of women. But in Matthew’s list of Christ’s ancestry five women are mentioned. Of course, we would expect the Blessed Virgin Mary to be named. But there were four others listed—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba who came from foreign ancestry or had a reputation for immorality that could have disqualified them from inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ. All were Gentile women, who turned away from immoralities or idolatries to become faithful to God in their circumstances. * Even if your past life or your “family tree” seems dishonorable, Jesus will give you forgiveness, grace, mercy, and a new beginning when you turn to Him for mercy and forgiveness*. You are part of the family of God, and every day you can have a new life in Christ. Hebrews 2: 11 reinforces this: “God is not ashamed to call them [or you] brothers and sisters.” * Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI writing on the deeper meaning of the genealogies of Jesus says:
“[T]hose who believe in Jesus enter through faith into Jesus’ unique new origin, and they receive this origin as their own…Jesus was not begotten by Joseph but was truly born of the Holy Spirit from the Virgin Mary, so it can now be said of us that our true ‘genealogy’ is faith in Jesus who gives us a new origin and …to birth ‘from God” (Jesus of Nazareth, p. 12-13).
Found with Child (Matthew 1: 18-25) Dreams were a common way that God communicated with His people in the Old Testament. Joseph did not hesitate in his response to the angel in the dream. He trusted God to work everything out. He willingly exchanged his plans for God’s plans. In fact we could say he leaned into God’s plans.* * And Joseph, from the tribe of Judah and the house of David, who was a carpenter by trade, became the legal head of this precious family (Abbott Ricciotti, The Life of Christ, 1947). What a role model Joseph is to families—looking for God’s plans and leaning into them. This was the beginning of Joseph’s mission for life. Some have said it this way, Joseph was born for this vocation — to be the father of Jesus and to be Mary’s most chaste spouse. Like Mary, Joseph said, “yes” to his vocation. His entire happiness was in knowing what God wanted him to do and carrying it out to the end ( Fernandez, Conversation with God, Vol. 1, 1997). He was devoted to God and family.
Our Response1. Lean into God’s Plans. Can you picture the perplexity or bewilderment of Joseph when his plans suddenly changed? He may have been building the house, planning the wedding, or earning extra money for the marriage. Whatever the case, he was not prepared to hear that Mary was with child. Then God through an angel in a dream gave him more direction. He leaned in the changes. You can ask yourself: Am I open to changing my plans to fit with God’s plan? Talk to Jesus about how you can stay open to God’s plans? What changes can you lean into? 2. Accept Your Place in God’s Family. When you feel unworthy or unqualified to be part of our Lords family and an adopted son or daughter of God, remember Tamar, Rahab, Ruth. These women changed direction to follow God with their lives and they joined His family and are listed in lineage of Jesus. Your family is never too far gone or too unworthy. In prayer, consider asking God to forgive you and your family. Ask him to help you change directions. Then do what he tells you. * You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from the Advent JOY Podcast #5 at my website: WRAPyYourselfinJOY.com
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Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
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Zechariah writes, His Name is John!
Needing Calm? Seek Stillness with God!Are you needing calm in your life? Today, we are dropping in on a very special celebration of John the Baptist’s birth. You might hold the baby, newly named John, or share with all the neighbors your astonishment at the miracle birth. You will hear Zechariah speak for the first time in 9 months. When he does, he teaches us the value of stillness with God. His silent retreat results in the joyous Benedictus blessing. Stillness with God will do the same for you, giving you more joy and peace!
Advent JOY & the Celebration at Zechariah’s HomeWelcome to Advent JOY Podcast #4, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events And Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ.
Today, we are going to a celebration at Zechariah’s home. It’s the circumcision and naming of his newborn boy. Can’t you just picture yourself as one of the neighbors who has come to help name the baby born to the old priest Zechariah and his aged wife Elizabeth. Can you hear yourself say:
“This must be some kind of child—a miracle baby! What a blessing from the Lord for Elizabeth! Poor old Zechariah was struck mute the last time he went up to serve in the temple.” Join the podcast as we cover these exciting points:
The Circumcision and the Sacrament of Baptism (Luke 1: 56-59) The neighbors come to celebrate the birth and help with the circumcision. * Circumcision was established as a rite by God under the Old Covenant, usually performed on the 8th day after birth. It was a mark on a male and a sign that he was in covenant with God, sanctified for divine service and a member of the Jewish people. * Under the New Covenant, circumcision is not a religious ritual for us (Galatians 5: 6). * The ritual of circumcision has a few similarities to the Sacrament of Baptism: It is celebrated with family and friends and Godparents. * For the Christian, baptism is a sign one belongs to Christ, is united with Him in His death, and is incorporated into the Church (Hahn, Catholic Bible Dictionary*).
The Neighbors Want to Name the Baby Zechariah (Luke 1: 60-66) When Elizabeth, says no to the name, Zechariah confirms, His name is JOHN*. * Immediately, Zechariah’s mouth is open and his tongue is freed. * St. Ambrose writes, “With good reason was his tongue loosed, because faith untied what had been tied by disbelief.”
Zechariah’s Silent Retreat Results in Joyous Benedictus Blessings (Luke 1: 67-79) In stillness with God, Zechariah grew in faith, peace and trust. * Benedictus means Blessed be..the Lord. * Zechariah’s prophecy is called a canticle which means “little song”- a liturgical song from a Biblical text. * Zechariah expresses thanks for: (1) The promises that would be fulfilled in the Messiah (Genesis 22: 16-17; Exodus 2: 24; Ezekiel 36: 28) and (2) His Son John, prophet of the Most High, who would go before the Lord to prepare His way, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins.*
Responding to the Scripture Seek God in stillness. Pick out a morning or evening during Advent. Turn off all media and be present with the Lord in adoration, prayer, and Scripture. Sit with Him and LISTEN. You may find new vision, new peace and a deeper relationship with God – the one God wants with you. * Let God redeem you.* If you are living in any darkness or carrying baggage, Jesus wants to carry your baggage, forgive your sin, and give you peace. “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from the Advent JOY Podcast #4 at my website: WRAPyourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
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Mary & Elizabeth – A Visit Filled with JOY
The Blessed Visit – Do you need more JOY in your life? Who doesn’t? Advent is the perfect time to receive more JOY and share it with others! Mary and Elizabeth will show us how.
Join us today as we travel with Mary 90 miles to the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth. We will drop in on a special meeting of hearts, to partake in the delight, the prayer, and the JOY of Fellowship.
The Advent JOY PodcastWelcome to Advent JOY Podcast #3, based on my book The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. Last week we looked in on the Great Annunciation and heard how God supernaturally beget the Son of God in the Virgin Mary and gave an old woman Elizabeth, past her time of conceiving, a child. We discovered any barrenness in life can become a breakthrough! “For nothing is impossible with God!”
Advent JOY in the Hill CountryToday, we travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth back to the Hill Country of Judea, near Jerusalem. We will drop in on the visit that Mary makes to her old cousin Elizabeth. Both women are with child, both are rejoicing over the births to come, and both are thrilled to see each other. Join the podcast today as we cover these exciting points:
The Blessed Visit – Leaping for JOY (Luke 1: 39-45)* John the Baptist leaps for Joy * Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaims words of JOY. * Mary praises and skips with JOY. * Jesus is always joy filled—even in the womb!
The JOY of Fellowship – God Knows Our Need (Luke 1: 31-33) Fellowship in the Scriptures is translated from New Testament Greek Koinonia,* occurring 20 times in the New Testament. * Elizabeth brought out Mary’s JOY and Mary brought out Elizabeth’s JOY. True fellowship strengthens and encourages faith. * Elizabeth praises Mary for believing Gabriel. * The Holy Spirit reveals the presence of Jesus in Mary’s womb to Elizabeth.
The Magnificat – Mary’s Song of Praise (Luke 1: 46-56) Magnificat was the first word in Luke 1: 46 found in St. Jerome’s Latin translation of the Bible (4th century common language of the people) and it means “my soul magnifies.” * The Magnificat is a canticle – a liturgical song from a Biblical text. * The Magnificat shows Mary’s love for Scripture. She knew the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) well. * The Magnificat* reflects themes from many Old Testament Scriptures – the powerful arm of God, His mercy to all, His justice and faithfulness, and His care for the poor and afflicted (e.g., 1 Samuel 2:1-10 and Psalm 34:2, 35: 9, 103: 17, 107: 9, 132: 11, 138: 6).
Three Months of Sharing Hearts* We can only imagine the comfort Mary and Elizabeth must have been to each other. They talked of the Scriptures to be fulfilled because they knew well the promises regarding the Messiah and the one who would precede Him. They shared the stories about Gabriel as each had been changed by his message. They would have known of Gabriel’s former visitations and announcements recorded in Daniel 9.
Advent Application We can respond to these verses of JOY shared between Mary and Elizabeth by 1) Asking God for Advent JOY (He wants to give us His JOY), 2) Rejoicing in God’s goodness, 3) Preserving a quiet time for prayer, and 4) Sharing JOY with others, especially during Advent. God has JOY for YOU.*
Check out more podcasts here!
You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from the Advent JOY Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
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If you are unsure about God’s power to accomplish miracles or significant changes in your own life, consider this: If God can supernaturally beget the Son of God in a virgin and give an old woman Elizabeth, past her time of conceiving a child, God can fix the barrenness in your life too. If you feel unproductive or barren, ask the Holy Spirit to come upon you in new ways and to open new doors where least expected. He will give you a breakthrough! “For nothing is impossible with God!”
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Don’t Give Up Hope - God hears & God answers prayer. Join us today as Zechariah, Elizabeth and Gabriel teach us this lesson.
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Do you have your JOY plunger handy? What does a plunger have to do with finding the joy and stopping the worry? We all need plungers for messy situations - for the sudden, unexpected events, joy busters or "stuff" that can ruin our day, take our time or energy, and steal our JOY. Today you will be reminded of all the JOY maintenance tools that we have covered in our Find the JOY podcast Series. You can stop the worry and grab the plunger.
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How are you at arresting the Big JOY thief -WORRY? Worry is not just a JOY Buster. It's a big JOY thief and it brings on fretting. In only a few dances with fretting, you will be exhausted and any JOY you once had will be greatly challenged. Join us today and discover how to arrest the big JOY thief Worry, stop the fretting and rest in God’s love.
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Begin Again and Defeat Joy Busters. Join us today as we continue our focus on how to defeat JOY-sapping experiences and leave the past behind.
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Defeating JOY Busters - Join us today and discover the actions you must take to defeat JOY Buster’s and their effect on your life.
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Praising and Thanking for JOY will help expand your prayer life from “petition addict” to one of praising JOY so that you can enjoy God too.
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Today we are WRAP-ing JOY. How would you like to feel wrapped in JOY? Have you ever wanted to hear God speak to YOU? You can! We will discuss the JOY you can experience from a two-way conversation with your Heavenly Father. You will learn the WRAP method for interactive prayer, how to avoid being a talkaholic in prayer, the four-stages for prayer, and the best way to REST in God's Love and receive His JOY.God Yearns for a Relationship with You. Enjoy this new podcast!
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Are you awakening to more JOY in your life? Join the podcast to awaken more joy in your life and find out what God is singing over YOU.
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Have ever wondered if lasting Joy is attainable? Today we will discuss a definition for true and lasting JOY plus 4 Tips for increasing JOY in your life.
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Join us today as we search for how to be filled with true and lasting JOY every day.
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