Joy – Rising with the Son

Happy New Year!

The Gift of Praise

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.” (Luke 1:68 NIV) We find several people offering the gift of praise in the nativity story. We hear… Mary praising God in a song, also known as “The Magnificat:” And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the LordContinue reading “The Gift of Praise”

Jesus: The Gift We Needed

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV) Ever since our twin nephews were born, we’ve gone to their parents for gift suggestions because they know what the boys need best. Of course weContinue reading “Jesus: The Gift We Needed”

Don’t Let the Grinch Steal Your CHRISTmas!

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). (John 10:10 AMPC) I first fell in love with the story of How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss while teaching SundayContinue reading “Don’t Let the Grinch Steal Your CHRISTmas!”

Don’t Be a Scrooge, Celebrate the SeaSON!

You will fill me with joy in your presence. (Psalm 16:11 NIV) Last month, I ran into Ebenezer Scrooge. And while I was trying to take a picture with him, true to his character, Scrooge pointed to the Christmas activities around us and asked me if I was into all this “bah humbug” and afterContinue reading “Don’t Be a Scrooge, Celebrate the SeaSON!”

Joy to the World

The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master.” (Luke 2:10-11 MSG) We’ve come to expect Christmas to be a joyful time of the year and itContinue reading “Joy to the World”

Choose Joy!

When I was a kid, Winnie-the-Pooh was one of my favourite Disney cartoons. So you can imagine my excitement when Disney introduced the movie, Christopher Robin. The only character I was never a big fan of was Eeyore, the donkey. He was always so pessimistic, gloomy and depressed that he’s just not my cup ofContinue reading “Choose Joy!”

Praise God for What He Has Done and What He’ll Do

David went into the tent he had set up for the sacred chest. Then he sat there and prayed: LORD All-Powerful, my family and I don’t deserve what you have already done for us, and yet you have promised to do even more. Is this the way you usually treat people? (2 Samuel 7:18-19 CEV)Continue reading “Praise God for What He Has Done and What He’ll Do”

He’ll Fulfill His Purpose

The LORD will work out his plans for my life. (Psalm 138:8 NLT) Looking at the degree hanging on the wall and thinking this was it, I asked God to use it for His glory. What I heard instead was His clear voice telling me that He wasn’t finished with me just yet. A yearContinue reading “He’ll Fulfill His Purpose”

My Type of Music

And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. (Romans 16:20 AMPC) I love to sing about God’s love and goodness in my life, but for a long time, spiritual warfare has been my type of music. You know, songs about warfare and victory which talk about God’s power and Satan’s finalContinue reading “My Type of Music”