The road to the fullest possible joy is a path of obedience containing opportunities to follow that are contrary to human nature and turns opposite of which people often imagine themselves taking.
All tagged joy
Future Self
Focusing on our future selves is certainly a biblical concept. For instance, Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” This passage encourages believers to think beyond immediate concerns and focus instead on eternal values and future promises.
Joy in the Mourning
The Trinity put on flesh through Jesus’s birth, and when you show up as Jesus On You, that moment becomes an uncontaminated image, purely the companionship of Jesus.
Sharing the Good News
So share good news! Do it whenever you have the opportunity. And trust God to be at work in people’s hearts and lives, including your own.
Living in Light of Christ Incarnate
As we wean ourselves off the holiday season, there is a part of me that wonders what it would be like to embody year-round the excitement of the season that celebrates the birth of Jesus.
A Chaplain's Work
There is no doubt that chaplaincy has its own share of challenges. But I have found that often our assumptions about the work of chaplaincy and the actual work of a chaplain are often quite different.
Hope is the Thing
Hope is the thing. Not wishful thinking about a job raise or whether your football team will win, but Hope as the Christian vision for the living of our days.
The Holiness of Laughter
Someone says a punch line, and instantly a loud, boisterous ruckus erupts. Before you know it, your side is splitting, and tears are running down your face. The sound is loud, free, and pure joy.
Serving with Love
Tabitha obviously served with love, and that love was sensed by those who were beneficiaries. She lived out her faith in a tangible way that blessed others.
Eastertide
Rather than a single Resurrection Sunday, Easter is an entire season in which Christians explore new life containing eight weeks total.
King of Kings
As Epiphany wafts past today, let’s not miss the magnitude of the message through the Magi: the gospel is for all.
Joy in Discouragement
When we would rather erase the previous period of time rather than reflect on it, it may be that burnout, fatigue, or just plain discouragement is impeding our ability to feel anticipation or excitement about the future.
Good Vibes
At my workplace, we have a jar with the phrase “good vibes” emblazoned on the side. Next to the jar are colorful strips of paper and a pen.
Reflection Roundup: “This is the way; walk in it” (Is. 30:21)
When at a crossroads, not knowing whether to go to the right or to the left, trust the voice of God who says, “Here is my way; walk in it.”
Reflection Roundup: Sacramental Hospitality
As the created world hosts humanity, we have much to learn from the soil, from the seeds. Stretching toward the light, cultivated hearts propagate God’s mission.
Gluttony and Temperance: Ever-Present Vice and Neglected Virtue
With how much restraint do you enjoy life’s greatest pleasures?
“A Box of Matches” by Nicholson Baker
Our intrepid narrator is Emmett, and there is nothing special about him at all. What makes Emmett such wonderful company is that he is delighted with the world. (Fiction)
James Did It to Me Again!
I am thankful we have forthright, get-to-the-point early Christian leaders like James to remind us of the key to it all.
Building Walls, but Opening the Gates of Joy
Ministry requires us to build some walls in order to survive. But one of the walls we must build is that of joy.
Call Failed
As ministers, we are called to counsel those who are experiencing a prayer life full of “dropped calls.”