The Lord takes pleasure in all...

 

"The Lord takes pleasure in all He has made." Psalm 104:31 

 

When you try to picture God's face, what expression does He have? Many people see Him as serious, others as angry, and still others as emotionless. Movies about Jesus often depict Him as humorless and expressionless, constantly staring into the distance and speaking in a breathy, weighty voice. I've known few people who, in their minds' eye, see God or Jesus smiling.

 

Considering how often Scripture speaks of God's joy, that's surprising. God's people are repeatedly encouraged to rejoice, and we are told that the joy of the Lord is our strength. God takes pleasure in what He does, delights in His people, and rejoices when those who were lost come into His Kingdom. C.S. Lewis said that joy is the serious business of heaven, and he was right. The climate of the Kingdom isn't primarily an all work no play attitude. It's gladness. Pure, unbridled joy.

 

Sadly, few Christians live in a way that reflects the joyful environment of heaven. Some know they should and try to act joyful in all circumstances, but in trying to convince themselves of their joy, they convince few others. But true joy springs up from within, not because we should be joyful but because we are. A heart that truly grasps the nature of God--that actually senses Him smiling-- is a heart that begins to overflow with joy.

 

Spending time in God's Presence cultivates all the feelings of His heart, but it especially cultivates joy. You may go through difficult situations that don't exactly put a smile on your face, but know even in those times that joy is the environment of heaven. And God wants that environment to pervade your soul. Soak in His Presence, feel His goodness, see His smile and be joyful.

 

from: Experiencing God's Presence

What is God's promise if you persist in prayer? Months have passed, and there is still no answer to your prayer. Should you keep asking God, or are you supposed to assume He heard you the first time and will answer? One of your friends said it shows trust if you quit bugging God. Another has told you to persist. How are you to know which is right? It is all very confusing. Does the Bible give any guidance or promises about persisting in prayer? The story of Hannah can be found in the Book of 1 Samuel in the Old Testament. Hannah wanted a child and continued to bring her request before God. Hannah's persistence was rewarded with a son, Samuel. The New Testament continues to encourage you to persist in prayer. Jesus told the story of a woman and a judge. The woman kept pleading with the judge to help her, but he refused to do anything. Still, the woman kept asking. Finally he helped her so she would leave him alone. Jesus continued, "Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? So what makes you think God won't step in and work justice for His chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won't He stick up for them? I assure you, He will" (Luke 18:6-8, The Message) Jesus teaches that you are to persist in prayer. Trust that He has heard your requests and is working to bring it about. Believe that He is working behind the scenes, and thank Him for it. Thank Him for what He is doing at the moment you pray and for how He will answer in the future. Persistence confirms to God how much value you place on the request. When you go to Him daily, He knows that your request is important to you. Worth thinking about:

• Jesus made a point of teaching that persistence in prayer would eventually result in receiving the answer from God. God keeps His promises. Persistence pays off.
• Persistent prayer reveals to God your level of trust in Him. Your prayer shows that you are confident of His promised answer.
• Scripture teaches that God desires to give good things to His children. Persistent prayer indicates to God that you recognize Him as your heavenly Father and that you believe in His goodness.

from: Answers to 100 questions about God's promises for you

Side note: God has answered my persistent prayers to Him. The answers sometimes are there the next day. Most of my prayers especially about and for my loved ones, come in installments and some answers would be years to complete. However, God will answer no matter what; and I see His responses as the years go by. I've learned that as I wait for the answers, He also has given me patience, understanding, discernment and wisdom. And in waiting, I've learned to obey His instructions and teachings. At the same time, as I persist in praying to Him, He has already blessed me and sends favors, protection, provisions and healing as I pray for others. In my years of praying to Him, I came to know Him, understand His Plan and His will for my life. My relationship with God has grown leaps and bounds and even if He doesn't answer my prayers, my love has grown so much for God, that the most important thing in praying to Him is feeling His presence. He is there in my happiest moments and my saddest ones. I've learned that in waiting for God to answer, misery has lost my company.

A Cheerful Heart!

The Peace of God

Science has confirmed what the Bible taught centuries ago: there is a close relationship between our minds and bodies. Proverbs puts it this way: "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones" (17:22).

But there is also a close relationship between our mental and physical health and the health of our spiritual lives. Guilt, fear, jealousy, bitterness, futility, escapism--these and a host of other problems are spiritual ills brought about by the disease of sin. Like poison, they can sicken us in mind and body.

But when Christ comes into our lives, He removes our guilt and takes away our fears. He gives us love for others and a new purpose in life. His joy and peace neutralize sin's poison and promote emotional and physical health.

Does that mean our emotional and physical problems will vanish? Not necessarily. But like a spring of pure water, God's peace in our hearts brings cleansing and refreshment to our minds and bodies.

Let the peace of God rule in your hearts. COLOSSIANS 3:15

from: Hope for each day/Billy Graham

 

Pearl of Great Value!

 

 

You are a Pearl

 

An oyster embeds itself in the mire of the ocean floor. A pearl grows slowly and gradually within the mucous of the inside of the oyster's shell. This hardly seems an appropriate setting for something as beautiful as a pearl. Think of the lovely pearls you have seen, they shine and sparkle despite their early environment.

 

No matter what kind of bad situation your life may be in, God sees beyond that. He see you as the valuable and worthy person you really are. God goes beyond your assessment and that of others to His own appraisal of your merit and significance. God sees the pearl.

 

God looks beyond where you and others watch. He always sees something special in you.

 

from: Quiet Moments in the Presence of God

 

"The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it."  Matthew 1:45-46