Psalm 19:8
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;

We can experience the joy of the Lord by studying and following God's word and, communing with God through prayer and meditation.

When disappointments occur and people fail you, keep your focus on godly things rather than on difficult circumstances or discontentment.

We can also experience joy when we intentionally praise Him, remembering that He is near, praying, and keeping our minds focused on the good things of God (Philippians 4:8).

When we experience the joy of the Lord, it gives us strength (Nehemiah 8:10). True joy only comes from the Lord.

By abiding in Him and obeying Him, we find true joy of the Lord. Amen!

Ephesians 5:2
and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance. (AMP)

As Christians we should walk in love, with agape love that Christ did. Agape love is sacrificial, unselfish, unconditional love that proves itself through actions.

Agape love perfectly describes God’s love for us. He gave Himself up for us on the cross. That is the Christ's sacrifice made on our behalf. The sacrifice here is described as fragrant offering.

Our heartfelt songs and prayers are like fragrant offerings. And also, the words we share about Him and the deeds we offer in His name spread sweet-smelling aroma.

When we follow Jesus, we walk in His love and spread His sweet aroma to others.

1 Peter 2:5
And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. 

The foundation of God’s building is His Son, Jesus Christ, the living Stone. The living stones, in turn, are believers who come to Jesus and place their lives upon this foundation.

The living Stone is precious to those who believe, but some men reject the living Stone in order to build their lives their own way, not God’s way. Unbelievers cast this living Stone aside, not caring that Jesus is the only true foundation upon which they can build securely.

Peter references Jesus as the cornerstone in Acts chapter 4, stating that 'salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.'

When we are a living stone that means we are speaker of praise, a declarer of truth and love and light. The spiritual house God is building is designed for His glory, and we, the living stones, glorify the Lord in all we do.

It's our privilege and honor to carry the title 'Father' given by God our creator. We are made in His image and likeness, existing through His gift of life.

God has granted us to bear children through generations to come. Our impact is passed onto our children and grandchildren.

Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Since we share the word 'Father' from our Heavenly Father, it is humbling and honorable reminder of our responsibility to model heavenly Father's love and, care for our children and nurture them in His ways.

As children of our Father in heaven, let us represent Him well and follow Him as our role model.

Happy Father's Day!

Luke 24:5-6
The angels asked the women: “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee.

This is the good news of Easter. Jesus Christ has conquered sin and death and the grave. He rose from the dead on Easter morning.

He is alive and well today. You will not find him among the dead, for he is among the living. And he offers new life to you.

The Bible tells us that those who trust in Christ will share in his resurrection. The fear of death and judgment is taken away.

That’s good news anytime! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

Happy Easter!

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

To all the faithful ones, keep doing good and don't give up. When we are in Christ, it's natural to be doing good and honoring others.

Doing good involves yielding to the Spirit and exhibiting the fruit He produces—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23).

It is important to rest while you serve. Jesus rested and so should we (Mark 6:31). Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:38).

We will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up doing good.

Romans 8:38-39
“ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

If you are in Christ, you are a child of God, loved and cherished by your Father in heaven. God's love is unconditional. There is nothing you can do to make Him love you more, and there is absolutely nothing that can separate you from His love.

God never forsakes you. He loves you despite your mistakes and failures. God does not change. He cannot abandon you. He does not turn away from you or give up on you when others do. He is there for you always. His arms are open wide for you.

We must love others just as Jesus loves us. Since we experienced merciful, graceful, forgiving, infinite love of Jesus, we can share the same love with others. Luke 10:27 says ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Receive God's infinite love and love others like Jesus did.