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Praise be to God for your lively interest!

 Numbers now show readers within 41 countries. (I see this through my website analytics page).

Please know: YOU ARE BEING PRAYED FOR DAILY. My husband and I, along with a brilliant helping friend, prepare the postings. We pray for your protection and provisions according to your heart’s desires. We also pray for your families–and for

each of us  to read the Bible and to place our full trust in Jesus as Savior of our souls. We need your prayers as well.

We will meet in Heaven! There, we will share our stories with one another!

All praise be to God! Let’s read Psalm 23 – today and often!

Chaplain Joy 

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith

Here is an idea: giving thanks is a form of praise.  When you thank a loved one or a friend for something they have said or done you are praising them.

As Thanksgiving Day draws closer, most everyone is making plans–especially around culinary preparations. We plan for who to invite—and if we cannot have dinner at home, the quandary is where and with whom our celebration can be enjoyed. The very thought of baked turkey with cranberry sauce can make one salivate. We feel it in our souls; our bodies get involved through feasting.  While around the table with loved ones or close friends our hearts are warmed, especially when we think it being a day set apart for giving thanks.

Many of us think of 1621 as being the year when Thanksgiving was first celebrated in America with Native Americans—for the harvest and other blessings of the year. Yet, the proclamation for setting aside an annual day of Thanksgiving Day was made by George Washington in 1789.

It reads. “Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor–and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.” Every fourth Thursday of November has since been identified as Thanksgiving Day for our nation.”

Giving thanks is indeed an act of praise. In today’s world one might ask, “Why praise God?” Several reasons come to mind. For one, God has given us this great and exceedingly beautiful place to live here on Earth, along with the very breath we breathe. When we open our minds to it, we can grasp with amazement each morning when we open our eyes perceiving again how the laws of nature continue to work–preserving our lasting stay. Although many of us feel self-sufficient, it is for sure we are not the ones who perpetually make our lives here on Earth happen. It is our Creator who does that!

The second reason for often expressing thanks is because uplifting our souls in praise to God carries great returns. Living a life of thanksgiving changes us. We see this happening vividly through individuals whose lives are recorded in Scripture.  An excellent example can be seen in King David of ancient Israel. History shows this king praised God vocally and copiously as a way of living—and a way of winning battles. There was something wondrous going on between him and God. It was the validity of King David’s praise, his quest to ubiquitously be in thanksgiving, which increased the power that flowed within his life. No one can doubt God was with this king making sure his successes. And, although David was very human, he had joyous times with God.

King David, who started out as a shepherd boy—before becoming appointed and anointed as Israel’s king–seemed far ahead of most humans in understanding eternal truths. Speaking of God, he proclaimed, “His praise will continually be in my mouth.” Then, Paul, who was the most outstanding man of power and insight of the New Testament said, “Praise God in all things . . . be filled with the Spirit, speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,” (Ephesians 5:19). Praise—all the time be able to praise—was one of his amazing messages.

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin wrote, “Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.” Without any doubt, we can know that offering praise with thankful hearts increases the joy we experience in life—and our successes.  

Science is bearing out the wisdom of God found in Scripture, which should not be surprising. My friend Eugene Wiesner, clinical psychologist and former professor at Montana State University, taught that compliance with the scriptures on offering praise and rejoicing brings a chemical change in our bodies. He taught this not only promotes cellular healing but alleviates both physical pain and mental distress. During his practice, Dr. Wiesner said 40 percent of the people he treated were suffering with psychological disorders. Others needed therapy for fears, grief and guilt. He addressed the latter problems with what he called “God’s psychology,” telling patients to “sing the Psalms and rejoice in everyday living—through the hard times as well as the easy.” This psychologist’s premise was simple: “When people believe what God’s Word says, and obey it, they get well!” It is certain that through offering praise and gratitude, we are strengthened, able to transcend the hardest of all disappointments and difficulties of life.

It is interesting how different God has made His people to be. Like light bulbs, some have greater capacity for wattage. Some receive a surge of power, cast a great beam, then blow out quickly. Others exude a bright, long-lasting inner light—while many gently burn like a soft flame with a low glow having no noticeable variance. God needs us all. And He does not have favorites. The secret is to seek, through our spiritual practices, to be filled with as much light as we can bear. For clearly, it is light that vanquishes darkness.

How do we get the utmost measure of light? It is through praise. The word “praise” appears 306 times throughout Scripture, 134 of which are direct requests to do it. Why? Because “God inhabits (dwells in) the praise of His people,” (Psalms 22:3). The light of Christ expands in us as we speak words of gratitude for God’s goodness in our lives.

Through praise and worship of God Almighty we enter into union with Him, connecting with the most powerful, loving presence of all in the universe. Imagine it! And live it.

Joy Le Page Smith is a Board-certified clinical chaplain with with degrees in psychology and theology. View her children’s book as a video at healingwithjoy.blogspot.com Also, find many articles addressing life’s difficulties at Healing-with-Joy.com

Throughout the Bible God inspires us to believe all mistakes—all sins—are forgiven, erased from our pasts once we repent of them. Repentance see us turning away from behaviors that were harmful to ourselves and others.

The Scripture passages listed below offers helps for letting go of past mistakes and failures. These passages will grant assurance for applying forgiveness on a daily basis. Only the Bible, known to believers as “the Word of God,” can make it possible to accept the truth of this freedom from the past. You may want to refer periodically to these four of the Biblical passages that assure us of the truth that God grants forgives when we ask for it:

Isaiah 1:18 – “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

Psalms 103: 12-14- “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions. As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.”

John 3:16 – “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.”

Romans 10:9-10 – “. . . That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

There are many more assuring Biblical passages. As you read the Bible your faith will grow as well as your understanding. Daily reading of Scripture is what keeps me on track with my efforts to truly let go the past and live solidly in the present. Our quest to grow as a Christian lasts throughout life. God helps us “climb higher” as we stretch ourselves on this amazing journey of becoming all God knew we could be at the moment of our conception.

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, M.A.

Please realize the importance of taking good self-care. There is only one of you in this world! You have something to give that no one else can give. If you have not found the “something” yet–you will, but doing so will take giving yourself some quiet space as an ongoing practice. Think, meditate, pray. Ask God to help you realize what will bring more meaning and purpose to daily life.

Here are 3 very short videos, each will definitely change how you are feeling–and give you a break:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75PUjUsGsQQ  (takes only 2 minutes)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUKrtkHbA90  (minutes of fun dance)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxOpnhY6ObU  (beautiful pictures with flute music; 5 ½ minutes. Deep breath as you savor these sights.)

Treat yourself like a friend whom you appreciate and enjoy their presence.

Monitor your thoughts and imaginings. Block any of these that you would not want your best friend to have in her or his mind.

Being kind to yourself is a loving thing to do.

Loving yourself through doing good self-care will bring impressive improvements to your life.

Consider doing some venturesome–even audacious–efforts that help you feel alive. 

Be as kind to yourself–that one and only person you are–as you would be to those in your life who you love.

Join the party life has to offer!

About the author: Joy Le Page Smith is a Board certified clinical chaplain. Her articles and blogs are read in 32 countries. Joy’s four books are available on her home page at Healing-with-Joy.com where readers can view her children’s book titled, The Little Mountain Goat Who Was Afraid of High Places. For another opportunity to read this author’s writings go to Healingwithjoy.blogspot.com

With the approach of Easter, so also does Bethany’s birthday. Thirty-three years ago, this “little teacher” came into my family. Just prior to her birth a rather strange experience occurred. With very few exceptions, everything I purchased over several weeks seemed flawed in some way. Back to stores I go, over and over, toting my purchases where patient salesclerks make exchanges. This happened enough that I decide to pray, “God, this is strange. Is there message I am supposed to be “getting?”

What was to come was something I could not easily accept. I was soon to face up to my silly perfectionism.

After three sons and three grandsons, our long awaited granddaughter was born. There could not have been a more proud or happier heart than mine. All those precious dreams were about to come true in this perfect little granddaughter for whom I had waited so long!

Then came the call, a few hours after her birth, “Mom, pray for the baby. They think she has Down’s Syndrome.”

I was alone at home when Ted called, which was good. During the next couple of hours, God had “major surgery” to do on this grandmother’s heart. I was stumbling all over what this would mean.

Then the trip to the hospital where Bethany is placed in my arms. All that armor against “imperfections” was pierced by a tiny hand. Sleepy little fingers . . .  what healing they hold. In those moments, all is well.

Sure, pondering continued as I behold this newest member of our family. And, there are fears. But what truly amazes me is how right up to the moment of embrace I wanted to change her. Then the essence of her “beingness” reaches out bringing stillness to my soul. I recall, what inspired the Psalmist: “Be still and know that I am God.” 

Several days later, when the medical testing came back positive we were all fairly ready for it. But during the weeks since Bethany’s birth my emotions are doing some flip-flops. There is denial, anger and depression. I am concerned as to what life will hold for her. Then blessed peace comes in, verging on acceptance. I bounce about from one to the other. Fortunately, somewhere along life’s way I have learned the uselessness of trying to bargain with God, so I skip that one.

Many prayers are said for strength and understanding as our entire family makes adjustments. Praise and thanksgiving are also offered knowing she has love and acceptance in the home God has placed her.

My son, like his mother, grapples with many a thought, many a feeling—yet, he comes through. It is plain to see he will be exceedingly caring and protective of this little one.

Bethany, meaning “house of God” seems to exude love. Everyone clamors for their turn to hold her—right down to her two-year-old brother. We cannot understand God’s ways. His truth reaches deep, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

It is easy to see Him in Bethany, our “little one who needs a friend to live,” as John Vanier portrays in his work among handicapped children at L’Arche.

Wonder of wonders, each heart in this family has stretched like rubber bands. Now, with enlarged capacity, we can truly receive heaven’s great message … one of life, and of love.

It is impossible to know what is ahead. But one thing is sure. Bethany is perfectly ours. She is God’s extraordinary gift to an ordinary family. Only eternity will reveal her work.

People call it a “birth defect.” Although surely having passed through God’s Hand before reaching us, this circumstance is sanctified, bringing with it opportunities to embrace suffering with love. Bethany, one who is unable to speak, has underscored this message.

Peace and acceptance comes in remembering, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Within hardships, adjustments and unanswerable questions, it is how we handle these that tell whether or not we are living in faith . . . truly able to “be Christ’s presence” to one another. It is so easy to fool ourselves.

For me, pride can easily slip in, at points, insisting everything needs to be perfect. Of course being disappointed in myself follows, as I cannot be perfect. Humility comes when I pray to God, “In the midst of all this imperfection I will ever seek Your grace for the perfecting of my faith.”

The events of life bring attitudinal changes—if we are “listening.”

Fortunately, God is unlike the local merchant. He is more interested in perfecting character—than in having “satisfied customers.”

‘Happy birthday, Bethany”—and “many more.”

It is a day in which to rejoice.

About the author: Joy Le Page Smith is a Board certified-clinical chaplain. Her articles and blogs are read in up to 32 countries. Her four books are available on Amazon and at Healingwithjoy.blogspot.com 

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA

Early in my mid-20’s divorce became part of my life for safety’s sake. I married at 17 and gave birth to my first of three sons at age 18. Eight years into the marriage I could clearly see I had no other good choice but to divorce. This event held considerable sway as the church I attended was very important to me. Feeling a part of the congregational family had woven my soul to God in beautiful ways. But when the pastor thought I should not end my marriage it was not long before feeling like I no longer fit in.

It was one of the most difficult times in life. I struggled as if I had lost my moorings. Then, one early morning while sleeping soundly I was awakened by the most beautiful singing I have ever heard—sung by a choir! The song was powerfully present in reverberating words wherein I kept hearing “abide with Me.” The music captured me for long moments. Then it was gone.

I knew it was a song of assurance. God was not holding anything against me. Through the magnificent experience of having angels sing to me, I felt God’s benevolent arms . . . beckoning me to find love and comfort through Him. Soon after, a church was found in which the pastor and his wife befriended me and my children. That was many years ago, but the quest for finding joy in life and being “a joy” to others, once again was readily resumed.

About three years had passed when I met a marvelous man named Gary Smith who became my husband and very soon after became “Dad” to my three little boys. He exhibited what it means to be the blesser of a family. We were married on Christmas Day as he had a Navy obligation to meet. Today, I write on the eve of our anniversary! Truth is this dear husband brings joy to my life. Yet the highest of all joys comes through the blessing of attempting to live out God’s call to “abide with Him.”

I found in Scripture that to abide means to set our love on God while dwelling in his truth throughout the uncertainties of life. In John 15: 4, 5, Jesus asked His followers to “Abide in Me . . . . He who abides in Me, bears much fruit. 

It is within that stance of attempting to daily “abide” that I heard the call to prepare my heart, mind and soul for becoming a chaplain. It took a master’s degree and a year of training within a teaching hospital before I could become Board certified as a clinical chaplain. Thirty years of service at hospital and hospice bedsides still finds me intrigued and blessed within the work.

There is an aspect untold in the above which played a very large role in my becoming a chaplain. Early in life I had a serious brain concussion at school at age six. Then contacted encephalitis at age 17. My doctor called my recovery a miracle! Then at 18 years old I was having pulmonary emboli, blood clots, forming in my legs and abdomen and traveling to my heart and lungs. Good doctoring along with having lots of people praying for me saved my life. After so many hospital stays I became acquainted with what it meant to go through such uncertainties bordering on death and seeing others experience this. Looking back, it seems as if all I experienced during those early years was preparing me for what God knew in advance would come.

I feel a beautiful empathy toward sick and dying people. Being a listening, praying presence while with them often brings comfort for me as well as to them as God is with us.

A blog titled “My Spiritual Journey,” will tell more about what it took to release difficult emotional wounds along with the fear these can leave, rising above both mental and physical hardships. And, for sure, God fixes the pot holes by filling them with His glory.

About the author: Joy Le Page Smith is a Board certified clinical chaplain. Her articles and blogs are read in 32 countries. Joy’s four books are available on her home page at Healing-with-Joy.com where readers can view her children’s book titled, The Little Mountain Goat Who Was Afraid of High Places. For another opportunity to read this author’s writings go to Healingwithjoy.blogspot.com

It was easy to recite the blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 from the Holy Bible on the day the young doctor asked, “Could you give me a blessing?” It is one often recited for patients.

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
²⁵ The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;

²⁶ The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.” ’

The Lord bless you and keep you;
²⁵ The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;

²⁶ The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.” ’

After the fact, I realized that this doctor is of a culture wherein the Bible is  not commonly seen as the “easy to get, easy to understand” Holy Writ of his homeland. So, I searched the Bible for passages within which he could rather quickly gain access to some of the most often desired blessings God has to extend for those to walk and talk with Him. For, there are many!

***

DWELLING IN SAFETY;

SHELTERED ALL DAY LONG;

Deuteronomy 33:12

. . . “The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him, Who shelters him all the day long; And he shall dwell between His shoulders.”

***

ABILITY TO LET GO FEAR AND NOT BE DISMAYED

Joshua 1:9

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, nor be dismayed.

For, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

***

FREEDOM FROM WANT, RIGHT LIVING, RESTORATION OF ONE’S SOUL

NO FEAR OF DEATH

CONTINUAL COMPANIONSHIP WITH THE LORD

GUIDANCE, PROVISION. COMFORT

ANOINTING, JOY

GOODNESS AND MERCY

A KEEN KNOWING THAT LIFE AFTER DEATH IS AHEAD

Psalm 23: 1-6

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
³ He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

***

A STALWART, DETERMINED HEART

STRENGTH,

ACCEPTANCE

Psalm 19:14,

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

***

DELIVERANCE FROM LIFE’S AFFLICTIONS AS THESE COME AND GO

Psalm 34:19

 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,

But the Lord delivers him out of them all.

***

A TRIUMPHANT WALK WITH GOD

Isaiah 50:7 (Living Bible translation)

⁷ Because the Lord God helps me, I will not be dismayed; therefore, I have set my face like flint to do His will, and I know that I will triumph.

***

REACHING OUR HEART’S DESIRES

REST

Psalm 37: 4-7

Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. 6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday. 7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;

***

KNOWING THE EVERLASTING ARMS OF GOD ARE THERE

TO CATCH ME EACH TIME I FALL

TRUST

Psalm 91:1-2

He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

***

TAUGHT OF THE LORD

Psalm 119:10-12, Psalm 119:16, Psalm 119:32

With my whole heart I have sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
¹¹ Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.

¹² Blessed are You, O Lord!
Teach me Your statutes.

***

DELIGHT

STRENGTH IN MEMORY

Psalm 119:32, Verse 16

I will delight myself in your statues; I will not forget Your Word.

***

ABILITY TO KEEP GOD’S COMMANDMENTS

AN EXPANDED HEART

Psalm 119:32

I will run the course of Your commandments, for you have enlarged my heart.

***

A PLACE TO HIDE

SHIELDED FROM HARM

HOPE

Psalm 119:114

You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.

***

SAFETY

Proverbs. 18:10

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

***

FORGIVENESS FOR BEHAVIOR WE REGRET

Isaiah 1:18-19

“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.
¹⁹ If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land . . .”

[T IF YOU REFUSE AND REBEL  . . . WELL,

LET’S JUST SAY THINGS AREN’T GOING  TO GO SO WELL . . .]

***

PERFECT PEACE

Isaiah 26:3-4

You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
⁴ Trust in the Lord forever,
For in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.

***

BELONGINGNESS NEEDS ARE MET

Isaiah 43: 1

“Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine . . .

***

FORTITUDE

ABILITY TO BE A SURVIVOR

Isaiah 43, verse 2-3^a

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. ³ For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior . . .

***

KNOWING OUR SOULS ARE PRECIOUS

RECOGNIZING THAT WE ARE HONORED AND LOVED

Isaiah 43, verse 4^a, 5

. . . since you were precious in my sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you . . .Fear, not for I am with you.

***

FOUND BY GOD

TAUGHT HOW TO PRAY

BROUGHT BACK FROM THE BURDEN SIN BRINGS

Jeremiah 29:11-14

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.  I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity….”

***

HEALING FROM LIFE’S WOUNDS

HAVING A HEALTHY SOUL

Jeremiah 30:17

I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord…

***

REST FROM HEAVINESS

ABILITY TO LET GO THE BURDENS OF LIFE

Matthew 11:28-29

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

***

TRUTH ABOUT WHO THE LORD IS

AND HIS PLAN BECOMES CLEAR

WE GAIN THE RIGHT TO BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD

John 1: 1-5, 10-14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. ⁴ In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵ And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

¹⁰ He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. ¹¹ He came to His ^[a]own, and His ^[b]own did not receive Him. ¹² But as many as received Him, to them He gave the ^[c]right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: ¹³ who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. ¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

***

INHERITANCE: HEIRS AS GOD’S CHILDREN

COMING TO KNOW FATHER

Galatians 4, 6-7

And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” ⁷ Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

***

ETERNAL LIFE:

DEATH CANNOT HOLD GOD’S CHILDREN IN THE GRAVE

John 3:16-17

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

***

NO FEAR OF DEATH

PROMISE OF HEAVEN

John 14:1-6

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. ² In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. ⁴ And where I go you know, and the way you know.” ⁵ Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” ⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

***

NO CONDEMNATION: SINS OF THE PAST ARE COVERED BY THE

FORGIVENESS OF CHRIST

BECOMING ABLE TO WALK IN TRUTH WITH A PURE SPIRIT

Romans 8:1-2

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. ² For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

***

SUFFERING UNDERSTOOD

”GLORY” SHALL BE REVEALED

Romans 8:18

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

***

EVEN MY MISTAKES WILL BE TURNED TO GOOD

AS MY “WALK” IS COMMITTED TO GOD

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called

according to His purpose.

***

POWER

A STRONG MIND—FILLED WITH GOD’S TRUTH THAT DISPELS FEARS

2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

***

PATIENCE

LACKING NOTHING, COMPLETE

WISDOM FROM GOD

FAITH

KNOWING GOD HEARS MY PRAYERS

PROFITING FROM TRIALS

James 1:2-7

² My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

***

UNDERSTANDING AS GOD’S PLAN UNFOLDS

SEE GOD AS TRUSTWORTHY AND LONGSUFFERING

ABILITY TO TRUST THAT GOD HOLDS THE FUTURE

UNDERSTANDING AS GOD’S PLAN UNFOLDS

SEE GOD AS TRUSTWORTHY AND LONGSUFFERING

ABILITY TO TRUST THAT GOD HOLDS THE FUTURE

Rev. 3:20, Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.[1]

[1] C.S. Lewis calls the incarnation of God the Son the “central miracle” of Christianity. He is right. The redemption, restoration, re-creation, and reconciliation of sinners—and all of creation besides—depends entirely on the supreme fact that God, without ever ceasing to be fully who he is, became fully who we are in and as Christ Jesus. Why did God do this? Why is it, in other words, that the “Word became flesh”? The principal reason underlying all the other magnificent reasons that God the Son united himself to our humanity is this: that by the Holy Spirit we may be united to Christ and so enjoy his fellowship with the Father forever. This is eternal life (John 17:3). Taken as a quote from: https://www.crossway.org/articles/10-things-you-should-know-about-union-with-christ/

Prepared by Chaplain Joy Lepage Smith, MA, BCC

Author info.  Healing-with-Joy.com holds many helps for readers searching for personal assurances within a time of huge national and international tensions. More of Joy’s writings can be read at Healingwithjoy.blogspot.com. Her children’s book has been favored by adults as well as children as a YouTube on either of these websites. Joy has readers in up to 32 countries.

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC

Most of us have heard the story of “how to catch a monkey.” Find a jar with an opening large enough for a monkey’s hand to enter when the jar is empty. Yet, the opening also needs to be small enough that when the monkey’s fist is full he/she cannot pull it out. Then put something in the jar that monkeys love, a honey comb for instance.

Bottom line, here, is that a monkey becomes so fully absorbed with its need for the thing it desires that it will not let go once grasped. So the monkey is easily captured.

The story shows how our self-serving desires often capture us when we will not let go. That desire could end our freedom, or even our lives.

I am learning currently of another way we can get stuck when big uncertainties roll down on our well planned lives. We definitely feel out of control and “what if” questions can become huge, over-shadowing the totality of my comfort zone—even interrupting sleep.

Cancer is rattling around loose in our house. My once nice, little life held comfort as I had my tendency to get anxious under control. Now, I am battling in prayer for what I want! And, I don’t want to lose this battle. At times it has felt like maybe God isn’t noticing what is going on.

Anxiety can get us stuck as much as bad habits. God does not want believers to fear, but rather to trust. 

This morning I read in the Bible, “Whosever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil,” (Proverbs 1:31). I think, I am listening and trusting in most areas of my life, but with ‘this one’ my knees shake here and there. I have no control—and there is no way I can imagine losing this loved one!

What helps is realizing what is true. James 1:1-6 makes it clear that when a trial comes along that is strong enough to test our faith we can rejoice because something great can happen: Patience can grow. And patience with what life brings opens doors through which we can reach deeper into our faith, reminding ourselves that God loves us so much. He knows what is best for us when we put our trust in Him.

I am reminded of a time earlier life when I was selling real estate in Boise, Idaho, making more money than I ever dreamed of making, I stopped at the chapel of our church while on the way to the bank. As I walked in the door, I heard these words as clearly as if they had been spoken aloud, “Lay your purse on the altar.” That was a shock. Given some time to rethink things, I knelt and did exactly that.

Self-sufficiency can blind us. Life can become so easy through good management and can produce great comfort. At this point it seems clear that we do not grow at our best rate when fully comfortable.

What has become evident within my current grasping for life to be “normal again” is the fact the “faith walk” calls for laying every concern of life on the altar (symbolically). Peace of heart comes through loosening our grip . . . letting go, letting God be in control of all aspects of life.

About the author: Joy Le page Smith, MA is a Board Certified Clinical Chaplain. Visit Healing-with-Joy.com for Joy’s blog along with many helpful articles addressing life’s difficulties. Her books and blogs are read in up to 32 countries.

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC

When a person signs up for the military, they sign on knowing obedience will be the center of their lives. They know they are choosing to live their lives in line with that branch of the military.

Becoming a Christian when I was eight years old was based on Jesus having reached me with His love through a service attended one evening at a Quaker girl’s camp. I was touched to the core by that love. I knelt at the altar and asked for Jesus’ loving presence to live in my heart from that day forward.

Oh, yes. I went AWOL a couple of times within my life, then decided, “Not worth the pain and sorrows” of going my own way. The consequences were heavy. I knew Jesus never left me even though I had tried to ignore Him. Weeping my way back to Him, many decades back, paid off tremendously. Now, my heart and mind know their way home.

The word “sanctification” can seem allusive, but not really. I found it to be an unfolding process for believers once we encounter Jesus Christ and “sign on.” Words like, “I know my heart is dark and needs Your saving power; please come in so I can live in Your Light,” starts something wondrous that changes a person to the core.

But, lo, we do experience “boot camp(s)!” The trials of life may feel like they are going to kill us at points! But the joy of knowing God is right there with us directing the process . . . helping us develop the growing strength that comes as our faith is tried. We find ourselves stepping up to help others reach their footholds on the mountain of life. It is the “joy of the Lord” that lifts and rewards us.

God’s plan involves the miracle of making us desire to be holy—like Him. Holiness becomes “a very real thing” as it slowly, but surely, unfolds within. So, here we are—human and fallible with carnal natures. Yet, once we ask the Holy Spirit of God to come into us His light allows us to see the path on which we are directed. Our names are written on His loving hands as He beckons us on. “See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me,” Isaiah 49:16.

There is no condemnation, as it is all about God’s love and forgiveness as He encourages us through the Holy Scriptures. He speaks. . . lifting and bringing the change we come to desire more than anything else. Yes, we are moving on to higher ground. We know where we are headed . . . we want to become more like our Father, God.

Yes, we make mistakes. And, our battles are mostly against our own fleshly desires. Repentance brings rest . . . respite. Then we are ready to face the battles again. It is God’s great love that keeps us on The Way.

Sanctification is a big word that simply means our love for the Lord increases steadily as our knowledge of Him grows. That mutual love becomes so great that we desire to fully dedicate ourselves to what He aspires for us. We know we are powerlessness to achieve this on our own. It is God Himself who amplifies us as we continue dedicating our souls in response to the love He extends to us.

Author information: Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC, is a Board-certified clinical chaplain. She has authored four books. See these at Healing-with-Joy.com where you will also find hundreds of “helps” for people who are hurting. Also, view her children’s book—free as a YouTube video.

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC

Here are the facts. You decide:

About the author: Joy Le Page Smith, MA, is a Board-certified Clinical Chaplain. Visit her home page for many more helpful articles addressing life’s difficulties and Quick Aids. Meanwhile, Joy’s blog  and her books are read in up to 32 countries. Her second site is at Healingwithjoy.blogspot.com