Prepared by Joy Le Page Smith, MA

Each Scripture passage listed below has strengthened, inspired or encouraged many people through the ages. Much of what God is about can be found within these readings. These brief offerings, one from each book of the Old Testament followed by one Biblical passage from the New Testament, capsulates intrinsic truths for a vital and vigorous life.  [Biblical chapters is shown at the end of each passage followed by a colon then the verses follow.]

All Scripture quotations, in this publication are from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ® NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®. All rights reserved worldwide. (Unless an exception is identified.)

Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Exodus 3:14 – “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘ I
AM has sent me to you.'”

Leviticus 11:45 – “I am the Lord who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be
holy, because I am holy.” [“Egypt” can be seen as representing our sinful state before we
hear God’s call to us to be like Him.]

Numbers 14:18 – “The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion.
Yet He does not leave the guilty unpunished; He punishes the children for the sin of the fathers
to the third and fourth generation.”

Deuteronomy 6:5-6 – “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul,
and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your
hearts.” [See Exodus 20 for the 10 commandments and Matthew 22:36-40 for “the greatest”
commandment according to Jesus.]

Joshua 24:15 – “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves
this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or
the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we
will serve the Lord.”

Judges 6:14 – “The Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in the strength you have . . . am I not sending you?’”

Ruth 2:12 – “May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by
the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”

1 Samuel 16:7 – “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man
looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

2 Samuel 7: 22 – “How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there
is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.”

1 Kings 2:2-3 – [David’s charge to Solomon] “I am about to go the way of all the earth. So, be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in His ways,
and keep His decrees and commands, His laws and requirements, as written in the Law of
Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go”

2 Kings 23:3 – “The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the
Lord–to follow the Lord and keep His commands, regulations and decrees with all his heart
and all his soul, thus confirming the words of the covenant written in this book. Then all the
people pledged themselves to the covenant.”

1 Chronicles 16:15-16 – “He remembers His covenant forever, the word He commanded, for a
thousand generations, the covenant He made with Abraham, the oath He swore to Isaac.”

2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and
pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will
forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Ezra 3:11-12 – “With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: “He is good; His love to
Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because
the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.”

Nehemiah 8:10 – “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Esther 4:14 – (Message to Queen Easter) “Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”

Job 13:15 – “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him; I will surely defend my ways to His face.”

Psalms 34:7 – “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers
them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.”

Proverbs 19:20 – 22 – “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails . . . What a man
desires is unfailing love: better to be poor than a liar.”

Ecclesiastes 12:1, 13, 14 – “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days
of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them’. Now
all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His
commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into
judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”

Songs of Songs 8:7- “Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one
were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.”

Isaiah 6:8 – “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for
us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’ He said, ‘Go and tell my people.’” Isa. 30:21 – “Whether
you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the
way; walk in it.’”

Jeremiah 29:11-14 – “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘Plans to prosper
you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me
and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you
seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and will bring you back
from captivity.’”

Lamentations 3:22-33 – “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him. Let him bury his face in the dust—there may yet be hope. Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace. For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.”

Ezekiel 18:22b- 23 – “’Because of the righteous things he has done, he will live. Do I take anypleasure in the death of the wicked?’ declares the Sovereign Lord. ‘Rather, am I not pleasedwhen they turn from their ways and live?’”

Daniel 9:18-19 – “Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the
city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but
because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act!”

Hosea 2:23 – “I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.’ I will say to those
called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people;’ and they will say, ‘You are my God.’”

Joel 2:13 – “Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is
gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and relents from sending
calamity.”

Amos 5:14 – “Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with
you, just as you say He is.”

Obadiah 1:17 –  “But on Mount Zion will be deliverance; it will be holy . . . .”

Jonah 2:6-7 – “But you brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God. When my life was
ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.”

Micah 6:8 – “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of
you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Nahum 1:7-8 – “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in
Him, but with an overwhelming flood He will make an end of [Nineveh]; He will pursue His foes
into darkness.”

Habakkuk 3:19 – “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
He enables me to go on the heights.”

Zephaniah 2-3 – “The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight
in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Malachi 3:16 – “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing
in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.”

One Passage from Every Book in the New Testament

Matthew 1:24-27- “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into
practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams
rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its
foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put
them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down,
the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great
crash.”

Mark 1:14-15 – “After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good
news of God. 15 ‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent
and believe the good news!’”

Luke 9:20 – “’But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Peter answered, ‘God’s
Messiah.’”

John 3:16-17 –“ 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. 17 For God did not send his Son into the
world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

Acts 4:31-33 – “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they
were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. 32 All the believers were
one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they
shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the
resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all.”
Romans 3:23-24 – “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified
freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

1 Corinthians 13:3 – “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of
these is love.”

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 – “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting
away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary
troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes
not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen
is eternal.”

Galatians 5:22-25 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

Ephesians 1:5-8 – “In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in
accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has
freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the
forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us with
all wisdom and understanding.”

Philippians 1:9-11- “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in
knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may
be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes
through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”

Colossians 2:13 – “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh,
God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins”

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 – “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your
own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win
the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”

2 Thessalonians 3:11-13 – “We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are
not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ
to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of
doing what is good.”

I Timothy 4:12 – “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an
example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

2 Timothy 1:8-10 – “So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner.
Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and
called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own
purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, ¹⁰ but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”

Titus 3:3-5 – “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all
kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one
another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not
because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the
washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously.”

Philemon 1:4-7 – “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your
partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who
began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 It is right
for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in
chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.”

Hebrews 4:14-16 – “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into
heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a
high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been
tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

James 1:22-25 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his
face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he
looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues
in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”

1 Peter 1:3-4 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he
has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the
dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade–kept in heaven for you,
who by faith are shielded by God’s power until of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in
the last time.”

2 Peter 1:3-4 – “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our
knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given
us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the
divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

1 John 3:16-18 – “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we
ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions
and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in
that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in
truth.”

2 John:5-6 – “And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have
had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 6 And this is love: that we walk in
obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that
you walk in love.”

3 John 1:11- “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is
good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.”

Jude 20-22 – “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and
praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord
Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 22 Be merciful to those who doubt . . .”

Revelations 3:20 – “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and
opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

Dear Reader,

If you are interested in entering the peace, comfort and joy God gives to those who belong to Him (our Creator)—plus eternal life—here is how to start:

“Jesus, I want to begin following ‘The way’ You taught. Please cleanse my soul from the wrongs I have done. Strengthen and feed my soul so I can grow, becoming the person You knew I could become when I was first born. Amen.”

For support in your decision and your growth in faith please see the post “Being God’s child is a choice”

Healing-with-joy.com hold many articles that help with the difficulties of life. Also a FREE video of my children’s book.

Glean the Essence of the Bible’s Appeal — within Less than an Hour

Presented by Joy Le Page Smith, MA

Each Scripture passage listed below has strengthened, inspired or encouraged many people through the ages. Much of what God is about can be found within these readings. These brief offerings, one from each book of the Old Testament and the New Testament, capsulate intrinsic truths for a vital and vigorous life.

Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Exodus 3:14 – “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.'”

Leviticus 11:45 – “I am the Lord who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore, be holy, because I am holy.” [“Egypt” can be seen as representing our sinful state before we hear God’s call to us to be like Him.]

Numbers 14:18 – “The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet He does not leave the guilty unpunished; He punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.”

Deuteronomy 6:5-6 – “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.” [See Exodus 20 for the 10 commandments and Matthew 22:36-40 for “the greatest” commandment according to Jesus.]

Joshua 24:15 – “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Judges 6:14 – “The Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in the strength you have’” Ruth 2:12 – “May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” 1 Samuel 16:7 – [God said to Samuel] “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Ruth 2:12 – “May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”

1 Samuel 16:7 – [God said to Samuel] “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

2 Samuel 7: 22: 22 – “How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.”

1 Kings 2:2-3 – [David’s charge to Solomon] “I am about to go the way of all the earth. So, be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in His ways, and keep His decrees and commands, His laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses wherever you go.”

2 Kings 23:3 – “The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord–to follow the Lord and keep His commands, regulations and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, thus confirming the words of the covenant written in this book. Then all the people pledged themselves to the covenant.”

1 Chronicles 16:15-16 – “He remembers His covenant forever, the word He commanded, for a thousand generations, the covenant He made with Abraham, the oath He swore to Isaac.”

 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”- “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”- “How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.”

Ezra 3:11-12 – “With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: “He is good; His love to Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.”

Nehemiah 8:10 – “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Esther 4:14 – “Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”

Esther 4:14 – “Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”

Job 13:15 – “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him; I will surely defend my ways to His face.”

Psalm 19:14 – “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart  be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

Psalms 34:7 – “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.”

Proverbs 19:20 – 22 – “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails . . . What a man desires is unfailing love: better to be poor than a liar.”

Ecclesiastes 12:1, 13, 14 – “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them’. Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”

Songs of Songs 8:7– “Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.” Isaiah 6:8 – “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’ He said, ‘Go and tell my people.’ ”

Isaiah 6:8 – “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’ He said, ‘Go and tell my people.’” Isa. 30:21 – “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”

Jeremiah 29:11-14 – “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and will bring you back from captivity.’”

Ezekiel 18:22b- 23 – “’Because of the righteous things he has done, he will live. Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked?’ declares the Sovereign Lord. ‘Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?’”

Daniel 9:18-19 – “Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act!”

Hosea 2:23 – “I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.’ I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people;’ and they will say, ‘You are my God.’”

Joel 2:13 – “Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and relents from sending calamity.”

Amos 5:14 – “Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say He is.”

Obadiah 17 – “But on Mount Zion will be deliverance; it will be holy, and the house of Jacob will possess its inheritance.”

 Jonah 2:6-7 – “But you brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God. When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.”

Micah 6:8 – “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Nahum 1:7-8 – “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares f

Nahum 1:7-8 – “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him, but with an overwhelming flood He will make an end of [Nineveh]; He will pursue His foes into darkness.”

Habakkuk 3:19 – “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights.”

Zephaniah 2-3 – “The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Haggai 1:6– You have sown much, and bring in little; you eat, but do not have enough;
you drink, but you are not filled with drink; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm;
and he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes.”

Zechariah 1:3 – Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Return to Me,” declares the Lord of hosts, “that I may return to you,” says the Lord of hosts.

Malachi 3:16 – “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.”

Now for one passage from every book in the New Testament

Matthew 1:24-27 – “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Mark 1:14-15 – “After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 ‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’”

Luke 9:20 – “’But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Peter answered, ‘God’s Messiah.’”

John 3:16-17 –“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. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

Acts 4:31-33 – “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all.”

Romans 3:23-24 – “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

1 Corinthians 13:3 – “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 – “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Galatians 5:22-25 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Ephesians 1:5-8 – “In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.”

Philippians 1:9-11– “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”

Colossians 2:13 – “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins”

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 – “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”

2 Thessalonians 3:11-13 – “We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.”

I Timothy 4:12 – “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

2 Timothy 1:8-9 – “So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time”

Titus 3:3-5 – “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously.”

Philemon 1:4-7 – “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.”

Hebrews 4:14-16 – “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

 James 1:22-25 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”

1 Peter 1:3-4 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade–kept in heaven for you, who by faith are shielded by God’s power until of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”

2 Peter 1:3-4 – “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

1 John 3:16-18 – “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

2 John:5-6 – “And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.”

3 John 11– “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.”

Jude 20-22 – “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 22 Be merciful to those who doubt  . . .”

Revelations 3:20 – “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

All Scripture quotations, in this publication are from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ® NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®. All rights reserved worldwide.

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith,

The tragic death of Walt Foxcroft at the early age of 43has shaken our hearts to the depths here in this community. It is unspeakably difficult to think of this happening, so deeply rending an event for his wife and family. All who knew him are sick at heart. This is a tragic loss to his family and to our community, a happenstance most difficult to bear.

Many have shed tears—and are praying, asking God to bring comfort and help of various sorts to the Foxcroft family. For sure, hearts are shocked! For those who did not know the family, our prayers will move heaven on their behalf and help them heal.

Love is the most powerful entity in the universe. Sending love to Walt Foxcroft’s family members each day for as long as God moves our hearts to do so is more helpful than we can know. Those closest to this family hold the power to help them the most. For the rest of us, keeping our prayers going for the family will help them endure what must be among the most difficult of hardships ever to bear.

Psalm 147:3 states, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” This verse portrays God’s compassionate and healing nature. He is intimately aware and active. God provides comfort and restoration. And, He sees our tears–and He hears when we call for His comfort.

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 Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA

When something happens in life that is unsettling, we are not at our best. We are stressed! This blog post extends “numbers to call.” As if help is as close as a “phone.” For instance, we often need support when we are in sorrow, feel betrayed, are anxious, have made a big mistake, feel guilty and scared, or when we are simply wanting to be reminded that God’s support real and that it is there for you. The scripture references are intended to connect you with spiritual and emotional care within whatever you are going through. (By entering a reference below as an Internet search you can reach each one “pronto”–right when needed.)

When you are worried: “call” Matthew 6:19-34

When you are in danger: “call” Psalm 91

When God seems far away: “call” Psalm 139

When your faith needs stirring: “call” Hebrews 11

When you are lonely: “call” Psalm 23

When you have sinned: “call” Psalm 51

When you grow bitter and critical: “call” 1 Corinthians 13

When you feel betrayed: “call” Psalm 27

When happiness seems illusive: “call” Colossians 3:12-17

When dealing with fear: “call” Psalm 34:7

When in sorrow: “call” John 14

When you desire to be fruitful: “call” John 15

When you wish to explore Christianity: “call” 2 Corinthians 5:15-19

When you feel down and out: “call” Romans 8:31

When you want peace and rest: “call” Matthew 11:25-30

When the world seems bigger than God: “call” Psalm 90

When you away from home for labor or travel: “call” Psalm 121

When your prayers grow narrow or selfish: “call” Psalm 67

When you are longing for something more: “call” Isaiah 55:10-13

When you feel a need for more courage: “call” Joshua 1:9

When you want to get along better with others: “call” Romans 12

When you think of investments and return: “call” Mathew 6:19-34

If you are depressed: “call” Psalm 27

If your pocketbook is empty: “call” Psalm 37

If you are losing confidence in people: “call” Psalm 146:1-10

If people seem unkind: “call” John 15:9-17

If discouraged about your work: “call” Psalm 126

If you long for a better understanding of God: “call” Psalm 19:1-11

For security: “call” Psalm 121

For assurance: “call” John 1:11-13

For reassurance: “call” Psalm 145:18

Uncountable helps can be found within the Holy Bible. Sometimes it is hard to find these quickly. The list, here, is provided for that reason.

For another opportunities to read Joy’s writings see her new Blogspot at Healingwithjoy.blogspot.com. That site is easily and quickly translated into all other languages through Google’s translation wedget.

Sarah’s story, shared with me last week:

Readers are invited to share their stories here, telling of how you came to value the spiritual part of yourselves. Stories will be different, but please share yours as it could deeply touch and help others. We are three part beings: body, mind and spirit. Far too often the “spiritual” part of one’s self is ignored. In the story below that happened for Sarah:

From the time I was 11, I smoked weed and drank alcohol with my mom. In middle school, I experimented with LSD and mushrooms. At 16, I was addicted to crack cocaine and dating a drug dealer who was 10 years my senior.

Anesthetizing life’s difficulties through drug and alcohol use numbed any beliefs that brought honor to who I was as a person and how I wanted to be in this world.

Then came a phone call informing of my Dad’s death. Drugs and alcohol was all I had for numbing out the loss of my father. My mother also escaped through an addiction of her own. Soon, I lost her as well as she overdosed!

Lost and completely broken–and totally broke! I could see no way out. I had lost everything and was now living at a run-down dope house in California.

In this hopeless state, I remember thinking to myself, “I’ve never read the Bible—yet, I believe in God.” That tiny seed of faith, found me contemplating Jesus. Then, my praying grandmother showed up at the door of the drug house! I moved to Lake Havasu City and had a new start. God began a great work but my faith was tested. 

The demands of life caused a tremendous amount of stress. A medical professional suggested anxiety medication. After just four months of using this medication, alcohol found me again sedating further with heroin and meth. I was in a full-blown addiction, loaded with shame, guilt and hopelessness. I was in a black hole of despair being sucked further and further into depression. 

I needed a recovery program, one that would include and strengthen my growing belief in God. Teen Challenge in Casa Grande, a year-long residential program, was chosen as my Home of Hope.

There, the walls around my heart began to come down as I allowed myself to be vulnerable and teachable. I knew what was happening to me was a divine miracle. I came to know God truly was the one who could heal my broken heart, my broken life. Once I surrendered my life to Christ, deciding to go God’s way, this opened the door to my freedom from drugs and alcohol.

Great peace of heart came as the tormenting thoughts, guilt and shame of the past came to an end. Through the ministry of Teen Challenge, I was radically set free. I continued witnessing God’s power to change a life. But, then came the small compromises. Yes–I was tested. Truth be told, I could not make it on my own. I called for help—and thankfully I had the tools to get back on track.

It takes courage to ask for help! But that is where the miracle begins.  James 4:6, assures us, “ . . . God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Now for you readers: Do you have the courage to tell your story . . . showing what opened your life to the joys of a spiritual journey? WRITE IT!  The fact is Jesus changes lives! Theis is the vivid proof of Him being who He said He was: The Son of God . . . Savior of the World.

About the author: Joy Le page Smith is a Board Certified Clinical Chaplain. Her website Healing-with-Joy.com holds many articles, blogs and books for people who are hurting. 

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA

Years ago my friend Marge’s teenage son was killed while skiing with friends and classmates at Bogus Basin Ski Resort. He ran into a tree and was killed instantly.

That night after my friend received the news in her home I witnessed astounding faith.

“Tommy is with God,” she said through her tears. “He is now praying for us.”

She was suffering all the feelings of shock and unbelief that Tom could be taken from their home so suddenly, but the overriding theme flowing from Marge that night was one of trust and assurance that God would bring meaning to Tom’s death.

A Mass was scheduled the following morning at Bishop Kelly High School for a grieving student body, along with the family. Marge said, “Jim and I cannot go. But it would make me happy if you would go.”

The gymnasium was filled with students, friends and faculty. Tom had been designated “Outstanding Sophomore of the year.” He was a treasured person. That fact of his distinctive acumen was born out by more than words.

People gathered. Words were said. And, comfort came as compassion was felt. No doubt each came away with some nugget of truth. For me it was Father William Dodgson’s words: “This is a time when Tom would want you to make your faith work.”

We all grapple with the meaning of life and death–and come away like Jacob of the Old Testament, injured but blessed. We have a new appreciation for life’s essence. We find ourselves blessed in the realization that each one of us is mortal, reminded not to take people for granted.

Grief is torture. It strikes us cruelly, ripping away the peripherals, giving us a long look at our nakedness. It is human life that is at stake. Time seems to stand still while we grieve. It is a time for “verbal thinking” and “notional beliefs” to make that long journey from head to heart. Often faith is weighed in the balance and found wanting as we cry out, “Lord I believe . . . help my unbelief!”

While caught in the throes of grief sometimes we cling to God for our strength and solace and other times we throw our anger like into His face, attempting to empty ourselves of the burden. But if we refrain from turning our backs on Go—if we wait, watch and listen instead of running – we will encounter His response, the long loving gaze of a Father who also has suffered. A Father who understands.

John 14:1-2, tells us, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 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. 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. And where I go you know, and the way you know. ”

How wonderful are the truths of Scripture.

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. Her second site is at Healingwithjoy.blogspot.com

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA

A young woman recently said, “I love God, but He doesn’t always love me.”

Had it been a more appropriate time I would have said something about the error of projecting our own feelings onto God. Doing so robs us of peace which is rightfully ours—and more.

Knowing this young woman, I am aware of her battle to conquer habits and desires that are causing her dismay. Big time! How different might her struggle be if she could feel assured of God’s abiding love?

Most of us are more kind to others in comparison to the way we treat ourselves. Many times we fail to love ourselves and sometimes we become our own worst enemy. Human tendency can be to whine and blame, at points, projecting all kinds of negative stuff toward God. Therefore, we think God surely cannot love us either. After all, look at our mistakes! In finding it difficult to accept ourselves and to forgive ourselves for our mistakes, we judge God according to our own limitations. Still, God truly wants to forgive us any time we ask.

It is vital to know where we stand, being certain of God as a loving Father. A Father whose love does not stop. Period. When others have departed and we suffer self-doubt, God sticks with us maintaining compassion. No wonder at times we neglect to read Holy Writ. Our esteem of self, at points can be so low we don’t feel we can afford to risk hoping to hear from God. That is far from what is wise. By reading the Bible regularly we come to know the characteristics of God. This is a very real path to knowing that He does have expectations of us, but that His love for us is there for us no matter how many times we fall. He is lifting us within the process of life into knowing His wisdom and taking on His love and His wisdom which is synergistic and inseparable from His wisdom.

God intends for us to have peace; our souls crave it. Wisdom coupled with love leads the way to peace. 

Granted, we deserve chastisement at times. A reprimand can be God’s best gift to us at points. Our actions, not unlike a testy child who cries out for it at times. But instead of withholding His love, in the very act of chastising, God claims us as His own. It takes discernment to recognize when chastisement comes.

It is not wise to trust in ourselves or our own strength. Many failures come as a result. Does it sound too lofty a goal, to seek and find the wisdom of God? Only if we wish to shortchange ourselves.

There are many passages of Scripture which indicate God’s wisdom is there for the asking. While doing a topical study on “wisdom,” I found a distinction between 1) natural wisdom which includes identifying and applying natural abilities like, technical, mechanical, plus the arts—and the healing arts, 2) worldly wisdom as in rational philosophies based on certitudes of the world, and 3) wisdom that comes from God.

There is a strong New Testament warning for those who think they are wise: ^“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom . . .[For] the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy,” (James 13,17).

Sadly, most of us live short of our potential either because we do not know God’s will or do not believe His promises are what we can lay claim to and live into. Therefore, we begin to believe we can trust what ”we think” is true. In other words, we devise “our own truth.” This is how we deceive ourselves and end up going down trails that are off the beaten paths of truth. We get real busy with what appears important—based on what seems to fit well with what we want . . . or if it “feels” right.

Yet, this only finds us sifting through hay, wood and stubble neglecting the very great good that God has for us–truth that we find when we spend time reading Scripture, which believers receive as “God’s Word,” intended to enlighten and elucidate our way. This is how we grow closer to God.

Natural wisdom that we see portrayed in nature is amazing—yet, not intended to be worshiped. After all, you can’t worship something that’s not greater than yourself. Nature is here to provide for us and for our enjoyment.

Worldly wisdom, as mentioned above is all about our choosing what “feels right,” or based on the desire to be liked, praised, appreciated—seen as above the ordinary. These are pride based and can lead to a lot of foolishness, in opposition to what comes to us when we devote our lives to “hearing from God.” In that regard, the Scriptures absolutely fascinate those of us who are really “into it.”

If we Christians truly seek to know truth, we find it between the pages of Genesis through Revelations. We know it as “the truth of God.” And, when we live “by the book” we are on solid ground, avoiding sinking sands. We find the guidance of rules that reflect the righteousness of God, rules that have holding power, keeping us in safe stead. With that, we find the peace that only our Lord can give. And, we come to the ability to love with God’s objective love, rather than a subjective love based only on what feels right in the moment, or what others in the world think, believe and would prefer that we follow.

Generation after generation have settled for various poor substitutes for what is God’s best. That is, except for a few—those who live by the Book are not too hard to spot. “You will know them by their fruits,” (Matthew 7:16).

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. Her second site is at Healingwithjoy.blogspot.com

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, M.A.

Some of the most impressive words once heard in a sermon involved the uniqueness of each living person: “Each of us has love to give to God—that no one else can give.”

As exquisite as this blue planet appears, there is something even more beautiful. The giftedness, talents and abilities plus the endurance and determination that is instilled in us by God and that flows from us daily. Herein lies the earth’s richest resource. And, the greatest of all is love.

At times, it may be hard to believe there is any great, innate specialness about ourselves. We might even buy into the lie that the gist of life lies in accumulating money and things, getting the degrees “we need” . . . achieving—while knowing the right people—and being “beautiful.” This is the “word” of the world but should not become our all-consuming drive. Watch out, though, because environmental conditioning is strong. The media is pervasive, telling us continually that we need this or that to be “enough” or, so we can be happy. Refuting such deceiving falsehood means we invest ourselves in finding what is true. And, the truth is a good life is all about how we identify and relate in love!

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

Love shines, especially in families. The following letter of a son to his parents portrays the power family has in finding faith:

“Today, I wanted to reach out to my mother and dad and thank you for loving and supporting me. Your support and love has allowed me to understand how to love and support others and to believe in myself. I am not perfect, by nature I am very aggressive and seek challenges from all comers yet your loving kind spirits taught me to pick my battles and to love my family. MOM-you gave me life, love, support, strength and desire to follow Jesus. DAD-you loved my mother, calmed her fears and provided a road map for how a man should work, support and care for his family. When I was a teenager I trembled with fear God would take my mother (then with a long term, major illness). And, through it all, I have learned to not focus on my fears but to focus on giving things beyond my control to God. Today, as I continue my journey of wisdom, I reflect on the examples of your lives and want you to know I am thankful for you.”

Perhaps you know those who have suffered horrendous wounds—or, losses causing great upheaval. You have seen how these experiences changed much about how life is for them, or for your own family. Arising from that and living past it is what makes us like the proverbial Phoenix that finds us coming out of the ashes of pain, arising to make as much good happen as possible while here on planet earth. Moving past great difficulties—or helping another live past what has happened to them—includes acceptance of the mix we have in this life, both good and bad. In the end, life can become transformed through this “resurrection,” which resonates with the Christian story.

Sometimes this happens while carrying another (or others) within a life of prayer. Having an ailing child, parent or spouse, may bring out in us some of the greatest of all virtues: perseverance, humility, patience and generosity of heart. These are not things we seek or want but they can truly become “riches,” making us more able to be compassionate, accepting and forgiving of others. When all is said and done, we learn that love is the greatest entity in the universe.

A question I hear, at points, within my work as a chaplain is, “What does God expect of me?” I know the answer to the question is something that each individual has to discover for herself or himself. Yet, I am able to read or recite the Twenty-third Psalm to them and to ask, “How hard would it be to just put your trust in a loving God and let Him lead you through life, then on into eternity when it is time for life on earth to end?”

In truth, letting the great, loving Shepherd lead us through all the ups and “down-unders” of life tenderizes the heart and softens us through our simply letting love lead. It is the fact of finding ourselves so very loved by God that brings tenderness to our hearts . . . making us exceedingly able to give that love to others.

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