joy

A Joyful Heart

A Joyful Heart

Proverbs 17:22 offers a simple yet profound truth about the impact of a joyful heart on our well-being.

This verse reminds us of the intricate connection between our emotions and our physical health.

Medicine of a Joyful Heart

Imagine a medicine that brings healing and restoration to the body. Proverbs 17:22 presents joy as such a remedy.

The verse suggests that a cheerful heart has a positive effect on our overall health. This insight from ancient wisdom aligns with modern understanding of the mind-body connection.

Emotions and Health

The idea that joy contributes to good health is more than a quaint notion; it’s supported by scientific research.

When we experience positive emotions, our bodies release endorphins and other beneficial chemicals. These substances promote well-being and even boost our immune systems, showcasing the profound impact of our emotions on our health.

Cultivate Joy

The verse’s message extends beyond fleeting happiness to the cultivation of lasting joy.

This involves fostering a positive outlook, practicing gratitude, and seeking God’s presence. Such intentional efforts contribute not only to our spiritual well-being, but also to our physical health.

Choosing Joy in Adversity

Proverbs 17:22 doesn’t deny the existence of trials or challenges. Instead, it invites us to choose joy despite our circumstances; a joyful heart enables us to navigate life’s difficulties with a spirit of hope and resilience.

Nurturing a Joyful Heart

Proverbs 17:22 reminds us that joy is more than a fleeting emotion – it’s a balm for our physical and spiritual well-being.

As you journey through life’s ups and downs, remember the transformative power of a joyful heart.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
Proclaim!

Proclaim!

Have you ever had a deep conversation with a close friend? You know, the kind of conversation where you share your thoughts, dreams, and struggles, and truly connect on a heart level?

It’s a beautiful experience that brings a sense of closeness and understanding. In the same way, the apostle John invites us to have a similar kind of fellowship, but on a spiritual level.

“What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:3)

When we read these words, it’s important to understand the context. John, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, is sharing his firsthand experience with the Son of God. He witnessed the miracles, heard Jesus’ teachings, and even saw Him crucified and resurrected.

John is passing on this incredible knowledge and relationship to his readers, inviting them into fellowship with God the Father and Jesus Christ.

This invitation is not limited to a select few or an exclusive group. It’s for all who are willing to receive it. Just as John shared his experiences with others, we are called to share the Good News of Jesus with those around us.

By doing so, we participate in the fellowship of believers throughout history and become part of God’s family.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith, Joy, Trust
New Variant Emerging

New Variant Emerging

Following the recent outbreak of severe thankfulness that swept across the region recently; a new and even more powerful flare-up is emerging; and outpouring of Hopefulness!

Hopefulness finds its mysterious and concerning roots from the core element of “HOPE.”

Hope defined: “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.” It is a very elusive quality, that once it takes root in the heart, is nearly impossible to extricate.

Strangely, it causes the infected person to always see the good in others; even those purported to be enemies! It tends to believe that something good, and something greater is just around the bend!

I personally was infected by this new variant; and appear to gaining strength; it is taking root and growing rapidly; and rather than resist; I decided to just let it have me!

Here’s hoping you catch it too!

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Posted by onthesolidrock in Faith, Humility, Joy, Love, Thankfulness, Trust
Sing to the Lord

Sing to the Lord

One of the amazing capabilities we have as human beings, is the ability to sing; to make music in our hearts, and to let it spring forth!

There is something special about singing to the Lord songs of praise. It is as if He draws near; with an attentive ear, hanging on every note, drinking the love, affection, and joy our song presents to Him.

So, go ahead and sing to the Lord, sing a new song; make up a song as you go; delight yourself in the Lord, for He is very, very Good indeed!

Psalm 30:4

Posted by onthesolidrock
Rejoice

Rejoice

Living in a ever increasing dark world; we tend to focus on the negative, the hurtful, and all the suffering humankind is facing on a daily basis.

National news media makes money by focusing on issues that divide, and we get drawn in to their relentless efforts, watching more and more; drawing our attention away from a loving, caring God.

Take time today to consider: “This IS the Day that the Lord has Made.” It is a day never lived before; fresh and new, ready to be lived to the fullest!

Find God’s Goodness today; be light to someone’s darkness . . . REJOICE and BE GLAD!

Psalm 118:24

Posted by onthesolidrock in Joy, Thankfulness, 0 comments
I am an Alien

I am an Alien

It took a few years to come to this conclusion; but I am convinced that; “I am an alien.”  I know, you are probably rolling your eyes right now thinking; “Rock has finally gone off his ROCK-er.”

 

Perhaps I have, but allow me to explain . . .

 

It is no big secret that I am an unashamed follower of Jesus. I am not perfect on my journey with Him, however, I do spend quality time with Him and truly call Him my best Friend. The friendship I am speaking of took a while to develop and was entirely His own idea.

 

Many years ago, through an amazing set of circumstances, I came to the realization that I was a spiritual mess. After chasing drugs, money and other worthless “things,” I found myself faced with a decision to either believe in God, or walk away, rejecting Him, along with His offer of redemption.

 

I recall kneeling at an altar in an old barn type building one hot July night, where they were holding “religious services.” I risked everything and went to Him; afraid He would reject me, afraid of what people would say, afraid of my own fallibilities.

 

As I knelt there, tears flowing, I said to God; “I have nothing to give you, nothing at all.” At that moment, I heard the kindest voice say; “I’ll take it.”

 

It was there, in that hot building, with dozens of hopeful people looking on, that my friendship with Jesus began. Amazingly, on the other side of that altar, was my wife, Sherri, having a similar experience and she also became a friend of Jesus that night!

 

It took no time at all for this relationship with Jesus to really get moving. He introduced me to His Father, and to the Holy Spirit, who would come and live constantly with me, helping me, teaching me and directing my steps!

 

As I alluded to in the beginning of this writing, I did not, and still do not, always get it right. There have been some tumultuous times in our friendship. We have had serious disagreements, we have laughed together, wept together, and there have been times when I thought the relationship might be irrevocably damaged; not on His part, but mine!

 

The thing is; this friendship with Jesus is so much more. When He introduced me to His Father, there was a celebration and according to God’s own Word; I became adopted into His family . . . WHAT?

 

Colossians 1:13-14

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins”                        

 

I was rescued from the darkness and brought into His Kingdom! This is not a fantasy show; this is a spiritual reality, but it gets even better!

 

According to God’s Word, not only have I been rescued, I have been adopted as a son! Seriously? The Bible says . . .

 

Romans 8:15

For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”

 

Check this out about what adoption rights are . . .

 

Adoption –   “To take into one’s family through legal means and raise as one’s own child”

The adopted child is treated by law as the natural child of the adopting parents, upon the entry of the final adoption decree. The adopted child, therefore, gains the right to inherit from the adoptive parents and adoptive parents’ relatives. . .     (National Adoption Information Clearinghouse)

 

So . . . there you have it! I am now a permanent citizen of the Kingdom of God! How amazing is that! As an adopted son, now living in “The Kingdom of God” it behooves me to learn all I can about my new home and to live in such a manner as to reflect my gratitude for this amazing gift!

 

As I have studied the ways of His “Kingdom” I have come to the realization that it truly is my spiritual home; I reside there NOW! I don’t have to die to get there!

 

One thing we learn quickly as an adopted son or daughter is that, God our Father, along with the Son (Jesus) and The Holy Spirit, is on a mission. Furthermore, those who are adopted into this family of God, are invited to join in this mission and are expected to wholeheartedly engage in it!

 

For this reason, we are “sent” to the world, to express Kingdom ideas such as; love, peace, joy, salvation, forgiveness, kindness. We are here as missionaries; we are not of this world . . . still not convinced?

 

Listen to the words of Jesus Himself as He prays to His Father and ours in the Gospel of John . . .

 

John 17:13-18

But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.

 

So there it is . . . I am an alien; I come from another place, I am not of this world!       SWEET!

 

Posted by onthesolidrock in Faith, 0 comments