Joyfulness in every circumstance
Being joyful may be seen by some as being happy only within positive circumstances. Joyfulness in the Bible, on the other hand, is seen as a state of rest or peace that results from a deep trust in Jesus that prevails through varied circumstances, even negative ones.
We highlight two Bible verses which show this understanding of joy: Hebrews 12:2 stated: “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Likewise, James 1:2-3 note: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
10 Convictions About Giving
Today’s #SaturdayGoodRead is an article titled “10 Convictions About Giving.” The author is very clear about the principles of giving to God’s kingdom work and the encouragement for us to be generous givers. Such giving simply reflects God’s heart of overflowing generosity. John Rinehart sees God as the greatest giver for us to emulate, that true giving is really about the posture of our hearts, and that giving increases our joy. These are the first three convictions about giving. To read the article for all ten, see below.
Alumna: Soft Hearts and Childlike Faithfulness
“I see people serving God with soft hearts and childlike faithfulness,” says Fang Fang, 41 then. “That really touched my life.” The psychotherapist who worked among mentally-ill people in a mountainous region in East Asia for nine years as a missionary always knew that God made her for “hard places.” Yet, there is a hard place that she is terrified of – “the hardness of heart.”
O Lord, My Rock and Redeemer
May this song reminds us of Who God is, and to Whom we do belong and pay homage as we ponder Why is Good Friday, good?
He is our Rock and Redeemer who defends, fights, and shields our weary hearts; He thus brings a song, hope, joy, and refuge in our times of need so that He is glorified through it all.
EAST Library Catalogue
EAST Populi
National Library Board eResources
The Digital Theological Library
