Three Simple Steps

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Sounds easy enough. Three steps to fulfilling God’s will for your life. Be joyful, pray and be thankful. Three simple steps.

Simple, but not always easy. Between life’s trials, our finite mind and faltering faith, there are many roadblocks to keep us sad, non-communicative and grumpy! But if it were not possible to be and do those three things, God would not have asked it of us. He supplies the means to rise above the world and live in a realm where we can be joyful, thankful and in constant prayer.

We may not live in that state for days on end, but each time we practice the presence of God, it becomes a little more familiar. Each time we stop to remind ourselves that this is God’s will for our lives, we may be encouraged to try it again.

These requirements are not dependant on our feelings, our social status, our education, or anything else – except obedience. If we are obedient to keep pressing forward to the life we could have in Christ Jesus, He will reward us with confirmation in our spirit.

Lord, I take a moment right now to express my joy, speak to you, and be thankful for your saving grace.

Christmas Carol #1

“He rules the world with truth and grace,
and makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love,
and wonders of His love,
and wonders, wonders of His love.”

Last verse of Joy To The World


This beloved Christmas song is one of the most popular Christmas carols. This cheerful tune tells the world to rejoice and celebrate the birth of Jesus, the King. Its message of hope and salvation encourages us to take heart and be happy in the gift of Jesus. It inspires optimism and…well, joy!

This is a sentiment that should be on our hearts all year round. The miracle of Jesus’ birth and the promise of his return is the reason we worship – not just at Christmas – but even in our everyday lives. The song of our life should be Joy to the World. Through trials, danger, flood and sorrow, our voice should be heard above the rabble of the downcast.

Perhaps if we read the words of this Christmas carol once in a while, we would be reminded to “repeat the sounding joy.” We have so much to be thankful for – our hope and faith that came when Jesus came.

Thank you Father for sending your son that first Christmas day. Help us to share the joy of knowing him to a lost world.