The Presentation in the Temple Painting by Philippe de Champaigne, 1648

You can be filled with joy and led by the Spirit! Join the podcast today as we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation with Anna and Simeon. These two seniors, guided by the Holy Spirit and filled with joy when they recognized the Savior, will show us how.

Today, we will discuss these points: (1) Forty days after Jesus’ birth, Joseph and Mary follow the Mosaic Law for the presentation of Jesus in the temple and Mary’s purification; (2) the meaning of the presentation and redemption; (3) the humble Blessed Mother offered “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” as prescribed in Leviticus 12:8; (4) although their lives differed, hope-filled seniors Simeon and Anna saw the Lord and had much in common; (5) Simeon prayed the “Nunc Dimittis,” now a canticle in the Liturgy of the Hours; and (6) you too can be led by the Spirit and filled with joy and peace. 

The episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

For bookmarks or prayer points from The Joy of Advent Podcast series, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

• • Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
  • Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
  • Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life

The post The Presentation of Jesus with Anna & Simeon: Be Filled with Joy & Led by the Spirit appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The Adoration of the Shepherds, painting by Domenico Zampieri, 1610

Today, we return to the book of Luke. There, we join Blessed Mary and Joseph on their 80-mile trek to Bethlehem. When they arrive, they find it crowded with people who, like them, had come at the command of Caesar Augustus. We will encounter the Angels and Shepherds who have much to share. Connecting your heart with the Angel’s Gloria and the Shepherd’s praises will help you find more JOY and peace.

Join us today as we discuss these points: (1) Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the City of David, prophesied over 700 years earlier by the Prophet Micah (Micah 5:1-3). (2) Emperor Caesar Augustus issued a decree requiring a public enrollment of his subjects. (3) Joseph, a descendant of King David, had to travel to Bethlehem because he was of David’s lineage. Mary also went along—she might have been required to register, or Joseph wanted her with him. (4) Finding no room in an inn, Jesus, God Incarnate and the Savior of the World, was born and wrapped tightly in cloth by His Mother Mary, then laid in a manger where animals eat. (5) We join the Angel’s “Gloria” (Luke 2:14-20), named because the first word in St. Jerome’s Latin translation is “Gloria,” and then visit the Baby in the manger with the shepherds. (6) This is the night to create a “manger” for Jesus in your heart by inviting Him to be your Savior and Lord now and forever.

Bishop Fulton J. Sheen notes: Joseph “searched in vain for a place where He, to Whom heaven and earth belonged, might be born. Could the Creator not find a home in creation? …  A stable would be the last place in the world where one would have looked for Him. Divinity is always where one least expects to find it”(Life of Christ, 1958, p. 13-24).

The episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

For bookmarks or prayer points from The Joy of Advent Podcast series, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

• • Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
  • Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
  • Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life

The post The Joy of Advent #6 ~ Jesus Christ is Born: Join the Angels & Shepherds in Praise appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The Dream of St. Joseph, Painting by Anton Raphael Mengs, 1773

Today, we turn to Matthew’s Gospel and hear about Joseph’s dream to take Mary as his wife, and how he joyfully embraced God’s plan. Mary and Joseph often changed their plans  as they listened to God. They serve as an example to us of how to trust in God’s plan rather than our own. Join the podcast today as we learn about an angel sent to Joseph in a dream and discover how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His!

Today, we will discuss these points: (1) the genealogical record or family tree, of Jesus through Joseph, (2) how Jewish lineages around the time of Christ often did not include women’s names, but Christ’s ancestry in Matthew mentions five women, (3) Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba were four women in Christ’s lineage who turned from sin or idolatry to God, (4) Joseph’s dream involving communication from an angel and his response to embrace God’s plans, and (5) how we can trust in God’s plan. 

The episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

For bookmarks or prayer points from The Joy of Advent Podcast series, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

• • Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
  • Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
  • Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life

The post The Joy of Advent #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary as His Wife & Joyfully Embraces God’s Plans appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The Birth of John the Baptist: “Zachariah wrote, His Name is ‘John’.” Painting by Jacopo Pontormo, 1526, USA

The Scriptures invite us to a celebration at Zechariah’s home. It’s time to name his newborn boy and perform the baby’s circumcision. You can imagine yourself as one of the neighbors who has come to help name the baby born to the old couple, the priest Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth. What would you say? Maybe this: “The boy is a miracle baby! What a blessing from the Lord for Elizabeth! Shockingly, Zechariah has been muted since the last time he served in the temple. I wonder if he will ever recover his speech.”

Today, we will cover these points: (1) John’s circumcision, (2) the neighbors choosing the name Zechariah to honor his father, (3) Zechariah wrote, “his name is John” and immediately, his tongue was freed, (4) Zechariah praises God for the promises that will be fulfilled  in His son John and the coming of the Messiah, and (5) we can pray the Benedictus with joy every day of Advent.

The episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

For bookmarks or prayer points from The Joy of Advent Podcast series, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

• • Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
  • Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
  • Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life

The post The Joy of Advent #4 ~ Joy at the Birth of John the Baptist & Zechariah’s Benedictus appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The Visitation Painting by Philippe de Champaigne, 1643-1648

The Visitation of Mary & Sharing Joy with Elizabeth

Do you need more JOY  in your life this Advent? Today, Mary and Elizabeth will show you how to share and receive more joy.

In this podcast, we join Blessed Mary on her journey from Nazareth to the Hill Country of Judea, near Jerusalem. There she visits her old cousin Elizabeth. Both women are expecting, celebrating the upcoming births, and excited to see each other. Previously, we read that God supernaturally conceived His Son Jesus in the Virgin Mary and granted a child to be born to old Zechariah and Elizabeth. “For nothing is impossible with God!”

Today, we cover these inspiring events: (1) John the Baptist leaps for joy, (2) Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and proclaims words of great joy, (3) Mary praises and skips with joy in the Magnificat Canticle, (4) and the two share joy-filled fellowship around stories of Gabriel and Scriptural promises about to be fulfilled with their sons, including Jesus, the Messiah.

The episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

For bookmarks or prayer points from The Joy of Advent Podcast series, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

• • Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
  • Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
  • Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life

The post The Joy of Advent #3 ~ Filled with JOY: The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The Joy of Advent – Gabriel’s Annunciation to Mary & Nothing is Impossible with God

With God, nothing is impossible! If God can supernaturally conceive the Son of God in a virgin and grant a child to an elderly couple, then He can make your impossible become POSSIBLE. Join us today as we travel to Nazareth. We will hear the Great Annunciation of JOY to Mary as well as Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancy. “For nothing is impossible with God.”  The episode is based on my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

Today, we will cover these points from Luke 1: 25-38: (1) The powerful Archangel Gabriel brings the second annunciation– this time to a young girl in Nazareth, (2) The Baby would be named Jesus, [Yeshua in Hebrew] after His Heavenly Father [Yahweh God in Hebrew], (3) Mary’s Fiat [Latin for Let it Be],  (4) The incarnation means God became man, reaching out to mankind, and (5) Mary’s example shows us to Listen, Dialogue with God, and Surrender.

The episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

For bookmarks or prayer points from The Joy of Advent Podcast series, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

• • Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
  • Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
  • Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life

The post The JOY of Advent #2 ~ The Annunciation of Mary: With God, Nothing is Impossible appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Are you hoping for a Joy-filled Advent?  Join our podcast series and celebrate the joy of the people, events, and prayers at Jesus’ first coming. You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, the Angels, the Shepherds, Simeon, Anna, and the Magi.  It’s as if you will travel with them via Scripture and partake in the most meaningful events in their lives. In Episode #1, we will share the Joy of Zechariah and God’s answer to his prayers.

Are you waiting for an answer to prayer? Stay hopeful this Advent!  In our Joy of Advent Episode #1, we meet Zechariah. He will teach us a joy-filled lesson in an unusual way: Don’t give up hope – God hears & God answers prayer. We will cover these points today: (1)  the meaning of Advent, (2) the two annunciations in Luke 1: 1-7, (3) Gabriel, the might of God- no puny angel, (4) God was preparing Joseph and Mary while Zechariah had to wait a little longer, and (5) prayer points for a new and fresh encounter God, asking for new joy and everyday miracles.

For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

• • Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
  • Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
  • Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life

The post The Joy of Advent #1: Zachariah ~ Keep Hope Alive, God Answers Prayer appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

WRAP fosters a personal two-way conversation with your heavenly Father through prayer and Scripture.

Have you heard from God today? He wants to speak to you. Are you listening? Join the podcast this week and learn how to hear from God and “WRAP yourself in Scripture.” (Scroll Down to play the Podcast.)

You can have a personal two-way conversation with your heavenly Father. He wants to speak to you. Begin today to practice the original WRAP method for reading, reflecting on, and hearing God’s voice in Scripture with author Karen Dwyer. Karen, with husband Larry, created the WRAP acronym and the book WRAP Yourself in Scripture in 2009, and now it’s in a NEW 4th edition. We will cover these points:

• WRAP is based on the principles of Lectio Divina (pronounced Lect-see-oh Di-vee-na), an ancient, yet rediscovered, method of reading, reflecting on, and praying Scripture.
• The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes Lectio Divina as a method “where the Word of God is so read and meditated on that it becomes prayer” (CCC 1177). This method has been practiced for centuries by the Desert Fathers, the Benedictines, the Carmelites, and various Doctors of the Church, including St. Gregory the Great, St. Jerome, St. John of the Cross, and St. Teresa of Avila, among others.

• The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Christian prayer as “a covenant relationship between God and Man in Christ” (CCC 2564). Inherent in this relationship is a two-way conversation.
• The Second Vatican Council points out: “In the sacred books [of Scripture] the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children and talks with them” (Dei Verbum 21).

• Lectio Divina is Latin for “divine reading” of Scripture. It is much more than simply perusing the chapters of Scripture as if reading a novel or a newspaper or reading a history book.
• The Latin word lectio means deeply consuming a reading.
•  The four steps of WRAP is a simplified version of Lectio Divina, which includes lectio, meditatio, oratio, and contemplatio in the original Latin.

• WRAP is an Acronym that stands for:
• W=WRITE the verse(s) down when the words jump out to you.
• R = REFLECT or meditate on the words, reread them, mutter them, and imagine the meaning in dialogue with Jesus.
• A=APPLY by continuing to ask the Lord if there is an application and response.
• P= PRAY & PRAISE, by making the verse your prayer. Praise the mighty name of Jesus your Savior, God your Heavenly Father, and the Holy Spirit, your Guide
• Enhance your joy by cultivating a deeper relationship with God.

Download the template and the 14 Days of WRAP bookmark from my website WRAPyourselfinJOY.com and start practicing WRAP with Psalm 103: 1-13.

• • Part 2 The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls”
  • Part 3 Holy, Heavenly Meditation
  • Part 4: Tips for Hearing God Every Day

• Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com 
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Find Karen’s books:
  • Wrap Yourself in Scripture: A Guide to Lectio Divina, Fourth Edition
  • Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
  • Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
  • Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life

The post Wrap Yourself in Scripture #1 ~ Hearing God’s Voice appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

WRAP can lead you to hear Jesus Christ with a personal message just for you.

Have you ever thought, “Can I really hear from God every day?” The answer is, “Yes, you can!” But you have to pause. WRAP can help you hear Jesus Christ with a personal message meant just for you. With WRAP, you’ll discover that God’s Word is truly alive and that He wants to speak to you. But you have to pause and make room for Him. Being faithful in reading and praying the Word of God will transform your life forever! Join us today and discover the tips you need to hear from God every day, pausing for a message specifically for you. (Scroll Down for Podcast.)

Fr. John Horn, in the foreword of our book, WRAP Yourself in Scripture, says,  “WRAP provides a way of receiving practical counsel in the Holy Spirit and a new, intimate relationship with Jesus and the Father. This method of prayer will awaken your inner desire to become more and more ‘filled with all the fullness of God’” (Ephesians 3: 19). Today, we will cover these tips for hearing God every day, pausing, and being ‘filled with all the fullness of God.”

• You can follow this method for as little as 10 minutes or much longer.
• For example, you could take your Bible and journal with you to WRAP in Adoration.

• Try to pause for a few minutes every day to practice WRAP.
• To pause means to intentionally slow down and step away from the chaos of daily life.
• Spiritually, it’s more than just taking a break; it means you take time to be with God in prayer-a time free of distractions, to pray and connect to His peaceful presence.
• Go to a place where you can be alone to pray and listen for God’s voice; you may simply shut the door.

• You will need an empty notebook to use as your journal, a pen or pencil and of course, your Bible.
• Keep a zippered notebook or tote bag that holds these supplies so you will have them handy

• Choose a section from a daily or Sunday Mass reading.
• You could choose a Psalm.
• Choose a passage that’s about 5 to 10 verses.

• Close your eyes and picture in your mind that the Lord is sitting with you, and you can sense his loving, sustaining presence.
• Offer a simple prayer of thanksgiving and invite the Holy Spirit to guide and speak to you.

• Grab a pen and a small, inexpensive notebook and call it your WRAP Journal, plus your Bible.
• Turn to Psalm 27  in your Bible and WRAP with it.

• Part 1 Hearing God’s Voice
• Part 2 The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls”
• Part 3 Holy, Heavenly Meditation

• Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com 
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Find Karen’s books:
  • Wrap Yourself in Scripture: A Guide to Lectio Divina, Fourth Edition
  • Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
  • Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
  • Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life

The post Wrap Yourself in Scripture #4 ~ Tips for Hearing God Every Day appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

WRAP with the “Four M’s of Christian Mediation” will guide you in Prayer and Reflection

Have you ever wondered if meditation could really be part of prayer? It can! Meditation on Scripture can bring you into a two-way conversation with God. Join us today to learn how to approach the Word of God with Holy Heavenly Meditation and prayer, guided by WRAP. (Scroll Down for Podcast.)

There is a big distinction between prayerful Biblical meditation and other forms of meditation. Eastern or New Age meditations have an inward focus on the deepest self. Biblical meditation, on the other hand, brings us into a closer encounter with God and His presence around Scripture. We will cover the “Four M’s of Christian Meditation” and these points:

• Christian meditation “engages thought, imagination, emotion, and desire” (CCC 2708).
• You speak to God from your thoughts, feelings, and desires as you contemplate the message in the verse.
• What does it mean for the way you act, live, and treat others?

• Joshua 1: 8: “You shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful
• Psalm 1: 1-2: Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord.
• Psalm 119: 97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. 
• Luke 2: 10: Mary treasured all these words [the words from God] and pondered them in her heart.

• HÂGÂH, translated “meditate,” means “to murmur or mutter or to repeat over and over,” “to ponder,” and “to deeply imagine” God’s word.
• SIYACH means to meditate upon, study, ponder, to talk, to speak aloud, and even to sing.

• MULL OVER means positively pondering and intensely considering the meaning of the verse.
• MUTTER means repeating the verse and words aloud and to yourself in order to chew them.
• MENTALLY IMAGINE means to put yourself in a scene as you read it.
• MEMORIZE comes easily after mulling over, muttering, and mentally picturing the verse or verses.

• Grab a pen and a small, inexpensive notebook and call it your WRAP Journal, plus your Bible.
• Turn to Psalm 1: 1-6 in your Bible and WRAP with it.

• Part 1 Hearing God’s Voice
• Part 2 The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls”

• Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com 
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Find Karen’s books:
  • Wrap Yourself in Scripture: A Guide to Lectio Divina, Fourth Edition
  • Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
  • Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
  • Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life

The post Wrap Yourself in Scripture #3 ~ Holy, Heavenly Meditation appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The Bible is: “A pharmacy open to all souls….with remedies just right for your cases.”

Did you know the Bible offers a “pharmacy open to all souls” with remedies for your worries and troubles? Saint Basil the Great tells us this and more.  Join us today to learn how WRAP – the acronym for Lectio Divina- can help you discover the medicine just right for your body, soul, and spirit. (Scroll Down to Listen.)

• The WRAP acronym stands for Write, Reflect, Apply, and Pray.
• It’s a simplified guide for the practice of Lectio Divina, which Christians have used in prayer since the third century.
• Pope Benedict XVI recommended Lectio Divina for all: If it is effectively promoted, this practice will bring to the Church – I am convinced of it – a new spiritual springtime. … Lectio Divina should therefore be increasingly encouraged, also through the use of new methods, carefully thought through and in step with the times. It should never be forgotten that the Word of God is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (cf. Ps 119[118]:105). (International Congress on Dei Verbum (9- 16-2005).

• The four stages of prayer described by Rev. Mark Thibodeaux (The Armchair Mystic) include: . Talking at God, Talking to God, Listening to God speak to your heart –through reading & reflecting on Scripture daily, Resting in God’s presence, enjoying His company.
• Take the Self-report Prayer Survey in WRAP Yourself in Scripture, 4th Edition, by Karen & Lawrence Dwyer, or download the bookmark from WRAPYourselfinJoy.com.

• “The Holy Spirit composed the Scriptures so that in them, as in a pharmacy open to all souls, we might each of us be able to find the medicine suited to our own particular illness…and in the Books of Psalms we can find… remedies just right for their cases.” (Spidlik, T., & Drake, P. (1993). Drinking from the Hidden Fountain: A Patristic Breviary, Liturgical Press.)
• He reminds us that the Lord, encountered through the passages of Scripture, heals our cases.
• Cases can refer to problems, worries, anxieties, rejection, and much more.

• Grab a pen and a small, inexpensive notebook and call it your WRAP Journal, plus your Bible.
• Select a Scripture passage WRAP with Psalm 103: 1-13 again.
• Go to a quiet place to be alone for 10 minutes.
• Pray, ask, and open your heart for God. Begin your prayer of thanksgiving. Acknowledge that the Lord is with you. Thank Jesus, that He wants to speak to your heart today through Scripture. Pray, Come, Holy Spirit, and enlighten my mind to Your truth.”
• Spread out the W R A P in your journal over at least one page.
• Download the template bookmark from the website WRAPyourselfinJOY.com and practice WRAP.

• Part 1 Hearing God’s Voice

• Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com 
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Find Karen’s books:
  • Wrap Yourself in Scripture: A Guide to Lectio Divina, Fourth Edition
  • Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
  • Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
  • Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life

The post Wrap Yourself in Scripture #2 ~ The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls” appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The Bible is: “a pharmacy open to all souls….with remedies just right for your cases.”

Did you know the Bible offers a “pharmacy open to all souls” with remedies for your worries and troubles? Saint Basil the Great tells us this and more.  Join us today to learn how WRAP – the acronym for Lectio Divina- can help you discover the medicine just right for your body, soul, and spirit. (Scroll Down to Listen.)

• The WRAP acronym stands for Write, Reflect, Apply, and Pray.
• It’s a simplified guide for the practice of Lectio Divina, which Christians have used in prayer since the third century.
• Pope Benedict XVI recommended Lectio Divina for all: If it is effectively promoted, this practice will bring to the Church – I am convinced of it – a new spiritual springtime. … Lectio Divina should therefore be increasingly encouraged, also through the use of new methods, carefully thought through and in step with the times. It should never be forgotten that the Word of God is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (cf. Ps 119[118]:105). (International Congress on Dei Verbum (9- 16-2005).

• The four stages of prayer described by Rev. Mark Thibodeaux (The Armchair Mystic) include: . Talking at God, Talking to God, Listening to God speak to your heart –through reading & reflecting on Scripture daily, Resting in God’s presence, enjoying His company.
• Take the Self-report Prayer Survey in WRAP Yourself in Scripture, 4th Edition, by Karen & Lawrence Dwyer, or download the bookmark from WRAPYourselfinJoy.com.

• “The Holy Spirit composed the Scriptures so that in them, as in a pharmacy open to all souls, we might each of us be able to find the medicine suited to our own particular illness…and in the Books of Psalms we can find… remedies just right for their cases.” (Spidlik, T., & Drake, P. (1993). Drinking from the Hidden Fountain: A Patristic Breviary, Liturgical Press.)
• He reminds us that the Lord, encountered through the passages of Scripture, heals our cases.
• Cases can refer to problems, worries, anxieties, rejection, and much more.

• Grab a pen and a small, inexpensive notebook and call it your WRAP Journal, plus your Bible.
• Select a Scripture passage WRAP with Psalm 103: 1-13 again.
• Go to a quiet place to be alone for 10 minutes.
• Pray, ask, and open your heart for God. Begin your prayer of thanksgiving. Acknowledge that the Lord is with you. Thank Jesus, that He wants to speak to your heart today through Scripture. Pray, Come, Holy Spirit, and enlighten my mind to Your truth.”
• Spread out the W R A P in your journal over at least one page.
• Download the template bookmark from the website WRAPyourselfinJOY.com and practice WRAP.

• Part 1 Hearing God’s Voice
• Part 2 The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls”
• Part 3 Holy, Heavenly Meditation

• Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com 
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Find Karen’s books:
  • Wrap Yourself in Scripture: A Guide to Lectio Divina, Fourth Edition
  • Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
  • Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
  • Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life

• Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with friends.  It’s free, and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection that accompanies each podcast.
  • CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.

The post Wrap Yourself in Scripture #2 ~ The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls” appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The Presentation in the Temple Painting by Philippe de Champaigne, 1648

Are you seeking more joy at this time?  Join our podcast at the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Anna and Simeon will show you how to find joy and consolation today and everyday.

Welcome to Advent JOY Podcast #7, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events, and Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ.  Today, we travel with Mary and Joseph to the Temple and the Presentation of the Lord. There we meet Anna and Simeon for this very special event. We will cover the following points:

• At the time of Jesus’ birth, the Old Testament Mosaic Law required every firstborn Jewish male to be circumcised at 8 days after birth
• The naming of the baby took place at the same time as the circumcision.
• Mary and Joseph by divine appointment knew what the Child was to be called. And so “He was named Jesus” which means the Lord saves- the name told to both Mary and Joseph via an angel (Luke 1: 30 and Matthew 1: 20).

• Now, forty days after Jesus’ birth,  Joseph and Mary again follow the Mosaic Law for the Presentation of Jesus in the temple and Mary’s Purification. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said He came to “fulfill the law,” which begins at His birth.
• For Mary’s Purification, the sweet Blessed Mother of humble means offers “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” which Leviticus 12: 8 prescribed for a new mother who could not afford a sheep to offer.

• This “redemption of the firstborn” meant that the parents redeemed Jesus or bought Him back from God. Isn’t it amazing that almost 33 years later, it would be Jesus who would pay the price for our redemption by dying on the cross?
• The Church celebrates the Presentation of the Lord on February 2 every year. The readings also appear near December 29th during the Christmas season.

Although their lives differed, Simeon and Anna had much in common.

1. Both Simeon and Anna were described as deeply spiritual people. They loved the Lord, practiced their faith, and did not allow themselves to become bitter or decrepit with the times.
2. Both were “senior citizens” active in serving God. Pope Francis says of the Presentation:  It is a meeting between the young, who are full of joy in observing the Law of the Lord, and the elderly who are full of joy in the action of the Holy Spirit. It is a unique encounter between observance and prophecy, where young people are the observers and the elderly are prophets! (The Feast of the Presentation, Vatican, 2-2-2014).  
3. Both knew the Scriptures.
4. Both believed in the Scriptures and were looking for the Messiah. Bible scholars and theologians say Jesus has fulfilled at least 300 Old Testament prophecies.
5. Both were looking forward with HOPE. The words looking for indicate they were actively waiting for the Savior with hope.
6. Both worshiped, prayed, and adored God. Their eyes went more to God than to the news of the day. That brought consolation.
7. The Spirit of God guided both.
8. Both Simeon and Anna recognized the Messiah.
9. Both received Jesus and were changed.
10. Both Simeon and Anna received a message about Jesus from the Holy Spirit, and they shared it.

• Simeon’s prayer is one of the Church’s great prayers, or canticles (little songs). It is called the Nunc Dimittis because v. 29 in the Latin translation of the Bible begins with the words “Nunc Dimittis,” which means “now dismiss your servant.” In other words, Simeon was saying to the Lord, “Now I am ready to die; you can dismiss me, Lord; I have seen the Savior.”
• Every evening, all priests, religious, and laypeople who pray the Liturgy of the Hours pray the Nunc Dimittis prayer.
• Today and every day, you can pray the Nunc Dimittis from Luke 2: 29-30.

Why not spend some time with these verses of Luke 2?

• Reflect on the lives of Simeon & Anna who practiced their faith, were filled with joy in the Holy Spirit, knew the Scriptures, looked for the Savior in hope, praised and adored the Lord daily, were guided by the Holy Spirit, recognized the Messiah, received Jesus and were changed plus shared the message of Jesus with others. Ask the Lord how you can be filled with Holy Spirit as they were.
• Using your holy imagination, see yourself receiving Jesus from Mary’s arms as Simeon did.
  1. Look into the face of Jesus and give Him your shame and sadness.
  2. In exchange, receive His Love and JOY. Jesus has come for YOU. You will be consoled.
  3. Like Anna, praise God because you have seen the Savior of the World. He has come to give You JOY. In John 15: 11, Jesus says he gives you His joy that “your joy may be complete.”
  4. Receive peace & consolation. Luke 2: 14 says Jesus comes to give Peace on earth, good will toward to ALL.  He has come to give you peace so pause and receive His peace and His comfort.

• A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer  You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and…
• A Joyful Advent Journey #2  ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God.  Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God…
• A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy  We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country…
• A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer   Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer.
• A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His!
• A Joyful Advent Journey #6~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds   You will receive more joy and peace as you too worship the Savior.
• A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy  Recognize the Savior, praise Him and receive His Joy and consolation.

Consider forming a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy Women’s small group-you will meet for seven weeks.  Brief study guides accompany this podcast series, and you can begin anytime.  It’s free!

• Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize by meeting with one or more friends over coffee or tea in your home or church.
• For information, email me or go to Cup of Joy Women.

For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

Other Joy Books by Karen.

The post A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Adoration of the Shepherds painting by Domenico Zampiere, 1610

Join us today for the birth of Jesus and meet the Angels and the Shepherds who have a lot to share. Uniting your heart with the Angel’s Gloria and the Shepherd’s praises will help you receive more JOY and peace.

Welcome to Advent JOY Podcast #6, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events And Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ.  Today, we return to the book of Luke. There we join Blessed Mary and Joseph on their 80-mile journey to Bethlehem. When they arrive, they find it crowded with people, who like Mary and Joseph, had come at the command of Caesar Augustus.

Join us today for these points:

• Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, in the City of David, as prophesied by the Old Testament prophet Micah over 700 years earlier and recorded in Micah 5: 1-3.
• Emperor Caesar Augustus, a master bookkeeper and statistician, likely wanted to keep track of his subjects and kingdom by public enrollment.
• Joseph had to go to Bethlehem, as he was a descendant of King David. Mary went along too – she may have been required to register, or Joseph wanted her with him.
• Bishop Fulton J. Sheen explains: Joseph “searched in vain for a place where He, to Whom heaven and earth belonged, might be born. Could the Creator not find a home in creation? …  A stable would be the last place in the world where one would have looked for Him. Divinity is always where one least expects to find it. (Life of Christ, 1958, p. 13-24.
• Jesus, God Incarnate and the Savior of the World was born and then tightly wrapped in bands of cloth by his mother, Mary, and laid in a manger where animals ate.

• The angel’s message of “Good News” is summarized (v. 10-11): “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the
• We can say with assurance that Jesus is our Savior, who delivers us from sin and makes us right with God. He is our Messiah, the anointed one who will reign as KING forever.

• Amazingly, God chooses shepherds—the little, the lowly, the less important of the world (1 Corinthians 1: 28), but also calls himself a shepherd (e.g., “I am the Good Shepherd,” John 10:11). In Ezekiel 34:12-16, God describes himself as one who “shepherds right.” He tends sheep, rescues them, leads them, gives them rest, brings back the lost, binds up the injured, and heals the sick.
• Jesus is our Shepherd: If at times you feel “lowly,” please know that Christ is YOUR Savior and Shepherd. He came for you! You are His little lamb, and He loves you.
• Some shepherds around Jerusalem took care of the temple lambs used in the temple sacrifices. Shepherds would wrap lambs born without blemish in swaddling cloths and place them away from the others  (e.g., Leviticus 4-5). Amazingly, the shepherds caring for the temple lambs used for sin offerings would be the first to recognize Jesus Christ, who came as our sin offering forever!

• We find two beautiful choruses in Luke 2:14-20. First, there’s the Angel’s “Gloria” (v. 14), which is so-called because the first word in  St. Jerome’s Latin translation is “Gloria.”
• This song of the angels proclaims peace to a world that needs peace as we do now. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; the peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27, NABRE). The only place of true peace is in Jesus; today, we must remind ourselves of this. We can join the angels in praise: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward all.”
• The second chorus includes the shepherds’ praises (v. 20). They praised God for the good news from the angel and the song of the heavenly host of angels. From them, we learn that praising God for His goodness is a wonderful way to evangelize and get other’s attention on our Savior.

• Mary “treasured and pondered” these things in her heart.
• She gives an example for us in treasuring, pondering, and delighting in the things God has revealed, especially because we have God’s Word in Scripture.

Try to put yourself in the scenes with Mary, Jesus, the angels, and the shepherds. Then in prayer:

1. Praise God for sending Jesus, like the angels and shepherds did.
2. Make a “manger” for Jesus in your heart by inviting Him to be your Savior and Lord?
3. Receive the true joy and peace that Jesus offers? Just ask and take time to receive.
4. Treasure God’s Word in your heart like Mary did? Ask Jesus to help you do this. Start by reading Luke 2.

• A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer  You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and…
• A Joyful Advent Journey #2  ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God.  Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God…
• A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy  We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country…
• A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer   Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer.
• A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His!
• A Joyful Advent Journey #6~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds   You will receive more joy and peace as you too worship the Savior.
• A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy  Recognize the Savior, praise Him and receive His Joy and consolation.

Cup of JOY & Free Materials. A Cup of Joy small group study accompanies each podcast series. All materials are FREE. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.

For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

Other Joy Books by Karen.

The post A Joyful Advent Journey #6 ~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

“The Dream of St. Joseph” Painting by Anton Raphael Mengs, 1773

Today, we travel with Matthew’s Gospel and hear of Joseph’s dream to take Mary as his wife and how he accepts God’s plan joyfully. Mary and Joseph changed their plans often as they listened to God. They show us an example of leaning into God’s plan not our own. Join the podcast today as we hear of an angel sent to Joseph in a dream and learn how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His!

• So, we start with Matthew 1. At the time of Jesus, families kept a genealogical record (or family tree) to distribute inherited property and other rights under Jewish laws.
• Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI points out that Matthew 1 is not a perfect historical account that includes every single member of the ancestry of Jesus Christ, saying: ”This was not Matthew’s goal.“ (Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives, 2012, p. 8).
• Matthew wrote to appeal to the Jews by placing Jesus first and foremost as the Son of Abraham—the Patriarch and Father of Israel promised as part of an everlasting covenant with God (Genesis 17: 6-7), and as the Son of David—the priestly King of Israel, whose ancestors were prophesied to reign forever (2 Samuel: 7:13).

• Jewish lineages, at the time of Christ, usually did not contain names of women. Christ’s ancestry lists five women in Matthew 1. Of course, we would expect the  Blessed Virgin Mary to be named. But there were four others listed—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba who came from foreign ancestry or had a reputation for immorality that could have disqualified them from inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ.  All were Gentile women who turned away from immoralities or idolatries to become faithful to God in their circumstances.
• Even if your past life or “family tree” seems dishonorable, Jesus offers you forgiveness, grace, mercy, and a new beginning when you turn to Him. You are part of the family of God, and every day you can have a new life in Christ. Hebrews 2: 11: G”od is not ashamed to call them [or you] brothers and sisters.”
• Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI wrote on the deeper meaning of the genealogies of Jesus and said:“[T]hose who believe in Jesus enter through faith into Jesus’ unique new origin, and they receive this origin as their own…Joseph did not beget Jesus but was truly born of the Holy Spirit from the Virgin Mary, so it can now be said of us that our true ‘genealogy’ is faith in Jesus who gives us a new origin and …to birth ‘from God” (Jesus of Nazareth, p. 12-13).

• Dreams were a common way God communicated with His people in the Old Testament. Joseph did not hesitate in his response to the angel in the dream. He trusted God to work everything out. He willingly exchanged his plans for God’s plans. We could say he leaned into God’s plans.
• Joseph, from the tribe of Judah and the house of David, a carpenter by trade, became the legal head of this precious family (Abbott Ricciotti, The Life of Christ, 1947).  Joseph is a role model to families—looking for God’s plans and leaning into them. This was the beginning of Joseph’s mission for life. Some have said it this way, Joseph was born for this vocation — to be the father of Jesus and Mary’s most chaste spouse. Like Mary, Joseph said “yes” to his vocation. His entire happiness was in knowing what God wanted him to do and carrying it out to the end ( Fernandez, Conversation with God, Vol. 1, 1997). He was devoted to God and his family.

1. Lean into God’s Plans. Can you picture Joseph’s perplexity when his plans suddenly changed? He was likely building the house, planning the wedding, or earning extra money for the marriage, but he was unprepared to hear Mary’s announcement.  Then God gave him more direction through an angel in a dream.  He leaned in the changes. You can ask yourself: Am I open to changing my plans to fit God’s plan? Talk to Jesus about how you can stay open to God’s plans. What changes will you lean into?
2. Accept Your Place in God’s Family. If you feel unworthy or unqualified to be part of God’s family, remember Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth. These women changed direction to follow God, joined God’s family, and are part of the lineage of Jesus. It is not too late  to come to God.  Ask Jesus to forgive you and your family. Ask him to help you change directions.  And your family too. Then do what he tells you.

• A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer  You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and…
• A Joyful Advent Journey #2  ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God.  Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God…
• A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy  We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country…
• A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer   Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer.
• A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His!

Cup of JOY & Free Materials. A Cup of Joy small group study accompanies each podcast series. All materials are FREE. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.

For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

Other Joy Books by Karen.

The post A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The Birth of John the Baptist: “Zachariah wrote, His Name is John”

Join our Advent journey today as Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born and he sings a joyous prayer.

The Scriptures invite us to a celebration at Zechariah’s home. It’s the circumcision and naming of his newborn boy. You can picture yourself as one of the neighbors who has come to help name the baby boy born to the old priest Zechariah and his aged wife, Elizabeth. What would you say? Maybe this:

“The boy is a miracle baby! What a blessing from the Lord for Elizabeth!  Shockingly, Zechariah has been mute since the last time he went up to serve in the temple. I wonder if you will ever recover his speech.”

Today, we will cover these points.

• The neighbors come to celebrate the birth and help with the circumcision.
• Circumcision is a rite by God under the Old Covenant, usually performed on the 8th day after birth. It was a mark on a male and a sign that he was in covenant with God, sanctified for divine service, and a member of the Jewish people.
• Under the New Covenant, circumcision is not a religious ritual for us (Galatians 5: 6).
• The circumcision ritual is similar to the Sacrament of Baptism, celebrated with family, friends, and godparents.
• For the Christian, baptism is a sign one belongs to Christ, is united with Him in His death, and is incorporated into the Church (Hahn, Catholic Bible Dictionary).

• Zechariah confirms that His name is JOHN.
• Immediately, Zechariah’s mouth was open, and his tongue was freed.

• Zechariah grew in faith, peace, and trust in stillness with God.
• Benedictus means Blessed be...the Lord.
• Zechariah’s prophecy is called a canticle, which means “little song”- a liturgical song from a Biblical text.
• Most importantly, he thanks God for the promises to be fulfilled in the Messiah and for His Son John, who would go before the Lord to prepare His way, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by forgiving their sins.

• Seek God in stillness. It was in Zechariah’s stillness with God for 9 months that helped him sort out who God really is, and how much God loved him and his people.
  • Prayer. Choose a quiet morning or evening during Advent. Turn off all media and be present with the Lord in adoration, prayer, and Scripture. Sit with God and LISTEN. You may find a new vision, peace, and a deeper relationship with God – the one He wants with you.
• Let God redeem you. If you are living in any darkness or carrying baggage, Jesus wants to carry your baggage, forgive your sins, and give you peace. Trust him today.
• Prayer.  You can pray the Benedictus every day this week. “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace…”

• A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer  You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and…
• A Joyful Advent Journey #2  ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God.  Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God…
• A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy  We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country…
• A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer   Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer.
• A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His!
• A Joyful Advent Journey #6~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds   You will receive more joy and peace as you too worship the Savior.
• A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy  Recognize the Savior, praise Him and receive His Joy and consolation.

Cup of JOY & Free Materials. A Cup of Joy small group study accompanies each podcast series. All materials are FREE. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.

For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

Other Joy Books by Karen.

The post A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth painting  by Philippe de Champaigne, 1643-1648

Do you need more joy in your life? Today, Mary and Elizabeth will show you how to share and receive more joy. Join the podcast as we travel with Mary 90 miles to visit Elizabeth and experience their overflowing joy and delight. They truly show us the power of sharing joy as we drop in on the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth.

Welcome to A JOY-Filled Advent Podcast #3, based on my book The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.  Previously, we read that God supernaturally begot His Son Jesus in the Virgin Mary and gave a child to an old woman, Elizabeth.  “For nothing is impossible with God!”

Today, we travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country of Judea, near Jerusalem.  Mary visits her old cousin Elizabeth. Both women are expecting, rejoicing over the births to come, and thrilled to see each other.  We will cover these exciting points:

• John the Baptist leaps for Joy
• Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaims words of JOY.
• Mary praises and skips with JOY.
• Jesus is always joy-filled—even in the womb!

• Fellowship in the Scriptures is translated from New Testament Greek Koinonia, occurring 20 times in the New Testament.
• Elizabeth brought out Mary’s JOY, and Mary brought out Elizabeth’s JOY. True fellowship strengthens and encourages faith.
• The Holy Spirit reveals the presence of Jesus in Mary’s womb to Elizabeth as John leaps for joy.

• First, Magnificat was the first word in Luke 1: 46 found in St. Jerome’s Latin translation of the Bible (4th-century common language of the people) and it means “my soul magnifies.”
• Second, Canticles are liturgical songs from a Biblical text.
• Third, Mary’s Song shows Mary’s love for Scripture. She knew the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) well.
• Finally, Mary’s Canticle reflects themes from many Old Testament Scriptures,  including the powerful arm of God, His mercy to all, His justice and faithfulness, and His care for the poor and afflicted (e.g., 1 Samuel 2:1-10 and Psalm 34:2, 35: 9, 103: 17, 107: 9, 132: 11, 138: 6).

• We can only imagine the comfort Mary and Elizabeth must have been to each other.
• For example, the two talked of the Scriptures to be fulfilled because they knew well the promises regarding the Messiah and the one who would precede Him.
• Also, lingering over the stories about Gabriel, both knew he changed their lives forever.

We can respond to these verses of JOY shared between Mary and Elizabeth by taking these actions:

• 1) New JOY. Ask Jesus to open your heart to receive HIS new joy every day this Advent.
• 2) Rejoice in the Lord. Make it your goal to thank the Lord every day for all he has done for you and praise Him for his greatness. Remember, gratitude often precedes genuine joyfulness.
• 3) Quiet Prayer Time. Jesus is near to you, and He wants to be even nearer. Try to spend at least 5 minutes alone and in quiet with Jesus every day? You will notice the difference.
• 4) Share the Joy. Are you sharing your joys and encouraging others? Ask God, who needs your uplifting and strengthen the one who comes to mind.

God has JOY for YOU and wants to share His JOY through you.

Six-Part Series ~ A Joyful Advent Journey

Part 1

Part 2

A Cup of Joy small group study accompanies each podcast series. All materials are FREE. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.

For bookmarks of prayer points from A Joy-filled Advent Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

The post A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

With God, nothing is impossible! The Annunciation should remind you of that. If God can supernaturally conceive the Son of God in a virgin and grant a child to an elderly couple, then He can make your impossible become POSSIBLE too. Join us today as we travel to Nazareth. We will hear the Great Annunciation of JOY to Mary and learn about Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancy—because nothing is impossible with God.  The episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.  Today, we will cover these points:

• After 430 years of silence from heaven, the Archangel Gabriel appeared with an annunciation to Zechariah in Luke 1: 1-25.
• Zechariah just couldn’t believe he and Elizabeth could have a baby. After all, they were to old, past the time of child-bearing. It seemed impossible.
• Gabriel gave Zechariah a 9-month silent retreat to ponder the annunciation of what looked impossible.
• Next, Luke 1: 26 takes us to a small town in Galilee, the hometown of Mary and Joseph. Gabriel’s message here is what we call, The Annunciation.

• The powerful Archangel Gabriel brings the second annunciation– this time to a young girl in Nazareth.
• This most important heavenly announcement comes to a girl in a remote village. It’s where you might least expect it to occur.
• BUT God causes miracles to happen in the most unlikely and even ungodly places when people are open to Him.
• Mary is the recipient of this great Annunciation. She is a virgin and teenager who is engaged to Joseph. Joseph is in the lineage of David, which points to the Old Testament prophesies soon to be fulfilled.

• The Baby would be named Jesus, which is Yeshua in Hebrew. Jesus is derived from Yahweh – the Most Holy Name of God in the Old Testament. The message is clear: Yahweh God would name His son Yeshua after Himself.
• Truly, Jesus would be the Son of God and fulfill  Isaiah 7: 14. Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel (God with us).

• “Fiat” is the first word of Luke 1: 38 in the early Latin Bible translation and it means “let it be.” This was Mary’s “YES.”  
• Mary received the Word of God, surrendered, and entrusted herself and her life to God’s will.

• Some may find it hard to believe in the virgin birth. But the virgin birth and incarnation are essential parts of our Christian faith.
• The incarnation means God became man, reaching out to mankind.  In no other religion does God “become flesh” (John 1: 14), “accept the limitations of humanity,” come to earth to show His love, and then die for the sins of all (Fulton Sheen, 1958, Life of Christ, p. 19). St. Augustine says that when we cannot understand this miracle, “Let us grant that God can do something which we confess we cannot fathom. God is the God of the impossible!” (John Willis, 2002, Teachings of the Church Fathers).

• Prayerfully meditate on the marvelous encounter between the Angel Gabriel and Mary in “The Annunciation.”
• Picture yourself in the scene with Mary. How would she feel when she hears she will be the mother of the long-awaited Savior? How will she contain the joy? Mary gives us this example of how to seek and accept God’s will: Listen, Dialogue with God, and Surrender.

Mary gives us this example of how to seek and accept God’s will: Listen, Dialogue with God, and Surrender.  Imagine yourself as a humble one, like Mary—living in the obscurity of a town like Nazareth. Yet, you are open to all the ways of God. God shares His joy with you.

• Listen to the message God speaks to you. YOUR SAVIOR IS COME. Your joy overflows.
• Dialogue with Jesus about the Good News He is announcing. Share any doubts with Him. God became man to show his Love for you. Jesus died for your sins. God is with you! He loves you. Receive His joy.
• Surrender  your heart. Jesus wants to come more deeply into your life. Trust the Lord! Join Mary in her YES to God, “Let it be with me according to your Word.” I surrender my life to you. I trust you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I give you the control of my life.

• A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer  You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and…
• A Joyful Advent Journey #2  ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God.  Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God…
• A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy  We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country…
• A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer   Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer.
• A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His!
• A Joyful Advent Journey #6~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds   You will receive more joy and peace as you too worship the Savior.
• A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy  Recognize the Savior, praise Him and receive His Joy and consolation.

Cup of JOY & Free Materials. A Cup of Joy small group study accompanies each podcast series. All materials are FREE. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.

For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

Other Joy Books by Karen.

The post A Joyful Advent Journey #2 ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The JOY of Zechariah – Angel Gabriel Brings an Annunciation

Are you hoping for a Joyful Advent Journey this year?  Join this podcast series to discover the joy of the people, prayers, and events so important to Jesus’ first coming. You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, the Angels, the Shepherds, Simeon, Anna, and the Magi.  It’s as if you will travel with them via Scripture and partake in the most meaningful events in their lives.

Are you waiting for an answer to prayer? Stay hopeful this Advent!  Please listen today as we start our Advent Journey Episode #1 with the JOY of  Zechariah. He will teach us this lesson in an unusual way: Don’t give up hope – God hears & God answers prayer. We will cover these points today;

• The celebration of ADVENT often surprises us because it comes so quickly.
• It’s easy to miss it.  It was just fall, then Thanksgiving, and then within a few weeks, it’s Christmas.
• Advent helps us prepare our mind and heart to celebrate Christ’s coming anew this Christmas.

• Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus, ” which means “coming.”
• The Advent season focuses on the present coming of Jesus in our lives and on increasing our desire for His presence every day.

• For 430 years prior to the birth of Jesus Christ, God had stopped speaking to His people because they had stopped listening to His prophets. Fast forward 430 years and we will drop in on the “first annunciation” in Luke 1.  The term “annunciation” in Latin means announcement.
• When God began speaking again, He sent announcements through His most important heavenly messenger – the Archangel Gabriel.
• In Luke 1, Gabriel brings the first announcement to Zechariah. He and his wife Elizabeth served God, trusted him for everything, while they waited and prayed for children, which overtime seemed more impossible (Luke 1: 5-7).

•  Zechariah just couldn’t believe he would have a miracle with joy and gladness after all those years of waiting.  He said, “how can this be, we are old!”
• Poor Zechariah—the Archangel Gabriel just couldn’t take his unbelief so with one look he muted Zechariah for the next nine months.
• Gabriel is no puny angel –  “Gabriel” in New Testament Greek means “the Might of God,” but we will soon see he has a gentle side.

• After listening to the podcast, please reflect on the powerful message of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and us in the first part of Luke 1: God hears. God answers.  Don’t give up on God.
• Have you ever prayed for something so long that you gave up? Have you ever received more than you expected – just as you were about to give up?
• St. Jerome wrote about Zechariah: “Your prayer is heard…that is to say you are given more than you asked for. You prayed for the salvation of the people and you have been given the Precursor” [John the Baptist] (Souvay, 1910, The Catholic Encyclopedia – Zacharias).
• While Zechariah was praying and waiting and giving up on prayer all those years, he did not know that God was preparing Joseph and Mary and so, he had to wait just a little longer.

Consider these prayer points because Jesus wants to share His joy while you wait for His answers:

(a) Ask Jesus for a  new and fresh prayer encounter with Him. Ask for new joy and to experience His presence while you look for everyday miracles.

(b) Take Time. Make a point to take some quiet time every day to listen to the Lord, read LUKE 1, and stay connected to the joy of the Lord

(c) Converse. Share with Jesus what you are waiting for. Then keep an open attitude to receive heavenly surprises JOY. (For example, you could pray: Jesus, I have given up on… Please give me new insight. Show me the little places where I see your hand at work.)

(d) Start an ADVENT PRAYER Journal. Why not record your prayer and conversation with Jesus this Advent?  You may be surprised at the transformation to JOY you receive and will want to record during Advent.

(e) Thank God. Let the Lord know that you trust your life and circumstances to Him.

You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from the Advent JOY Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

The post A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Finding Joy in Tough Times is a seven-part series. Today, we will cover these points.

• The beautiful, gracious, and even joyous Naomi, according to the meaning of her name suffers great loss. (Ruth 1-3)
• Elimelech and family left Bethlehem, meaning house of bread to find more bread during the famine.
• Naomi’s husband died and the two sons married Moabite wives – Orpah and Ruth.
• They lived in Moab about ten years, and both sons died.
• In Ruth 1:16, Ruth made a declaration of loyalty to Naomi and the God of Israel -it changed her life forever.

• Naomi said, “Do not call me Naomi [pleasant, gracious, joyous]. Call me Mara [bitter], for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty…the Lord has afflicted me, and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?” (Ruth 1: 19)
• Ruth returned home after gleaning in Boaz’ fields with 30 pounds of grain.
• Naomi praises and blesses the Lord again; joy returns.
• Naomi sees God’s footsteps in their lives: Boaz to become the kinsman redeemer and agrees to marry Ruth and become her kinsman redeemer.

• Boaz’s loving-kindness shadows God’s love sent to us in Jesus Christ.
• As the kinsman redeemer, Boaz was a Christ-like figure.

• Boaz described Ruth as one known as a “worthy woman” among the people. (Ruth 3:11)
• These exact words appear in Proverbs 31: 10-31.
• She is foremost “a woman who fears the Lord” and “to be praised” (v. 30).
• Boaz, her husband, was “known in the city gates when he sits among the elders in the land” (v. 23).
• “Her children rise and bless her; her husband too, her husband also, he praises her” (v. 28), as seen in the record of Matthew 1: 5 where she will be praised and remembered forever as a great-grandmother of King David and member of Christ’s lineage.

• JOY multiplies for Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz as the town’s women pray a blessing over their lives and new life  Obed (Ruth 4).
• Boaz and Ruth are in the lineage of David (Ruth 4: 18-22) and of Jesus (Matthew 1).
• Once a prostitute and Canaanite, Boaz’s mother was Rahab, who helped Joshua’s spies.

• Blessing Prayers are themes of Ruth, and there are seven recorded blessings.
• Blessings are one of five types of prayer : 1) blessing or adoration, 2) petition, 3) intercession, 4) thanksgiving, and 5) praise .
• A blessing for another proclaims God’s goodness, kindness, and power and it includes a petition asking God to share His goodness, power, compassion, and favor to change a situation.
• Ruth includes blessings of Naomi praising God and asking for the daughters-in-law, Boaz blessing and praying for Ruth, the neighbors blessing and praying for Naomi, Ruth Boaz and Obed (Ruth 1: 17, 2:4, 12; 2:19–20; 3:10, 4:11-12, 14).

• Ultimately, God is the hero of the Book of Ruth.
• God directs each detail and composes everything according to His divine purpose.
• God’s grace leads us beyond the short span of our lives- He blesses us in our earthly lives and uses us to impact our immediate sphere and generation, as well as those in the generations to come.
• Let’s remember to look to God in impossible situations and allow him to impact the next generation through our witness and loving-kindness.

Seven Part Series Finding Joy In Tough Times

• Part 1 
• Part 2
• Part 3
• Part 4
• Part 5
• Part 6
• Part 7 (This podcast)

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study accompanying each podcast series: 1) Esther for This Time, 2) Seek & Find Joy, 3) Joyful & Battle-ready (Dressing in the Armor of God), 4)Nehemiah0 Rebuilding Hope & Joy, 5) Ruth – Finding Joy in Tough Times and 6) A Joyous Advent.  Read more (here) on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.  It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the one-hour discussion and study.

• CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.
• Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: com
• Check out more podcasts here!

• • Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
  • Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
  • Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life

The post Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Transformed By God’s Grace ~ Ruth #7 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Boaz Marries Ruth

Do you need restoration or turnarounds in pain, sorrow, or emptiness, look to the Book of Ruth. Join the podcast today as the Book of Ruth reveals how God offers to rescue, deliver, and restore you.

Finding Joy in Tough Times is a seven-part series. Today we cover these points:

• Ruth asked Boaz to initiate the Levirate Marriage legal procedure and become her husband.
• In reply, Boaz blessed Ruth and told her he would all that she asked
• Another was closer kin and had the right to redeem her.

• The City Gate (Ruth 4:1) was the business district in ancient Israel
• .Boaz was wise in his approach with the possible other kin and “goel”
• The goel refused when he heard the stipulation that he must marry Ruth the Moabitess.
• He turned his right over to Boaz.

• Boaz chose 10 men to witness his conversation and exchange of a sandal.
• Boaz agrees to marry Ruth and claim the land to maintain the Elimelech – Mahlon name on the inheritance.
• Elimelech’s family name is alive in the community for all generations.

• The sixth blessing is a powerful prayer spoken by the elders for Boaz and Ruth – from the Bible.
• Rachel and Leah were the mothers to the twelve sons or leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel.
• Tamar has a levirate marriage too; the witnesses prayed for Ruth to have a son and be famous in Israel.
• In the final blessing, Naomi receives kin and a grandson.

• What impacts you most from Ruth 4?

1. God is a God of Reversals. He can do miracles. You too can have a reversal in circumstances. If you need one, ask the Lord in prayer, Stay faithful. Remember his promises, especially Ephesians 3:20
2. God is a Redeemer. He not only reverses situations, but He redeems them. A redeemer is one who rescues, saves, restores and delivers. Elimelech’s name has been redeemed. His land has been redeemed; the family name has been restored in Bethlehem. Ruth is no longer called a widowed Moabitess from a pagan culture, she is has become the wife of Boaz. She is no longer a barren woman, she is a mother. So if you need a redeemer for your life, call on Jesus. He will rescue, deliver and restore you. Remember: Jeremiah 30:17 and Colossians 1: 13-14.

Seven Part Series Ruth: Finding Joy In Tough Times

• Part 1 
• Part 2
• Part 3
• Part 4
• Part 5
• Part 6
• Part 7 

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one. Read more (here) on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.  It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the one-hour discussion and study.

• CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.
• Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com 
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Find my books:
  • Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
  • Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
  • Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life

The post Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Final Blessings and Reversals ~ Ruth #6 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Ruth #5-Finding Joy in Tough Times-Waiting in Peace

Is waiting in peace for God to answer a prayer difficult? It can be challenging for every Christian.  Join the podcast today as the Book of Ruth shows us that God is at work even when we don’t see the answers yet, so we can His rest in peace.

Finding Joy in Tough Times is a seven-part series. Today, we will cover these points:

• Time has passed between Chapters two and Chapter three of Ruth—between two and three months.
• Waiting often prepares our hearts to what’s ahead in life.
• Time and love prepared Naomi and Ruth for God’s blessing and challenges that were about to come.

• Naomi wants a husband and home life for Ruth.
• She reminds Ruth that Boaz is the kinsman and landowner  who just happens to be winnowing barley that night.
• Naomi gives Ruth four instructions and Ruth obeys.
• Uncovering his feet, was signaling Ruth wants to be his wife and he, her kinsman redeemer!

• Boaz was startled to find a woman lying at his feet.
• By asking him to spread his cloak over her, Ruth was repeating Boaz’s words of Ruth 2 when he blessed her for seeking refuge under the wings or cloak of God.
• In Ezekiel 16:8, God even uses the same phrase saying he will spread his cloak over Israel in covenant love to protect the nation and make the nation his forever just like the covenant commitment in a marriage.
• Boaz says he will marry her and spread his cloak (meaning provision, protection and warmth) over her; everyone in the village knows she is a worthy woman (in Hebrew word haill) which means honorable, noble and excellent.

• Boaz agrees to marry Ruth but says a closer kinsmen exists who legally has the first opportunity to marry her and claim the land of Elimelech that might have gone to Mahlon.
• Boaz likely had been considering his obligation – he knew he was in line to be the kinsman-redeemer.

Provision and More

• Boaz, in his display of hesed love, gives Ruth 60 pounds of Barley to take back to Naomi.
• Naomi would understand the gift of barley to mean Boaz was giving his word in agreement with God’s laws.
• She said to Ruth, wait my daughter, let your heart be peaceful, you can count on Boaz to work this out.

What impacts you most from Ruth 3?

1. Surrender & Trust. At one point on the threshing floor, Ruth came to complete trust and complete surrender to God and his laws. She did everything she knew to do and now would trust the rest to God. Proverbs 3: 5-6 reminds of the same: Proverbs 3: 5-6 reminds us we can count on God. Surrender you needs to him and trust he is leading you as you walk forward.
2. Wait in Peace, God is at Work. Remember that while waiting for God to answer but not seeing answers yet, God is still at work. We can pray with Psalm 27: 13-14 that reminds us God will answer, He is at work while we wait.   Our Savior Jesus will “settle the matter for us” always.  Even if you feel empty like Naomi did, wait on God and His son Jesus.  You will see that He will settle the matters for you. Proverbs 16: 3 also assures us of this.  Repeat these Scriptures daily, declare them to yourself and pray them.

Seven Part Series Finding Joy In Tough Times

• Part 1 
• Part 2
• Part 3
• Part 4
• Part 5
• Part 6
• Part 7 

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one. Read more (here) on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.  It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the one-hour discussion and study.

• CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.
• Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com 
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Find my books:
  • Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
  • Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
  • Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life

The post Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Waiting in Peace ~ Ruth #5 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Ruth Gleaning in the Fields. Painting by James Tissot, 1896

Are you starting over? Is it a new job, a new home or hometown, a new relationship, or a new phase in life? We all face times of change and even upheaval, but it’s a perfect time to return to God and prayer, forgive the past, and look for God to go before you. Join the podcast today as the Book of Ruth shows how to start over and notice God’s footsteps walking ahead of you.

Finding Joy in Tough Times is a seven-part series. Today, we will cover these points:

• Working in the fields was strenuous and hazardous(v. 9) but Ruth gleaned forward.
• Ruth did not look back or hold on to the past. She gleaned forward.
• She was not stymied by bitterness or self-pity.
• With Boaz’s instructions, Ruth’s first day of gleaning was very successful!

• Ruth beat out an ephah (eefuh) of barley– hard work!
• Ruth showed Naomi 30 pounds (5 ½ gallons) of Barley
• Naomi notices God’s Footprints of guidance and blessings.

• Now Naomi has a change of mind and heart.
• She is confident God has not forsaken them.
• Boaz is the Goel (Deuteronomy 25: 5-10) – the closest male relative, the kinsman redeemer

• Ruth gleaned in Boaz’s fields for Barley & Wheat Harvest, which lasted three months.
• A blessing can be a simple prayer asking God to share his loving kindness, guidance, and favor on another.
• The Jewish Midrash “A widow or a female convert must wait three months before marrying to make sure she was not pregnant.”I Will Go Where You Go

What impacts you most from Ruth 2: 14-23?

1. Start Over & Give God Your Bitterness & Receive His Joy. Do you feel bitter about anything? If left to fester, disappointment, grief, unforgiveness, and unresolved anger can lead to bitterness. Bitterness is a joy-zapper and will stop any new beginning. When life seems unfair, we are prone to turn from God and allow bitterness to take hold. Instead, ask the Lord where you have any bitterness or unforgiveness, then confess it and ask the Lord for his glorious grace to dispense bitterness and start over. (You likely need to forgive yourself or another person or God). Only by God’s glorious grace can you go forward. Naomi told her friends to call her Mara – the Bitter one. But she returned to God and the faith community. Declaring her bitterness was a confession at this time. She started over. Now, she notices God’s footsteps and you can sense the joy that come across her face. Remember Ephesians 4: 31-32 and pray Psalm 51:10.

• Look for God’s Footsteps. God is with you. He is for you. He is guiding you. In Ruth 1: 20, she said that God made her life bitter and sent her trouble. But in Ruth 2: 20, she notices God’s footsteps ahead of them and how he provided abundantly for them via Boaz, so she exclaimed. “The Lord always keeps his promises to the living and the dead.” (Good News Translation). Do you need a change of heart? Ask God to help you see his footsteps in your life. He will show you how HE is guiding you and showering you with his loving kindness. Memorize and pray Lamentations 3:22-23.

Seven Part Series Finding Joy In Tough Times

• Part 1 
• Part 2
• Part 3
• Part 4
• Part 5
• Part 6
• Part 7 

• Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with your friends.  It’s free, and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection that accompanies each podcast.
• Click here to read about hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.
• Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com 
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Find my books:
  • Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
  • Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
  • Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life

The post Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Starting Over & Noticing God’s Footsteps ~ Ruth #4 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Ruth Gleans and Boaz Prays a Blessing Prayer for Her.

Do you find yourself losing hope? We all face times of discouragement and sadness but that’s when we need to turn to God. Join the podcast today as the Book of Ruth shows us new hope in tragedy, new directions for the future and how to pray blessing prayers.

Ruth: Finding Joy in Tough Times is a seven-part series. Today, we will cover these points:

Previously, we accompanied Elimelech, Naomi, and the family en route from Bethlehem to Moab to escape a famine. Disaster hits the family—Elimelech dies, the two sons marry Moabite women, and then, after ten years, the sons die. In grief, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem with her two daughters-in-law and then begs the women to return to their Moabite mothers and culture. Three essential details from the Book of Ruth emerge, including 1) Blessings-Naomi blessed her daughters-in-law, 2) Hesed (Hebrew for loving-kindness) – she prayed for God’s loving-kindness on the women, and 3) She remembers God but says she is bitter against God. How could Naomi be bitter against God for what happened yet still pray for the Lord’s loving-kindness? The answer is related to the opening verse of Ruth 1: In the days the judges ruled. Today, we cover the following points.

• Naomi is aware of the cycle when her nation fell into sin, servitude, supplication, and salvation stages from Judges.
• Her return signifies her repentance.
• She asks to be called Mara, meaning bitter, but in the Book of Ruth, no one ever calls her that.

• Ruth gleans to support Naomi, and herself-it’s the barley harvest.
• Gleaning provides for the poor ((see Deuteronomy 24:19 and Leviticus 19: 9-10).
• Ruth” happens to” end up on a field owned by Boaz, who turns out to be a kinsman of Elimelech.

• Ruth happened to glean in part of Boaz’s field. Boaz was Elimelech’s relative and a man of great wealth. Unlike Elimelech, he had stayed in Bethlehem during the famine, and God had taken care of him.
• Divine Providence means God “watches over and governs all the things that He made, reaching from end to end with might and disposing of all things with gentleness” [The First Vatican Council (1869-70, Denziner, p. 3003) and “all events, even the most personal decisions of human beings, are part of God’s eternal plan” (Hardon, 1999, p. 448).

• HESED (loving-kindness and covenant faithfulness) becomes more apparent
• Divine Providence means God “watches over and governs all the things that He made, reaching from end to end with might and disposing of all things with gentleness” [The First Vatican Council (1869-70, Denziner, p. 3003) and “all events, even the most personal decisions of human beings, are part of God’s eternal plan” (Hardon, 1999, p. 448).
• God gave Ruth favor, and Boaz demonstrated favor and loving-kindness to protect Ruth.

• Boaz speaks and prays the language of blessing: When Boaz came from Bethlehem, he said to the reapers, “The Lord be with you!”
• He prayed over Ruth: 12 May the Lord reward you for your deeds, and may you have a full reward from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge!”
• A blessing can be a simple prayer asking God to share his loving kindness, guidance, and favor on another.

What impacts you most from Ruth 1: 19 – 2: 13?

• Look for God’s providence, hope, and care in small ways. Naomi and Ruth approached Bethlehem at the start of the barley harvest, which meant food was plentiful again – new hope. Ruth just happened to land in Boaz’s field to glean, and he gave her favor—a sign of hope. Rely on 2 Corinthians 9:8-10.
• Pray Blessings Over Your Friends and Family Today. Consider praying a blessing over another. Try to include 1) PROCLAIM GOD’S GOODNESS.  Speak God’s goodness, kindness, and His power to change a situation, 2) ASK GOD’S BLESSING OVER A PERSON. Ask God to share this goodness, kindness, strength, favor, and joy with the person, and 3) DESCRIBE THE NEED. Pray what and why the person needs blessing. Why not share the blessing in a note, text, or email? They will be blessed.

Seven Part Series Finding Joy In Tough Times

• Part 1 
• Part 2
• Part 3
• Part 4
• Part 5
• Part 6
• Part 7 

• Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with your friends.  It’s free, and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection accompanying each podcast.
• Click here to read about hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.
• Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com 
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Find my books:
  • Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
  • Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
  • Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life

The post Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ New Hope, New Direction & Blessing Prayers ~ Ruth #3 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Ruth and Naomi Weep Forward to Bethlehem

Are you weeping forward or backward? Sometimes, we must weep, but we must also go forward trusting God is leading us. Join the podcast today, where we focus on Naomi’s blessing and Ruth’s words, “I will go where you go, and your God will be my God,” as the two weep forward.

Finding Joy in Tough Times is a seven-part series. Today, we will cover these points:

Last week, we met the family – Elimelech, Naomi, sons Mahlon and Chilion who made the decision to leave Bethlehem to escape a famine. They left their faith community and their family and even overlooked God’s warning about living among those who worshiped idols. Soon, Elimelech died. The sons married Moabite women, and within ten years, they also died. So Naomi was left with the two daughters-in-law in Moab and they wept forward to Bethlehem. Today, we cover the following points:

• So, who are the Moabites?
• All Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham’s nephew.
• In Genesis 18, Abraham asks God to refrain from destroying Sodom and Gomorrah.
• God heard Abraham’s prayer and brought out Lot and his family before any destruction.
• Lot’s daughters became convinced they would never marry and have children.
• So, after getting Lot drunk, they seduced their father, and the relationship produced a son Moab and another son named Ammi.

• Moab became the father of the Moabite nation and Ammi the father of the Ammonite nation; both nations soon worshiped other gods that even required child sacrifice.
• God remembered the prayers and, in His providence, brought one of Lot’s descendants—Ruth—into the ancestral line of David, the line of Christ.

• Somewhere en route, Naomi’s thoughts turned to what problems the daughter-in-laws would face in Bethlehem. The levirate law would provide them NO security or future..
• This law assured a widow that a brother or relative of her dead husband would marry her and raise up children in her husband’s name and for his estate.
• Naomi realized it was too late for her to marry again and have more sons. She begged them to return.

• Naomi blessed the women with the words in v 8-9,  the first of seven blessings in Ruth, where blessing becomes a strong theme.
• A blessing can be a simple prayer asking God to share his loving kindness, guidance, and favor on another.
• Naomi asked the Lord to “deal kindly with them.” Kindly in the original Hebrew is “hesed.”
• Hesed involves kindness, covenant-type love, faithfulness, and mercy – a deep commitment, devotion, and care. God himself, throughout Scripture, is the model for hesed.
• God’s loving-kindness was sent to us through his Only Son, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins.

• Orpah returned to Moab, but Ruth clung to Naomi
• Ruth showed hesed “Don’t ask me to leave you! Let me go with you. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and that is where I will be buried. May the Lord’s worst punishment come upon me if I let anything but death separate me from you” (v. 16-17, Good News translation).
• Ruth used Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel in Hebrew, which means “I am who I am,”
• Her profession of faith put her story in the Bible and give her a place in salvation history forever.
• Together, they wept and walked forward to Bethlehem.

What impacts you most from Ruth 1: 6-18?

• Weep & Walk Forward. Sometimes, we must weep, even cry our eyes out over loss and disappointment.  Share your tears with trusted friends and family and keep going forward. Keep looking for God to open doors. Psalm 56: 8-9 is a comfort: “O God, You have kept count of my tossings [wonderings]; [you] put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your record? … This I know, that God is for me.“God sees and remembers all your tears and the sufferings you. Rely on Isaiah 41: 10.

• Speak Blessings. The Hebrew word for deep devotion and compassion is hesed, Even in great trial and pain, we can pray a blessing of God of God’s loving kindness for others. Naomi blessed her daughters-in-law simply by asking God to show his kindness, guiding love, and favor to them. For example, you can bless with others Numbers 6: 24-26 and bless the Lord with Psalm 104.

Seven Part Series Ruth: Finding Joy In Tough Times

• Part 1 
• Part 2
• Part 3
• Part 4
• Part 5
• Part 6
• Part 7 

• Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with your friends,  It’s free and I will send you a study guide for  discussion and Scripture reflection that accompanies each podcast.
• Click here to read about hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.
• Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com 
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Find my books:
  • Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
  • Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
  • Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life

[1] Pope Francis:

The post Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Weeping Forward, I Will Go Where You Go~ Ruth #2 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Ruth Makes an Important Decision

Do you regret a decision you made? God can help you find a turnaround. The Book of Ruth is about turnarounds and finding new joy and purpose in difficult circumstances. Join the podcast and uncover how a book written over 3000 years ago can speak to you today.

Welcome to Ruth-Finding Joy in Tough Times and Trusting in God’s Goodness Episode #1. The Book of Ruth reveals God’s goodness, God’s God’s providence and Godly relationships. Most importantly, it shows how God uses faithful women in Salvation history, especially Ruth, a refugee and convert who ended up in the lineage of Jesus Christ. God’s Word is always alive and fresh (Hebrews 4: 12) and will speak to our hearts by the Holy Spirit and in this case, through the Book of Ruth.

Ruth” Finding Joy in Tough Times is a seven-part series. You will be inspired. Today, we cover these points.

My journey with Ruth started when Pope Benedict XV1, in the summer of August 2011, encouraged the faithful to read the Book of Ruth. So I did and invited others to join me. Then, in 2022, Pope Francis called the faithful to study Ruth.[1] Others joined me again. We had fresh insights both times, and God spoke to our hearts in amazing ways, filling us with joy.  So, even if you have read Ruth before, let’s read it again with a new heart and open mind to hear what the Holy Spirit may teach us. Today, we cover the following points.

• Ruth is one of five Old Testament books (with Esther, Song of Songs, Lamentations, and Ecclesiastes) that make up the Megillah; each is read in the synagogue during a specific Jewish festival.
• Ruth is about 1/4th of the way into the pages of your Bible, between Judges and 1 Samuel.
• Ruth is among the historical books in the Old Testament; with the time period, “In the days that the judges ruled (v. 1),” which is about 1380 BC to 1050 BC.
• It was a dismal time for Israel;  the people would not listen to the judges God sent, turned away from God, and fell into idolatry and immorality (Judges 2: 16-17).

• The family moved from Bethlehem to Moab because of famine, but problems arose from that decision.
• Elimelech’s name in Hebrew means My God is King, but Elimelech did not look to God, just wanting out of the famine.
• The family were Ephrathites. Ephratha is the former name of Bethlehem in Scripture and is about five miles south of Jerusalem.
• God cautioned the Israelites about associating with their enemies, especially the Moabites because they hated Israel and led them to worship their idols.
• God always gives his people choices (Deuteronomy 30: 19).

Ten Years Later & Great Loss (Ruth 1: 3-6).

• Elimelech died, the boys married Moabite women, and after ten years, both sons died.
• Naomi suffered emotionally, plus knowing legally, the family name and inheritance would be gone.
• She was left ONLY with two daughters-in-law in a foreign country,. BUT GOD!!
• Psalm 146: 9: “The Lord watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow.”

The Turnaround (Ruth 1: 6).

• Grief-stricken, Naomi heard in Moab that the LORD came to help his people with food in Bethlehem.
• Naomi rose and, with the daughters-in-law, started the return to her people, her faith community, and her God.

• What impacts you most from these first six verses of Ruth?
  • Arise. Have you made a choice you regret? God will lead you forward. Arise. Don’t look back or stay in despair.
  • Remember. Do you feel like God has forsaken you? Are you bereaved or lonely? Naomi remembered the Lord. Do you remember God’s goodness? Start today thanking God for how he has blessed and helped you, even in the smallest matters.
  • Listen for him to speak to you, especially in the Scriptures.
• God is with you always. God has a plan that can change devastation to joy.

• Read, memorize, and pray these verses:
  • John 6:37. Jesus said, “I will never turn away anyone who comes to me.” (Good News)
  • Hebrews 13: 5. The Lord God says, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (NRSVCE)
  • Jeremiah 29: 11.“I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope.” (Good News)

Seven Part Series Ruth: Finding Joy In Tough Times

• Part 1 
• Part 2
• Part 3
• Part 4
• Part 5
• Part 6
• Part 7 

• Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with your friends,  It’s free and I will send you a study guide for  discussion and Scripture reflection that accompanies each podcast.
• Click here to read about hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.
• Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com 
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Find my books:
  • Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
  • Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
  • Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life

[1] Pope Francis:

The post Finding JOY in Tough Times ~ Decision Making & Turnarounds ~ Ruth #1 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Esther and Mordecai Writing the Second Letter of Purim, Painting by Aert de Gelder, 1685

Do you celebrate God’s goodness? Reflecting on what God has done can inspire you to trust Him more and will strengthen your faith. For Esther and Jewish families, the Feast of Purim is an annual celebration that reminds them how God delivered them from their enemies and continues to do so. Join the podcast today to celebrate God’s goodness and review the many reversals in the Book of Esther.

Approximately two months and ten days after the first decree was issued, Mordecai wrote the second edict, empowering the Jewish people to defend themselves against their enemies. The turnarounds were astounding! Today, we share at least 15 reversals and cover these points:

• To plunder means to steal goods by force, often during a war and with an objective of making profit.
• In Esther 9, the Jewish people remembered the violation of God’s commands in their heritage (1 Samuel 15) and acted in holy retribution for self-defense but took no plunder for their profit.

• Mordecai and Esther declared two days of celebration in an official decree to be remembered forever.
• Purim means “lots” or dice which is what Haman used to pick the date for the Jewish annihilation.
• The Book of Esther, also called the Megillah,  is read twice during the Feast dated according to the Hebrew calendar.
• Children “boo and hiss” and throw popcorn when they hear Haman’s name.
• Today, Jewish families celebrate by bring gifts to the poor, giving gifts to each other, and eating fruit-filled triangular cookies called Hamantashens [haa·muhn·taa·shn] or Haman’s Ears. They are delicious! You can pick up a recipe card on my website WRAPYourselfinJOY.com or in my book.

• Esther begins with a banquet and ends with a feast, all with great joy.
• Four pairs of feasts celebrate the turnarounds and triumphs of God.

• Esther 10 -16 , the Deuterocanonical additions A – F,  suggest Mordecai remembers a Dream. It foretold God’s deliverance relating to the main events in Esther. In addition, these chapters add a few details to the occurrences.

• God used the beautiful Esther, caused the sleeplessness of the king, brought down Haman, exalted Mordecai, and gave the Jewish people victory over their enemies.
• God showed tremendous power on behalf of his people. Almost like fireworks, the reversals came quickly and spectacularly, fifteen in all.

• The Feast of Purim, still celebrated yearly in the Jewish tradition, helps families remember God has delivered them and will continue to deliver them.
• Psalm 77 calls us to remember God’s goodness.

1. Do you set aside time to remember, joyously celebrate and thank God for what He has done for you? How can you implement Esther’s example?
2. Do you call upon God for creative solutions or turnarounds when problems arise? Try it!
3. Are you encouraging others that God intervenes in history when his people seek him with prayer, repentance, and fasting? Please consider it!

• Join my newest podcast coming this summer: Ruth – Finding JOY in Tough Times and Trusting in God’s Goodness.  If you would like to host a weekly one-hour “Cup of Joy Women ” study with your friends, email me: karen@WrapYourselfInJoy.com. It’s free and I will send you all the materials you need for the weekly one-hour discussion and study over coffee. You can read more HERE on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.

• You can download Bookmarks (and recipe card) from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click here to find the book: Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY

The post Esther for This Time #10 – Celebrating God’s Goodness & the Feast of Purim appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Esther Reigns as Queen

Do you need some creative solutions for your life?  It may look like there is NO way out, but God working behind the scenes can always give a perfect solution. Today, we watch the reversals in Esther unfold through a second edict as many watching Esther and the nation’s deliverance express a desire for conversion.

In this podcast, we will cover the following points.

• Mordecai not only acquired Haman’s wealth and property but also his position.  The king gave him his signet ring making him the second most powerful man in Persia.
• However, there was still unfinished business! If Haman’s first edict issued in the king’s name was not overturned, all Jews would still be killed. Legally, a king’s edict was irrevocable.
• For the second time, Esther appeared before the king, and using gentle leadership asked for Haman’s decree to be revoked.
• The king had given Mordecai his signet ring allowing Mordecai to write whatever he pleased.

Two months and ten days after Haman issued the first edict, Mordecai summons the king’s secretaries and wrote a second edict that counteracted Haman’s edict, empowering the Jews to defend themselves.  At least six more reversals transpired:

• Haman‘s edict was written and dispatched to kill the Jews (3: 13-15) The Reversal (8: 10-14): Mordecai’s edict was sealed and dispatched to give the Jews authority to attack those who would attack them.
• Haman‘s edict becomes the law (3: 14) The Reversal (8: 10-14): Mordecai’s writ becomes a decree that all must obey.
• Mordecai mourns in sackcloth, and ashes (4: 1). The Reversal (8: 15): Mordecai wears royal robes of blue and white, a crown, and a mantle.
• Mordecai wails in disgrace at the king’s gate (4: 2). The Reversal (8: 15): Mordecai was honored as the whole city shouted and rejoiced.
• The Jews mourn in sackcloth and ashes with fasting (4: 3). The Reversal (8: 16): They celebrate a time of gladness, joy, and honor with a royal festival and holiday.
• The Jews were weak and dispersed in the culture (3: 8). The Reversal (8: 17): The turnarounds brought about such fear of the Jews that many Persians converted or said they were Jews.

Do you need creative solutions and more reversals? Don’t give up.  Ask our Lord to show you creative solutions for your impossible situations. Invite the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and your ears to what you don’t yet see.   Remember God loves reversals and His solutions are always the best solutions and they will bring JOY!! Principles from Esther to help guide you in difficult times might include:

1. When God defeats your enemies, they are vanquished.
2. Assemble with others for increased strength to defeat foes.
3. God can give gladness, joy, and honor to replace sadness, darkness, and despair.
4. When people observe reversals and empowerment on your behalf, it could lead to turnarounds, change of heart or conversions.

• Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.  It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the weekly one-hour discussion and study over coffee.
• Download Bookmarks from this podcast series: WRAPyourselfinJOY.com.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click here to find the book Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY

The post Esther for This Time #9 – Creative Solutions and MORE Reversals appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Painting: Esther reveals Haman’s plot to the King by Jan Lievens, 1623

Do you need reversals in your life? Let Esther encourage you. God loves reversals, and He can make them happen for you.

Today in our podcast, we encounter three reversals in Chapter Seven of the Book of Esther. This is God’s providence, bringing dramatic changes in circumstances in response to the prayers of His people. It can happen again, and it can happen in your life! Join us today as we cover these points:

• When King Ahasuerus cannot sleep, he reads his chronicles and discovers Mordecai’s service needs a reward.
• The King asks Haman what he can do for the man he delights to honor.
• Haman replies the man should wear the King’s clothes, ride the King’s horse, and be proclaimed for service throughout the streets.

• Haman hates Mordecai and is humiliated when the King tells him to proceed with these actions for Mordecai.
• It is a peripety – a significant reversal of circumstances or turnaround of intentions written in heaven.
• When Haman told his friends and wife Zeresh about the Mordecai incident, they warned him: “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the Jewish people, you will not prevail against him but will surely fall before him.”

• Esther dishes up sweet words to the King.
• She knew when it was NOT time to speak and when it was time to say her request to the King.
• She used the exact words from the edict so that the King knew he was hearing the truth.

• In Persian culture,
  • Diners eat at a table while reclining on a couch.
  • Men could not come within seven steps of a woman in the King’s charge or harem.
• Haman approached Esther’s couch to beg for mercy – he had overstepped his bounds by 7 feet.
• To the King, he was assaulting Esther. So, he orders a face cloth draped on Haman.
• In the Persian culture, a facecloth covers an enemy of the King so the King would not have to look upon the one he condemned.

• Harbona, one of the King’s chief consultants, appears to know of Haman’s hatred for the Jews and of the gallows he built in his backyard to execute Mordecai. He suggests Haman hang on these gallows.
• Oh, how the Lord loves reversals! His divine providence reversed three evil events for today.
  • The gallows built in Haman’s backyard for Mordecai are used to hang Haman.
  • The King removes the signet ring, indicating “a second in charge” position, from Haman and gives it to Mordecai.
  • Haman’s decree is reversed.  Instead of plundering the property of the Jews, the King gives Haman’s property to Queen Esther.
• What the study of literature calls peripety—an event that suddenly brings a reversal of fortune and dramatic change in circumstances, is what Christians call a miracle.

• Romans 15: 4 reminds us: “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.” Let Esther give you hope. God can give you reversals too:
• Which of the following principles do you find most helpful for you?

1. 1. God can reverse the evils around us.
   2. Gentle leadership with prayer and God’s discernment accomplishes much.
   3. Teachers of drama or literature call a reversal “peripety,” but Christians call it a miracle.

• What miracle or turnaround do you need today?  Based on what you observed from Esther and Mordecai, how will you pray for one?

1. 1. Read Psalm 37: 1-5 and notice all the phrases “do not fret” and “trust in the Lord” instead. Which will you do? The Lord will act as you delight in Him and commit your way to Him.
   2. Ask Jesus to bring laughter and joy to your life as you pray for the reversal.

• Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.  It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the weekly one-hour discussion and study over coffee.
• Download Bookmarks from this podcast series: WRAPyourselfinJOY.com.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click here to find the book Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY

The post Esther for This Time #8 – Reversals Begin appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Mordecai Led Through the City by Haman by Azor Masters, Painting, 1420 AD, The Hague

God-designed comedy can reverse calamity! Don’t you wish every tragedy turned into a good laugh instead? Sometimes, we think God doesn’t have a sense of humor. Today in our podcast on Esther, we cannot help but see the comedy from the hand of God that reverses a tragedy.

In our last study, Esther asked the king and Haman to a festive banquet dinner she prepared. At the end of the dinner, Esther invited the king and Haman to a second dinner the next day. She delayed the real request because her discernment through prayer and fasting told her the timing was not right.  Between the two dinner parties, Haman bursts with pride to family and friends at being asked to dine twice with the king and queen of Persia. However, his joy disappears at the sight of Mordecai, who refuses to stand up in his presence. Today, we join the king, whose sleeplessness, ordained by God, leads to a reversal of circumstances. We cover these points:

• The King can’t sleep, so he entertains himself by reading his annals – large volumes that record the history and accomplishments of a king’s reign.
• The King’s sleeplessness begins with peripety (pronounced “pe-rip-e-tē”). The term is used in dramatic arts to define a sudden reversal of fortune with a change in direction.
• In a tragedy, the plot turns a lead character’s fortune into ruin.
• In a comedy, the reversal changes tragedy into comedy.
• In Esther Chapter Six, we see both kinds of peripety.

• The king turns in his annals to an event that occurred five years earlier, only to discover that Mordecai’s service had NEVER been rewarded.
• Just then, Haman arrives at the inner court after constructing a 75-foot-high gallows for hanging Mordecai.
• Haman lusts for power and hopes to wear the King’s robe.
• The ancients attached great significance to wearing a royal robe. It was considered a mark of great favor and honor.
• Haman tells the king what could be done to the man whom the king wants to honor.

• Haman hated Mordecai and was greatly humbled when he proclaimed his greatness while wearing the king’s robes and crown and riding the king’s horse.
• God’s hand seems to create a peripety: Haman, once honored as second in power to the king, is humiliated, and Mordecai, in sackcloth and ashes, is exalted in the king’s robe and attire.
• Haman’s friends and wife Zeresh realize that the Jews worshipped a God, who seemed to be intervening.
• Haman did not know the warnings of Proverbs 16:18 and Matthew 23: 12.
• Proverbs 16: 18. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. NRSV-CE or
• Matthew 23: 12. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. NRSV-CE

• The greatest reversal of all God planned since creation was our redemption from sin and eternal death through Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection.
• It was the greatest REAL peripety of all.

• In Esther Chapter 6, we see God’s hand at work reversing many situations. Which of the following principles do you find most helpful?

1.  Wait for God’s timing and guidance: He can intervene in your life with a miracle that changes everything.
2.  God intervenes in history when His people call out to Him with prayer, repentance, and fasting.
3.  Jesus Christ is your reversal of fortune—He died out of love for you to forgive your sins and offer you eternal life. Now is the time to accept His forgiveness as His plan for your life.
4.  I will try to remember these verses to remind me of God’s ability to intervene in the worst of circumstances:

• Isaiah 59:1. See, the Lord’s hand is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.
• Jeremiah 32: 27. See, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too hard for me? NRSV-CE

• Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.  It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the weekly one-hour discussion and study over coffee.
• Download Bookmarks from this podcast series: WRAPyourselfinJOY.com.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click here to find the book Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY

The post Esther for This Time #7 – God-Designed Comedy appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Vashti Dethroned

What can you learn from Queen Esther? Do you need more wisdom and less bad advice in your life?  Today, we will encounter the outrageous King Ahasuerus, who regrets the outcome of his bad decision based on bad advice! Join us as we discuss the true wisdom from God that does not disappoint.

Welcome to Esther for This Time: Prayer, Reversals & JOY Episode #2 based on my book Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals and JOY.  The Book of Esther in the Old Testament was written so that even 2500 years later, we can still relate it to our culture. We can learn so much from Queen Esther.

Today, we continue in Esther Chapter 1 with our introduction to the pompous and extravagant King Ahasuerus and the opulent six-month party he threw in the capital city of Susa (modern-day Iran) in the third year of his reign. Ancient historians suggest over 15,000 men came to the party, which lasted 187 days. Amid the grand party, the king received and followed bad advice. In the podcast today, we will cover these points.

• Queen Vashti was throwing a grand party herself for the wives of governors, nobles, and officials who came to the king’s celebration when the king called her to appear before an unruly, intoxicated horde of men to show off her beauty.
• She refused to come for reasons we might guess.
• When she refused, she did not expect the king’s boiling rage!

• King Ahasuerus’ wise men, led by their spokesman Memucan, advised the king to dethrone and remove Vashti forever. Guided by his wounded pride, with no respect for his wife, the king followed this bad advice and dethroned Vashti.
• The Scriptures teach women to honor and respect their husbands and men to love their wives (Ephesians 5: 25, 3). But the king was a pagan consumed with pride and self-indulgence who did not know God’s commands or God’s ways.
• Greek Historian Herodotus records that King Ahasuerus won a great battle after this feast but later suffered a terrible loss to the Greeks during the four years that occurred between Esther Chapters One and Two.
• The King returned home from battle and likely consumed himself with even more indulgence and sensuality, only to find he missed a lasting relationship with his lovely wife.

Where do you need wisdom today? Our historical story teaches us

1. Be cautious when taking counsel from worldly advisors who stroke your ego or are motivated by a desire for power.
2. Be courageous and maintain your integrity in difficult situations.
3. Anger and violence do not demonstrate strength in a husband or a leader.

1. Read Proverbs 3: 5-7, James 1: 5, and Proverbs 3:17.
2. These verses instruct us to ask God for wisdom, who promises to give it generously and ungrudgingly.
3. So, ask God to lead YOU and clear the road for YOU to follow.

• Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one: Esther for this Time: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY.  Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.  It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the one-hour discussion and study. For questions, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com
• You can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPyourselfinJOY.com.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click here to find the book Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals and JOY

The post Esther for This Time # 2 – The Queen, the Refusal & the Bad Advice appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Have you studied the book of Esther? Do You Need Reversals in Your Life? Are you struggling to find faith and courage? Esther will show you how. Join our newest series based on the Book of Esther.  It’s a  wonderful study for Lent.  It is about trusting in God, intercessory prayer, and receiving strength to stand firm amid life’s challenges. It is about gentle leadership, discernment, and how God can give you reversals and joy in situations and relationships. Esther is a book of faith, hope, and joy!

[Don’t forget the Joy podcast series here.]

Welcome to Esther for This Time: Prayer, Reversals & JOY Episode #1, based on my book Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY.  When we wonder, “Where is God in our lives or our families or communities,” Esther reminds us that God never abandons us. He is faithful. Now is a good time to start if you have never read or studied Esther. You cannot depend on movies depicting Esther because some are more fictional than historically accurate. You will gain so much more by reading it yourself, as the lessons from Esther are so encouraging. And, of course, there is a JOYFUL ending. Today, we will cover these points:

• The days of Ahasuerus (Esther 1:1) refer to the reign of King Ahasuerus, who historically ruled the world as King of the Persian Empire from 486 to 465 BC. In Greek, his name was Xerxes.
• The Persians, led by Cyrus the Great, the grandfather of Ahasuerus, had defeated the Babylonian Empire of King Nebuchadnezzar, who had taken the Jewish people captive to Babylon beginning in 605 BC. Cyrus the Great had a relaxed attitude toward the Jewish people and allowed them to return to Jerusalem or move to other places. Some went back to Jerusalem. Some scattered throughout Europe. Some stayed in Persia and learned to fit into its culture. This is where we meet Esther.

• King Ahasuerus resided in Susa, one of the three royal cities in the Persian Empire.
• He threw the lavish party, mostly to inspire patriotism and show off his wealth and splendor to his military leaders so they would support him for going to war against Greece, as history tells us.
• An old tradition stated that the rest of the party could drink only as the king drank, but at his party, all were instructed to drink freely. The golden goblets used for serving the wine may very well have been the sacred goblets seized from the Jewish temple in Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar in 605 BC (see Daniel 1). Now, they were being used in a very unholy way by a very pagan king!

• King Ahasuerus was trying to make himself a god in power, prestige, and more.
• He did not know or refused to acknowledge the truth that God loves us dearly but as Proverbs 15:3 points out: “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good,” or Hebrews 4:13, saying: “And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
• Consider these questions for reflection today:
  • Do you wonder where God is when you see the world focused on self-image, power, and prestige?
  • Do you get discouraged when it appears God is silent about all the evil taking place in the world?
  • When God seems silent, do you turn your attention to the party—that is, to the worldly distractions that draw you away from God, faith, and family?

1. Read and pray with Psalm 103: 15-22. Try to memorize the verse that speaks most to you.
2. Seek God. When you think he is silent as the world parties on, open yourself more to God. Remember that only God, our heavenly Father, Jesus, our Savior, and the Holy Spirit can offer you the true Joy, Peace, Love, and Fulfillment that the world is seeking, as epitomized by King Ahasuerus.
3. Ask for your needs. When you are lonely, confused, or frustrated, talk to Jesus from your heart.  Ask Him for what you need. Remember Jesus’ words in John 15: 11: As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.   (You may want to listen to my podcast season #1 series, Finding JOY.)

Links

• Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one: Esther for this Time: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY.  Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.  It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the one-hour discussion and study. For questions, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com
• You can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPyourselfinJOY.com.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click here to find the book Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals and JOY

The post Esther for This Time: Prayer, Reversals & JOY – The Backdrop & the Party appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

As a host-facilitator, you would get together weekly with friends over a cup of coffee (or tea) for one hour of thanksgiving, prayer, and discussion. Your small group will grow together in faith, hope, love, and joy.

The new Spring podcast series is Esther for This Time: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY, based on Karen’s book which has an imprimatur.  The series will last eight weeks and is perfect for Lent. Go to Wrapyourselfinjoy.com to sign up.

Answers to common questions include:

Inviting others for coffee (or tea) will make your invitation seem friendly and casual. As a host- facilitator, you will find the handout for each meeting and the format easy to use for the one hour over coffee.

The weekly one-hour format encourages participants to know the meeting will be focused and not take up much of their precious time. Discussing the content covered in the questions and Scripture will help the Scriptures come alive.

Esther for This Time: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY starts the week of February 14.  But if you choose, you could select the JOYFUL and Battle Ready podcast series with the accompanying Cup of JOY. This series focuses on defining true joy and putting on the armor of God from Ephesians.  All series are eight weeks, plus a suggested wrap-up finale meeting.   Go to Wrapyourselfinjoy.com to sign up.

Hosting a Cup of Joy Women’s small group is a beautiful way to gently evangelize and involve others in prayer, Scripture reflection, and discussion. Your main job as a host/facilitator is to arrange a meeting place, invite guests, prepare coffee, and facilitate the meeting. Your small group can meet at home or church, and it can include 2 to 10 women or more. You will receive weekly a prepared PDF worksheet that will guide your group through discussion, prayer, and study.  As the host, you will make a copy of the worksheet for each person. All will listen to the podcast to prepare for the weekly meeting.

Go to Wrapyourselfinjoy.com to sign up as a small group host and for your small group members. Then, you receive an email with all the necessary information for your group.

The post A Cup of JOY for Lent – An Invitation appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The Presentation in the Temple, Philippe de Champaigne. 1648; Join Simeon & Anna at the Presentation of Jesus

Are you seeking consolation or more joy? Join us today at the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, where Anna and Simeon show us JOY. They offer us ten ways the Holy Spirit can help YOU.

Welcome to Advent JOY Podcast #7, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events, and Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ.  Today, we travel with Mary and Joseph to the Temple and the Presentation of the Lord. There Anna and Simeon will join us at this very special event as we cover the following points:

• At the time of Jesus’ birth, the Old Testament Mosaic Law required every firstborn Jewish male to be circumcised at 8 days after birth
• The naming of the baby took place at the same time as the circumcision.
• Mary and Joseph by divine appointment knew what the Child was to be called. And so “He was named Jesus” which means the Lord saves- the name told to both Mary and Joseph via an angel (Luke 1: 30 and Matthew 1: 20).

• Now, forty days after Jesus’ birth,  Joseph and Mary again follow the Mosaic Law for the Presentation of Jesus in the temple and Mary’s Purification. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said He came to “fulfill the law,” which begins at His birth.
• For Mary’s Purification, the sweet Blessed Mother of humble means offers “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” which Leviticus 12: 8 prescribed for a new mother who could not afford a sheep to offer.

• This “redemption of the firstborn” meant that the parents redeemed Jesus or bought Him back from God. Isn’t it amazing that almost 33 years later, it would be Jesus who would pay the price for our redemption by dying on the cross?
• The Catholic Church celebrates the Presentation of the Lord on February 2 every year.

Although their lives differed, Simeon and Anna had much in common.

1. Both Simeon and Anna were described as deeply spiritual people. They loved the Lord, practiced their faith, and did not allow themselves to become bitter or decrepit with the times.
2. Both were “senior citizens” active in serving God. Pope Francis says of the Presentation:  It is a meeting between the young, who are full of joy in observing the Law of the Lord, and the elderly who are full of joy in the action of the Holy Spirit. It is a unique encounter between observance and prophecy, where young people are the observers and the elderly are prophets! (The Feast of the Presentation, Vatican, 2-2-2014).  
3. Both knew the Scriptures.
4. Both believed in the Scriptures and were looking for the Messiah. Bible scholars and theologians say Jesus has fulfilled at least 300 Old Testament prophecies.
5. Both were looking forward with HOPE. The words looking for indicate they were actively waiting for the Savior with hope.
6. Both worshiped, prayed, and adored God. Their eyes went more to God than to the news of the day. That brought consolation.
7. The Spirit of God guided both.
8. Both Simeon and Anna recognized the Messiah.
9. Both received Jesus and were changed.
10. Both Simeon and Anna received a message about Jesus from the Holy Spirit, and they shared it.

• Simeon’s prayer is one of the Church’s great prayers, or canticles (little songs). It is called the Nunc Dimittis because v. 29 in the Latin translation of the Bible begins with the words “Nunc Dimittis,” which means “now dismiss your servant.” In other words, Simeon was saying to the Lord, “Now I am ready to die; you can dismiss me, Lord; I have seen the Savior.”
• Every evening, all priests, religious, and laypeople who pray the Liturgy of the Hours pray the Nunc Dimittis prayer.
• Today and every day, you can pray the Nunc Dimittis from Luke 2: 29-30.

• Why not spend some time with these verses? Using your holy imagination, see yourself receiving Jesus from Mary’s arms as Simeon did.
  • Look into the face of Jesus and give Him your shame and sadness.
  • In exchange, receive His Love and JOY. He has come for YOU. You can’t help but be consoled.
  • Then like Anna, praise God because you have seen the Savior of the World. He has come to give You peace, as John 15 says, Peace I give you, but not as the world gives. He has come to give the world peace as Luke 2: 14 says, Peace on earth, good will toward to men.  He has come to give you His love.

Remember Lamentations 3:22-25. (ESV) … His mercies are fresh every morning. Great is His faithfulness 25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him.

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this next one: Esther for this Time: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY.  Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.  It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the one-hour discussion and study. For questions, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com

You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from A Joy-filled Advent Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Click here for the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

The post Seeking Consolation and JOY? Join Anna & Simeon at the Presentation – A JOY-Filled Advent & Christmas #7 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds!

Do you need a message that brings MORE JOY and Peace? Join us today for the birth of Jesus and meet the Angels and the Shepherds who have a lot to share. Uniting your heart with the Angel’s Gloria and the Shepherd’s praises will help you know more JOY and peace.

Welcome to Advent JOY Podcast #6, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events And Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ.  Today, we return to the book of Luke. There we join Blessed Mary and Joseph on their 80-mile journey to Bethlehem. When they arrive, they find it crowded with people, who like Mary and Joseph, had come at the command of Caesar Augustus.

Join us today for these points:

• Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, in the City of David, as prophesied by the Old Testament prophet Micah over 700 years earlier and recorded in Micah 5: 1-3.
• Emperor Caesar Augustus, a master bookkeeper and statistician, likely wanted to keep track of his subjects and kingdom by public enrollment.
• Joseph had to go to Bethlehem, as he was a descendant of King David. Mary went along too – she may have been required to register, or Joseph wanted her with him.
• Bishop Fulton J. Sheen explains: Joseph “searched in vain for a place where He, to Whom heaven and earth belonged, might be born. Could the Creator not find a home in creation? …  A stable would be the last place in the world where one would have looked for Him. Divinity is always where one least expects to find it. (Life of Christ, 1958, p. 13-24.
• Jesus, God Incarnate and the Savior of the World was born and then tightly wrapped in bands of cloth by his mother, Mary, and laid in a manger where animals ate.

• The angel’s message of “Good News” is summarized (v. 10-11): “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the
• We can say with assurance that Jesus is our Savior, who delivers us from sin and makes us right with God. He is our Messiah, the anointed one who will reign as KING forever.

• Amazingly, God chooses shepherds—the little, the lowly, the less important of the world (1 Corinthians 1: 28), but also calls himself a shepherd (e.g., “I am the Good Shepherd,” John 10:11). In Ezekiel 34:12-16, God describes himself as one who “shepherds right.” He tends sheep, rescues them, leads them, gives them rest, brings back the lost, binds up the injured, and heals the sick.
• Jesus is our Shepherd: If at times you feel “lowly,” please know that Christ is YOUR Savior and Shepherd. He came for you! You are His little lamb, and He loves you.
• Some shepherds around Jerusalem took care of the temple lambs used in the temple sacrifices. Shepherds would wrap lambs born without blemish in swaddling cloths and place them away from the others  (e.g., Leviticus 4-5). Amazingly, the shepherds caring for the temple lambs used for sin offerings would be the first to recognize Jesus Christ, who came as our sin offering forever!

• We find two beautiful choruses in Luke 2:14-20. First, there’s the Angel’s “Gloria” (v. 14), which is so-called because the first word in  St. Jerome’s Latin translation is “Gloria.”
• This song of the angels proclaims peace to a world that needs peace as we do now. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; the peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27, NABRE). The only place of true peace is in Jesus; today, we must remind ourselves of this. We can join the angels in praise: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward all.”
• The second chorus includes the shepherds’ praises (v. 20). They praised God for the good news from the angel and the song of the heavenly host of angels. From them, we learn that praising God for His goodness is a wonderful way to evangelize and get other’s attention on our Savior.

• Mary “treasured and pondered” these things in her heart.
• She gives an example for us in treasuring, pondering, and delighting in the things God has revealed, especially because we have God’s Word in Scripture.

Try to put yourself in the scenes with Mary, Jesus, the angels, and the shepherds. Then prayerfully ask:

1. Am I praising God for sending Jesus, like the angels and shepherds did?
2. Am I making a “manger” for Jesus in my heart, allowing Him to be my Savior and Lord?
3. Am I receiving the true joy and peace that Jesus offers?
4. Am I treasuring God’s Word in my heart as Mary did?

Please consider hosting a weekly one-hour CUP of JOY Women’s small group. Karen provides studies and discussion questions to accompany each podcast and each series.   In February and for Lent, we will start the new series: Esther for This Time: Prayers, Reversals, and JOY.  It is an exciting podcast series about how God answered prayer and sent mighty reversals for a family, people, and nation. Click here to read about hosting a CUP of JOY Women’s small group.  For more information, email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com.

Free Bookmarks: You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from A Joy-filled Advent Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

More Podcasts: Check out more podcasts here!

Advent book: Click here to get a copy: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

The post Needing more JOY or Peace? Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds! – A JOY-Filled Advent & Christmas #6 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Do you find changing plans perplexing? Mary and Joseph changed their plans often as they listened to God. Why not ask God to help you lean into change? God can help you most when you are willing to exchange your plans for God’s plans!

Welcome to Advent JOY Podcast #5, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events, and Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ.  Today, we travel with Matthew’s Gospel, meet some unexpected members of Jesus’ ancestry, and hear of Joseph’s dream and his faithfulness to Mary. Matthew fills us in on details of Mary’s return home to her betrothed Joseph after she visits Elizabeth.

• So, we start with Matthew 1. At the time of Jesus, families kept a genealogical record (or family tree) to distribute inherited property and other rights under Jewish laws.
• Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI points out that Matthew 1 is not a perfect historical account that includes every single member of the ancestry of Jesus Christ, saying: ”This was not Matthew’s goal.“ (Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives, 2012, p. 8).
• Matthew wrote to appeal to the Jews by placing Jesus first and foremost as the Son of Abraham—the Patriarch and Father of Israel promised as part of an everlasting covenant with God (Genesis 17: 6-7), and as the Son of David—the priestly King of Israel, whose ancestors were prophesied to reign forever (2 Samuel: 7:13).

• Jewish lineages, at the time of Christ, usually did not contain names of women. Christ’s ancestry lists five women in Matthew 1. Of course, we would expect the  Blessed Virgin Mary to be named. But there were four others listed—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba who came from foreign ancestry or had a reputation for immorality that could have disqualified them from inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ.  All were Gentile women who turned away from immoralities or idolatries to become faithful to God in their circumstances.
• Even if your past life or “family tree” seems dishonorable, Jesus offers you forgiveness, grace, mercy, and a new beginning when you turn to Him. You are part of the family of God, and every day you can have a new life in Christ. Hebrews 2: 11: G”od is not ashamed to call them [or you] brothers and sisters.”
• Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI wrote on the deeper meaning of the genealogies of Jesus and said:“[T]hose who believe in Jesus enter through faith into Jesus’ unique new origin, and they receive this origin as their own…Joseph did not beget Jesus but was truly born of the Holy Spirit from the Virgin Mary, so it can now be said of us that our true ‘genealogy’ is faith in Jesus who gives us a new origin and …to birth ‘from God” (Jesus of Nazareth, p. 12-13).

• Dreams were a common way God communicated with His people in the Old Testament. Joseph did not hesitate in his response to the angel in the dream. He trusted God to work everything out. He willingly exchanged his plans for God’s plans. We could say he leaned into God’s plans.
• Joseph, from the tribe of Judah and the house of David, a carpenter by trade, became the legal head of this precious family (Abbott Ricciotti, The Life of Christ, 1947).  Joseph is a role model to families—looking for God’s plans and leaning into them. This was the beginning of Joseph’s mission for life. Some have said it this way, Joseph was born for this vocation — to be the father of Jesus and Mary’s most chaste spouse. Like Mary, Joseph said “yes” to his vocation. His entire happiness was in knowing what God wanted him to do and carrying it out to the end ( Fernandez, Conversation with God, Vol. 1, 1997). He was devoted to God and his family.

1. Lean into God’s Plans. Can you picture Joseph’s perplexity when his plans suddenly changed? He was likely building the house, planning the wedding, or earning extra money for the marriage, but he was unprepared to hear Mary’s announcement.  Then God gave him more direction through an angel in a dream.  He leaned in the changes. You can ask yourself: Am I open to changing my plans to fit God’s plan? Talk to Jesus about how you can stay open to God’s plans. What changes can you lean into?
2. Accept Your Place in God’s Family. If you feel unworthy or unqualified to be part of God’s family, remember Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth. These women changed direction to follow God, joined God’s family, and are part of the lineage of Jesus. It is not too late for your family to come to God.  Ask Jesus to forgive you and your family. Ask him to help you change directions.  Then do what he tells you.

Links

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one:  A Joy-filled Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers.  Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.  For more information, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com

You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from A Joy-filled Advent Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Click here for the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

The post Perplexed? Exchange Your Plans for God’s Plans! – A Joy-Filled Advent #5 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Perplexed. Exchange Your Plans for God’s Plans

Do you find changing plans perplexing? Mary and Joseph changed their plans often as they listened to God. Why not ask God to help you lean into change? God can help you most when you are willing to exchange your plans for God’s plans!

Welcome to Advent JOY Podcast #5, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events, and Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ.  Today, we travel with Matthew’s Gospel, meet some unexpected members of Jesus’ ancestry, and hear of Joseph’s dream and his faithfulness to Mary. Matthew fills us in on details of Mary’s return home to her betrothed Joseph after she visits Elizabeth.

• So, we start with Matthew 1. At the time of Jesus, families kept a genealogical record (or family tree) to distribute inherited property and other rights under Jewish laws.
• Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI points out that Matthew 1 is not a perfect historical account that includes every single member of the ancestry of Jesus Christ, saying: ”This was not Matthew’s goal.“ (Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives, 2012, p. 8).
• Matthew wrote to appeal to the Jews by placing Jesus first and foremost as the Son of Abraham—the Patriarch and Father of Israel promised as part of an everlasting covenant with God (Genesis 17: 6-7), and as the Son of David—the priestly King of Israel, whose ancestors were prophesied to reign forever (2 Samuel: 7:13).

• Jewish lineages, at the time of Christ, usually did not contain names of women. Christ’s ancestry lists five women in Matthew 1. Of course, we would expect the  Blessed Virgin Mary to be named. But there were four others listed—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba who came from foreign ancestry or had a reputation for immorality that could have disqualified them from inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ.  All were Gentile women who turned away from immoralities or idolatries to become faithful to God in their circumstances.
• Even if your past life or “family tree” seems dishonorable, Jesus offers you forgiveness, grace, mercy, and a new beginning when you turn to Him. You are part of the family of God, and every day you can have a new life in Christ. Hebrews 2: 11: G”od is not ashamed to call them [or you] brothers and sisters.”
• Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI wrote on the deeper meaning of the genealogies of Jesus and said:“[T]hose who believe in Jesus enter through faith into Jesus’ unique new origin, and they receive this origin as their own…Joseph did not beget Jesus but was truly born of the Holy Spirit from the Virgin Mary, so it can now be said of us that our true ‘genealogy’ is faith in Jesus who gives us a new origin and …to birth ‘from God” (Jesus of Nazareth, p. 12-13).

• Dreams were a common way God communicated with His people in the Old Testament. Joseph did not hesitate in his response to the angel in the dream. He trusted God to work everything out. He willingly exchanged his plans for God’s plans. We could say he leaned into God’s plans.
• Joseph, from the tribe of Judah and the house of David, a carpenter by trade, became the legal head of this precious family (Abbott Ricciotti, The Life of Christ, 1947).  Joseph is a role model to families—looking for God’s plans and leaning into them. This was the beginning of Joseph’s mission for life. Some have said it this way, Joseph was born for this vocation — to be the father of Jesus and Mary’s most chaste spouse. Like Mary, Joseph said “yes” to his vocation. His entire happiness was in knowing what God wanted him to do and carrying it out to the end ( Fernandez, Conversation with God, Vol. 1, 1997). He was devoted to God and his family.

1. Lean into God’s Plans. Can you picture Joseph’s perplexity when his plans suddenly changed? He was likely building the house, planning the wedding, or earning extra money for the marriage, but he was unprepared to hear Mary’s announcement.  Then God gave him more direction through an angel in a dream.  He leaned in the changes. You can ask yourself: Am I open to changing my plans to fit God’s plan? Talk to Jesus about how you can stay open to God’s plans. What changes can you lean into?
2. Accept Your Place in God’s Family. If you feel unworthy or unqualified to be part of God’s family, remember Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth. These women changed direction to follow God, joined God’s family, and are part of the lineage of Jesus. It is not too late for your family to come to God.  Ask Jesus to forgive you and your family. Ask him to help you change directions.  Then do what he tells you.

Links

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one:  A Joy-filled Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers.  Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.  For more information, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com

You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from A Joy-filled Advent Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Click here for the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

The post Perplexed? Exchange Your Plans for God’s Plans! – A Joy-Filled Advent #5 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

 Do you need more calm in your life? Today, Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness and shows us the joyous blessings. Stillness with God will do the same for you this Advent, giving you more joy and peace!

Welcome to Advent JOY Podcast #4, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events, and Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ.

Today, we are going to a celebration at Zechariah’s home. It’s the circumcision and naming of his newborn boy. Can’t you picture yourself as one of the neighbors who has come to help name the baby born to the old priest Zechariah and his aged wife, Elizabeth? Can you hear yourself say:

“This must be some child—a miracle baby! What a blessing from the Lord for Elizabeth! Zechariah is mute since the last time he went up to serve in the temple.” Join the podcast as we cover these exciting points:

• The neighbors come to celebrate the birth and help with the circumcision.
• Circumcision is a rite by God under the Old Covenant, usually performed on the 8th day after birth. It was a mark on a male and a sign that he was in covenant with God, sanctified for divine service, and a member of the Jewish people.
• Under the New Covenant, circumcision is not a religious ritual for us (Galatians 5: 6).
• The circumcision ritual is similar to the Sacrament of Baptism, celebrated with family, friends, and godparents.
• For the Christian, baptism is a sign one belongs to Christ, is united with Him in His death, and is incorporated into the Church (Hahn, Catholic Bible Dictionary).

• Zechariah confirms that His name is JOHN.
• Immediately, Zechariah’s mouth was open, and his tongue was freed.

• Zechariah grew in faith, peace, and trust in stillness with God.
• Benedictus means Blessed be..the Lord.
• Zechariah’s prophecy is called a canticle, which means “little song”- a liturgical song from a Biblical text.
• Zechariah thanks God for the promises to be fulfilled in the Messiah and for His Son John, who would go before the Lord to prepare His way, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by forgiving their sins.

• Seek God in stillness. Choose a quiet morning or evening during Advent. Turn off all media and be present with the Lord in adoration, prayer, and Scripture. Sit with God and LISTEN. You may find a new vision, peace, and a deeper relationship with God – the one He wants with you.
• Let God redeem you. If you are living in any darkness or carrying baggage, Jesus wants to carry your baggage, forgive your sins, and give you peace. “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Links

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies one of the podcast series, especially this one:  A Joy-filled Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers.  Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.  For information, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com

You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from A Joy-filled Advent Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Click here for the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

The post Needing Calm? Seek Stillness with God! – A JOY-Filled Advent #4 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Join us today as we travel with Mary 90 miles to the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth. We will drop in on a special meeting of hearts to partake in the delight, the prayer, and the JOY of Fellowship.

Welcome to A JOY-Filled Advent Podcast #3, based on my book The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.  Last week, we heard how God supernaturally begot the Son of God in the Virgin Mary and gave an old woman, Elizabeth, past her time conceiving a child. We discovered any barrenness in life can become a breakthrough! “For nothing is impossible with God!”

Today, we travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country of Judea, near Jerusalem. We will drop in on Mary’s visit to her old cousin Elizabeth. Both women are expecting, rejoicing over the births to come, and thrilled to see each other.  Join the podcast today as we cover these exciting points:

• John the Baptist leaps for Joy
• Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaims words of JOY.
• Mary praises and skips with JOY.
• Jesus is always joy-filled—even in the womb!

• Fellowship in the Scriptures is translated from New Testament Greek Koinonia, occurring 20 times in the New Testament.
• Elizabeth brought out Mary’s JOY, and Mary brought out Elizabeth’s JOY. True fellowship strengthens and encourages faith.
• Elizabeth praises Mary for believing Gabriel.
• The Holy Spirit reveals the presence of Jesus in Mary’s womb to Elizabeth.

• Magnificat was the first word in Luke 1: 46 found in St. Jerome’s Latin translation of the Bible (4th-century common language of the people) and it means “my soul magnifies.”
• The Magnificat is a canticle – a liturgical song from a Biblical text.
• The Magnificat shows Mary’s love for Scripture. She knew the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) well.
• The Magnificat reflects themes from many Old Testament Scriptures – the powerful arm of God, His mercy to all, His justice and faithfulness, and His care for the poor and afflicted (e.g., 1 Samuel 2:1-10 and Psalm 34:2, 35: 9, 103: 17, 107: 9, 132: 11, 138: 6).

• We can only imagine the comfort Mary and Elizabeth must have been to each other. They talked of the Scriptures to be fulfilled because they knew well the promises regarding the Messiah and the one who would precede Him. They shared the stories about Gabriel as his message had changed each of their lives. They would have known of Gabriel’s former visitations and announcements recorded in Daniel 9.

• We can respond to these verses of JOY shared between Mary and Elizabeth by 1) Asking God for Advent JOY (He wants to give us His JOY), 2) Rejoicing in God’s goodness, 3) Preserving a quiet time for prayer, and 4) Sharing JOY with others, especially during Advent. God has JOY for YOU.

Links

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies one of the podcast series, especially this one:  A Joy-filled Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers.

Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.  For information, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com

You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from A Joy-filled Advent Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

The post The Visitation & JOY of Fellowship – A JOY-Filled Advent #3 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

A Joy-Filled Advent The Annunciation- Nothing is Impossible with God

JOY in Nazareth

Welcome to A JOY-filled Advent, Podcast #2.  It’s based on my book The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.  Last week we met the Archangel Gabriel, who appeared to Zechariah in the temple after 430 years of silence from heaven. When Zechariah disbelieved his announcement, Gabriel gave him a 9-month silent retreat.  This week, we follow Luke 1: 26 to a small town in Galilee, the hometown of Mary and Joseph, to hear another announcement called The Annunciation in the Catholic Church.  Join our journey today as we visit Mary, hear of a Savior to be born, and learn that “nothing is impossible with God.”

• The powerful Archangel Gabriel brings the second announcement– this time to a young girl in Nazareth.
• This most important heavenly Annunciation comes to a girl in a remote village where you might least expect it to occur. BUT God causes miracles to happen in the most unlikely and even ungodly places when people are open to Him.
• The recipient of the Great Annunciation is Mary, a virgin teenager, engaged to Joseph in the lineage of David, which points to the Old Testament prophesies soon to be fulfilled.

• The Baby would be named Jesus, Yeshua in Hebrew and derived from Yahweh – the Most Holy Name of God in the Old Testament. The message is clear: Yahweh God would name His son Yeshua after Himself.
• Truly, Jesus would be the Son of God and fulfill  Isaiah 7: 14: Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel (God with us).

• “Fiat” is the first word of Luke 1: 38 in the early Latin Bible translation and it means “let it be.” This was Mary’s “YES.”  
• Mary received the Word of God, surrendered, and entrusted herself and her life to God’s will. Mary gives us this example of how to seek and accept God’s will: Listen, Dialogue with God, and Surrender.

• Some may find it hard to believe in the virgin birth. But the virgin birth and incarnation are essential parts of our Christian faith.
• The incarnation means God became man, reaching out to mankind.  In no other religion does God “become flesh” (John 1: 14), “accept the limitations of humanity,” come to earth to show His love, and then die for the sins of all (Fulton Sheen, 1958, Life of Christ, p. 19). St. Augustine says that when we cannot understand this miracle, “Let us grant that God can do something which we confess we cannot fathom. God is the God of the impossible!” (John Willis, 2002, Teachings of the Church Fathers).
• For example, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli told God he felt barren in his old age and then received a great miracle!
• If you are unsure about God’s power to accomplish miracles or significant changes in your own life, consider this: If God can supernaturally beget the Son of God in a virgin and give an old woman Elizabeth, past her time of conceiving a child, God can fix the barrenness in your life too. If you feel unproductive or barren, ask the Holy Spirit to come upon you in new ways and to open new doors where least expected. He will give you a breakthrough! “For nothing is impossible with God!”

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies one of the podcast series, especially this one:  A Joy-filled Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers.

Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small groups.  For information, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com

You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from A Joy-filled Advent Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

The post “For Nothing Is Impossible with God” – A JOY-Filled ADVENT # 2 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Are you waiting for an answer to prayer, or are you about to give up hope?  Join us today as Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Gabriel teach us this lesson: Don’t give up hope – God hears & God answers prayer.

The celebration of ADVENT often surprises me because it comes so quickly. How about you? It was just fall, then Thanksgiving, and then within a week, it’s Advent. So let’s prepare our thinking—our mind and heart with plenty of time to find the JOY of Advent this year. We will cover these points today;

• Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus, ” meaning “coming.”
• The Advent season helps us focus on the present coming of Jesus in our lives and on increasing our desire for His presence every day.

• This podcast will help you discover the people, prayers, and events so important to Jesus’ first coming.
• You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, the Angels, the Shepherds, Simeon, Anna, and the Magi.
• It’s as if we will travel with them and partake in the most meaningful events in their lives.

• For 430 years prior to the birth of Jesus Christ, God had stopped speaking to His people because they had stopped listening to His prophets. Fast forward 430 years and we will drop in on the “first annunciation.” The term “annunciation” in Latin means announcement.
• When God began speaking again, He sent announcements through His most important heavenly messenger – the Archangel Gabriel.
• In Luke 1, we read that the first announcement came to Zechariah. He and his wife Elizabeth served God, trusted him for everything, while they waited and prayed for children, which overtime seemed more impossible (Luke 1: 5-7).

•  Gabriel may sound harsh to you, but he has a gentle side too.  We have to consider the circumstances: the GREAT Archangel Gabriel had been sent by God to  O
• Poor Zechariah—the Archangel Gabriel just couldn’t take his unbelief so with one look he muted Zechariah for the next nine months.
• Gabriel is no puny angel –  “Gabriel” in New Testament Greek means “the Might of God.”

• After listening to the podcast, please reflect on the powerful message of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and us in the first part of Luke 1: God hears. God answers.  Don’t give up on God.
• Have you ever prayed for something so long that you gave up? Have you ever received more than you expected – just as you were about to give up?
• St. Jerome wrote about Zechariah: “Your prayer is heard…that is to say you are given more than you asked for. You prayed for the salvation of the people and you have been given the Precursor” [John the Baptist] (Souvay, 1910, The Catholic Encyclopedia – Zacharias).
• While Zechariah was praying and waiting and giving up on prayer all those years, he did not know that God was preparing Joseph and Mary and so, he had to wait just a little longer.

Consider these prayer points because Jesus wants to share His joy while you wait for His answers:

(a) Ask Jesus for a  new and fresh prayer encounter with Him. Ask for new joy and to experience His presence while you look for everyday miracles.

(b) Take Time. Make a point to take some quiet time every day to listen to the Lord, read LUKE 1, and stay connected to the joy of the Lord

(c) Converse. Share with Jesus what you are waiting for. Then keep an open attitude to receive heavenly surprises JOY. (For example, you could pray: Jesus, I have given up on… Please give me new insight. Show me the little places where I see your hand at work.)

(d) Start an ADVENT PRAYER Journal. Why not record your prayer and conversation with Jesus this Advent?  You may be surprised at the transformation to JOY you receive and will want to record during Advent.

(e) Thank God. Let the Lord know that you trust your life and circumstances to Him.

You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from the Advent JOY Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

The post God Hears & God Answers; Don’t Give Up Hope – A JOY-Filled Advent #1 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Pray at Every Opportunity (Ephesians 6:18)

Wrapped in JOY and Armored in Prayer

Is there a way to stay wrapped in Joy and Armored in God? This final podcast of the Joyful and Battle-Ready series focuses on the key to living in  JOY and being protected with armor. So join the podcast today and discover how prayer secures your JOY and activates your armor.  Join us today as we cover these points:

• As the Scriptures point out, prayer is the key to staying wrapped in joy and armored.
• Psalm 16 reminds us that God offers the fullness of JOY in his presence.
• In John 15 11, Jesus says, Abide in my love…  I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
• To abide in God’s love means we are always in communication with him in prayer.

• Essential points covered in the last eight weeks include: 1) receiving JOY from God the Father, Jesus our Savior, and the Holy Spirit our fruit bearer of JOY, 2) asking God to increase your capacity to receive His Joy and Love, 3) Praising and thanking God-two of the five forms of prayer associated with JOY, 4) Using the Prayer and Holy Imagery to defeat Joy Busters, 6) Rejoicing to stop worry, 7) Reading and Praying scripture leads to deep spiritual JOY.
• Prayer is the path to JOY.

• After the armor message of Ephesians 6: 17, verse 18 says: With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones (NABRE). The NRSVCE translation says: Pray at all times…
• Interestingly, PRAYER isn’t called a piece of armor but is connected to the armor.
• There was not any punctuation or separation of sentences in the original New Testament Greek manuscripts, so the need to pray at all times connects to the armor.
• We have found that each piece represents Jesus, whom we come to daily, and, in a sense, we “put on Jesus daily.” So we put the armor on with prayer.

• Prayer to Christians is like oxygen to life- live and breathe with prayer.
• Many Christians say, “All we can do is pray.” We should say, “We will pray. God will hear, and He will change everything.”
• When prayer is the atmosphere we breathe, and we keep breathing it, the Holy Spirit is released to work in unimaginable ways, and supernatural graces and gifts are poured out.
• Heaven will even surprise us when we stay connected with the King of Kings and His Kingdom in prayer!

• The Catholic Church defines prayer as a “vital and personal relationship with the living and true God” (CCC 2558). It is “Christian…insofar as it is communion with Jesus Christ” – ” a covenant relationship between God and man in Christ”(CCC 2565, 2564).”
• Prayer is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. In relationship with a living God, we are continually communing with our Savior. God is with us always. He is for us. He is our Helper in all things.
• Praying at all times means you are constantly connecting with your closest friend.

• Praying at every opportunity, as translated in the NABRE, conveys that opportunities arise at various times of every day and evening. We need to pause momentarily and give that event or situation to Jesus.
• For example, in Nehemiah 6:9, he prayed, “But now, O God, strengthen my hands.”

• Praying at every opportunity establishes a deep personal bond between you and your Heavenly Father in everything you do. It is always heart-to-heart with your heart speaking directly to the Heart of Jesus. He hears you.
• Pope Francis says, “Prayer is more than just a physical, emotional, or intellectual act; it is an inner desire to encounter God with confidence.   God has revealed Himself to us in His Son, Jesus Christ. So, the prayer of a Christian brings us into a relationship with God without any fear or trepidation. One can establish a relationship built on confidence with Him in prayer” (May 5, 2020).

• Remember all that God taught you in Ephesians 6 about standing strong and firm in battle. Read Ephesians 6 often.
• Visualize yourself putting on each piece of the armor of God—the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, Shoes ready to Proclaim the Gospel of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Lord of God, plus, Praying at every opportunity in the Spirit. Act it out in your mind. Try it!

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies one of the podcast series, especially the one that starts next week:  A Joy-filled Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers.

Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women’s small group.  For information, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com

• Download bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: wrapyourselfinjoy.com.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click here for the book Wrap Yourself in Joy: find the Joy, fight the Fear.

The post Wrapped in JOY and Armored in Prayer – Joyful & Battle Ready #8 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Join us today as we cover these points:

• Happy in Psalm 1 (ASRAI in Hebrew) more closely means—a deep spiritual joy (Ross, A. P. (2011).
• The BENEFIT is the deep, joyous pleasure and satisfaction that will come when you listen to the Lord in verses of Scripture and interact with Him around the verses.

• In The Armchair Mystic, Rev. Mark Thibodeaux describes four stages of prayer, summarized as: Talking at God, Talking to God. Listening to God speak in Scripture daily and Resting in God’s presence,
• Stage 4 is the goal.

• Another benefit of reading and praying God’s word: HEALING
• Basil the Great said: “The Holy Spirit composed the Scriptures so that in them, as in a pharmacy open to all souls, we might each of us be able to find the medicine suited to our own particular illness… (Spidlik, T., & Drake, P. (1993).

• WRAP is an acronym for reading, praying, and reflecting on Scripture, and it works best if you journal what you hear (from WRAP Yourself in Scripture, a book by Karen & Larry Dwyer, Institute of Priestly Formation,
• WRAP aims to foster a personal encounter with Jesus in the Scriptures so that the words come alive and you hear God speak to YOUR HEART.
• It’s a form of Lectio Divina— which the Catechism of the Catholic Church defines as reading to hear God speak to you and meditating on His Words so that it becomes your prayer (CCC 1177).

• W: Write down the verse that inspires you or seems to arise out of the passage.
• R: Reflect on the principles/ ideas the verse is inspiring in you & record your thoughts. (Mull Over, Mentally Picture, Mutter, & Memorize.)
• A: Apply the principles. Write down your response to the Scripture & how it applies to your life today.
• P: Pray and praise. Talk with Jesus about what the verse opened in your heart.

• In Ephesians 6:17, Paul calls the Word the Sword of the Spirit.
• The Roman soldier carried his sword in his belt (or girdle).
• The Romans employed two types of swords: the “rpomphaia” (Revelation 1,2), a large, long, and broad sword that took two hands to wield, and the “makchaira” ( Ephesians 6: 17), a short 6” to 18” sharp and piercing dagger for hand-to-hand combat.

• Hebrews 4:12 describes the WORD of God as “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, …able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
• The Word brings truth where there is falsehood, light where there is darkness, and joy where there is sorrow. Psalm 119: 11, 105
• Luke 4: 1-13 shows Jesus using the Word of God in defense all three times.
• We can speak the Scriptures to help us stand firm against temptations, discouragement, fear, or other attack on our faith.

• You can hide God’s Word in your heart to help identify and reject sin and strengthen your inner person.
• When you share the Word with someone—especially a word that deeply moved you—it is a sword that pierces another’s heart.

• You can WIELD THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT with these Declarations from God’s Word:

1. I will love and read God’s Word daily (Psalm 119: 11, NRSVCE).
2. The Word of God is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119: 105, NRSVCE).
3. The Word of God is my defensive weapon as Jesus showed in his fight with the evil one (Matthew 4:10-11, NRSVCE).
4. When I gently share the Word of God with others, I can be confident that God’s Word is “living and active (Hebrews 4:12, NRSVCE).

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour cup of Joy women’s small group study accompanying this podcast.  It’s free! The next opportunity if for Advent JOY.

• Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize a small group of friends over coffee or tea. Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy women’s small group.

• For information, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com

• Download bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: wrapyourselfinjoy.com.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click here for the book Wrap Yourself in Joy: find the Joy, fight the Fear.

The post The JOY of Scripture & Wielding the Sword of the Spirit (Joyful & Battle Ready #7) appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Stop Worry, Return to JOY and Put on the Helmet of Salvation

Stop Worry, Return to JOY and Put on the Helmet of Salvation (Joyful & Battle Ready #6)

Are you ready to stop the worry and return to JOY?  Worry is the big JOY thief that brings on fretting. In only a few dances with fretting, you will be exhausted. Your JOY will be sidelined. Join us today and discover how to stop the worry, return to JOY, and put on the Helmet of Salvation to protect your thoughts and reasoning about what God has done for you.

Join us today as we cover these points:

• You will find that worry is not only a joybuster but also a joy thief.
• In Matthew 6: 25 34, Jesus talks directly to us about worry.

• The Cambridge Dictionary defines –  to give way to anxiety or uneasiness, to allow one’s mind to continually dwell on difficulties and troubles, to think about problems and become distracted.

• Even Jesus shows the anxiety and distraction connection.
• Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things, but there is a need for only one thing (Luke 10 41- 42).

• The Hebrew word we translate as fretting includes firing up rage and kindling anger.
• The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a fret as a worry, an annoyance, a discontentment that gnaws at you.
• Fretting eats away at your peace.
• Psalm 37 advises, Do NOT fret.

• Rejoice means to return to joy. Actively be glad, actively pursue joy.
• In prayer and supplication, make your requests known to the Lord.
• For every need you express in prayer, offer a thanksgiving about something related.
• Receive peace. The peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

• Ephesians 6:17 says we must “take the helmet of salvation.
• Pope Francis says the helmet is “not so much that of acknowledging the Resurrection of Jesus — everyone believes in it — but of believing in the resurrection of the dead.”
• The helmet of a Roman soldier called a galea, was designed to cover the head with thick leather enclosed in beaten metals of iron and bronze, protecting the head from weapons of warfare causing injury.
• The helmet of salvation shows that Satan’s flaming arrows target our minds and are directed at our faith in Jesus, who paid the price for our salvation with his passion, death, and resurrection.
• The devil will try to discourage you and destroy your faith.

• Take the Helmet of Salvation in defense against the evil one who pushes doubts to divert you from the truth of eternal life in Jesus Christ.
• Starting today, say the Apostles Creed often.
• Remind yourself of the Helmet of Salvation Declarations with the truths from Scripture:

1. Eternal life is in Jesus, and it’s for me (Romans 8: 12).
2. I will not be anxious about my salvation (Romans 5: 8-9).
3. I do not need to worry; I can know I have eternal life (1 John 5: 11-13).

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour cup of joy women’s small group study that accompanies this podcast, and you can begin anytime.  It’s free!

• Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize a small group of friends over coffee or tea. Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy women’s small group.

• For information, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com

• Download bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: wrapyourselfinjoy.com.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click here for the book Wrap Yourself in Joy: find the Joy, fight the Fear.

The post Stop Worry, Return to JOY and Put on the Helmet of Salvation – Joyful & Battle Ready #6 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

• Merriam-Webster defines a buster “as a person or thing that breaks up, overpowers, or eliminates something.”
• A JOY buster breaks up, overpowers, or steals your joy and includes, for example, interruptions to plans, hurt feelings, discouragements, fear, family quarrels, busyness, complaints, and weariness. Today, we will cover these points:

• How do you respond to JOY Busters, called JOYBUSTING?
• Joybusting happens when our emotions take over, and our responses leave us with more negative feelings and challenging relationships.
• Joybusting includes, for example, angry outbursts, discouragement, fretting, gossip, negative thoughts, overeating, over partying, over drinking, over shopping, profane talk,  procrastination, promiscuity,  more quarrels, bitterness, and more.

• In Galatians 5: 16-26, St. Paul reminds us that to conquer the JOYbusting, which he calls “works of the flesh,” is to LIVE by the Holy Spirit.
• Timothy Gallagher says each person needs an action plan to reject troubles of the heart (JOY busters and joy busting): (1) Be aware, (2) Understand, and (3) Take action. (The Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide for Everyday Living, 2018).

• You can take three simple actions to stop JOY Busting: thanksgiving, imagery, and persistence.

(1) Thanksgiving – immediately turn to Jesus with genuine thanksgiving

(2) Imagination- use holy imagination and picture Jesus with arms outstretched. You give him your joy buster.

(3) Persist – Persist in praising God and remembering the Thanksgiving JOY.

• Also, consider getting a prayer partner to pray for more JOY for each other and to defeat JOYbusting.

• Ephesians 6:16. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
• Pope Francis, when speaking on this verse, tells us how important it is to take the shield of faith: The devil is a liar; he is the father of lies. And as St. Paul says, we must be girded in the truth, armored in justice.… Without faith, you cannot go forward; you cannot defend the salvation of Jesus. We need this shield of faith because the devil does not throw flowers at us but “flaming arrows” to kill us (General Audience, October 30, 2014).

• In Roman history, at the time of Paul, a military soldier held a body shield to about 2.5 x 4 feet to protect himself from an enemy who hurled flaming arrows (dipped in pitch and set on fire) called “plumbata.”
• Often, the soldiers interlocked shields in a “tortoise” formation – they raised their shields together overhead and in front so it looked like a tortoise.

• The word for faith used in New Testament Greek is “pistis,” which means to agree with, trust in, and live out what you believe.
• Translated belief or faith, it appears at least 200 times in the New Testament
• Hebrews 11: 1 defines faith, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” and then gives examples, including Noah, Abraham, and Moses.

• The Lord God says he is our shield. See Psalm 28:7, Psalm 33:20.
• Proverbs 30:5. Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

1) Read the Word of God every day and keep the Scriptures in your mind and heart. Romans 10:17.

2) Pray that moment. Hebrews 2:2 says.

3) Turn to a Prayer Partner or prayer group – In Tortoise Formation, you lock shields with others.

You can take up a shield of Faith against temptations, fear, and doubt.” Call on the name of Jesus and repeat these truths aloud and often.

• When the devil sends the flaming arrow of fear, you say Psalm 56:3. O Lord God, “when I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” or Isaiah 41: 10. [the Lord says] … I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
• When the devil sends the flaming arrow of temptation and doubts, you say Romans 8: 33-34. Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. He forgives us.
• When the devil sends a flaming arrow saying you are getting old or God no longer cares and cannot use you, you say in Isaiah 46:4, The Lord says, even to your old age I am he, even when you turn gray I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. Or Psalm 92: 13-14. The Lord says They are planted in the house of the Lord…In old age, they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap…

Finally, thank the Lord daily for your joys and for helping you defeat the JOY Busters.

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy Women’s small group study that accompanies this podcast, and you can begin anytime.  It’s free!

• Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize a small group of friends over coffee or tea. Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy Women’s small group.

• For information, please email Karen@WRAPyourselfinjoy.com

• Download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click HERE for the book WRAP Yourself in JOY: Find the JOY, Fight the Fear.

The post Defeat Joy Busters & Take Up the Shield of Faith (JOYFUL & Battle Ready #5) appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Singing for JOY & Slipping on Gospel Shoes

Are you singing for JOY? Did you know there is a connection between praising God and experiencing more JOY and Peace? Join our podcast today as we cover singing for JOY and slipping on shoes, ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.

When we praise God, we surrender everything to Him and proclaim that He is God, and we are NOT. He has everything in our lives under control, and even when we do not see it, we can trust Him. Even in hardships, we can sing praises to the Lord, and he will comfort us with deep, calming JOY. In addition, we can put on shoes of Gospel peace as part of the armor we wear everywhere we go.  In our  JOYFUL & Battle Ready series, Podcast #4 will cover these points:

• Are your prayers primarily prayers of petition?
• The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) #2644 encourages us to use all five forms of prayer: blessing/adoration, petition with contrition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise.
• There is a particular link of JOY with praise or thanksgiving prayers.

• Psalm 100:3 says: Enter God’s gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise…
• Pope Francis tells us to “NOT be formal Christians, prisoners of formality” (January 28, 2020).

• In Luke 4, Jesus said he was the fulfillment of Isaiah 61: 3- “to provide the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of discouragement.”
• Jesus can give you a garment of praise, and it comes with the oil of JOY.

• In Acts 16, at midnight and in the wretchedness of a Philippian jail, imprisoned Paul and Silas praised God as chains fell off and prison doors were opened.
• CCC #2639 says, “Praise is the form of prayer…it gives God glory for his own sake, quite beyond what he has done, but simply for who he is.”

• Praise God with the psalms, instruments, singing, shouting, and clapping hands (Psalm 150, 100).
• Praise does not have to be complicated. You can tell Jesus you love Him and praise Him …
• Spend just one minute of praise this week, and it will be life-changing.

• Ephesians 6: 15: As shoes for your feet, put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.
• Roman soldiers wore shoes to avoid the battlefield’s rocks, sticks, and debris.
• Shoes were a combination of heavy sandals and boots with soles of layered leather clenched together with metal studs that could grip the ground for traction.

• Isaiah 52: 7 says: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
• Peace means harmony and tranquility, without inner conflict, even amid chaos and upheaval.
• In John 16: 33, Jesus said: I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

• In Mark 16:15, [Jesus] said, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
• The best way to start sharing your faith is to share your relationship with Jesus, including His answers to your prayers and your thanksgiving.

• Pope John Paul II in Catechesis in Our Time (1979) said the faithful must proclaim the Gospel message. The Gospel kerygma: – “ the initial ardent proclamation by which a person is brought to the decision to entrust himself to Jesus Christ by faith — is gradually deepened, developed,”  and “channeled towards Christian practice in the Church and the world” (CT 25).
• Remind your friend how much God loves her and wants her to experience His love and presence.
• Invite her to entrust her life to Jesus, to give Him their baggage and shame, and to ask for forgiveness.
• You can prepare yourself with a few words of Scripture about God’s love and how Jesus is the sacrifice for all sin. Invite the person to trust Jesus now.
• Then, of course, invite your friends to church and keep helping them along the Christian journey.

• These Shoes of Peace Declarations from Scripture can help you stand firm in peace so that you are “ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.”
• When the devil tries to make you afraid to proclaim, you can proclaim: The Prince of Peace lives in me. (John 14:23). I have his peace. I will not let my heart be troubled or afraid. I will stand firm in Jesus, my Lord, and my strength, my God in whom I trust.  Repeat John 14:27.
• When the devil whispers, you are NOT ready to proclaim the Gospel. You say: In Jesus, I am prepared and willing to share the Gospel with anyone. It is what Jesus calls me to do. I am not ashamed to talk about Jesus and my faith with family, friends, or others. Repeat Romans 1: 16.  I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…”
• Finally, remember to praise and thank the Lord -just one minute of praising the Name of Jesus every day can be life-changing and joy-filling. You can find a free bookmark on my website to help you with ways to praise the Lord.

 Cup of JOY Women

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy Women’s small group study that accompanies this podcast, and you can begin anytime.  It’s free!

• Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize a small group of friends over coffee or tea.
• For information, email me or go to Cup of Joy Women.

• Download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
• Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy Women’s small group.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click HERE to find the book WRAP Yourself in JOY: Find the JOY, Fight the Fear.

The post Singing for JOY & Slipping on Gospel Shoes – Joyful & Battle Ready #4 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Heaven Rejoices & the Breastplate of Righteousness

Did you know you serve a joy-filled God who rejoices over you?  Join us today as we cover the rejoicing of heaven and the songs God sings over you. You will discover how to put on the Breastplate of Righteousness to protect your heart, keep the JOY, and stand firm against the devil’s lies of your unworthiness.

Last week, we defined true and lasting joy, and with that in mind, we prayed with the More JOY Prayer Guide. We pursue JOY,  invite JOY, and pray for more JOY! This week, we start with Heaven’s JOY. Today, we cover these points:

• “The joy of the Lord is my strength” is the source of our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
• God and all of heaven are joyful and want to share it with us.
• Some think God is a grump; if we follow him, we are destined for a life lacking any fun. That is NOT the truth.

• The Scriptures call our attention to God’s joyful creation (e.g., Psalm 61: 12-13).
• The Lord takes pleasure in you and even sings over you (e.g., Zephaniah 3: 17).
• God is a celebrating God (e.g., Luke 15: 20-24).
• The angels rejoice when one sinner repents (e.g., Luke 15: 8-10)

• We put on the “breastplate of righteousness ” to protect our hearts (Ephesians 6: 14).
• In spiritual language, the heart “refers to our inner orientation, the core of our being,” including our “thoughts, feelings, and desires.” (Fr. John Horn, S.J., Heart Speaks to Heart, IPF Publications).
• Jesus is concerned for your heart (Matthew 15:19).
• So is the devil, so you must guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23).

• The Catholic Dictionary of the Bible defines righteousness as “communion in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ through which we begin a new life in the spirit –a life in which we live in Christ and Christ lives in us”( p. 743).
• Righteousness can be summarized as the Right Relationship and Right Living (e.g., 2 Corinthians 5:15).

• The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains Righteousness: “Justification has been merited for us by the Passion of Christ. It was granted us through Baptism. It conforms us to the righteousness of God, who justifies us. …It is the most excellent work of God’s mercy” (CCC, 2020).
•  The Scriptures tell us we do not have to produce righteousness on our own; we can look to “Jesus Christ” (Romans 5: 17).

• Lies: The devil will whisper lies to attack your thoughts, feelings, and desires, especially saying you are unworthy.

1. You cannot expect God to keep loving you and helping you.
2. You should be discouraged and fearful. You do not deserve His help.
3. You can never be holy; it’s too difficult to follow God and be righteous.

• Truths: When faced with spiritual warfare, put on the breastplate of righteousness. In the mighty power of Jesus Christ, speak these Breastplate Declarations (inserting your own name in the verse).

1. In Jesus, I am the righteousness of God. (Repeat 2 Corinthians 5: 21).
2. I live in Jesus Christ. I am forgiven and free. I refuse to feel discouraged, downcast, or fearful. (Repeat Galatians 2: 20).
3. I will follow the ways of the Lord because they will bring JOY, not hardship. (Repeat Psalm 19: 9 and 14 aloud.)

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy Women’s small group study that accompanies this podcast, and you can begin anytime.  It’s free!

• Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize a small group of friends over coffee or tea.
• For information, email me or go to Cup of Joy Women.

• Download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
• Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy Women’s small group.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click HERE to find the book WRAP Yourself in JOY: Find the JOY, Fight the Fear.

The post Heaven Rejoices & We Put on the Breastplate of Righteousness (JOYFUL & Battle Ready #3) appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Drenched with JOY

Would you like to be drenched in JOY and armored in truth?  Are you willing to put on the armor of God to stand firm to keep the joy, to stand strong against fear, and to put on the armor of God to protect yourself from lies?  Join us today as we cover how to define JOY, receive more joy, and put on the belt of truth.

Last week, we learned that Jesus has complete JOY for you, God the Father has JOY and pleasures for you, and the Holy Spirit produces JOY in your life. So, how do we get more of this JOY?

Today, we cover these points:

• Many times, we come to our Heavenly Father—who is a Niagara Falls of Love, and we hold out only a teaspoon to catch it.
• We must increase our capacity to receive more great love and joy.

• After searching many definitions of Joy and primarily based on the teachings of our last three popes, we find a definition of true JOY.
• We cover the quote from my book, Wrap Yourself in JOY.
• The definition involves mind, soul, body, and spirit and its Trinitarian.

• We ask God to increase our capacity for JOY.
• We receive His Love and Joy daily.
• We thank Jesus for the JOY Rays.
• We praise Him with Scripture.

• Ephesians 6 was written when Roman soldiers and guards surrounded Paul in prison.
• The Holy Spirit likely inspired him as he observed the Roman soldier’s armor.

• The BELT for a soldier served as a girdle to support his core or loins and stabilize his weapons.
• Pilate answered Jesus, “What is truth?”
• In John 14:6, Jesus defined truth: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
• Run to Jesus, our truth. Let him lead you.

• The devil’s favorite lies are targeted at your JOY, happiness, and identity as a Christian.
• Do not give into deception, diversion, discouragement, or division.
• In John 17: 17, Jesus prayed, “Consecrate them in the truth. Your [God’s]word is truth.”
• Fill your mind with the truths of God and His word. Don’t let a day go by without reading Scripture, even for just 5 minutes.

Girdle UP!! Make Jesus your Core.  Do not give into deception, diversion, discouragement, or division. Declare and remind yourself of these truths:

1.     For Deception (Identity), the Truth: I am the daughter [or son] of God. God knows me and loves me. Romans 8:15.“

2.     For Diversion (God doesn’t hear my prayers), the Truth:  My prayers are powerful and effective, and nothing can separate me from the love of God. He listens, and He is answering.  James 5: 16.

3.     For Discouragement (You are fearful- God can’t meet your needs), the Truth: The Lord has not given me a spirit of fear but one of power, love, and a sound mind.  With the help of the Holy Spirit, I can understand His Word and reserve time to pray and read Scripture daily. 2 Timothy 1:7.

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy Women’s small group study for seven weeks.  It accompanies this podcast, and you can begin anytime.  It’s free!

• Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize by hosting a small group of friends over coffee or tea.
• For information, email me or go to Cup of Joy Women.

• Download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
• Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy Women’s small group.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click HERE to find the book WRAP Yourself in JOY: Find the JOY, Fight the Fear.

The post Drenched with JOY & Armored in Truth (JOYFUL & Battle Ready #2) appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

About 45% of 12,000 people surveyed say they have not felt true happiness since before the pandemic. Around 25% surveyed say they don’t know, or have forgotten, what it means to feel truly happy (Oracle).  The natural question is this: Are JOY and happiness the same thing? We will find that happiness depends on external circumstances, while true joy is “a gift that fills us from within” and “is to be searched for and shared continuously (Pope Francis. May 10, 2013).   Today, we cover these points:

• If you allow God to give you His JOY, it will change your life.
• It can even change the atmosphere around you!
• Three Scriptures help you get started in your search for more JOY: John 15: 9-11, Psalm 16: 9-11, and Galatians 5: 22-23. JOY and LOVE are fruits of the HOLY Spirit, the result of the presence of the Holy Spirit living within YOU.
• Jesus died for your sins and mine. When he arose from the dead, as promised (e.g., John 14: 15-26; John 16: 7), God sent the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit wants to produce deep, lasting JOY in your life.

• Jesus, my Savior. You love me like the Heavenly Father loves You, and You want to give me your JOY—complete JOY. Thank YOU, Jesus, I embrace it. (John 15: 9-11)
• Heavenly Father. You LOVE me and offer me gladness and fullness of JOY in Your presence.  Thank YOU, Father, I receive it. (Psalm 16: 9-11)
• Holy Spirit. You love me and produce the fruit of JOY in & through me. Thank YOU, Holy Spirit, fill me afresh today. (Galatians 5: 22-25)

• Now, we move to Ephesians 6: 10-14, where we are told by St. Paul we must be prepared for battle.
• Therefore, when Paul wrote Ephesians 6, he was imprisoned “in chains” (v. 20) and knew hardships, challenges, and struggles.
• Paul tells us to be strong in the Lord and stand firm.

• To stand is a military term meaning “to hold a position” and “to resist an impending attack” (Collins).
• To stand firm as Christians means we are prepared to resist an attack, and we look to our commander, Jesus Christ.
• “To be strong in the Lord means to rely on God’s strength, God’s power, and God’s courage.

• Paul calls the attacks we face the devil’s wiles (cunning strategies and ensnarement).
• In the book The Devil You Don’t Know, Fr. Louis Cameli says there are many common wiles of the devil with which you will struggle, including Deception, Division, Diversion, and Discouragement.
• The Catechism of the Catholic Church (409) clearly speaks: This dramatic situation of “the whole world is in the power of the evil one” [1 John 5: 19] makes man’s life a battle.

Recognizing Spiritual Warfare

• Recognize if you are in spiritual warfare and facing some arrows or wiles.
• You may be facing what the Bible calls the devil, tempter, murderer, accuser, liar, stumbling block, and adversary.

Personal Reflection – The Rs to Stand Firm and Stand Strong

• You can “strengthen yourself in the Lord” and not depend on your own strength to fight against the wiles, using the “3 R’s” to combat the devil in any of your struggles:

1. REMEMBER and Receive God’s Love and JOY. Daily, declare the JOY and Love from the Trinity declarations.
2. RESIST the devil, his wiles, and temptations. Don’t let the accuser win. Participate in the sacrament of reconciliation and go forward.
3. RENEW your mind with Scripture. God’s Word will give you strength to stand firm and resist the wiles and lies. See Romans 12:2.

• Finally, be strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6: 10). Weakness is no excuse to lay down and be spiritually slaughtered. The Lord wants to be your strength in weakness. Call upon the Name of Jesus. Try to memorize and declare every day this week: Ephesians 6: 10-14. Put your name in the words so you pray with Scripture.

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy Women’s small group study for seven weeks.  It accompanies this podcast, and you can begin anytime.  It’s free!

• Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize by hosting a small group of friends over coffee or tea.
• For information, email me or go to Cup of Joy Women.

• Download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com
• Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy Women’s small group.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click HERE to find the book WRAP Yourself in JOY: Find the JOY, Fight the Fear

The post Embrace the JOY and Stand FIRM! JOYFUL & Battle Ready #1 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Nehemiah Finale & Recap, “The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength”

Consider Nehemiah. Do you need more HOPE and JOY in your life? Nehemiah recaps: The JOY of the Lord is Your Strength.” God is waiting for you to come to Him.  Join us today for the finale of Nehemiah where you will be reminded the Joy of the Lord is Your strength.

In our last podcast, covering Nehemiah Chapters 10 – 12, we joined moving day as many Israelites moved back to Jerusalem. Then they signed a Curse and Oath agreement, promising to support the temple, honor the Sabbath Day, uphold a religious marriage, and serve God in everything. After the priests purified the people, the gates, and the walls, they implored God’s presence at the dedication ceremony. Nehemiah appointed two praise processions on the walls. They praised and worshipped with thanksgiving, singing, rejoicing, and trumpeting so loud that all in neighboring towns heard them!

Things change.  After serving as Governor of Jerusalem for 12 years, from 444 to 432 BC, Nehemiah returned to Babylon to serve King Artaxerxes. Sometime later, he “returned to Jerusalem.”  What a shock!  Nehemiah found the people had fallen away from their commitment to God and covenant promises. Today, we cover these points in Nehemiah 13 and the finale of the Book of Nehemiah:

• What caused the people to fall away so quickly? They were not reminded daily of God and His ways.
• When the high priest fell away from God, so did the people.
• The Bible warns often about forgetting God (see Deuteronomy 8: 13-16)

• The Israelites gave their children in marriage to pagans who did not use the sacred Hebrew language.
• They stopped obeying the commandments of keeping the Sabbath Day holy and paying tithe.
• The high priest Eliashib allowed Tobiah to move into the temple storeroom, where the offerings were kept.

• Remembrance was a theme throughout the book of Nehemiah: The people forgot God again and again, but Nehemiah kept calling them to remember God, his faithfulness, and his promises.
• Nehemiah prayed: Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God and for his service (a common prayer, from Psalm 106: 4-5.)

• It is sorrowful to know that after all the building and recommitment, the people fell away from God.
• It is good to remember Romans 15:4: For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by endurance and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. God is faithful and we all must return to him again and again. He offers us His strength, His JOY and His hope.

• The Book of Nehemiah has reassured us that prayer changes everything, that every obstacle can be overcome, and that every false accusation can lead to persistence, more prayer, and joyous victory.
• Declare with Nehemiah: God is with us!  God is for us! God is at work! God has a plan that changes everything!
• With confidence, we can exclaim: The JOY of the LORD is my strength! (Nehemiah 8: 14).

Let’s close with some reflection on the principles you can apply from the book of Nehemiah.

(1) Call on your LOVING GOD in the MESSY SITUATIONS (Chapter 1).

(2) SUPPLICATE (Chapter 1).  You can use Nehemiah’s ACTS Model: 1) Adore God 2) Confess sins, 3) Thank God, and 4) Supplicate.

(3) Pray for FAVOR & depend on God to open doors. (Chapters 2-3).

(4) Become a Perfumer; All Vocations are Needed (Chapter 3).  Become a perfumer and help build. Bring the sweetness of God’s spirit and a sweet aroma of prayer to every stinky situation.

(5) Face Opposition & Stand FIRM Against Insults (Chapters 4,  7). Nehemiah showed a 3-pronged approach to defeating opposition: 1) pray, 2) declare the truth instead of believing lies and 3) work together with others.

(6) When angered, step back first (Chapter 5) & Face Slander (Chapter 6): Pray, Speak the Truth, and Persevere. eep the sword of the spirit- the Word of God in one hand and your work tool or skill in the other.

(7) Declare the Joy of the Lord is My Strength (Chapter 8).

(8) Create a personal Prayer BOOTH! in your home (Chapter 8). Your corner of a room is like a spiritual booth where the Israelites celebrated the Feast of Booths to offer praise, and thanksgiving and read His Word.

(9) Remember God Will Never Forsake You (Chapters 9 & 13). After experiencing God’s great faithfulness, the people fell away into sin into the rebellion-revival cycle.

(10) Become a “Praiser” and Read God’s Word (Chapters 10-12). Nehemiah called the people to worship, to praise and to offer thanksgiving to God.

So, what will you do NEXT? How can you start building now? Nehemiah models personal intercession with the ACTS model.

• Adore God and praise His greatness and faithfulness.
• Confess your sins and those of your nation and families with a contrite spirit.
• Thank God for His blessings and promises.
• Supplicate or pray with a passionate heart for what you need and for others. Incorporate Scripture, when possible.

Remember: The JOY of the LORD is YOUR Strength!

• Why not invite a few friends for coffee or tea every week for just one hour to discuss a one-page study guide accompanying every podcast in each series?
• It’s called a Cup of Joy Women’s group and is a fantastic way to gently evangelize and encourage others. I will provide all the free resources and even Zoom meetings for facilitators.
• In September, I start my fifth series called JOYFUL and Battle-ready. It’s a perfect time to form a Cup of JOY women’s group for the 8-week series.
• For more information, go to my website com, and click under Cup of Joy Women on the menu, or email me: Karen@WrapYourselfinJoy.com

• Download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: com
• Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy Women’s small group.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click HERE to find my

The post NEHEMIAH & Rebuilding HOPE  #11 – Nehemiah Recaps, “The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength.” appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Nehemiah Calls Praisers & JOY Fills Their Hearts

Do you need an uplift? Becoming a praiser could change your life. Adding praise and thanksgiving to your prayer can increase your faith, lift your spirit, help you recall God’s goodness, encourage you in hard tasks, and add much more joy to your life. Join us today as Nehemiah calls all praisers and demonstrates the impact of praise.

In our last podcast, we joined the Israelites as Ezra read God’s Word aloud and they realized how disobedient they had been to God and his commandments, falling into a rebellion-revival cycle: (1) Rebellion against God and His law; (2) Warnings from the prophets and teachers, but to no avail, (3) Repentance from sinfulness and calling out to God; and (4) Intervention when God rescues them from the enemy oppressors. Today, in Nehemiah Chapters 10 -12, we follow the people as they sign a new covenant with God rededicating their lives and the walls and gates to Him. Today we cover these points:

• The curse and oath agreement meant “they could expect a blessing for obedience, or a correction from God if they did not follow through on obeying His Law.
• They signed a public agreement promising to pay their tithes to support the temple, to honor the Sabbath by not buying or selling, and to uphold a religious marriage, not uniting with those who worship other gods or idols.

• Nehemiah shares a long list of the people and the vocations of those who moved into Jerusalem, including leaders, warriors, Levites, temple gatekeepers, overseers, and singers.
• Repopulating Jerusalem was essential because it would mean the more who lived there, the safer the city would be.
• There was a special stipend for the singers who sang praises daily and led worship in the temple.

• Chapter 12 opens with more names – but this time the names are those of priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel.
• Nehemiah is recalling the history and heroes in public record who sacrificed much in returning to Jerusalem.
• He wanted all to remember these good men as part of their heritage.
• Nehemiah lists the Levites who were heads of households plus the singers who led praise and thanksgiving with cymbals, harps, and lyres.

• It was time to dedicate the walls once they moved into Jerusalem and returned to worship and obey God’s laws.
• They would seek God’s presence and blessings.
• The Levites purified themselves, the people, and the walls. See Psalm 24: 3-6

• Next, the praisers joined the dedication ceremony.
• He sent one company of praisers in one direction singing and giving thanks (v. 35). They included the leaders and the young priests playing trumpets while others played and praised with all kinds of musical instruments.
• Then the other company made up of Nehemiah and half of the people processed in the opposite direction on the walls singing, giving thanks, and playing trumpets too. Finally, they all met at the house of God and sang their hearts out to him. “They offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. The joy of Jerusalem was heard far away” (v. 43).

• The last activity of the dedication ceremony involved joyfully offering tithe to God – to support the temple, the priests, and those who led worship.
• All of Israel gave the daily portions and tithe for the singers, the gatekeepers, and the Levites. The Levites even paid tithe to the priests.

1. Have you considered becoming a praiser? So how can you add more praise and thanksgiving to God in your life?
   1. Become a singer of praises to God. Even if you can’t carry a tune, sing with online or CD worship music. Join others in singing praises. As you sing the words from your heart, they become your prayer.
   2. Read Psalms of Praise. You can start with Psalms 145, 146, or 150 traditionally known as praise psalms.
   3. Begin all prayer with thanksgiving and words of praise. Psalm 100:4 tells us to “Enter God’s gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise.  Give thanks to him, bless his name.” So the way to come into God’s presence, the king of the Universe and the Savior of the World is to come with thanksgiving and praise. For example, you can say, I praise you, Jesus or  I love you, Lord. Bookmarks for praise are available on my website.

One final point to remember is this.

2. Don’t forget the power of praise to defeat enemies and negative situations (e.g., see Nehemiah 2 and 3). Remember  2 Chronicles 20:21 when King Jehoshaphat followed the Lord’s counsel and appointed singers to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy splendor. They lead the army into battle. As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the …enemies.., who had come against Judah, so they were routed. .. they all helped destroy one another. The Lord won a fabulous victory as the enemies were defeated and the army never even used their swords.  If you are discouraged, or fearful and have pressing needs, consider praising God often. God will fight battles for you and lift you up when you turn your attention to him.

• Why not invite a few friends for coffee or tea every week for just one hour to discuss the one-page study guide accompanying this podcast or others in my last few series?
• You would be forming a Cup of Joy Women’s group, and it’s a great way to gently evangelize and encourage others. I will provide you with all the free resources. In September, I will be starting my fifth series called JOYFUL and Battle-ready--It’s a perfect time to form a cup of JOY women’s group with that 8-week series.
• For more information, go to my website WRAPYOURSELFINJOY.com, and click under Cup of Joy Women on the menu or email me: Karen@WrapYourselfinJoy.com

• Download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: com
• Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy Women’s small group.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click HERE to find the book: Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope and Joy in Your Life.

The post NEHEMIAH & Rebuilding HOPE #10 – Do You Need an Uplift? Nehemiah Calls All Praisers! appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

National Confession & Nehemiah Says, God Will Never Forsake You!

Consider Nehemiah Chapter 9. Do you feel forsaken by God ever? Always remember this: God is ready to forgive. He is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and abounds in steadfast love.  Join us today as Nehemiah says, God will never forsake you.

In our last podcast, we joined the Israelites on Rosh Hashanah and the Feast of Trumpets. Many had stopped celebrating the feast days and gave up their faith because of the brokenness of their homeland, families, and lives. In Nehemiah 8, when Ezra read the Word of God aloud, the people wept loudly, mourning for their sins. Nehemiah and Ezra told them: “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Next, they celebrated the Feast of Booths when each family spent seven days in a   booth remembering God’s goodness, reading the Word of God, praying, praising, and thanking Him to commemorate how God had delivered them from Egypt by parting the Red Sea, and cared for them in the desert for 40 years where they lived in simple huts.  Now in Chapter 9, two days after the weeklong celebration of the Feast of Booths, the people are together again for a day of national confession. Today, we cover these points:

• The people gather for 6 hours – three hours reading the words of the Torah and 3 hours confessing sin.
• They were reminded of how far they had fallen from God and His commandments.
• As Hebrews 4: 12 tells us, the Word of God had pierced their hearts and revealed their sins

• Ezra called them to worship God and recall the ways that God cared for them since Abraham.
• God gave them the ten commandments.
• For 40 years in the wilderness, God cared for them so that they lacked nothing; their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell.

• The people stood in fasting – an act of penance to show remorse in skin-tearing sackcloth with dirt on their heads –all painful acts showing deep sorrow for their sins before God.
• They cried out for having “stiffened their necks “and “not obeying the commandments.”

• After experiencing God’s great faithfulness of God, they fell away again and again.
• It could be called the rebellion-revival cycle of Rebellion, Warnings, Repentance, and Intervention.
• But before long The Cycle Repeats and the Israelites became “slaves to this day.”

Verse 17 seems to be a turning point in the chapter: “But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and you did not forsake them. God will forgive us when we confess the sins of our generations and commit to changing directions.

• How will you respond to these verses of Scripture?
  • Confess your sins. When you want to be renewed in your spiritual life, Nehemiah shows us where to begin: Remember what God has done, confess your sin and the areas where you have fallen away, and praise and worship our glorious God again.
  • Make a Change. True repentance and sorrow for your sins mean you want to change direction. Nehemiah 9, v. 38 says the people made a firm agreement in writing as a way of promising to change direction. What change in direction are you willing to make at this time?
  • Read Scripture. All the chapters in the Book of Nehemiah remind us how essential it is to hear, read, and take the Word of God to heart. How will you find more time to read and pray Scripture? If you do, it will revive your spiritual life and the lives of those around you. Start today with just 5 minutes of scripture and form a prayer from your heart to God that responds to what you read

• Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy Women’s small group study. It accompanies this podcast and you can begin anytime.
• Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize by hosting a small group of friends over coffee or tea. It’s free and I will help you get started. For information, go to Cup of Joy Women or email me at Karen@WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

• Download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: com
• Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy Women’s small group.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click HERE to find the book: Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope and Joy in Your Life.

The post NEHEMIAH & Rebuilding HOPE #9 – Nehemiah Says, God Will Never Forsake You! appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

• Nehemiah and the Israelites completed the walls and gates in 52 days (Nehemiah 6).
• Now Nehemiah begins restoring his beloved people’s faith (Nehemiah 7 & 8).

• Nehemiah assigned gatekeepers to keep the city free from enemies so the people could worship without threats.
• He appointed singers to praise the Lord day and night and to lead worship. It nurtured a close relationship with God.
• He appointed the Levites to watch over all things holy.

• God put it into Nehemiah’s heart to register every person.
• Historic memory is crucial to the survival of any nation or culture.
• Nehemiah had to remind the people of their heritage and that God was with them as the returning remnant.

• It’s October 444 B.C., New Year’s Day, called Rosh Hashanah on the Hebrew Civil calendar.
• The Feast of Trumpets on the Hebrew religious calendar calls for the people to prepare for the holy days to come (Leviticus 23: 23-24).

• The people gathered to hear Ezra read from the Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy).
• The people stood up the entire time from morning to midday, starved and thirsty for the Word of God.
• It takes only a few fallen-away generations to leave the next ones destitute and ignorant about God.
• Ezra blessed the Lord. All the people responded, “Amen, Amen.” Thus, they (1) thanked God with their “Amen”, (2) praised God by lifting up their hands, and 3) bowed down in adoration and submission to God.

• It took hearing and understanding God’s Word to begin the healing of broken hearts and dreams.
• The Word of God revealed their sin, they were grieved, and they confessed their sins before God.
• Nehemiah and Ezra told the people: “Don’t be grieved, for the JOY of the LORD is your strength”(v. 10).

• The Feast of Booths, also called the Feast of Tabernacles (or Sukkot) was celebrated for seven days.
• God called the Israelites to recall how they wandered the desert and lived in booths or huts while God provided for them.
• The Feast of Booths commemorates God’s provision and guidance, and the Israelites must live in booths to celebrate it.
• They read the Word of God, rejoiced, offered thanksgiving, and worshipped God with their families in huts/booths.
• God’s Word led them to repent; God’s Word changed everything, and they were filled with much joy.

• How will you respond to these verses of Scripture? You Could
  • Prayer Booth. Set up a Holy Place (call it a booth or secret place) in your home where you can pray, praise, read Scripture, and write in your prayer journal. Your booth is your secret place – it’s like a spiritual booth/or hut/where the people celebrate the Feast of Booths. It’s a place to put yourself in God’s presence in your home. You offer praise thanksgiving and worship.
  • Listen. Take time daily to read Scripture and allow God to speak to you. You can ask the Holy Spirit to set the Words afire in your heart and help you understand as you read. Try to record a few sentences in your journal of how the Lord speaks to you.
  • Receive the JOY of the Lord. “For the Joy of the Lord is your strength.” Ask Jesus for JOY as you read His word. (See John 15: 11 & Psalm 1.)

• Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy Women’s small group study. It accompanies this podcast and you can begin anytime or choose another of my podcast series (e.g. Finding More JOY).
• Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize by hosting a small group of friends over coffee or tea. It’s free and I will help you get started. For information, contact me, or go to Cup of Joy Women.

• Download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: com
• Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy Women’s small group.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click HERE to find the book: Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope and Joy in Your Life.

The post NEHEMIAH & Rebuilding HOPE #8 – Need Joy in Your Life? Nehemiah Points to a Prayer Booth! appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Angered While Rebuilding? Nehemiah Says Step Back First!

Consider Nehemiah. Do you get angry easily?  Do you get riled up? Nehemiah shows us to step back before acting. It never works to respond with emotions. In Chapter 5, during their rebuilding, the people face opposition from within their ranks. It seems that if the opposition doesn’t hit us from without, it comes from within. Join the podcast today as Nehemiah reminds us to step back, then stand up and keep focus when facing opposition. Today we cover the following points:

• In Nehemiah Chapter 4, the people were making progress when more persecution made them fearful.
• Nehemiah prayed and encouraged the people saying: “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome and fight for your kin, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes” (Nehemiah 4: 14).

• Many were in poverty: inflation had become rampant and taxes were unbearable.
• In order to pay the taxes, the families borrowed money from others using their own children as collateral.
• If loans could not be repaid, their children, and even the wives and men, would be sold as slaves..

• Nehemiah was very angry with the nobles and officials who took advantage of their kin.
• Leviticus 25: 35-38 and Deuteronomy 23: 20 instruct them not to charge interest if they lend to the poor.
• Nehemiah did not show his angst. He stepped back and collected his thoughts.
• He gives us the first step in resolving conflict from within – step back.

• Nehemiah confronted the nobles who were enslaving their own brethren and children.
• He implored the officials to 1) repent of their sins and respect the Lord by following His Law, 2) stop charging interest, and 3) restore everything they took.
• Using the Word of God (Torah at the time) and a conciliatory manner, he spoke the truth.
• In one dramatic prophetic act symbolizing the solemnity of their oath, Nehemiah shook out the fold of his garment … In this, he emphasized that judgment would come to those who did not keep their oath before God. The assembly confirmed it with a passionate “Amen.” They “praised the Lord … and did as they had promised.

• Nehemiah kept his focus on building the wall.
• He used his money earned as a cupbearer to support the poor and suffering people of Jerusalem. He worked more for God’s approval.
• Nehemiah prayed: Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people.
• He was asking God for continued grace in the work and most importantly, for the Lord to remember him when it comes to eternal life and rewards. We can pray with the same words.
• The Lord promises He will remember you. Hebrews 6: 10—11 says this: God is not unfair. He will not forget the work you did or the love you showed for him in the help you gave and are still giving to other Christians. (Good News).

• Please reflect on the principles that Nehemiah models and we can apply:

1. Step back. Do not be led by anger. Collect your thoughts. It never works to respond with emotions. Ephesians 4: 26. Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.
2. Stand up. In love, confront Christians with the Word of God when they are sinning against Him. Forgive always. 1 Timothy 5: 20 reminds us:  As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest also may stand in fear.
3. Focus. Keep your focus on what God has called you to do. Keep building, pray always and never give up. (Luke 18: 1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to teach them that they should always pray and never become discouraged [give])
4. Remember the poor. Do not take advantage of the less fortunate. Instead, help them. Psalm 15: 5, Do not lend money at interest, and do not take a bribe against the innocent.
5. Pray with Scripture. Remember me O my God, all that I have done for your people. In this prayer, we also remind ourselves that our rewards are eternal when we choose to follow Jesus and as His disciple, we build up others in Christ.

• Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy Women’s small group study on It accompanies this podcast and you can begin anytime or choose any podcast series (e.g. Finding More JOY).
• Pray about accepting this fantastic opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize by hosting a small group of friends over coffee or tea. I will even join you via Zoom.
• For information or to contact me, go to Cup of Joy Women.

• Download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: com
• Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy Women’s small group.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click HERE to find the book: Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope and Joy in Your Life.

The post Nehemiah – Rebuilding Hope #6 – Angry? Nehemiah Says Step Back First! appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Work with the Sword of God in one hand and a trowel in the other.

Have you looked at Nehemiah 4? Do you ever face opposition in the midst of a daunting task? How do you respond to insults or ridicule? In Nehemiah Chapter 4, the people face criticism, ridicule, name-calling, and insults as they try to repair the burned-down walls and broken gates. Opposition happens to all of us. Join the podcast today as Nehemiah shows us the best approach for success to overcome opposition and discouragement.

In our last episode, family-by-family and household-by-household and brick-by-brick the people started to repair the walls and rebuild the gates. The builders worked side-by-side, beyond their own giftedness or vocations to do God’s work and repair the walls and gates of their holy city. Of course, their enemies came to stop the progress.  They face criticism, ridicule, name-calling, and a constant barrage of insults. This can happen to any of us. Today we cover these points as Nehemiah shows us the best approach to overcome opposition:

• Sanballat and Tobiah mocked the people: “Will they sacrifice” or “finish in a day?” (They are asking, will they call upon their God or how could their God help build anything in a short time?)
• Criticism and ridicule only added to the discouragement. This sounds just like the devil, doesn’t it?
• The people were doing God’s work and they did not need the troubling criticism. See John 14: 27.

• Nehemiah did not return their insults with insults.
• He responded with a prayer, likely aloud, as he went into the midst of opposition.
• Based on Jeremiah 18:23,  Nehemiah prayed aloud- they will face God and what they say will come back on them.

• The people responded to the opponent’s increased anger with prayer.
• Then, they set up a guard of protection around the clock to keep the enemy’s efforts from succeeding.

• Nehemiah models how to face the opposition: (1) Pray first, (2) Declare God’s truth, (3) Work heartily.
• Together with a sword in one hand and a tool in the other hand, they continued to build.

• For Christians, we must join together by praying together, declaring God’s truth to each other, and working together.
• God can use cracked, worn-out, old tools when we commit our work to Him.

Ask God where the broken gates are in your life—spiritual or otherwise. and what weapons you can use to rebuild the brokenness. You can follow Nehemiah’s model in overcoming the opposition.  1) pray, 2) declare the truth of God’s word instead of believing the lies and 3) work together with a sword of the spirit, the Word of God, in one hand and your work in the other hand. Use your prayer journal to record your action response:

1. For example, pray Nehemiah 4: 14. Simply insert your name for the “I” and “my.” AND Insert the names of your friends and family members in the places of kin, sons, daughters, etc.
2. For example, declare “God will fight for my family members, my community, my friends and my country.” Speak aloud with the truth of God’s Word (e.g., Romans 8:31. and Isaiah 41:10).
3. Work together with other Christians. Ask a friend to pray for your needs and for MORE JOY, and you pray the same for them. Use the ACTS acronym to intercede for the needs. *End your prayer time by sitting in silence and receiving God’s love and joy for you.

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy Women’s small group study on Nehemiah. It accompanies this podcast and you can begin anytime or choose another podcast (e.g. Finding More JOY).

• Pray about accepting this wonderful opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize by hosting a small group of friends over coffee or tea.
• For information or to contact me, go to Cup of Joy Women.

• Download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: com
• Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy Women’s small group.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click HERE to find the book: Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope and Joy in Your Life.

The post Nehemiah & Rebuilding Hope #5 – Facing Opposition? Nehemiah Shows the Best Approach for Success! appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Become a Perfume-maker

Nehemiah calls the Perfumers. All teams need workers from all walks of life with a heartfelt desire to build—even beyond their known skills.  Most importantly, the “perfume makers” provide sweet-smelling assistance, even though their hands are soft and they are not seasoned builders.  Join us today as Nehemiah reveals team-making skills and appoints the perfumers.

In our last podcast, we joined Nehemiah as he secretly inspected Jerusalem at night time. He saw the many ruins but was inspired that God was leading the rebuilding. Although the ruins had accumulated over many years, he inspired the people, and they replied, Let us start building! Today we cover the following points:

• We all have broken places in the lives of our families, our communities, and our nation.
• These areas of shame or ruin, physical or spiritual, need rebuilding so Nehemiah will encourage us.
• In ancient cities, like Jerusalem, the gates were essential to the existence of a people. Gates were entrances to the city and provided military protection. The walls represented strength and defense.

• Outside the gates were stalls like farmer’s markets, where traders sold goods of all kinds.
• Inside the gates, the leaders met and held court for those seeking justice.
• If the walls or gates were broken, the loss of protection, commerce, justice, and meeting spaces would be devastating.

• The high priest Elisheba with his fellow priests rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They started the example for repair plus they consecrated the doors and an entire area to God.
• The men of Jericho came a long way to build and were included with everyone living nearby.
• The Tekoites made repairs, but their nobles with status and pride refused. Keep building!!
• The perfumers [perfume-makers] made repairs but had no building skill; they likely brought some sweet-smelling perfume. Making life smell good is an important skill too. Sweetness or perfume in attitude, speech, and effort is an essential contribution in itself.

• Hallohesh, the ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs with his daughters offering an example of involving the family in rebuilding.
• Anaiah and others made repairs beside their homes as they wanted their neighborhoods to be safe.
• Merchants rebuilt the walls and gates, likely taking days off from their own work to build the community.
• Nehemiah Chapter 3 lists those who answered the call to rebuild the brokenness. One by one they tackled all the gates in the city, repairing doors and adding bolts and bars.

• Teamwork was essential.  The builders worked for the glory of God—for the place of worship, for the people of God and not for pay.
• Hebrews 6: 10-11.  For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love you have demonstrated for his name by having served and continuing to serve the holy ones- his people. We earnestly desire each of you to demonstrate the same eagerness for the fulfillment of hope until the end, NABRE

• Nehemiah mentions the names of each of the gates that were repaired.
• There is symbolism for Christians in the Sheep Gate, Fish Gate, Dung Gate, Fountain Gate, and most other gates too. (See bookmark on my website for more meaning of the gates and symbolism.)

You can reflect on the principles that apply to your life. In prayer, using your prayer journal, consider these questions:

1. Where do you have burned gates or broken walls in your life (or family or nation) that need restoration?
2. For example, burned gates are open portals of darkness into our lives. They can include addictions, uncontrolled imaginations, extreme fears, emotional hurts, lack of forgiveness, unholy media, pornography, unrestrained tongue, or other sinful habits. God wants to heal you and help you rebuild gates or walls that need rebuilding. Ask Him.
3. Where does God want to strengthen you and give you joy? Ask Jesus to help you change hopelessness, discouragement, or procrastination attitudes into hopefulness and joy.
4. Become a perfume maker! If you feel you lack giftings, become a perfumer and set your mind to building anyway. Bring the sweetness of God’s spirit and a sweet attitude of prayer to every stinky situation. 2 Corinthians 2: 14-15: God uses us to make the knowledge about Christ spread everywhere like a sweet fragrance. For we are like a sweet-smelling incense offered by Christ to God, which spreads among those who are being saved and those who are being lost…

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy Women’s small group study on Nehemiah.  It accompanies this podcast and you can begin anytime.  It’s free!

• Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize by hosting a small group of friends over coffee or tea.
• For information or to contact me, go to Cup of Joy Women.

• Download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: com
• Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy Women’s small group.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click HERE to find the book: Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope and Joy in Your Life.

The post Nehemiah – Rebuilding Hope #4 – Perfumers Needed! Nehemiah Calls for Your Help! appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

If you need favor, let Nehemiah encourage you.  When you pray for favor, you are asking God to give a powerful person sympathy or judgment supportive of your needs or for help to turn a bad situation around. After Nehemiah prayed, God gave him favor with the king, and the king gave him everything he asked for.  Join us today to discover how to trust God more and ask for favor when approaching challenges.

It’s about two to five months after Nehemiah left the king’s presence, due to the time it took him to make the 500-mile journey from Susa to Jerusalem. King Artaxerxes of Persia granted his request to return to Judah and rebuild his city. Nehemiah said, [T]he king granted me what I asked, for the gracious hand of my God was upon me [also translated as “the favor of my God was upon me.” Today we cover these points:

• The land surrounding Judah was controlled by enemies of the Jewish people.
• Sanballat the Horonite was governor of the province of Samaria and a native of Horonaim, a city of Moab.
• Tobiah the Ammonite was the governor of the province of Ammon in Transjordan. Both were positions under Persian rule.

• God put the desire in Nehemiah’s heart to rebuild Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2: 12).
• God gave him wisdom and discernment as he went into the midst of opposition.
• He prayed: Give success to your servant today and grant him mercy in the sight of this man! (Nehemiah 1:11). This man was the KING, and God gave him mercy and favor with the king.
• Psalm 84: 11-12 encourages us to pray for favor: For the Lord God is a sun and shield; he bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly. 

• Nehemiah first had to encourage his discouraged people and inspire them to rebuild.
• The joy was infectious, and the people said, “Let us start building!” So they committed themselves to the common good.
• Sharing what God had done in his own life motivates others to trust Him too. Calling others to come alongside you in partnership inspires them to work together and do God’s work.
• The people had lost their identity as a people of God. We must remember our identity as children of God.

• Sanballat, Tobiah, and later Geshem opposed a restored Jewish province, for it threatened their trade and authority.
• The enemies confronted the people with lies, but Nehemiah refused to answer the lies. He stood his ground.
• We too must stand our ground. We must seek the Lord first, pray, and do his work. God is with us. Romans 8: 31 says: If God is for us, who is against us?

Be inspired to ask God for these requests that Nehemiah has demonstrated. Write the answers in your prayer journal.

1. Ask God to put His desires into your heart as he did for Nehemiah.
2. Ask God for favor this week for a needed solution to your needs. God gave Nehemiah favor with the king and the king gave him more than he could imagine.
3. Ask God whom you can inspire with hope and joy this week. Nehemiah shared his testimony of how God was with Him, helped Him, and called him and his people to this work.
4. Use the ACTS acronym to aid in the elements for personal intercessions as Nehemiah displays.

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy Women’s small group study on Nehemiah.  It accompanies this podcast and you can begin anytime.

• Pray about accepting this wonderful opportunity to engage others and evangelize by hosting a small group of friends over coffee or tea.You can choose from among my four podcasts (The Joy Series, Advent JOY, Esther & Turn-around JOY or Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope and JOY).
• For information or to contact me, go to Cup of Joy Women.

• Download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com
• Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy Women’s small group.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click HERE to find the book: Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope and Joy in Your Life.

The post Nehemiah & Rebuilding Hope #3 – Need Favor? Let Nehemiah Encourage You! appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Nehemiah Demonstrates Intercession (St. Takla.Org)

Do you procrastinate or supplicate when you face a broken situation or difficult task? To procrastinate means you put off doing something often because you don’t know where to begin. Do you feel stymied because something beloved to you seems shattered and you don’t know what to do or where to begin? Join us today as Nehemiah shows us how to supplicate to our God for restoration and new hope.

Nehemiah teaches about interceding for a people and a nation. Nehemiah demonstrates powerful intercession. The prayer of Nehemiah starts the process of bringing great solutions to great difficulties and a broken nation. Today, we cover the following points.

• There are at least FIVE forms of prayer. “The Holy Spirit is the one who teaches the Church and recalls to her all that Jesus instructs in the life of prayer, inspiring new expressions of the same basic 5 forms of prayer:” 1) blessing, 2) petition, 3) intercession, 4) thanksgiving, and 5) praise” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2644).
• Intercession is simply “asking on behalf of another—it knows no boundaries and even extends to our enemies” (CCC #2647).
• Nehemiah’s prayer in Chapter 1 is foremost intercession, but it also brings in the other 4 forms of prayer.

• The four themes of Nehemiah’s prayer teach supplication.
• The themes model personal intercessory and fit the ACTS acronym.

• A = Adoration. Nehemiah praises and adores God first (v. 5). Praise God’s greatness. Begin prayer with adoration. (Psalm 100: 4: Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!)
•  C = Confession. Nehemiah deeply loves and is devoted to God, yet he confesses his sins. He confesses his nation’s and his family’s sins as if they were his own (v. 7).
• T = Thanksgiving. Nehemiah prays with gratitude for God’s mercy and promises (v. 8-9). (Philippians 4: 6: Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.)
•  S = Supplication. Nehemiah asks God for his needs and for the needs of his nation and family (v. 11). In the process, he is changed.

• Nehemiah’s four months of prayer, fasting, and waiting on God paved the way for God to make a way.
• No procrastination. By grace via intercession, Nehemiah courageously made requests to the king.
• The king was sympathetic because the King of Kings had opened his heart. King Artaxerxes gave Nehemiah favor, granted his request to rebuild the brokenness, and even gave him supplies and assistance.

Consider the following aids for increasing personal intercession.

1. Keep a prayer journal (e.g., a small, inexpensive notebook with lined paper).
2. Prepare to intercede: WRITE concerns, LISTEN to God’s desires, and include SCRIPTURE.
3. Use the ACTS guide with your prayer journal to record your personal intercession and answers.

• Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy Women small group study. It accompanies this podcast and you can begin anytime. Contact me for free materials and help to get started.
• Pray about accepting this wonderful opportunity to engage others and share your faith by hosting a small group of friends over coffee or tea. For information, go to Cup of Joy Women.

• Download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com
• Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy Women’s small group.

• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click HERE to find the book: Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope and Joy in Your Life.

The post NEHEMIAH & Rebuilding HOPE #2 – Procrastinate or Supplicate? Nehemiah Teaches Intercession! appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Do you have messy situations in your life? The Book Nehemiah will remind you of God’s presence and power to transform brokenness and disappointment. You can overcome the fear and discouragement. Join our podcast today and allow Nehemiah to teach you to walk with God in new hope and joy.

I hope you were able to listen to my last podcast series – Esther and Turnaround JOY. If you enjoyed the book of Esther, I know you are going to love Nehemiah.  The Book of Nehemiah speaks to our faith today, even though it was written almost 2500 years ago. It will inspire you and your family in times of discouragement, trouble or worry in the face of life’s difficulties.  Nehemiah reminds us all how God’s presence and power are with us and can transform lives. Today we cover the following points.

• The Book of Nehemiah is considered a historical book in Scripture meaning it is part of recorded history. It details the third return of God’s people from the Babylonian captivity, that occurred around 605 BC.
• In 478 BC, during the reign of King Ahasuerus, Esther, and Mordecai, through God’s providential hand, helped save the nation of Israel from annihilation. The Book of Nehemiah follows the time after Esther.

• Nehemiah lives and works in Suza, the winter home of the Persian kings. He was the cupbearer, who tasted every drop of wine and morsel before the king could consume it. In our culture, we might call him a professional wine taster and food connoisseur. However, this position is much more. If the cupbearer dropped dead or would not eat in fear of poisoning by the king’s enemies, the king would know not to eat it either!

• Our lesson here is that Nehemiah talked to God. The first thing he did in great emotional pain over the destruction back home was to turn to God. He took his emotional pain and heartbreak to God in prayer. He did not immediately try to fix the problems.
• Nehemiah knew only GOD could bring solutions to such devastation so he worshipped the creator, the great and awesome One, the Holy One, and the loving faithful One. Nehemiah knew the situation was the result of the nation’s sin – it was not God’s fault.
• In verse 5, Nehemiah gives us this example: Adore and Worship God before you intercede for a problem. Jesus taught us the same. When the disciples asked him to teach them to pray, he said, to pray like this, Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be the NAME.

•  “O LORD (v. 5) is the first name.” In the Hebrew, the word is “Yahweh.” Yahweh is the divine personal name that God gave in love for the people of Israel to use. Yahweh is the Lord God is the self-existent one, the one who is always present. You can say:  O Lord you are with ME. O God, You love me and never leave ME.
• “O Lord of Heaven (v. 5).” In Hebrew, of Heaven is “Elohim” which refers to God, the creator of the heavens and earth and the judge of the universe. He reigns throughout all eternity and is unlimited in strength and time. You can say: O Lord of Heaven, the Mighty One, you are MY Creator.
• “Great and awesome God (v. 5).” In Hebrew, the word translated great is “Hadol” which refers to the magnitude and importance of God. Psalm 48:1 uses this word in praise: Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised.  The word translated awesome is “Hael” in Hebrew and it means awesome and holy reverence expressed to God, whose deeds are Magnificent.  You can say: God is MY great and awesome God.
• “God who keeps covenant and steadfast love (v. 5). In Hebrew, the word used is “Chesedh” and it means the God who guards His covenant relationship by keeping His promises of steadfast love and unchanging devotion to His people.  “Chesedh” is used in Psalm 40: 11: Your steadfast love and your faithfulness keep me safe forever! You can say the Lord God keeps ME safe forever. He is MY loving, devoted God. (Note: Hebrew words are from Zodhiates Word Study Dictionary, 1992, #3069, #430, #410, #2617).

1. Which of the names for God that Nehemiah uses would you like to use more in your prayer?
2. How will you spend a few minutes adoring God with these praises?

       If you would like to host a weekly one-hour “Cup of Joy Women” study on Nehemiah with your friends that accompanies this podcast, email me: WRAPYourselfinJOY7@gmail.com.  I will send free materials and get you started.

• You can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com

• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click HERE to find the Book: Nehemiah: Rebuilding HOPE and JOY in Your Life.

The post Nehemiah & Rebuilding Hope #1 – Messy Situations? Studying Nehemiah can help! appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Are you looking for encouragement and JOY?  Esther will help you celebrate God’s goodness. When you recall and celebrate what God has done,  your faith is strengthened, you are inspired to trust Him more, and you are encouraged with hope. For Esther and all Jewish families, the annual Feast of Purim celebration helps them recall that God delivered them and will continue to deliver them. Join our podcast today and be encouraged to joyously celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness as we review the many turnarounds in the Book of Esther.

Approximately two months and ten days after the first decree was issued, Mordecai wrote the second edict, which empowered the Jewish people to defend themselves against their enemies. The turnarounds were astounding! Today we share at least 15 reversals and cover these points:

• To plunder means to steal goods during a war for your profit.
• The Jews remembered the violation of God’s commands in their heritage (1 Samuel 15) and acted in holy retribution for self-defense but took no plunder for their profit.

• Mordecai and Esther declare two days of celebration in an official decree to be remembered forever.
• Purim means “lots” or dice which is what Haman used to pick the date for the annihilation.
• The Book of Esther (also called the Megillah) is read twice during the Feast (the date in March is based on the Hebrew calendar). Children “boo and hiss” and throw popcorn when they hear Haman’s name.
• Today, families bring gifts to the poor, give gifts to each other, and eat fruit-filled triangular cookies called Hamantashens [haa·muhn·taa·shn] or Haman’s Ears. They are delicious! You can pick up a recipe card on my website WRAPYourselfinJOY.com or in my book.

• The Book of Esther shows us joy; Esther begins with a banquet and ends with a feast.
• Four pairs of feasts celebrate the turnarounds and triumphs of God.

• Esther 10 -16 or deuterocanonical additions A – F suggest Mordecai remembers a Dream. It foretold God’s deliverance relating to the main events in Esther plus the chapters add a few details to the occurrences.

• God used the beautiful Esther, caused the sleeplessness of the king, brought down Haman, exalted Mordecai, and gave the Jewish people victory over their enemies.
• God showed tremendous power on behalf of his people. Almost like fireworks, the reversals came quickly and spectacularly, fifteen in all.

• The Feast of Purim, still celebrated yearly in the Jewish tradition, helps Jewish families remember God has delivered them and will continue to deliver them.
• Psalm 77 calls us all to remember God’s goodness.

1. Do you set aside time to remember, joyously celebrate and thank God for what He has done for you?
2. Do you call upon God for creative solutions or turnarounds when problems arise?
3. Are you encouraging others that God intervenes in history when his people seek him with prayer, repentance, and fasting?

Join my podcast this summer, Ruth – Finding JOY in Tough Times: God’s Purpose for Every Age. If you would like to host a weekly one-hour “Cup of Joy Women” study on Ruth with your friends, email me: at HeartofJesusPublishing@gmail.com for free materials that accompany the podcast and get you started.

• You can download Bookmarks (and recipe card) from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click here to find the book: Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY

The post Esther & Turnaround JOY #10 – Celebrating God’s Goodness & Purim appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Do you need some creative solutions for your life? Today, the Book of Esther will inspire you with more reversals and some creative remedies—all part of God’s answer to prayer.  It may look like there is NO way out, but God working behind the scenes can always give a perfect solution. The turnarounds in Esther are uplifting and become so evident through a second edict that many Persians watching Esther and the nation’s deliverance expressed a desire for conversion.

In this podcast, we will cover the following points.

• Mordecai not only acquired Haman’s wealth and property but also his position.  The king gave him his signet ring making him the second most powerful man in Persia.
• However, there was still unfinished business! If Haman’s first edict issued in the king’s name was not overturned, all Jews would still be killed. Legally, a king’s edict was irrevocable.
• For this second time, Esther appeared before the king, and using gentle leadership asked for Haman’s decree to be revoked.
• The king had given Mordecai his signet ring allowing Mordecai to write whatever he pleased.

Two months and ten days after Haman issued the first edict, Mordecai summoned the king’s secretaries and wrote a second edict that counteracted Haman’s edict, empowering the Jews to defend themselves.  At least six more turnarounds transpired:

• Haman‘s edict was written and dispatched to kill the Jews (3: 13-15) The TURNAROUND (8: 10-14): Mordecai’s edict was sealed and dispatched to give the Jews authority to attack those who would attack them.
• Haman‘s edict becomes the law (3: 14) The TURNAROUND (8: 10-14): Mordecai’s writ becomes a decree that all must obey.
• Mordecai mourns in sackcloth, and ashes (4: 1). The TURNAROUND (8: 15): Mordecai wears royal robes of blue and white, a crown, and a mantle.
• Mordecai wails in disgrace at the king’s gate (4: 2). The TURNAROUND (8: 15): Mordecai was honored as the whole city shouted and rejoiced.
• The Jews mourn in sackcloth and ashes with fasting (4: 3). The TURNAROUND (8: 16): They celebrate a time of gladness, joy, and honor with a royal festival and holiday.
• The Jews were weak and dispersed in the culture (3: 8). The TURNAROUND (8: 17): The turnarounds brought about such fear of the Jews that many Persians converted or said they were Jews.

Do you need creative solutions and more turnarounds? Don’t give up.  Ask our Lord to show you creative solutions for your impossible situations. Invite the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and your ears to what you don’t yet see.   Remember God loves reversals and His solutions are always the best solutions and they will bring JOY!! Principles from Esther to help guide you in difficult times might include:

1. When God defeats your enemies, they are vanquished.
2. Assemble with others for increased strength to defeat foes.
3. God can give gladness, joy, and honor to replace sadness, darkness, and despair.
4. When people observe reversals and empowerment on your behalf, it could lead to turnarounds, change of heart or conversions.

• You can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click here to find the book: Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY

The post Esther & Turnaround JOY #9 – Creative Solutions and MORE Turnarounds appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Image: Esther reveals Haman’s plot to the King by Jan Lievens, 1623

Do you need reversals in your life? Let Esther encourage you. God loves reversals!

Today in our podcast, we encounter three reversals in Chapter Seven of the Book of Esther. This is God’s providence bringing dramatic changes in circumstances in response to the prayers of His people. It can happen again and it can happen in your life! Join us today as we cover these points:

• When King Ahasuerus could not sleep, he reads his chronicles and discovers that Mordecai’s service had never been rewarded.
• The king asks Haman what can be done to the man whom the king delights to honor, Haman replies, the honored person should wear the king’s clothes, ride the king’s horse, and be proclaimed for service throughout the streets.

• Haman hated Mordecai so he is humiliated when the king tells him to do those very things for Mordecai.
• It is a peripety – a great reversal of circumstances or turnaround of intentions written in heaven.
• When Haman told his friends and wife Zeresh about the Mordecai incident, they warned him saying: “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the Jewish people, you will not prevail against him but will surely fall before him.”

• Esther dishes up sweet words to the King.
• She knew when it was NOT time to speak and when it was time to speak her request to the king.
• She used the exact words from the edict so that the king knew he was hearing the truth.

• In Persian culture,
  • Diners ate at a table while reclining on a couch.
  • Men could not come within seven steps of a woman who was in the king’s charge or harem.
• Haman came close to Esther’s couch to beg for mercy – he had overstepped his bounds by 7 feet.
• To the king, he was assaulting Esther. So, he had a face cloth put on the Haman.
• In the Persian culture, a facecloth covers an enemy of the king so the king would not have to look upon the one he condemned.

• Harbona, one of the king’s chief consultants, appears to know of Haman’s hatred for the Jews and of the gallows he built in his backyard to execute Mordecai. He suggests that Haman be hung on his own gallows.
• Oh, how the Lord loves reversals! His divine providence reversed three evil events for today.
  • The gallows built in Haman’s backyard for Mordecai were used instead to hang Haman.
  • The king’s signet ring, indicating “a second in charge” position, was removed from Haman and given to Mordecai.
  • Haman’s decree to plunder all the property of the Jews was transposed and the king gave Haman’s property to Queen Esther.
• What the study of literature calls peripety—an event that suddenly brings a reversal of fortune and dramatic change in circumstances, is what Christians call a miracle.

• Romans 15: 4 reminds us: “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.” Let Esther give you hope.
• Today, Esther teaches us:
  • God can reverse the evils around us.
  • Gentle leadership with prayer and God’s discernment accomplishes much.
  • Teachers of drama or literature call it a peripety, a reversal. Christians call it a miracle.
• What miracle or turnaround do you need today?  How will you pray for a turnaround based on what you observed from Esther and Mordecai?
  • Read Psalm 37: 1-5 and notice all the “do not fret” but instead “trust in the Lord” phrases. He will act as you delight in Him and commit your way to Him.
  • Ask Jesus to again bring laughter and joy to your life.

• You can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: com.
• For all Esther & Turnaround JOY podcasts click here:
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click here to find the book: Esther For Such A Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, And Joy

The post Esther & Turnaround JOY #8 – Reversals Begin appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Image: Esther before Ahasuerus (1547-48) Painting by Tintoretto

Are you praying, waiting, and discerning? Have you ever prayed in a daunting situation? Were you looking for a quick solution? Sometimes a quick solution is not the best solution. In our podcast today, Esther shows us the value of prayer, but also why it’s important to wait and discern God’s solution

Esther’s name comes from the Hebrew root “SIT-UR seter,” which means “concealed.” It suggests her identity would be concealed for a time, but the time had come for her to reveal her faith.  Mordecai asked her to go to the king to stop the edict against the Jews, but without an invitation, she could be executed.  Esther finally agreed to put her life on the line for such a time as this. She knew she needed God’s intervention, so she called for three days of fasting from food and water for all Jews, and even her maids. Then she would go to the king with the conclusion, “If I perish, I perish.”  In the podcast today, we will cover these points.

The Third Day (Esther 5: 1-8)

•  The “third day” in the Jewish faith is significant. A Jewish commentary suggests believed God’s deliverance for Israel would come after prayer on “the third day” (Midrash Raba, Esther).
• For example, in the Old Testament Hosea 6: 2 says,  After two days He will revive us; on the third day God will raise us up, that we may live before him. NRSV-CE
• The third day is also connected to the Christian faith and Jesus’ resurrection.

• Esther “stood” before the king radiating an inner strength and outer beauty from God.
• Esther 15 (Deuterocanonical): the King invited Esther to him, saying: “Come near. 11 Then he raised the golden scepter and touched her neck with it; 12 he embraced her, and said, “Speak to me.”
• Gentle leadership characterizes a leader who is kind, compassionate, loyal, and willing to listen to the needs of those around her.
• A discerning leader prays and waits for God’s direction.
• Queen Esther was truly a gentle and discerning leader.  She leaned completely on God for strength and guidance.

 Esther’s Discernment and the First Banquet (Esther 5: 9-14)

• The fasting and prayers of Esther and God’s people changed the heart of the King.
• On the third day of fasting, Esther abandoned herself in total submission to God, put on royal robes to show her authority as Queen of Persia, and became the leader God designed her to be.
• Esther asked the king to come with Haman to a festive dinner banquet she had prepared.
• At the end of the meal, Esther delayed and again asked the king and Haman to come to a second dinner on the following day.
• God’s guidance and discernment indicated Esther needed to wait one more day.

 Haman and His Prized Sons

• Haman boasted to his family and friends (v. 10-12). H
• Historian Herodotus says the Persians prized a large number of sons, second only to great courage in war.
• Haman’s pride burst with pride at being invited to dinner twice with the king and queen of Persia.
• Only the sight of Mordecai the Jew who would not bow to him pricked his joy. His wife Zeresh suggested he build gallows 75 feet (50 cubits) high and hang Mordecai immediately.

• Which principles on prayer, waiting and discernment will you apply?
• I need to seek God with other pray-ers for support to stand firm in spiritual battles.
• To become a gentler and more discerning person, I need to increase my time in prayer with repentance for myself and others, fasting, and waiting.
• I want to rely more on God’s discernment. I must wait where God has placed me and invite his discernment and leadership.
• I will try to remember this verse: Isaiah 40:31.“But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” NRSV-CE

• You can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click here to find the book: Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY

The post Esther & Turnaround JOY #6 – Pray, Wait and Discern appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Image: Mordecai & Esther by Aert de Gelder, 1685 – Mordecai urges Esther’s Intervention

Do you have a mission for such a time as this? You indeed do and this podcast will help you!  Join us today as Queen Esther trusts the power of God in prayer, gains needed courage, and discovers her mission.

In Esther Chapter 3, Mordecai refused to bow down and pay homage to Haman.  Enraged Haman hatred for Jews and cast Purim (somewhat similar to our dice) to determine the date for the killing of all Jews throughout all of Persia. The king agreed and the announcement for the annihilation of all the Jewish people was distributed throughout the kingdom on Passover—the very day Jewish families commemorate annually the time God delivered them from slavery in Egypt and saved their firstborn.

Now, their joy-filled Passover celebration was turned into a time of wailing. Could you imagine this happening to you, your family, or your church family on a celebration like Easter?

The words For Such a Time as This, come directly from Chapter 4 of the Book of Esther. Today, we cover these points:

• Mordecai heard of the edict and he sobbed greatly, tore his clothes, and put on sackcloth and ashes. He wailed and wept bitterly on the city square at the palace gate.
• For all Jews, the happy celebration of Passover with family, friends, traditions, and food quickly turned into wailing, fasting, and prayer. According to Scripture, the Jewish people always linked prayer and repentance with fasting.
• Sackcloth, made from grain bags was scratchy, could cut the skin, and served as an act of penance and pleading with the Lord. Ashes, worn on the head or sat in, were a sign of self-humiliation and deep sorrow often over a national disaster. See Joel 2:12 and 17 to summarize this Biblical purpose for fasting, weeping, and penance.

• Esther lived in the plush environment of the palace, but she may have become secluded from the world around her. She was not aware of Haman’s edict.
• She tried to send clothes to Mordecai. Only when he refused the clothes did she ask what was wrong. Mordecai gave her the evidence of the edict but she indicated she could not go to the king as he had not called for her in over 30 days. She could be put to death if he did not reach out.

• Esther called a day of national fasting.
• Throughout Old Testament history, fasting meant fervently calling out to God with a heart of repentance, sorrow, submission, and supplication to seek his help or protection, provision, and forgiveness. For example, refer to Judges 20, Deuteronomy 9, Joel 1-2, 1 Samuel, and Jonah 3.
• Every year, according to Leviticus 23, all of Israel fasted on the Day of Atonement and a scapegoat would be driven into the desert to represent the sins of the people (a foreshadowing of what Christ would do on the cross for us). As they prayed, repented, and humbled themselves, their sins would be taken from God’s sight on the scapegoat.
• See Esther 13 and 14 for examples of how to intercede/pray for a nation from Esther and Mordecai’s prayers (e.g., praising God’s goodness, repenting for your sins and the sins of your nation, pouring out your heart to God, asking for God’s intervention).

• Fasting is about relationship. It is about aligning ourselves with God—drawing close to Him, worshiping Him, hearing from Him, repenting (turning), and changing our ways.
• Fasting takes planning for most of us, but most importantly it involves replacing our time spent eating or running around in “busyness,” with prayer and time seeking the Lord.
• A fast, drinking only water or juice, can last a meal, until nightfall, a full day or more. Fasting can also involve refraining from certain foods (see Daniel 10: 2-3). or refraining from distractions like media or television, internet usage, shopping for a certain amount of time, etc.).
• For the plan, you may want to take five steps: (1) write down your objective, (2) decide how you will fast, (3) schedule time in adoration & personal prayer, (4) read God’s Word & ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you (e.g., John 14 and 15), and (5) believe that God will answer with wisdom, direction, and/or a miracle.
• In Esther’s case, an extreme response would be required for her to safely go to the King, so she called for an extreme fast— three days of abstaining from food and water for the entire nation!

Today, our story teaches us:

• At first, Esther was not aware that God had a mission for her—God planned to use her powerfully. With Mordecai’s help and the providence of God, she discerned her mission but was afraid and at first denied it.
• Esther needed fellow pray-ers. She asked her entire Jewish nation to pray, fast and repent, and seek God’s intervention. Only after three days of prayer and fasting did she find the grace and strength to proceed in her mission- to be used by God to save the Jewish People
• What is God’s mission for you at your place and time? The Lord Jesus has a mission for you. ASK in prayer. Often, it involves bringing the love of God and a testimony of Him to those around you. But, sometimes, it may be more than you ever thought possible.
• Finally, consider praying with St.  John Henry Newman’s Prayer I Have a Place. Start with praying these few sentences:  “I have a place in God’s counsels, in God’s world, which no one else has; whether I be rich or poor, despised or esteemed by man, God knows me and calls me by my name. God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission…” The rest is in a free bookmark on my website WrapyourselfinJOY.com.

• You can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourseldinJOY.com.
• For all Esther & Turnaround JOY podcasts click here:
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click here to find the book: Esther For Such A Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and Joy

The post Esther & Turnaround JOY # 5 – For Such a Time as This appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Do you ever have unwavering resolve? Have you pondered when to be resolute or when to compromise? In relationships, compromise is used for cooperation and keeping the peace, so we need to negotiate our desires with the positions of others. Nonetheless, there are some situations where we must stand firm, determined, and unshakable.  Join us today in the Book of Esther where we learn unwavering resolve in difficult times.

Welcome to Esther & Turnaround Joy Episode #4: Unwavering Resolve & the First Edict, where we encounter Esther and Mordecai five years after King Ahasuerus sponsored the beauty contest, crowned Esther as queen, and celebrated with Esther’s banquet.

Now, the providential hand of God becomes more evident as we see why God put Esther in a position of influence—even before the Jewish people faced the prospect of annihilation.  Now it’s 474 BC  we join Mordecai as he stands near the palace gate and overhears a plot to kill the king. I hope you enjoy these points:

• Mordecai is “sitting at the gate” checking on Esther, and likely working in a government position.
• Mordecai told Esther not to reveal her nationality.
• While at the gate, Mordecai overheard a plot to kill King Ahasuerus and reported it to Esther, who told the king. The villains were hanged.
• The would-be assassins Bigthan and Teresh were hanged.
• Acts of loyalty like Mordecai’s were officially recorded so the king could reward the hero.

• Mordecai stood firm with unwavering resolve which means firm, determined, not shakable, and displaying unwavering loyalty. (Vocabulary.com dictionary).
• He refused to bow down to Haman because God had commanded the Jewish people not to bow down in adoration to anyone (e.g., Exodus 20: 3-6).
• Haman was the king’s top advisor and “an enemy of the Jews” (Esther 3:10).
• Haman was an Agagite, a descendent of King Agag of the Amalekites, who was of a fierce nomadic tribe that made their living by raiding settlements, killing the men, women, and children, and then taking their possessions. They had a “blood-feud” with Israel, which demanded total extermination of the Israelites (see Exodus 17 and Deuteronomy 25).

• Mordecai stood firm in his faith and obedience to God’s law and would not bow to Haman.
• Infuriated Haman in April 374 BC cast the pur – purim is the plural form.
• The purim were similar to our dice and were thrown to help make decisions and choose dates.
• Esther 3:7 indicates the pur fell on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Aadar, March 7, 374 BC, for destroying all Jews.

• Haman offered the king 10,000 talents or about 375 tons of silver, which of course he hoped to acquire by killing Jewish families and plundering their homes.
• King Ahasuerus gave Haman his signet ring, which was his signature used to stamp the wax on an official letter from the king.
• Haman summoned the scribes to draft the edict on the day before Passover- April 17th, 474 BC (Esther 3:12).
• The announcement was sent out to the 127 provinces of the Persian Empire on Passover—the very day Jewish families annually commemorated God delivering them from slavery (see Exodus 12). The date was chosen to dishearten and terrorize the Jewish people.
• The Passover celebration with family and friends quickly turned into a day of confusion and weeping. How ironic! The day of the announcement would fall on a commemoration of God’s deliverance. Could God again deliver them from destruction? It would be only God who could!

• To Haman and the king, it was just another day to celebrate their power, so they had a drink.
• Haman’s heart was hardened with generational hatred so he rejoiced in the genocide of the Jews.
• Hebrews 4: 13 reminds us: “before him [God] no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.”
• Little did Haman know that the God of heaven was in control.

• We witnessed a good example of unwavering resolve with Mordecai. It reminds each of us that there is a time for unwavering resolve when we must follow God no matter the cost.  We cannot deny God’s commandments ever.
• Mordecai refused to bow in worship to anyone other than the God of heaven and earth. He was following Exodus 20, “You shall have no other gods beside Me…You shall not bow down to them…”
• Psalm 119: 2-4 reminds us: “2 Happy [blessed and joyful] are all who search for God and always do his will, 3 rejecting compromise with evil and walking only in his paths. 4 You [O God] have given us your laws to obey.
• My unwavering resolve and devotion to God may be met with persecution, but I can choose to be strong in the Lord and keep his commandments. 1 Corinthians 16: 13-14 says: Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
• Please ask God, ”Where do you want me to have unwavering resolve?”  Then ask for his help to be resolute. He will give it.

• YOU can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: com.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click here to find the book: Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY

The post Esther & Turnaround JOY #4 – Unwavering Resolve & the First Edict appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Are you seeking to become more attractive and win favor with others? Who isn’t? Join us today at the Spa, circa 479 BC and hear how attractiveness, God’s way, finds favor and how the providence of God unfolds slowly but surely. (The image is an ancient painting entitled Esther Bedecked by Aert de Gerder, 1684, showing Esther bedecked in an ermine-edged coat.)

• Four years have passed between Chapters One and Two of Esther (see Esther 1:3 and 2: 16). According to Greek historian Herodotus, during that time King Ahasuerus suffered a great military defeat by the Greeks and returned home to consume himself with overindulgence and sensuality.
• He also missed the lasting relationship with his beautiful wife Queen Vashti whom he dethroned at his last party. The king’s advisors suggest a beauty contest with exotic spa treatments to help find a new queen. So today we are off to the spa and to witness the crowning of a new queen.

• Mordecai was introduced as a Jew in the family line of Kish (King Saul’s family) of the tribe of Benjamin. (Calling him a Jew repeatedly suggests that he was somehow still a foreigner and not completely accepted into secular Persia.) A person’s family line showed his status in Jewish lineage. When the Scriptures mention Nebuchadnezzar carried away Kish, the verses are referring to the Babylonian captivity, with a second forced removal involving King Jeconiah of Judah in 597 BC. Likely, Mordecai’s grandfather and family members were among those taken captive in 597 BC.
• Mordecai was born in Susa of Persia after the defeat of the Babylonian Empire. He and his family had chosen not to return to Jerusalem when Cyrus the Great allowed the Jews to return home beginning in 539 BC.
• Esther was introduced as Mordecai’s younger cousin (Esther 2:7) whom he raised because she had been orphaned. Likely, her parents died when she was young. So it would have been Mordecai who taught her the Hebrew Scriptures and the Jewish faith

• The beauty contest was not the usual Persian way to select a queen. Normally, kings took their wives from the families of the Persian nobles and that is probably how King Ahasuerus crowned Vashti. However, a self-indulgent and powerful king could choose any woman he wanted for a wife.
• In Susa, Esther was given seven servants plus food probably laden with oils to fatten her up and help her display the Persian ideal of beauty. The women were given oil baths of delicious-smelling flowers and herbs to soften the skin and add a fragrant aroma.
• At Susa, Divine Providence – God unfolding his purposes – becomes more visible to the spiritual eye, as we notice Esther found favor with Hegai.

• After twelve months of beauty treatments, it was Esther’s turn to come before the king.
• Esther pleased the king, even though we do not know the details or how this happened in one evening. Obviously, the king saw her inner and outer beauty—the first woman that pleased him since Vashti. It was Divine Providence behind the scenes that surely turned the king’s heart toward Esther, even if she was only cooperating with the circumstances which were beyond her control.

• When King Ahasuerus crowned Esther as his Queen, he. gave another party, calling it Esther’s Banquet. This celebration included both men and women, generous gifts, and even tax relief.

Today, our story teaches us:

• The Lord can turn the heart of a leader. We can trust and pray that He does in our times as well.
• God is at work even though we don’t see him right away. We can pray to see God active in the scenes of our lives, for he is surely there at work.
• Ultimately it is God who turns the heart of the king. He gave Esther favor and her inner beauty seemed to capture the king’s favor and love.

Proverbs 31: 30 and 1 Peter 3: 3 summarize God’s beauty plan.

• Proverbs 31: 30. Charm is deceptive, and beauty fleeting but a woman who fears [worships, honors, and respects] the Lord is to be praised. (GNT)    Obviously, with age, beauty fades, but to worship, honor and respect God creates a lasting attractiveness that appeals to others too.  God blesses all of our attempts to honor Him. So how is your attractiveness quotient when you consider spending time daily to worship and honor God is an important part of any beauty plan?
• 1 Peter 3:3-4. Don’t depend on things like fancy hairdos or gold jewelry or expensive clothes [outward adorning] to make you look beautiful. 4Be beautiful in your heart by being gentle and quiet [with a calm temper and contented mind]. This kind of beauty will last, and God considers it very special [precious in His sight]. (GNT)  It’s not that God objects to putting our best foot forward so to speak or trying to look our best at any age, but His Word suggests an attractiveness plan.
• Does your attractiveness plan include a gentle and quiet spirit with a calm temper and contented mind or demeanor? Ask the Holy ‘Spirit to help you. Ephesians 5:  22 says, the fruit of the Holy Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, and more in our lives. 

• You can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourseldinJOY.com.
• For all Esther & Turnaround JOY podcasts click here:
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click here to find the book: Esther For Such A Time As This: Prayer, Reversals and Joy

The post Esther & Turnaround JOY # 3 – The Spa & the New Queen appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

What can you learn from Queen Esther? Do you need more wisdom and less bad advice in your life? Do you seek God, who offers wisdom generously to those who ask? Today, we will encounter the outrageous King Ahasuerus, who misses the outcome of his bad decision based on bad advice! Join us as we discuss the true wisdom from God that does not disappoint.

Welcome to Esther & Turnaround Joy Episode #2 based on my book Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals and JOY.  The Book of Esther in the Old Testament was written so that even 2500 years later, we can still relate it to our culture. We can learn so much from Queen Esther.

Today we continue in Esther Chapter 1 with our introduction to the pompous and extravagant King Ahasuerus and the opulent six-month party he threw in the capital city of Susa (modern day Iran) in the third year of his reign. Ancient historians suggest over 15,000 men came to the party that lasted 187 days. In the midst of the grand party, the king received and followed bad advice. In the podcast today, we will cover these points.

• Queen Vashti was in the midst of throwing a grand party herself for the  wives of governors, nobles, and officials that came to the king’s celebration when the king called her to appear before an unruly, intoxicated horde of men to show off her beauty.
• She refused to come for reasons we might guess.
• When she refused, she did not expect the king’s boiling rage!

• King Ahasuerus’ wise men, led by their spokesman Memucan, advised the king to dethrone and remove Vashti forever. Guided by his wounded pride, with no respect for his wife, the king followed this bad advice and dethroned Vashti.
• The Scriptures teach women to honor and respect their husbands and men to love their wives (Ephesians 5: 25, 3). But the king was a pagan consumed with pride and self-indulgence who did not know God’s commands or God’s ways.
• Greek Historian Herodotus records that King Ahasuerus won a great battle after this feast, but later suffered a terrible loss to the Greeks during the four years that occurred between Esther Chapters One and Two.
• The King returned home from battle and likely consumed himself with even more indulgence and sensuality, only to find he missed a lasting relationship with his lovely wife.

• Where do you need wisdom today? Our historical story teaches us:

1. Be cautious when taking counsel from worldly advisors who stroke your ego or are motivated by a desire for power.
2. Be courageous and maintain your integrity in difficult situations.
3. Anger and violence do not demonstrate strength in a husband or a leader.

• Proverbs 3: 5-7, James 1: 5, and Proverbs 3:17 instruct us to ask God for wisdom who promises to give it generously and ungrudgingly and to lead YOU and clear the road for YOU to follow.

• You can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourseldinJOY.com.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click here to find the book: Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals and JOY

The post Esther & Turnaround JOY # 2 – The Queen, the Refusal & the Bad Advice appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Do You Need Turnarounds in Your Life? Are you struggling to find faith and courage? Esther will show you how. Join me in our new series starting today based on the Book of Esther.  It’s a  wonderful study for Lent.  It is about trusting in God, interceding in prayer, and receiving strength to stand firm amid Life’s challenges. It is about gentle leadership, discernment, and how God give can give you reversals in situations and relationships. Esther is a book of faith, hope and joy!

Welcome to Esther & Turnaround Joy Episode #1 based on my book Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals and JOY.  Just when we wonder, “Where is God in our lives or our families or our communities,” Esther reminds us that God never abandons us. He is faithful. If you have never read or studied Esther before, now is a goodtime to start. You cannot depend on movies depicting Esther because some are more fictional than historically accurate. You will gain so much more by reading it yourself as the lessons from Esther are so encouraging. And of course, there is a JOYFUL ending. Today we will cover these points:

• In the days of Ahasuerus (Esther 1:1) refers to the reign of King Ahasuerus  who historically ruled the world as King of the Persian Empire from 486 to 465 BC. In Greek, his name was Xerxes.
• The Persians led by Cyrus the Great, the grandfather of Ahasuerus, had defeated the Babylonian Empire of King Nebuchadnezzar, who had taken the Jewish people captive to Babylon beginning in 605 BC. Cyrus the Great had a relaxed attitude toward the Jewish people and allowed them to return to Jerusalem or move to other places. Some went back to Jerusalem. Some scattered throughout Europe. Some stayed in Persia and learned to fit into its culture. This is where we meet Esther.

• King Ahasuerus resided in Susa—one of the three royal cities in the Persian.
• He threw the lavish party, mostly to inspire patriotism and show off his wealth and splendor to his military leaders so they would give him support for going to war against Greece as history tells us.
• An old tradition stated that only as the king drank could the rest of the party drink, but at his party, all were instructed to drink freely. The golden goblets used for serving the wine may very well have been the sacred goblets seized from the Jewish temple in Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar in 605 BC (see Daniel 1). Now, they were being used in a very unholy way, by a very pagan king!

• King Ahasuerus was trying to make himself a god in power, prestige and more.
• He did not know or refused to acknowledge the truth that God loves us dearly but as Proverbs 15:3 points out: “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good” or Hebrews 4:13, saying: “And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
• So my questions for reflection today are:
  • Do you wonder where God is when you see the world focused on self-image, power and prestige?
  • Do you get discouraged when it appears God is silent about all the evil in the world?
  • When God seems silent, do you turn your attention to the party—that is to the worldly distractions that can take you away from God, faith and family?

1. Read and pray with Psalm 103: 15-22. Try to memorize the verse that speaks most to you.
2. Seek God. When you think he is silent as the world parties on, open yourself more to God. Remember only God our heavenly Father, Jesus our Savior and the Holy Spirit can offer you the true Joy, Peace, Love, and Fulfillment that the world is seeking as epitomized by King Ahasuerus. When you are lonely and confused or frustrated, talk to Jesus from your heart.  Ask Him for what you need. Remember Jesus’ words in John 15: 11: As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.   (You may want to listen to my podcast season #1 series, Finding JOY.)

• You can download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPyourselfinJOY.com.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click here to find the book: Esther For Such a Time As This: Prayer, Reversals and JOY

The post Esther & Turnaround JOY # 1 – The Backdrop & the Party: Turnarounds for Your Life appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The Presentation in the Temple, Philippe de Champaigne. 1648

Are you seeking consolation or more JOY? Join us today at the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, where Anna and Simeon show how. They offer us ten ways the Holy Spirit can help.

Welcome to Advent JOY Podcast #7, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events And Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ.  Today, we travel with Mary and Joseph to the Temple and the Presentation of the Lord. There Anna and Simeon will join us at this very special event.

• At the time of Jesus’ birth, the Old Testament Mosaic Law required every firstborn Jewish male to be circumcised at 8 days after birth
• The naming of the baby took place at the same time as the circumcision. Mary and Joseph by divine appointment knew what the Child was to be called. And so “He was named Jesus” which means the Lord saves- the name told to both Mary and Joseph via an angel (Luke 1: 30 and Matthew 1: 20).

• Now, forty days after Jesus’ birth, we again find Joseph and Mary again following the Mosaic Law for both the Presentation of Jesus in the temple and Mary’s Purification. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said the He came to “fulfill the law” and this begins at birth.
• For Mary’s Purification, the sweet and Blessed Mother of humble means offered “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons ” as Leviticus 12: 8 described for a new mother who could not afford a sheep to offer.

• This “redemption of the first born” meant that the parents were redeeming Jesus or buying Him back from God. Isn’t it amazing that almost 33 years later, it would be Jesus who would pay the price for our redemption by dying on the cross?
• The Catholic Church celebrates the Presentation of the Lord on February 2 every year.

Although their lives were different, Simeon and Anna had a lot in common.

1. Both Simeon and Anna were described as deeply spiritual people. They loved the Lord, practiced their faith and did not allow themselves to become bitter or decrepit with the times.
2. Both were “senior citizens” active in serving God. Pope Francis says of the Presentation:  It is a meeting between the young, who are full of joy in observing the Law of the Lord, and the elderly who are full of joy in the action of the Holy Spirit. It is a unique encounter between observance and prophecy, where young people are the observers and the elderly are prophets! (The Feast of the Presentation, Vatican, 2-2-2014).  
3. Both knew the Scriptures.
4. Both believed the Scriptures and were looking for the Messiah. According to Bible scholars and theologians, Jesus has fulfilled at least 300 Old Testament prophecies.
5. Both were looking forward with HOPE. The words looking for indicate they were actively waiting for the Savior with hope.
6. Both worshiped, prayed, and adored God. Their eyes went more to God then to the news of the day. That brought consolation.
7. Both were guided by the Spirit of God.
8. Both Simeon and Anna recognized the Messiah.
9. Both received Jesus and were changed.
10. Both Simeon and Anna received a message about Jesus from the Holy Spirit and they shared it.

• Simeon’s prayer is one of the great prayers, or canticles (little songs) of the Church. It is called the Nunc Dimittis because v. 29 in the Latin translation of the Bible begins with the words “Nunc Dimittis,” which mean “now dismiss your servant.” (In other words, Simeon was saying to the Lord, “Now I am ready to die; you can dismiss me Lord, I have seen the Savior.”)  Every evening, all priests  and religious as well as all who pray the Liturgy of the Hours, pray the Nunc Dimittis prayer. Today and every day, you can pray the Nunc Dimittis from Luke 2: 29-30.

• Why not spend some time with these verses? Using your holy imagination, see yourself receiving Jesus from Mary’s arms as Simeon did. Look into the face of Jesus and give Him your shame and sadness. In exchange, receive His Love and JOY. He has come for YOU. You can’t help but be consoled. Then like Anna, praise God because you have seen the Savior of the World. He has come to give You peace, as John 15 says, Peace I give you, but not as the world gives. He has come to give the world peace as Luke 2: 14 says, Peace on earth, good will toward to men.  He has come to give you His love.

Remember Lamentations 3:22-25. (ESV) … His mercies are fresh every morning. Great is His faithfulness 25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him.

Also enjoy these LINKs:

WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Click here to find the books: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.  Or  Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals, and JOY.

The post ADVENT JOY # 7 – Seeking Consolation and JOY? Join Anna & Simeon at the Presentation appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The Adoration of the Shepherds by Domenico Zampieri

Do you need a message that brings MORE JOY and Peace? Join us today for the birth of our Savior and meet the Angels and the Shepherds who have a lot to share. In fact, uniting your heart with the Angel’s Gloria and the Shepherd’s praises will help you know more JOY and peace.

Welcome to Advent JOY Podcast #6, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events And Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ.  Today, we return to the book of Luke. There we  join Blessed Mary and Joseph on their 80-mile journey to Bethlehem. When they arrive, they find it crowded with people, who like Mary and Joseph, had come at the command of Caesar Augustus. Join us today for:

• Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, in the City of David as prophesied by the Old Testament prophet Micah over 700 years earlier and recorded in Micah 5: 1-3.
• Emperor Caesar Augustus, a master bookkeeper and statistician, likely wanted to keep track of his subjects and his kingdom by public enrollment.
• Joseph would have to go to Bethlehem, as he was a descendent of King David. Mary went along too – she may have been required to register or Joseph wanted her with him.
• Bishop Fulton J. Sheen explains: Joseph “searched in vain for a place where He, to Whom heaven and earth belonged, might be born. Could it be that the Creator would not find a home in creation? …  A stable would be the last place in the world where one would have looked for Him. Divinity is always where one least expects to find it. (Life of Christ, 1958, p. 13-24.
• Jesus, God incarnate and the Savior of the world, was born and tightly wrapped in bands of cloths by his mother Mary and then laid in a manger where animals would feed.

• The angel’s message of “Good News” is summarized in the announcement by the angel (v. 10-11): “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the
• We can say with assurance: Jesus is our Savior, who delivers us from sin and makes us right with God. He is our Messiah the anointed one who will inaugurate God’s Kingdom and reign as KING forever. He is our LORD, who has dominion overall.

• It is amazing that God chooses shepherds—the little, the lowly, the less important of the world (1 Corinthians 1: 28), but also calls himself a shepherd (e.g., “I am the Good Shepherd,” John 10:11). In Ezekiel 34:12-16, He describes himself as one who “shepherds rightly:” he tends sheep, rescues them, leads them, gives them rest, brings back the lost, binds up the injured, and heals the sick.
• Jesus is our Shepherd: If at times you feel “lowly,” please know that Christ is YOUR Savior and Shepherd. He came for you! You are His little lamb, and He loves you.
• Some of the shepherds around Jerusalem took care of the temple lambs used in the temple sacrifices. Shepherds would wrap lambs born without blemish in swaddling cloths and place them away from the others—even in a manger (e.g., Leviticus 4-5). It’s amazing that the shepherds who took care of the temple lambs used for sin offerings would be the first to recognize Jesus Christ, the one who came as our sin offering forever!

• We also find two beautiful choruses in v. 14-20. First, there’s the song (v. 14) called the Angel’s “Gloria” because the first word in in St. Jerome’s Latin translation is “Gloria.”
• This song of the angels proclaimed peace to a world that needs peace, like we do right now. Jesus said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27, NABRE). The only place of true peace is found in Jesus and today we remind ourselves of this. We can join the angels in praise: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward all.”
• The second chorus includes the shepherds’ praises (v. 20). They praised God for the good news from the angel and the song of the heavenly host of angels. From them we learn: Praising God for His goodness is a wonderful way to evangelize and get other’s attention on our Savior.

• Mary “treasured and pondered” these things in her heart.
• She gives an example for us in treasuring, pondering, and delighting in the things God has revealed, especially since we have the Word of God in Scripture.

Try to prayerfully put yourself in the scenes and ask:

1. Am I praising God for sending Jesus, as the Angels and shepherds did?
2. Am I making a “manger” for Jesus in my heart as my Savior and Lord?
3. Am I receiving the true joy and peace that Jesus offers?
4. Am I treasuring God’s Word in my heart as Mary did?

• You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from the Advent JOY Podcast #6 at my website: WRAPyourselfinJOY.com.
• Check out more podcasts here!
• Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

The post ADVENT JOY # 6 – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds! appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Image: The Dream of St. Joseph by Mengs, 1773

Are you perplexed or bewildered over changes that have come into your life? Mary and Joseph had to change their plans often. Why not ask God to help you lean into these changes? God can give you the best results ever when you willingly exchange your plans for God’s plans!

Welcome to Advent JOY Podcast #5, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events And Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ.  Today, we travel with Matthew’s Gospel and meet some unexpected members in Jesus’ ancestry and hear of Joseph’s dream and his faithfulness to Mary. Matthew fills us in on details of Mary’s return home to her betrothed Joseph after her visit with Elizabeth.

• So, we start with Matthew 1. At the time of Jesus, families kept a genealogical record (or family tree) for use in the distribution of inherited property and other rights under Jewish laws.
• Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI points out that Matthew 1 is not a perfect historical account that includes every single member in the ancestry of Jesus Christ, saying: ”This was not Matthew’s goal.“ (Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives, 2012, p. 8).
• Matthew wrote to appeal to the Jews by placing Jesus first and foremost as the Son of Abraham—the Patriarch and Father of Israel promised as part of an everlasting covenant with God (Genesis 17: 6-7), and as the Son of David—the priestly King of Israel, whose ancestors were prophesied to reign forever (2 Samuel: 7:13).

• Jewish lineages at the time of Christ, usually did not contain names of women. But in Matthew’s list of Christ’s ancestry five women are mentioned. Of course, we would expect the  Blessed Virgin Mary to be named. But there were four others listed—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba who came from foreign ancestry or had a reputation for immorality that could have disqualified them from inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ.  All were Gentile women, who turned away from immoralities or idolatries to become faithful to God in their circumstances.
• Even if your past life or your “family tree” seems dishonorable, Jesus will give you forgiveness, grace, mercy, and a new beginning when you turn to Him for mercy and forgiveness. You are part of the family of God, and every day you can have a new life in Christ. Hebrews 2: 11 reinforces this: “God is not ashamed to call them [or you] brothers and sisters.”
• Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI writing on the deeper meaning of the genealogies of Jesus says:

“[T]hose who believe in Jesus enter through faith into Jesus’ unique new origin, and they receive this origin as their own…Jesus was not begotten by Joseph but was truly born of the Holy Spirit from the Virgin Mary, so it can now be said of us that our true ‘genealogy’ is faith in Jesus who gives us a new origin  and …to birth ‘from God” (Jesus of Nazareth, p. 12-13).

• Dreams were a common way that God communicated with His people in the Old Testament. Joseph did not hesitate in his response to the angel in the dream. He trusted God to work everything out. He willingly exchanged his plans for God’s plans. In fact we could say he leaned into God’s plans.
• And Joseph, from the tribe of Judah and the house of David, who was a carpenter by trade, became the legal head of this precious family (Abbott Ricciotti, The Life of Christ, 1947).  What a role model Joseph is to families—looking for God’s plans and leaning into them. This was the beginning of Joseph’s mission for life. Some have said it this way, Joseph was born for this vocation — to be the father of Jesus and to be Mary’s most chaste spouse. Like Mary, Joseph said, “yes” to his vocation. His entire happiness was in knowing what God wanted him to do and carrying it out to the end ( Fernandez, Conversation with God, Vol. 1, 1997). He was devoted to God and family.

1. Lean into God’s Plans. Can you picture the perplexity or bewilderment of Joseph when his plans suddenly  changed? He may have been building the house, planning the wedding, or earning extra money for the marriage. Whatever the case, he was not prepared to hear that Mary was with child.  Then God through an angel in a dream gave him more direction.  He leaned in the changes. You can ask yourself: Am I open to changing my plans to fit with God’s plan? Talk to Jesus about how you can stay open to God’s plans? What changes can you lean into?
2. Accept Your Place in God’s Family. When you feel unworthy or unqualified to be part of our Lords family and an adopted son or daughter of God, remember Tamar, Rahab, Ruth. These women changed direction to follow God with their lives and they joined His family and are listed in lineage of Jesus. Your family is never too far gone or too unworthy.  In prayer, consider asking God to forgive you and your family. Ask him to help you change directions.  Then do what he tells you.

• You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from the Advent JOY Podcast #5 at my website: WRAPyYourselfinJOY.com

Check out more podcasts here!

Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

The post Advent JOY #5 – Perplexed? Exchange Your Plans for God’s Plans! appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

 Zechariah writes, His Name is John!

 Are you needing calm in your life? Today, we are dropping in on a very special celebration of John the Baptist’s birth. You might hold the baby, newly named John, or share with all the neighbors your astonishment at the miracle birth.  You will hear Zechariah speak for the first time in 9 months. When he does, he teaches us the value of stillness with God. His silent retreat results in the joyous Benedictus blessing. Stillness with God will do the same for you, giving you more joy and peace!

Welcome to Advent JOY Podcast #4, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events And Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ.

Today, we are going to a celebration at Zechariah’s home. It’s the circumcision and naming of his newborn boy.  Can’t you just picture yourself as one of the neighbors who has come to help name the baby born to the old priest Zechariah and his aged wife Elizabeth.  Can you hear yourself say:

“This must be some kind of child—a miracle baby!  What a blessing from the Lord for Elizabeth! Poor old Zechariah was struck mute the last time he went up to serve in the temple.”  Join the podcast as we cover these exciting points:

• The neighbors come to celebrate the birth and help with the circumcision.
• Circumcision was established as a rite by God under the Old Covenant, usually performed on the 8th day after birth. It was a mark on a male and a sign that he was in covenant with God, sanctified for divine service and a member of the Jewish people.
• Under the New Covenant, circumcision is not a religious ritual for us (Galatians 5: 6).
• The ritual of circumcision has a few similarities to the Sacrament of Baptism: It is celebrated with family and friends and Godparents.
• For the Christian, baptism is a sign one belongs to Christ, is united with Him in His death, and is incorporated into the Church (Hahn, Catholic Bible Dictionary).

• When Elizabeth, says no to the name, Zechariah confirms, His name is JOHN.
• Immediately, Zechariah’s mouth is open and his tongue is freed.
• St. Ambrose writes, “With good reason was his tongue loosed, because faith untied what had been tied by disbelief.”

• In stillness with God, Zechariah grew in faith, peace and trust.
• Benedictus means Blessed be..the Lord.
• Zechariah’s prophecy is called a canticle which means “little song”- a liturgical song from a Biblical text.
• Zechariah expresses thanks for: (1) The promises that would be fulfilled in the Messiah (Genesis 22: 16-17; Exodus 2: 24; Ezekiel 36: 28) and (2) His Son John, prophet of the Most High, who would go before the Lord to prepare His way, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins.

• Seek God in stillness. Pick out a morning or evening during Advent. Turn off all media and be present with the Lord in adoration, prayer, and Scripture. Sit with Him and LISTEN. You may find new vision, new peace and a deeper relationship with God – the one God wants with you.
• Let God redeem you. If you are living in any darkness or carrying baggage, Jesus wants to carry your baggage, forgive your sin, and give you peace. “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from the Advent JOY Podcast #4 at my website: WRAPyourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

The post Advent JOY #4 – Needing Calm? Seek Stillness with God! appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Mary & Elizabeth – A Visit Filled with JOY

The Blessed Visit – Do you need more JOY in your life? Who doesn’t? Advent is the perfect time to receive more JOY and share it with others! Mary and Elizabeth will show us how.

Join us today as we travel with Mary 90 miles to the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth. We will drop in on a special meeting of hearts, to partake in the delight, the prayer, and the JOY of Fellowship.

Welcome to Advent JOY Podcast #3, based on my book The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.  Last week we looked in on the Great Annunciation and heard how God supernaturally beget the Son of God in the Virgin Mary and gave an old woman Elizabeth, past her time of conceiving, a child. We discovered any barrenness in life can become a breakthrough! “For nothing is impossible with God!”

Today, we travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth back to the Hill Country of Judea, near Jerusalem. We will drop in on the visit that Mary makes to her old cousin Elizabeth. Both women are with child, both are rejoicing over the births to come, and both are thrilled to see each other.  Join the podcast today as we cover these exciting points:

• John the Baptist leaps for Joy
• Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaims words of JOY.
• Mary praises and skips with JOY.
• Jesus is always joy filled—even in the womb!

• Fellowship in the Scriptures is translated from New Testament Greek Koinonia, occurring 20 times in the New Testament.
• Elizabeth brought out Mary’s JOY and Mary brought out Elizabeth’s JOY. True fellowship strengthens and encourages faith.
• Elizabeth praises Mary for believing Gabriel.
• The Holy Spirit reveals the presence of Jesus in Mary’s womb to Elizabeth.

• Magnificat was the first word in Luke 1: 46 found in St. Jerome’s Latin translation of the Bible (4th century common language of the people) and it means “my soul magnifies.”
• The Magnificat is a canticle – a liturgical song from a Biblical text.
• The Magnificat shows Mary’s love for Scripture. She knew the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) well.
• The Magnificat reflects themes from many Old Testament Scriptures – the powerful arm of God, His mercy to all, His justice and faithfulness, and His care for the poor and afflicted (e.g., 1 Samuel 2:1-10 and Psalm 34:2, 35: 9, 103: 17, 107: 9, 132: 11, 138: 6).

• We can only imagine the comfort Mary and Elizabeth must have been to each other. They talked of the Scriptures to be fulfilled because they knew well the promises regarding the Messiah and the one who would precede Him. They shared the stories about Gabriel as each had been changed by his message. They would have known of Gabriel’s former visitations and announcements recorded in Daniel 9.

• We can respond to these verses of JOY shared between Mary and Elizabeth by 1) Asking God for Advent JOY (He wants to give us His JOY), 2) Rejoicing in God’s goodness, 3) Preserving a quiet time for prayer, and 4) Sharing JOY with others, especially during Advent. God has JOY for YOU.

Check out more podcasts here!

You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from the Advent JOY Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

The post Advent JOY #3 – The Blessed Visit & the JOY of Fellowship appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Hello Friends, Welcome to the Advent JOY series, Podcast #2, based on my book The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.  Last week we met the Archangel Gabriel who suddenly appeared to the old priest Zechariah while in the temple after 430 years of silence from heaven. The encounter with Gabriel ended up with Zechariah receiving a 9-month silent retreat for his unbelief.  Today, we travel with Luke about 90 miles from the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth north to a small town in Galilee to the hometown of Mary and Joseph to hear the Great Annunciation.  Join the podcast today as we cover these exciting points:

• The powerful Archangel Gabriel brings the second announcement – this time to a young girl in Nazareth.
• This most important heavenly message comes to a girl in a remote village where you might least expect it to occur. BUT God causes miracles to happen in the most unlikely and even ungodly places when people are open to Him.
• The recipient of the Great Annunciation is Mary, a virgin teenager, engaged to Joseph in the lineage of David which points to the Old Testament prophesies soon to be fulfilled.

• The Baby would be named Jesus which is Yeshua in Hebrew and derived from Yahweh – the Most Holy Name of God in the Old Testament. The message is clear: Yahweh God would name His son Yeshua after Himself. Truly, Jesus would be the Son of God and fulfill The prophecy in Isaiah 7: 14: Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His named Immanuel (God with us).

• “Fiat” is the first word of Luke 1: 38 in early Bible translation (Latin) and it means “let it be.” This was Mary’s “YES.”  
• Mary received the Word of God, surrendered, and entrusted herself and her life to God’s will. Mary gives us this example of how to seek and accept God’s will: Listen, Dialogue with God, and Surrender.

• Some may find it hard to believe in the virgin birth. But the virgin birth and incarnation are essential parts of our Christian faith. The incarnation means God became man, reaching out to mankind.  In no other religion does God “become flesh” (John 1: 14), “accept the limitations of humanity,” come to earth to show His love, and then die for the sins of all (Fulton Sheen, 1958, Life of Christ, p. 19). St. Augustine says that when we cannot understand this miracle, “Let us grant that God can do something which we confess we cannot fathom. God is the God of the impossible!” (John Willis, 2002, Teachings of the Church Fathers).
• For example, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli told God he felt barren in his old age and then received a great miracle!
• If you are unsure about God’s power to accomplish miracles or significant changes in your own life, consider this: If God can supernaturally beget the Son of God in a virgin and give an old woman Elizabeth, past her time of conceiving  a child, God can fix the barrenness in your life too. If you feel unproductive or barren, ask the Holy Spirit to come upon you in new ways and to open new doors where least expected. He will give you a breakthrough! “For nothing is impossible with God!”

Links

You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from the Advent JOY Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

The post ADVENT JOY # 2 -The Great Annunciation and Message: “For Nothing Will Be Impossible with the Lord” appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Are you waiting for an answer to prayer or are about to give up hope?  Join us today as Zechariah, Elizabeth and Gabriel teach us this lesson: Don’t give up hope – God hears & God answers prayer.

Welcome to the WRAP Yourself in JOY Podcast Season 2 – Advent JOY.  It is based on my book The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

The celebration of ADVENT often surprises me because it comes so quickly. How about you? It was just fall, then thanksgiving, and then within a week its Advent. So let’s prepare our thinking—our mind and heart with plenty of time to find the JOY of Advent this year.

Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus” which means “coming.” When you hear the word “Advent,” you may  think that it refers to the four-week season before Christmas that  focuses on the coming of the birth of Jesus Christ. IT DOES! But the season of Advent is also meant for us to focus our attention on the present coming of Jesus in our own lives and on increasing our desire for His presence every day. So thanks for joining me on this Advent journey as together we reflect on the Scriptures that celebrate the joyful longing for our Savior and ask for more of his presence in our lives.

In this podcast, we will discover the people, prayers, and events so important to Jesus’ first coming. You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the blessed Virgin Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, the Angels, the Shepherds, Simeon, Anna, and the Magi. It’s as if we will travel with them and partake in the most meaningful events in their lives.  We will find three pairs of events related to Jesus’ coming, including two annunciations, two births and two circumcisions. Plus, we will pray the four great prayers of the Church, called canticles: Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1: 46-55), Zechariah’s Benedictus (Luke 1:67-79), the Angels’ Gloria (Luke 2:14) and Simeon’s Nunc Dimittis (Luke 2:29-32).   Our Joyful journey will take us back over 2000 years to some amazing places. Through the Word of God, Jesus wants us to meet His family and friends and the Holy Spirit will be our guide.

For 430 years prior to the birth of Jesus Christ, God had stopped speaking to His people because they had stopped listening to His prophets. Fast forward 430 years and we will drop in on the “first annunciation.” The term “annunciation” in Latin means announcement.  When God began speaking again, He sent announcements through His most important heavenly messenger – the Archangel Gabriel. In Luke 1, we read that the first announcement came to Zechariah. He and his wife Elizabeth served God, trusted him for everything, while they waited and prayed for children which overtime seemed more impossible (Luke 1: 5-7).

In  Luke 1: 8-25, we read that while Zechariah was a priest on duty in the temple, he drew his assignment, by casting lots, to offer incense in the sanctuary of the Lord.   Suddenly, Gabriel appeared and said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord… 17 With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

But  Zechariah just couldn’t believe it and said to the angel, 18 “How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is [advanced] getting on in years.” 19 The angel replied, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur… 24After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived…” NRSVCE

Does Gabriel sound harsh to you?  We have to consider the circumstances: the GREAT Archangel Gabriel had been sent by God to Zechariah. But he responded with “It’s too late. I’m old and my wife is really OLD.” We get the picture—his faith was still strong but he was looking at the circumstances. His wife Elizabeth had passed her time for having children and he was too old too  (i.e. both were likely over 50 years old).  O poor Zechariah—the Archangel Gabriel just couldn’t take his unbelief. With what seemed like one sweep of his finger, he muted Zechariah for the next 9 months.

Gabriel is no puny angel –  “Gabriel” in New Testament Greek means “the Might of God.” In an almost humorous way Gabriel used his might to teach Zechariah an important principle. Since Zechariah’s name means, “the Lord remembers,” Zechariah would have a nine-month “silent retreat” to never to forget “the Lord remembers.”  There may be many possible reasons why Zechariah could not believe Gabriel, including the circumstances or his mental exhaustion from praying so long. Even the presence of a mighty angel didn’t help Zechariah believe.

I hope after listening to the podcast, you will reflect on the powerful message to Zechariah and Elizabeth and to us in the first part of Luke 1: God hears. God answers.  Don’t give up on God.

Have you ever prayed for something so long that you gave up? Have you ever received more than you expected – just as you were about to give up?  St. Jerome wrote about Zechariah: “Your prayer is heard…that is to say you are given more than you asked for. You prayed for the salvation of the people and you have been given the Precursor” [John the Baptist] (Souvay, 1910, The Catholic Encyclopedia – Zacharias). You see while Zechariah was praying and waiting and giving up on prayer all those years, he did not know that God was preparing Joseph and Mary and so, he had to wait just a little longer.

Consider these prayer points because Jesus wants to share His joy while you wait for His answers:

(a) Ask Jesus for a  new and fresh prayer encounter with Him. Ask for new joy and to experience His presence while you look for everyday miracles.

(b) Take Time. Make a point to take some quiet time every day to listen to the Lord, read LUKE 1 and stay connected to the joy of the Lord

(c) Converse. Share with Jesus what you are waiting for. Then keep an open attitude to receive heavenly surprises JOY. (For example, you could pray: Jesus, I have given up on… Please give me new insight. Show me the little places where I see your hand at work.)

(d) Start an ADVENT PRAYER Journal. Why not record your prayer and conversation with Jesus this Advent?  You may be surprised at the transformation to JOY you receive and will want to record during Advent.

(e) Thank God. Let the Lord know that you trust your life and circumstances to Him and Thank Him. For example, Dear Jesus, thank you for the beautiful example of Zechariah and Elizabeth. They waited and You answered. Thank you for the joy of Advent and your anticipated coming to earth. Thank you for loving me and remembering the important things in my life, even when I think you have forgotten me. Nothing is too difficult for you.  I give you my doubts, disappointments and lack of trust. Help me to pray always and never give up (Matthew 18: 1).  Help me to take the time to hear you speak in your Word. Come into my heart even deeper. Jesus, I trust in You.  In the Name of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit.  Amen

You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from the Advent JOY Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

The post Advent JOY #1: Don’t Give Up Hope – God Hears & God Answers appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Do you have your JOY plunger handy? We all need plungers for messy situations that can ruin our day, take our time or energy, and steal our JOY. Join us today and grab a summary of JOY maintenance tools from our Find the JOY Podcast series that can help maintain true JOY. You can stop the worry and grab the plunger.

Do you have a  plunger handy? “What does a plunger have to do with finding the joy and stopping the worry?” A lot! We all need plungers for messy situations – for the sudden, unexpected events, joy busters or “stuff” that can ruin our day, take our time or energy, and steal our JOY.  Today you will be reminded of all the JOY maintenance tools that we have covered in our Find the JOY podcast Series. Plus you will hear about the next Podcast series: Advent JOY. It’s never too early to start an Advent JOY Journey.

Look to the Love of the Trinity. Tool #1 -Declarations. Biblical JOY is rooted in the love of the Trinity-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Everyday remind yourself of these truths: God LOVES ME and offers ME fullness of JOY. Jesus loves me offers me His complete JOY. The Holy Spirit loves me & produces in your life.  I am invited into their LOVE ( John 15, Psalm 16, and Galatians 5).

God  is a Niagara Falls of Love. To Receive more Love and JOY from God, follow the prayer guide with the thee four prompts: Ask, Receive JOY, Thank and Read Scripture.

True JOY is based in the Trinity and involves Body, Mind, Soul and Spirit. The JOY Affirmations are based on the definition of JOY and can be repeated everyday: (1) God LOVES me (John 15: 9-11);( 2) God is NEAR to me; He is with me always (Psalm 139: 1-6, Matthew 28: 20); (3) God is my HELP; He is FOR me (Isaiah 41: 10, 13); and (4) The Holy Spirit PRODUCES JOY in ME; I will exude God’s JOY (Galatians 5: 22-23).

WRAP Yourself in JOY & Scripture every day. Read and pray Scripture with the WRAP template for hearing God can conversing with Him: W=write down the words that arise out of a Bible reading; R=reflect on and enter into conversation with the Jesus over the words; A=apply what God is speaking in the message, and P =praise and pray to receive the grace needed to respond. Finally, REST and RECEIVE God’s JOY, Love & peace.

JOY and Praising God are connected. You can use praises such as these: O Lord, You are Awesome (Deut. 10:17), Jesus, You are Forgiving (Ps. 103: 1-2), God, You are Beautiful (Ps. 24: 5) Lord God, You are Merciful (Ps. 103: 4-5), God, You are Mighty God (Ps. 89: 8) or use Praise Bursts – I love You Jesus, I praise You Jesus, etc. See the free bookmarks for many suggestions for praising Gon on the WRAPYourselfinJOY.com website.

Stop Joy Busters with a Plan and a TIP. Follow these steps: 1) Be Aware- Notice when your heart is troubled and your joy is diminished; 2) Understand the source of the joy buster/ JOYbusting; and 3) Take Action to reject joybusting instead of spiraling down into a pit of negativity (Rev. Timothy M. Gallagher, The Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide for Everyday Living . Use TIP: (1) THANK. Recall something for which you are grateful and thank Jesus for it.  (2) IMAGINE. Picture Jesus with arms outstretched, you give Him your JOY Buster and you receive His peace instead.(3) PERSIST. Persist in remembering the JOY or loving emotions of your thanksgiving to reset your brain neurons to JOY.

Start over if you fail in resisting JOY busters. Give your weaknesses to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Commit your worries, anxieties, and cares to the Heart of Jesus. Using Holy Imagery, put your worries, fears, frets and more into His Sacred Heart and leave them there. Begin Again.

Arrest WORRY as it cannot add even an hour to your life according to Jesus. Paul tells us exactly what to do to arrest worry in Philippians 4: 7-11: 1) PAUSE—make up your mind to STOP worrying, 2) Pray for your needs, 3) Thank God for his blessings with every petition, and 4) Receive God’s peace.

Record your JOYS in a Journal. Using a notebook or notes app on your phone, record your JOY thanksgivings daily so you can always give God praise, offer thanks and be ready to share them.

Don’t go it alone. Find Friendship JOY. Go to church. Study how to find true JOY in Scripture with a friend or small group. Pray with a friend to find more JOY every week and have them pray for you. It will make a huge difference in your life. You will be able to stop the worry and grab the plunger.

Next, I will be podcasting a series on Advent JOY. Please join me as week meet the people, events, and prayer at the first coming of Jesus. You can go to my website and subscribe at https://wrapyourselfinjoy.com/ so you can follow the podcast and learn more about Advent JOY.

You can download a Bookmark Summary of all the JOY Maintenance Tools from Podcast #9 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more JOY podcasts here!

Find the WRAP Yourself in JOY book by clicking here.

The post JOY Series #9 –Stop the Worry & Grab the Plunger appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

How are you at arresting the Big JOY thief -WORRY? Worry is not just a JOY Buster. It’s a big JOY thief and it brings on fretting. In only a few dances with fretting, you will be exhausted and any JOY you once had will be greatly challenged. Join us today and discover how to arrest the big JOY thief Worry, stop the fretting and  rest in God’s love.

Have you ever pondered the question, “Can you worry and rejoice at the same time?” Today, you will find the answer. We will especially tackle what to do with WORRY because it will not only take your JOY but your peace as well. Worry’s companions are anxiety and fear so, dealing with worry will help you stop these thieves too.  You will learn the four actions to take to replace worry with JOY, stop the fretting and rest in God’s love, all while responding with gentleness.

I used to worry about everything. But when my house burned down and my husband died, I eventually stopped worrying. The worst had happened to me—more than I could imagine or worry about! But God got me through it all, and in the process, I learned to TRUST HIM. He took all my tears, counted them and kept them in his heart.  Psalm 56 says this:  O God, You have kept count of my tossings [wanderings]; You put my tears in your bottle.   Are they not in your record?…  This I know, that God is for me. 11 in God I trust; I am not afraid.”  So God put all my tears in a bottle, kept them in his heart, gave me his joy AND I took it !!!

In Matthew 6: 25-34, Jesus tells us not to worry about even our most basic needs of food, water, and clothing. He didn’t say we should shirk our responsibilities of trying to make a living, but he told us not to be overcome with worry — even for our basic needs. God so beautifully takes care of birds of the air and clothes the flowers with great splendor, how much more will He take care of you? In fact, Jesus said worry will not add “one single hour to your span of life.”

Worry focuses on what can go wrong, what might go wrong, what will likely go wrong in the future. It skips ahead of God’s provision and can sap you of your JOY, strength, and your peace. The problem with worry is that it leads to fretting.

The Bible says NOT only to stop worrying, but to stop fretting. The Hebrew word we translate as fretting includes the idea of firing up rage, kindling anger.  The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines a FRET as a worry, annoyance, or discontentment that “gnaws at you” and “involves an irritated state of mind”(www.dictionary.com/browse/fret).  Fretting takes worry to a new level. It eats away at your peace. It will eventually be expressed in outward anger or other ways.

Worry as well as fretting, fear and anxiety can have a physical impact on our bodies. According to medical research, worry, fretting, fear, and anxiety have been linked to indigestion or digestive disorders, fatigue, sleeplessness, ulcers, heart problems, skin ailments, lack of concentration and addictions, to name a few physical symptoms and outcomes (For example: www.webmd.com/balance/guide/how-worrying-affects-your-body.

St. Paul in Philippians 4: 4-7 tells us what to do. (1) Make a decision to rejoice in the Lord—return to JOY and seek JOY from the Lord instead of sitting down in a puddle of worrying and fretting. (2) Pray for your needs and the needs of others.  (3) For every need you express in prayer, offer a related thanksgiving.  (4) Receive God’s peace.

In Philippians 5: 5,  St. Paul sandwiches between v. 4 and v. 6 these words: ”Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.“ The USCCB Online Commentary says: The Lord is near “echoes the perpetual presence of the Lord with us (i.e., Psalm.119:151).” Fretting and worry can turn to rage or anger quickly. But when you practice being gentle, you shut down your stronger, harsher, angry JOYbusting responses.

 Note. If you continue to experience excessive worry, anxiety or fear, please do not hesitate to see a professional—a medical doctor or counselor. In fact you should in these cases. Sometimes we need more professional help for our bodies and our lives, and God is with us in this plan too.

You can download a Bookmark to help you Arrest WORRY from Podcast #8 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Find the WRAP Yourself in JOY book by clicking here.

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Are you ready to Begin Again and Defeat JOY Busters? OR Are you still JOYbusting in response to all those situations, people and communication that steal your joy? Join us today as we continue our focus on how to defeat those JOY-sapping experiences and BEGIN AGAIN.

Reacting to JOY Busters with more JOYbusting responses leads downward on a path of negativity? In Begin Again-Defeating JOY Busters, Part 2, we will discuss the choices each one makes in responding to those situations that seem to steal our JOY.  You can choose to respond with more JOYbusting, or you can follow a new plan.  Even in unwise reactions that you later regret, you can choose to leave the past behind and say, “I BEGIN AGAIN.”

According to Fr. Timothy Gallagher and based on St. Ignatius of Loyola’s guide for rejecting troubles of the heart, each of us can follow this plan to defeat the JOY Busters:

• BE AWARE of your troubled heart and loss of joy (e.g., JOY Busters).
• UNDERSTAND your not-of-God responses that further block your joy (JOYbusting).
• TAKE ACTION to reject the responses such as quarrels, outbursts of anger, profane talk, bitterness, overindulgence, sleeplessness, over-sleeping, withdrawal, or gossip.[i] Take the actions (summarized in TIP) as explained in Podcast 6 : Defeating Joy Busters, Part 1.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V. in his book Begin Again: The Life and Spiritual Legacy of Bruno Lanteri recommends that we should always BEGIN AGAIN. That means we do not allow ourselves to be overcome with discouragement. If you are confronted with opposition or self-condemnation and other JOY Busters or JOYbusting, remember these words: Begin Again. “Seek always to keep your poor heart in peace, and encourage it, and always to serve God with holy joy…. Say with boldness, “Now I begin, and go forward constantly in God’ service. Do not look back so often, because one who looks back cannot run…. Begin [again] every day, because it is for every day, even for every hour of the day. Begin Again.”

Psalm 34 psalm invites us to “taste and see” that the Lord is good. His love is healing. He will never reject or despise you. Never! He loves you completely and is the only answer to a troubled world. Please remember this.  Saint Teresa of Avila, also called Saint Teresa of Jesus,  says that in trials its easy to forget and not remember what God has done for us. She describes these forgetting tactics: During the “very bitter trials of my soul… all the favors the Lord had granted me were forgotten. There remained only a memory to cause pain; they were like a dream. [T]he devil… knows that in remembering the graces received, we find strength against his present temptation, and for this reason, he tries to lead us to forget” (The Collected Works of Teresa of Avila—The Book of Her Life, 2nd ed., 1987).

You will learn to create a JOY Journal that can help turn your life into one of positive thanksgiving. Your JOY Journal can be a small note card. For example, I have often added a special scripture to a small card.  Then every time I wait in line, I read it and  record a thanksgiving for new JOYs and Blessings. Or you can use an inexpensive spiral-bound notebook (4” x 6” or 5” x 7” sizes work great) or open a Notes app folder on your cell phone and print on the cover or folder: “JOY JOURNAL.”

You can download a Bookmark to help you Begin Again and Defeat JOY Busters from Podcast #7 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Find the WRAP Yourself in JOY book by clicking here.

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How are you at defeating JOY Busters? Everyone faces those times, circumstances and people that seem to break up, overpower, block, or steal their JOY. But you can stop their impact on your life. You can become AWARE of your JOY Busters, UNDERSTAND their sources, and TAKE ACTION to stop their influence on your JOY. Join us today to discover the actions you can take to defeat JOY Buster’s and stop their effect on your life.

What is a JOY Buster?  You know!  Merriam Webster defines a buster “as a person or thing that breaks up, overpowers or eliminates something.” So, a JOY buster breaks up, overpowers, blocks, or steals your joy.

In Matthew 11: 28-30, Jesus says:  “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. When you feel your JOY is busted, why not start with a flash prayer (once called ejaculations) like this one: “Jesus, I give you my burdens, weariness, heaviness and all JOY Busters. I want to experience your rest, your peace and your JOY.” Isaiah 61: 3 says,  you want to give me “the oil of JOY” for sadness, mourning or heaviness.

How do you respond to JOY Busters? What do you use to fight off your JOY Busters? Check all that apply.  __ angry outbursts, __ complacency, __ avoidance or withdrawal __ complaints, __ partying or drinking to excess, __ overindulgence, __ criticism, __ striving after possessions, __ gossip/ slander, __ envy, __ negative thoughts, __ profane talk, __ promiscuity, __ quarrels, __ sleeplessness, __ unforgiveness, __ bitterness, or __ fretting.  Paul tells us that the ONLY way to conquer the negative JOY-busting responses he calls “works of the flesh” is to “LIVE by the Holy Spirit” (Galatians 5: 16-26), so we must call on the Holy Spirit for His help.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher in The Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide for Everyday Living (2018) says each person needs an action plan to reject troubles of the heart. We all experience times of spiritual consolation where we feel connected with God and sense joy and peace. Also, we all experience spiritual desolation when we allow the enemy to oppress us with troubles of the heart that take our JOY. Fr. Gallagher recommends three steps which are related to JOY:  (1) BE AWARE—Notice what is happening in your inner spiritual experiences- the stirrings of your heart and thoughts. (2) UNDERSTAND—Reflect on the stirrings of your heart and recognize what’s of God and what’s not. Ask yourself, “What is the desolation or JOY Buster responses that contributed to my loss of JOY? (For example, angry outbursts, over-indulgence, jealousy, etc., will lead to avoidance, gossip, profane talk, etc.). (3) TAKE ACTION—Accept and live according to what is of God. Reject and remove what you recognize is not from God. Call upon the Holy Spirit for help to reverse direction and stop the JOY Busters.

You can take three simple actions to stop  JOY Busting that leads to spiraling down into further negativity. These actions can be summarized with the acronym TIP: THANKSGIVING, IMAGERY, and PERSISTENCE.  (1) Offer THANKSGIVING – Immediately turn to Jesus with genuine thanksgiving for something related to your JOY Buster. (2) IMAGINE – Use Holy Imagination and picture Jesus with arms outstretched. You give him your JOY Buster. (3) PERSIST – Persist in remembering  the JOY (or pleasurable, peaceful, happy, loving, fun) emotions or feelings.  Stay in the JOY of that thanksgiving for one minute to reset your brain neurons to JOY. Close with a Praise to GOD. Finally, consider getting a prayer partner to pray for more JOY for each other and to defeat JOY Busting.

You can download a Bookmark to help you Defeat JOY Busters from Podcast #6 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Find the WRAP Yourself in JOY book by clicking here.

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Are you praising and thanking for JOY or are you a “petition addict” when it comes to prayer? You are not alone if your prayer is mostly asking God for his help, but there is good reason to convert your prayer to praising Joy. Today, you will learn how to expand your prayer life with praise and thanksgiving so that you enjoy God too. There is a huge connection between JOY and offering praise and thanksgiving to God.

In praising God, we surrender everything to Him and proclaim that He is God, and we are NOT. He has everything in our lives under control, and even when we do not see it, we can trust Him. You can offer Him your discouragement, despair and mourning and in turn, receive His oil of JOY and the garment of praise.

C.S. Lewis, a Christian apologist and writer, known for books like Mere Christianity and The Chronicles of Narnia series points out the connection JOY with praise:

“We delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; It is frustrating to have discovered a new author and not to be able to tell anyone how good he is; to come suddenly at the turn of the road, to a mountain valley of unexpected grandeur and then to have to keep silent or to hear a good joke and find no one to share it with. Fully to enjoy is to glorify. In commanding us to glorify Him [praise Him], God is inviting us to enjoy Him” (Reflections on the Psalms).

Even Pope Francis tells us to “NOT be formal Christians, prisoners of formality” but instead to express our joy of being Christians (Homily, January 28, 2020).

Jesus wants to give you a life of praise, like a piece of clothing, in exchange for discouragement, despair, or mourning that wraps you now.  In Luke 4, Jesus said he was fulfilling Isaiah 61: 3: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me…He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, to release darkness for prisoners,” and in Isaiah 61: 3, continues, “to provide the oil of JOY instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of discouragement.” God can give you the oil of JOY for mourning.  If you need some soothing spiritual balm for your wound and a garment of praise that comes with the oil of JOY, go to Him with Praise and Thanksgiving.

In praising God, we surrender everything to Him and proclaim that He is God, and we are NOT. He has everything in our lives under control and even when we do not see it, we can trust Him. In the hardships of life, we can praise our God and he will comfort us with deep calming JOY.

Thanksgiving offers gratitude for what God has done for you, whereas praise exalts God’s character.   Praise “recognizes most immediately that God is God.” Prayers of praise are entirely disinterested in self  and  laud  him. They give  him glory for his own sake, “quite beyond what he has done, but simply because HE IS” (CCC #2639).   Prayers of thanksgiving express our gratefulness to God and are to be offered in all circumstances. For example, 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 tells us: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (NRSV). The Psalms tell us how to praise God, and we can praise God with the Psalms. You could start with Psalms 150, 145, 105, 100,  or 95.   Also, try praising God’s attributes and  using the Titles of Jesus.

You can download Bookmarks with Praises from Podcast #5 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.  They will help you add praise to your prayer life.

 Check out more podcasts here!

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Today we are WRAP-ing JOY. How would you like to feel wrapped in JOY? Have you ever wanted to hear God speak to YOU? You can! We will discuss the JOY you can experience from a two-way conversation with your Heavenly Father. You will learn the WRAP method for interactive prayer, how to avoid being a talkaholic in prayer, the four-stages for prayer, and the best way to REST in God’s Love and receive His JOY.God Yearns for a Relationship with You.

It’s not RAP music – it’s the  W R A P way to JOY. WRAP is an acronym for a way to hear God speak to you – it will help you listen to Him. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (#2562) defines prayer as: a covenant relationship between God and Man -humans.  Inherent in any relationship is two -way conversation. So God wants a personal relationship with you and that involves two-way communication. There is nothing more joyful than hearing God speak to you in Scripture, but it may mean surrendering your “talkaholism.”

Happy as used in Psalm 1 does not refer to the short-term happiness found in passing circumstances. The Hebrew word ASRAI used in the original Hebrew language of the Old Testament and translated as “happy” or “blessed” really means—a deep spiritual joy from being with God and the pleasures from that relationship—it’s a deep enrichment and it involves praying with Scripture.

When you truly listen to God, it is joyful! God is faithful. You can trust Him. He is always patient with you. He invites you to listen and respond. Rev. Mark Thibodeaux in the Armchair Mystic describes four stages of prayer. (See the personal survey for your reflection at my website Wrapyourselfinjoy.com or in my book WRAP Yourself in JOY). The four stages are: 1) Talking at God, 2) Talking to God, 3) Listening to God speak to your heart –through reading & praying Scripture, and 4) Resting in God’s presence, enjoying His company.

God wants to speak to your needs and even offers you healing for your many issues.  Why not give Him the opportunity?

• St. Augustine says: “Your prayer is your word addressed to God. When you read the Bible, God speaks to you; when you pray, you speak to God.” (Ennarratio in Ps 85:7: CCL 39, 1177).

• St. Basil the Great says: “The Holy Spirit composed the Scriptures so that in them, as in a pharmacy open to all souls, we might each of us be able to find the medicine suited to our own particular illness…” ( Spidlik, T., & Drake, P. (1993). Drinking from the Hidden Fountain: A Patristic Breviary, Liturgical Press).

WRAP is an acronym for a method of praying and reflecting on Scripture with journaling, a simplified form of Lectio Divina—”where the Word of God is so read and meditated on that it becomes prayer” (CCC #1177).  It’s from our book WRAP Yourself In Scripture (Karen & Lawrence Dwyer, IPF Publications, 2011, 2018) which explains the WRAP method in detail.  A WRAP prayer ends with resting in God’s Presence & receiving His JOY, His Love, and His Strength.

*You can download a Bookmark of the WRAP method from Podcast #04 at Wrapyourselfinjoy.com.

For more JOY today, please join me in podcast #4- WRAP-ing JOY and more WRAP Yourself in JOY Podcast episodes:

The post Podcast #4 – WRAP-ing JOY appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

One way it starts is by recognizing that all of creation is joyful. God likes to celebrate more than you ever imagined. He rejoices over creation and He loves to sing over you.

Today, you will see yourself wrapped in God’s loving arms and tell yourself five more truths about JOY. These spiritual truths have the power to change your thoughts and actions. Please join the podcast to awaken more joy in your life and find out what God is singing over YOU.

The truth is we serve a very JOY-filled God who wants to share His JOY with us.  Have you ever heard of the old or new To TELL the TRUTH game show? Sometimes, we believe lies about God and about heaven and about JOY. One of them is that God is a GRUMP and if we follow him, we are destined for grumpiness too or a life lacking joy and fun. THAT is NOT the truth. So today we look to the Bible to Tell us the TRUTH  about God and JOY.

The Scriptures are full of examples about God who rejoices in His creation.

• In Genesis 1, we read, God paused after each day of creation “And God saw that it was good.” But, after He created humans in his image, He paused and enjoyed the entire creation. He said, “it was VERY GOOD.”
• In Psalm 147: 10-11, we read: “The LORD takes delight and pleasure in those who fear  (at awe and worship Him,) in those who hope in his steadfast love.”
• In Zephaniah 3:17, we read.“The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a Mighty Savior– he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing  as on a day of festival. NRSVCE
• God is singing over you. Today, you will ask God what He is singing.

One of the most profound examples of God celebrating His children is in the story of the Prodigal Son told by Jesus in Luke 15:16-25+. Here God tells us that He is a God who likes to celebrate and even runs to meet us with love when we come home to Him. He celebrates our return.

Not only does God celebrate, but so does all of heaven. When a person turns back to God from a life or time away from His presence, Jesus says in Luke 15: 10, that even the ANGELS are joyful: “10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” WOW! If you have been away from God, you can ask forgiveness for your sins, turn around and come home to God. Heaven rejoices over YOU when you do.

If you have believed lies that God does not love you or want to give you his love and joy—or that God is Old and GRUMPY, then now is the time to change your thinking. The truth is 1) God is with YOU, 2) The Lord God is YOUR Mighty Savior, 3) The Lord offers YOU calm, peace and restoration daily, 4) The Lord renews YOU in His love,  and 5) The Lord sings over YOU with celebrating love every day.

Thank you, Lord, for celebrating each person. You sing over them with love. Please open their ears to hear the song you are singing. Holy Spirit, awaken more JOY in each one today…

You can download a Bookmark of JOY Declaration & Celebration Truths from podcast #3 at wrapyourselfinjoy.com.

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Episode #2: Would you like to have a Niagara Falls of JOY in your life?  Have ever wondered if lasting Joy is attainable?  Today we will discuss a definition for true and lasting JOY plus 4 Tips for increasing JOY in your life. You will discover how to launch yourself in prayer with the 5-Minute More Joy Prayer Guide. You can experience more JOY and you will radiate God’s JOY everywhere you go. Please join the podcast today.

Today we will discover that God has a Niagara Falls of Love & JOY for each of us. Msgr. John Esseff of Scranton, PA often develops this “Niagara Falls of Love” principle while teaching and leading retreats. He says that sometimes we come to our Heavenly Father— a Niagara Falls of Love, and we hold out only a teaspoon to catch it. When in fact, God desires to give us great waterfalls of His Love and JOY. So what does this mean you? We must increase our capacity to receive MORE JOY.

Join me today as we throw away our spoons and instead, stretch our arms to receive more Love and JOY from our generous God.  

There are many ways to define JOY. We started with the following:

• Pope John Paul II said, “People are made for happiness. Christ has the answer But he asks us to trust him. True joy is a victory- Christ holds the secret of this victory” (World Youth Day, Opening Address, 2002).
• Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI defined JOY as being aware of God’s presence and friendship every day: “Seek joy in the Lord: for joy is the fruit of faith. It is being aware of his presence and friendship every day: ‘the Lord is near!’ (Phil 4:5). Turn your eyes to him often. He gave his life for you on the cross because HE LOVES YOU” (World Youth Day, 2012).
• Pope Francis has defined Joy often. He says: “Is it to be happy? No, it’s not the same. To be happy is good. Joy is something more, something which does not depend on external motivations or on passing issues. It’s a gift from the Lord. Joy fills us from within. And this joy is the certainty that Jesus is with us, the Father is with us, and it’s to be searched for and shared continuously… It’s the joy that even in the crosses and the sufferings of this life, when it might be expressed in a different way, it’s having peace and the certainty that Jesus accompanies us. He is with us” (Homily, 2013-5-10, Casa Santa Marta).
• Billy Graham wrote: “You can receive Christ into your heart, and he can bring joy and a thrill and glory such as you have never known if you give your life to Him” (Breakfast with Billy Graham: 120 Daily Readings, 2003).

After covering other definitions, I offer you what I consider to be a true and lasting definition for joy based on recommendations from these and many others. Most importantly, you will see that true JOY  involves mind, body, soul and spirit AND is Trinitarian.

Finally, you will learn The More JOY Prayer Guide which includes Four Tips for Increasing JOY.  What if you knew that 5 minutes per day could change your JOY levels? There is help for you and it is called the More JOY Prayer Guide. You can start with just five minutes of personal prayer daily and easily remember the prayer with these four words: 1) ASK, 2) RECEIVE, 3) THANK & 4) SCRIPTURE (WRAP Yourself in JOY, 2022, Dwyer).

You can download the guide as The More JOY Prayer Guide Bookmark from podcast #2 at wrapyourselfinjoy.com.

Find more shows from Wrap Yourself with Joy by clicking here!

Find the WRAP Yourself in JOY book by clicking here.

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Are you searching for more JOY in your life? The advertisers think you do!  JOY has become the focus of many ad campaigns — from vacuum cleaners to automobiles to chewing gum. But there is more to JOY than the fleeting nature of acquiring things with transitory happiness. Join us today as we search for how to be filled with true and lasting JOY every day.

Let’s begin by asking ourselves what comes to mind when we think of JOY? Why do we need more JOY? The world is searching for JOY. So why are YOU searching for JOY?

• John Paul II said, God made us for JOY.
• Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI said, a yearning for JOY lurks within the heart of every man and woman…our hearts seek for a perfect, full, and lasting JOY.
• Pope Francis even tells us we should seek for JOY. But he warns, not in a selfish way that leaves us old and wrinkled, with faces like pickled peppers, unable to transmit the JOY of a beautiful life. Instead, he said we must seek for JOY because it’s a gift from the Lord, it fills us from within. And this JOY is the certainty that Jesus is with us, the Father is with us, and it’s to be searched for and shared continuously.

How would you describe it? If I asked you to list a few words about JOY, would you say giggles, gladness, eating delicious food, watching a basketball game or a volleyball game, especially where your team is winning, hugging babies, eating wonderful food or having coffee with a friend? How you experience JOY is unique to your life, because JOY can be experienced in many ways. Your JOYs are perfect for you. When it comes to JOY, all of us have one thing in common we want and need more JOY in our lives. So let’s start with the Bible and see what the Bible says about JOY.

• In John 15: 9-11, Jesus says he wants to share his JOY with YOU, As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love. Just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my JOY may be in you and that your JOY may be complete. (NRSVCE ).
• In Psalm 16: 11, God the Father wants to give YOU His Joy too:  You (Lord God) show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of JOY; in your right hand (at his strength and power) are pleasures forevermore. (NRSVCE )
• In Galatians 5: 22-25, the third member of the Trinity–The Holy Spirit wants more joy for YOU:   The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. 

The prayer declarations with these verses that I shared in this podcast are available as free bookmarks on my website: Wrapyourselfinjoy.com.  Why not download a bookmark with the scriptures and take it with you everywhere you go? You can speak these words aloud and thank God (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) with each one. On my website, you can also learn more about my books and connect with me.

God, our Father, we love you. Thank you for bestowing such great love on each of us and giving us joy in your presence. I pray they receive more of the fullness your joy today….

Come back next week as we journey to find joy in life. It’s more than simply finding happiness.

Find more shows from WRAP Yourself in JOY by clicking here!

Buy the book WRAP Yourself in JOY by clicking here.

Find more books by Karen on JOY by clicking here.

The post Episode #1 – Searching for JOY appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.