Joy Is...

Joy is a complete certainty you are loved.

Joy is a babbling brook in your soul.

Joy is a satisfied smile in your heart.

Joy is a permanent presence in your life.

Joy is not a practically perfect life.

Joy is not a totally trouble free existence.

Joy is not a lovely life of ease.

Joy is not a conditionally controlled emotion.

Joy is a lavish love from the Father.

Joy is a perfect peace because of the Son.

Joy is a constant companion because of the Spirit.

Joy is a gracious gift from the Trinity.

Joy is Love.

Joy is Peace.

Joy is Life.

Joy is Jesus!

"I have told you this so that My joy may be in you

and that your joy may be complete."

John 15:11(NIV)

by

Ginny Holcombe

© 2003 by Ginny Holcombe. All rights reserved.

Splash of Gold

I enjoy sitting in my backyard in the cool of the early morning. In the quiet of the moment I tune my heart to God's voice and seek His peace and direction for my day. During this time of solitude I especially enjoy watching and listening to the birds. The variety of God's creation always amazes me. Along with the more common type of birds such as sparrows, I often see a mockingbird, robin, or a cardinal. On this beautiful spring morning for the first time I enjoyed the company of a yellow warbler. The azure sky was a perfect backdrop for this tiny splash of gold as his melodious tones filled the morning air with a sweet sound. My heart filled with gratitude and love for my Heavenly Father Who cares so much for me that He provides little reminders of His watch care before my busy day begins. I lingered in this outdoor cathedral worshipping Him for as long as possible. As I departed to begin my day, the treasure of this beautiful experience was etched in my memory to be recalled whenever I need the reassuring touch of God's presence. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew: 6:21 (HCSB) My heart is in the presence of My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

God sent me a rainbow this morning as I was driving to work. It reminded me of another rainbow He blessed me with one day several years ago.

"Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking." Ezekiel 1:28 NIV

One dark and stormy day, God delighted me with an unexpected gift of beauty and promise. I was driving alone in our old battered tank-like truck when fear like the torrential rain that fell from the black clouds washed over me. I searched the heavens and cried out to God for relief. Immediately my eyes focused on the eastern sky as the most radiant rainbow I have ever beheld appeared among the clouds. The bright colors burst into the darkness and bathed my wounded heart with hope and joy. My circumstances did not change that day; in fact, I would soon endure the deepest pain of my life. This intimate moment in the precious presence of my heavenly Father provided the encouragement I needed as my marriage ended and I began a new life alone.
I still experience days when dark clouds of doubt, despair, and discouragement envelope me like a cold English fog. On those days, when the shadows seem unending and the chilling rains of misery pour over my soul, I cry out to my Heavenly Father. His presence dissipates the darkness and the Son shines through like a rainbow on a rainy day.
A rainbow is God's promise of His faithfulness. When you are traveling through a shadowy valley, fix your eyes on the eastern sky. God will send the rainbow of His presence to brighten your path.

"Father, thank You for the assurance of Your presence in my life. Thank You for Your promises that cannon be broken. Open my eyes and ears to the wonders of Your love every day. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

© 2005 by Ginny Holcombe. All rights reserved.

FAITH

Have faith in God,” Jesus answered.”
Mark 11:22 NIV

When life disappoints me,
Faith whispers, “Trust God.”
When troubles overwhelm me,
Faith whispers, “Trust God.”

When discouragement surrounds me,
Faith whispers, “Trust God.”
When worry consumes me,
Faith whispers, “Trust God.”

When discord threatens me,
Faith whispers, “Trust God.”
When doubts assail me,
Faith whispers, “Trust God.”

When fear grips me,
Faith whispers, “Trust God.”
When grief engulfs me,
Faith whispers, “Trust God.”

When sickness attacks me,
Faith whispers, “Trust God.”
When evil oppresses me,
Faith whispers, “Trust God.”

Faith believes God’s promises.
Faith trusts God’s Word.
Faith obeys God’s commands.
Faith produces God’s fruit.

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1 NIV

© 2007 by Ginny Holcombe. All rights reserved.