Learn to laugh at yourself more freely. Don't take yourself or your circumstances so seriously. Relax and know that I am God with you. When you desire My will above all else, life becomes much less threatening. Stop trying to monitor My responsibilities--things that are beyond your control. Find freedom by accepting the boundaries of your domain.
Laughter lightens your load and lifts your heart into heavenly places. Your laughter rises to heaven and blends with angelic melodies of praise. Just as parents delight in the laughter of their children, so I delight in hearing My children laugh. I rejoice when you trust Me enough to enjoy your life lightheartedly.
Do not miss the Joy of My Presence by carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Rather, take My yoke upon you and learn from Me. My yoke is comfortable and pleasant; My burden is light and easily borne.
Proverbs 17:22
English Standard Version
A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 31:25
English Standard Version
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
Matthew 1:23
English Standard Version
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”
Matthew 11:28-30
Amplified
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.
30 For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.
My Prayer
Help me to laugh at life more. Help me to not be so serious. Help me to accept your providence in my life. I worry too much Lord. I am too consumed with present situations and events, to the point that I don't see clearly.
Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you
haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.
Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.
Folks have been asking for an easy place to see all the Jesus Calling entries for the entire year in one place. I am slowly working on updating this page: https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html so folks can bookmark it and then have quick access to all of the days of the year entries.
ReplyDeleteThank You Payton Family, that will be Great! God bless you and family!
DeleteMaplewood NJ
Thank you again for providing this blog for all of us to share and communicate. You do a wonderful job. God Bless.
DeleteNICE!!!You go Payton Fam!
DeleteWhat a labor of love you continue to provide! Thank you!!
DeleteThank you Paytonfamily! This is a daily must for me. Such a wonderful JC family. KS
DeleteThank you Payton Family, I am one that would love to have that place to go. God bless you for doing what you are for the Kingdom of God.
DeleteThank you Payton Family, you will get a lot of "me 2's and AMEN'S.
DeleteThank you, thank you thank you! TERRI
DeleteSo grateful for this place as it has brought comfort day after day. Thank you for your work in it. God bless you and all of us.
DeleteChris, I have tried to do journals of our travels. I know how much work goes into it. You are to be commended for your diligence. I looked at what you have done so far. It's simple and easy to use. Thanks from the California upper Mojave desert.
DeleteI join all this marvelous JC FAMILY in saying thank you paytonfamily for this blog and all the work you do on it. It is an incredible blessing!!! Just want to praise the Lord for all the bloggers and the readers!!! What an awesome group of prayer warriors!!! Thank you all for sharing your lives. Such great testimonies mixed with trials and tribulations. Our wonder working Lord see us through all of it. Bless the Lord, bless the Lord, bless His Holy name. I ask you Lord to meet the needs of the JC FAMMILY today, Bless each one greatly with your favor, grace and mercy! Amen Counting ALL the Blessings and Victories in Kansas and super glad satan is having another bad week!!!
DeleteYes, thank you Chris for this labor of love. I don't always post, but I don't miss a day of reading everyone else's and praying and thinking God for the JC family.
DeleteSo grateful, as our blog history grows, so does our relationship to God and each other. ♥️
DeleteThank you so much Chris Payton for blessing us so much with this blog and body of believers!
DeleteGod is so good.
Have a blessed and joyful day today JC family. Lord, thank you for reminding us to laugh and that laughter is good for the soul. I trust you Jesus.
❤️🙏❤️
Brandy
Thank you paytonfamily for this blog. I don’t often post but never fail to read as this is my morning devo before I start my day. What a blessing to wake up and read the posts from the JC family which encourages me and nourishes my soul. Praying for a blessed weekend and Happy Father’s Day to everyone who visits this blog. Father, I too thank you for reminding me to laugh more often and be cheerful and rejoice for Your ever presence in my life. I trust and hope in You, Jesus 🙏🏼💕
DeleteAlways happy, amazed, honored to see what God has done with this blog. Your welcome.
DeleteGood morning LORD and good morning JC family!
ReplyDeleteFather, Thank You for a new week and a new day! Thank You for new mercy this morning. Great is Your faithfulness. I need Your yoke oh Lord and Your burden that is light and easily borne. All the loads that I sometimes find myself carrying, I lay them all down at the cross and rejoice with laughter and singing in Your presence, knowing that I can relax with my Saviour who is always with me! Thank You Lord!!
My JC family, as we go through this day, let's enjoy the gift of laughter and rest assure that our needs and desires are in a very capable hand, Our Lord!
Father, may Your Grace that is sufficient for all, Your Peace that surpasses all understanding and Your unending everlasting love saturate us from the inside out!
Sassy Mom, I prayed that you and your children had a great day yesterday and found peace in the loving memories of Your dear husband/their father. God bless you!
Norah, allow the Spirit to move you to pray and tell your stories whether long or short and stay bless! Pam K., girl you ROCK!! God bless Your marriage now and forever!
All my JC Family, LOVE yah and praying that showers of blessings, opened doors of opportunities, elevations, God's abundance and ALL things God's gift, locate us today and always, in Jesus name!
Blessings and Peace to ALL!
Maplewood NJ
Amen, Anonymous! Praying for all!
DeleteAmen, Anonymous prayers going up!
DeleteAmen! Colorado JC Friend
DeleteThank you heavenly father for speaking to my heart. Payton family, you always hit the nail on the head. All of my devotions this morning have been about worry. At the moment I'm listening to David Jeremiah's series - Slaying the Giants in our lives. I purpose to stop worrying!!!!!! Thank you JC Family, Maplewood, Pam, Norah, Jan, TJ, etc, ALL my prayer buddies whose names I can't remember!!!!!! I AM OVERWHELMED!! Yesterday was a blessed peaceful day. THANK YOU!!!!!I have 2 biological daughters, but many others scattered everywhere who call me their 2nd mother. I heard from all of them!!! Maplewood, I shared prayers for your mom's salvation to many of my prayer warriors.
ReplyDeleteThank You Jesus for granting Sassy Mom and her family a blessed and peaceful day yesterday. You are FAITHFUL and we marvel at Your Holiness!
DeleteI've listened to Dr. Jeremiah's "Slaying the giants in Your life" and it was great! Let's put all worry and fear aside and slay those giants while trusting our great God!
Thank You so much Sassy Mom, for praying and asking for prayers for my mom, it means so much and is appreciated! We had a great blessed day together yesterday and I know God is with her while I work. I Thank Him for her life and believe the BEST is yet to come in Jesus name! THANKS Sassy Mom! Let the joy and peace of the Lord continue to be yours today and always in Jesus name!!
Maplewood NJ
Thank you, Chris, for ALL that you do, in sustaining and mentoring our prayer group.
ReplyDeleteLet me start out by thanking you, JC Family, for your prayers! Our day was sunny, bright and we were able to finish those ribs off on the grill as planned! Seven racks of ribs and one was left for our dinner tonight & I was still able to send some left overs home with the ones who wanted them. Amazing (reminded me of the fish and loaves! LOL!!).
ReplyDeleteMy heart is full and I am thankful. Maplewood, NJ and Pamela K. and all of my JC Family, I thank you for your commitment to prayer. Know you all have mine as well. I loved the reminder in today's JC. I can take myself SOOO seriously at times. Need to lighten up a bit. More later, but again - love to all of you!
Same to you Norah, I appreciate the prayer from you and all the rest of our JC Family. So glad that y'all got to have the meal that y'all wanted off the grill, sounds very yummy to me this morning. God bless you Norah, I thank God for my Brothers and Sisters in Christ. People need to realize how important it is to be in a positive group of prayer warriors. It helps to jump start the day. Thank you Lord, in Jesus name, Amen
DeletePrayers and love to all our JC family. So thankful for answered prayers and the community that God has built here. Even though I have friends God has pulled me to be home and focus on my family for a season. Reading posts and praying for all of you has become a main part of my new focus thank you for sharing and pouring out your hearts to us. Please don't ever feel it's rambling or telling to much. I often type and then delete my prayers or concerns because of that very reason. I'm going to try to share my heart more when I have a chance. I do have praise report to pass on when I get a chance. Crying boy grabbing my hands off for now. Love TERRi
ReplyDeleteAmen, I love this Family that through Payton Family God has brought together. Please do share your praise report, and I am going to quit worrying about my rambling, God knows and will help y'all to understand what I am saying while I chase butterflies, Hahaha. Have a God blessed day!
DeleteThank you God for our JC Family, each prayer that goes up today by our group, I ask you Lord to answer them in your time and may your will be done. Be with us today as we go about our norm, keep your protective hedge around each of us, help us to show someone Jesus in us so that they will yearn for the peace and joy only you can give. Take worrying about life off the table and allow us to drop those worries and budens at the foot of the cross for us to be free of them. Slap my hand Lord, if I reach back to grab them, I don't want them, but I know I have had a hard time leaving them before and not taking them back. I know I am not capable of handling them, why in the world would I want them back.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this beautiful day you have blessed us with. Sitting here drinking my coffee under the carport, I here your creation as the birds are singing and the morning sounds are in full force. I appreciate the beauty in every thing I see, you know me Lord, I would rather be outside all day long than to be stuck inside the house. Winter, spring , summer and fall, all we have to do is call and You'll be there, as you always are. (To those of you that may be around my age 57, you will know what I am talking about in the last sentence, I added to the end, but the Lord is just like the song) I ask that everyone that traveled back home yesterday got to their homes safe and sound. Thank you God for the awesome service we had at church, thank you for leading us to the little church on the hill, where we have learned to love people where they are and no matter what a person has done, we bring them in and show them love like they have never seen in a church. We are told to leave our past at the door, no need bring it in, it's not used against you to decide if you are worthy or not for our church. Learning to rest in Jesus arms and not having a care in the world, because He cares for us and He will provide our needs. Take any worries I have and bury them deep, I know with You doing that I will have a very peaceful day. Thank you Lord for just being You, the King of Kings,the Lord of Lords, I love you Lord, I Jesus name I pray, Amen❣
I love this and your prayer(s)!! And thank you for brightening my day with a memory from the words of that song! 😂😂. It is amazing how changing one simple word can bring new meaning! Thank you and have a bless-full day! ❤️
DeleteHow blessed I me today reading every single comment and reply! I too am going through a storm, I lost one of my really close friends unexpectedly to breast cancer, she is fifty-three and although I am trusting GOD with it I am still struggling to accept and let go, believing that GOD knows best! thank you in advance for your continued prayers JC family! IN HIS LOVE
ReplyDeleteToday's devo makes me think about Ecclesiastes 7:29 : "This only have I found: God created mankind upright, but they have gone in search of many schemes.”
ReplyDeleteAs followers of Christ we know that He is above all and that we have to put our trust in Him for He's the only one in control. Worrying won't change anything, we know this yet we still struggle with it.
When I think about all the lost people all around the world who don't know that there is freedom in the name of Jesus, who spend their life worrying and seeing things from a earthly perspective, never looking above their circumstances... it breaks my heart.
Lord I pray that you draw the lost sheep to you, for only You are the Good Shepherd, the way to everlasting life.
Lord I know they will find rest in Your Presence, and peace that surpass everything, Lord I know you love them and don't want them to perish.. Please Father restore them, give them a new heart of flesh and a new life in Your Kingdom.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen
Have a blessed day everyone!
Blessings from France
Beautiful prayer, Blessings from France. Amen! KS
DeleteAmen Blessings from France.
DeleteJoining in your prayer. So many lost sheep looking for a Shepherd. Jesus is calling them all but their eyes and ears are closed. May their senses be restored and their hearts softened to seek Him and answer His saving call. Praying for all lost souls and our own loved ones to come to Him for salvation and true peace and joy.
May their senses be restored to see and hear the call of their loving Father!
DeleteThis morning I received this prayer request for Helen, a 54 year old nurse who is on the front lines has been hospitalized with Covid 19. She has been transferred from step down unit to the ICU..as of yet she is not intubated but they can give her oxygen in stronger ways than in the step down unit. They are giving her IV sedation because she is so frightened and it makes breathing harder for her even with oxygen. They are planning to give her plasma and maybe steroids ... anything that can help her. Her diabetes and her obesity greatly hinder her response.
ReplyDeleteNeedless to say she is very ill and we are all praying for her to keep fighting. Pray, pray and pray.
Father, this morning we come together praying for all the sick and afflicted. Many are weak and weary, but we know what the power of prayer can do. May the healing blood of Jesus flow through Helen and restore health back into her. You are Jehovah Rapha and NOTHING is impossible for You! We pray for the doctors, nurses and all caregivers and thank You for the power in the name of Jesus and the power in the Blood. Thank You Lord for a complete turn around for Helen and others, to Your glory. Amem.
DeleteMaplewood NJ
Praying for Helen. May God bless her with comfort and healing. KS
DeleteJoining KS and Maplewood in praying for Helen. God please heal Helen and bring comfort to her. JE
DeleteLord, we ask for your healing touch on Helen of not just her body but that you restore her to "upright" and live with new vigor for you and your glory. Lord we ask that you move on Helen with a visitation of you and your beauty and unexplainable Peace. May her life be changed by your Glory, for your glory so that your life flows freely through her.
DeleteJesus, we love you
Father God, You know Helen's great weaknesses, and we are here together thanking you for your amazing healing power to strengthen her breathing and dissolve her fear. She is trusting you as we are and we wait on you for your compassion and mercy to lift her up out of her illness into perfect health, in the name of Your Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
DeleteDear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your 'yoke that is comfortable and pleasant and Your burden that is light and easily borne’. May my laughter uplift those around me today, in Jesus name. Amen.
ReplyDeleteThese are sobering times. A difficult world filled with anger, so much pain and a country divided. But the reality is, we could use some laughter in our lives. Our Father has reminded us this morning that Laughter is indeed Good for the Soul and it is essential for our spirits. It is infectious and can help to uplift the spirits of ourselves and others. God wants our laughter and joy to exude from our spirits as a source of hope, so if you haven’t laughed lately, please do so today (LOL)!
JC family, I’m in prayers with and for all of you as you are for me. Getting busy with work and can hardly stop to eat lunch even while working from home, so I use the evenings to read all the post and to pray for each. Thanks for ALL of the comments and prayers regarding my testimony from yesterday’s post. The Glory belongs to GOD! We share our testimonies to the glory of God, but also for others to know who He is and what He can do for them too. Revelation 12:11 say:“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony. My praise and thanksgiving will never be enough for all God has done for me and what He is still accomplishing in me, but He receives each one!
Bob (my bday twin), Sassy Mom, Jeanne, Brilamar, Fern, et al., thank you for ALWAYS stepping in with prayers and responses to the prayer requests for everyone here. As you pray for others, God rewards you abundantly! ALL of the posts and nsights are blessings we all receive and I thank God for like-minded believers. 10-4, joining in prayers for your wife’s healing! Jeanne, God bless your 93 year old feisty mama’s heart (Lol)! Fern, thanks for sharing your heart. I'm sure your mom loved you and pray that all the great memories keeps you smiling. Continuing in prayers for your son. Our sweet songstress Brilamar, keep the praise on to the KING girl!
Loving Father, thank you for the reminder of the gift of laughter. Renew in us the desire to laugh and enjoy all of the simple things in life. Forgive and have mercy on us for all the times we allowed the weight of life to keep us from this gift of laughing. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Stay Blessed and in His Presence.
Maplewood NJ
Maplewood, your words always uplift me...uplift all of us. Thank you. KS
DeleteDearest Maplewood, You have lifted me up for so long. Your sweet words to all of us brought me to tears of joy. I can't tell all of you how much you all mean to me. I can't wait to be refreshed and renewed here every morning. To know all of you praying with me and for me every day is a blessing so real and special that my words can't express it. God bless you all, heal your weakness and your loved ones and grant your prayers. I got to meet with my dear Bible members last night in a park and we celebrated because we were beginning our summer break. I must say we had quite a bit of good wine and much laughter! Laughter is the best medicine next to God's sweet grace.
DeleteGood morning, JC family!
ReplyDeleteHow appropriate and timely to receive this message today. During this pandemic that continues to influx fear, I find it relaxing to read today's devotion.
I love hearing my children and grandchildren laugh. You know, that 'belly laugh' from little ones? Or when you laugh so hard tears stream down your face? Laughter changes our hearts and our minds. I really never thought about our Heavenly Father enjoying hearing us laugh, but it makes sense. Laughter travels to the heavenly realm.
I've realized over the past few months, I really haven't had any fun and I'm so ready for that to change. I pray that this pandemic subsides so that we can enjoy each other again. Although it looks like Houston is spiking again thanks to the protests and riots downtown, He has the power to change that. God grant us all mercy. Allow us to be still and grow from what we are supposed to be learning from all of this.
Let's all make a pact to laugh today... even just a chuckle. And as always, stay connected to The Vine my friends.
Peace.
I'm with you Suzanne! I will look for everything that is bright and light today and at the videos of my grandsons laughing with those great belly laughs! That always sets me off.
DeleteAmen Suzanne! A child laughter is so pure. As you said, "laughter travels to the heavenly realm", it's so beautiful to know that our laughter is a praise that express joy and gratitude to Our Lord and Savior. Let's not forget to laugh!
ReplyDeleteBlessings from France
(II Timothy 1:14b) As Paul wraps up his encouragement to young Timothy, he brings full circle the presence of God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the encouragement he offers to Timothy.
ReplyDeleteThis encouragement began in vs. 8. Allow me to sift out the references to the our triune Lord.
God the Father: vs. 8-9: "relying on the power of God, Who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace."
God the Son: vs 9 - "the grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, but has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." Vs. 13 - "the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus."
God the Holy Spirit - vs. 14 - "with the help of the Holy Spirit"
Throughout this encouragement to "join me in suffering (vs. 8)", "hold to the standard of sound teaching (vs. 13)", and "guard the good treasure entrusted to you (vs 14)", Timothy's responsibility to God and to himself is made clear. But over all that Timothy does, it is the love of God that is prevailing every step of the way.
Today's JC reading admonishes us to 'lighten up' and well we should. For it is not up to us, God is in charge; we are merely the tools in His hands. Let us all chill out and let God run this show. He knows what He is doing, He will make sure all things He has purposed will take place and He has got the results of His love guaranteed. Let us all do what we are given to do aware that the results are not up to us. All that is asked of us is to be faithful. Let's enjoy the ride together, my precious friends! God be with you. With love, Bob
Thank you all for your words that fall on my eyes today in this blog. I love to laugh and need to lighten up. My long awaited safe meetup with several girlfriends last evening was not filled with laughter like our gatherings used to be. It was marked by anger, hatred, blame and judgement directed to POTUS. My silence in the discussion might be taken as lack of support for ideals they thought we all shared. They can't hear my point of view because of their hatred and it saddens me. As I pray for them to be touched by the Holy Spirit, and for leadership that unites us, I have to let go and let God handle the people and circumstances I have no control over. Help me Father, show me my role and give me confidence to rejoice in it. As I tried to get to sleep last night, this from yesterday came to mind:
ReplyDeleteAct justly.
Love mercy.
Walk Humbly.
I would add... Whether others do or not
AMEN.
And it is an upside down world we are looking at so I will seek to see the humor in that today.
God bless you all, thank you for the space to vent. 🙏♥️
First thank you Bob. You taught me and comforted me. I will take this sentence away with me: He will make sure all things He has purposed will take place and He has got the results of His love guaranteed. It soothes my weary heart.
DeleteAudra, I'm so sorry that your meeting with your friends didn't reap joy and laughter because they're on a different road than yours. Glad you can come here and know that we are of one accord and our road only leads to peace. I'm glad you are praying that the Spirit will enter their hearts and change then from within. Leave those prayers at the throne and do not be troubled. You know that God is asking you to let go and let Him handle it. Amen: Act justly. Love mercy, Walk humbly, despite the actions of others. Read Bob's words above and they will comfort your heart. Much love.
♥️
DeleteThanks so much for sharing your encounter, Audra. I have been "snagged" by it since your post. I had a similar encounter with a total stranger, and found great encouragement in your post from:
DeleteAudra June 16, 2020 at 7:36 AM
"Yes Lord!!! I declare my way is your way and in no way will I be shaken. Thank you for your strong voice that drowns out judgement on my part of the paths I see others taking. Who am I to judge the path you lay out for them? Thank you for your unfailing love, may I stay aware of it in all circumstances. Amen!"
I wondered if the Lord put us through the test waters of others' anger, hatred, blame and judgement, to cleanse us from our own of them? At least that is my hope! As my Mom would have told me, "It does not look any prettier on you than it does on them!" Were our encounters God's stage to send us into the world to get more practice Acting fairly and justly, Loving mercy, Walking Humbly?
Did I get it, or will I have to repeat the lesson in a similar forum? Only time will tell :) I feel so blessed to have our JC family of like mind and heart, that I come in here often, first thing in the AM, periodically throughout the day, and before going to bed at night, unless I fall asleep on the sofa :) to review the day's lesson, do my homework, and get buoyed up to go out into His world.
@ John 17: 18 As you sent Me out into the world, I am sending them out into the world, 19 and I consecrate myself to meet their need for growth in truth and holiness.
With Love. Prayers and Blessings to you and our entire JC Family.
PS Audra, I now know how the disciples felt in Matthew 10: I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. Be as wary as serpents and harmless as doves! while remembering His steadfast love is enduring forever!
DeleteStill praying for discernment of the wolves in sheep's clothing.
DeleteAmen Audra! God is greater than those wolves. May He give all of us discerning eyes. The Spirit will guide us to separate the wheat from the chaff.
DeleteStill praying and practicing my homework. Help me Holy Spirit as this season brings so many opportunities as we begin to gather again with others post peak pandemic. Appreciating the reminder, Brie: , "It does not look any prettier on you than it does on them!"
DeleteLord, we ask that the abyss in political and social polarization is lessened so that we can go forward toward a greater good for all your creation. We know that you have given us freedom to form our own opinions. Help us to seek you first in forming them. Curb the anger and intolerance that Satan uses to keep us divided. In Jesus name, amen.
ReplyDeleteProverbs 17:22 ~ A joyful heart is good medicine:
ReplyDeleteRejoice, rejoice, O Christian Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ, the King
The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find
None other is so loving, so good and kind!
I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today
I know that He is living, whatever men may say
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer
And just the time I need Him He's always near
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Christ Jesus lives today
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life's narrow way
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Salvation to impart
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart!
With Love to my JC Family,
Brilamar
😁 🎶 ♥️
Deletehttps://youtu.be/qF6aBDS3drA
Amen Brilamar! Let us go forth through every day holding His Mighty Hand and aware that He is forever in our hearts.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful Blessings from France. Thank you Jesus for opening our eyes, ears and hearts drawing us closer to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bob M and Maplewood, twin spirits. Your prayers always bring joy to my heart with a generous portion of the holy spirit.
ReplyDelete"I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." (John 15:11). Always be joyful because you belong to the Lord. I will say it again. Be joyful! (Philippians 4:4).
ReplyDeleteFather, thank You for always being there, with me, through it all. You are with me through the good times and the bad times and You always give me joy in my heart -- no matter what. You bring me such a perfect peace and comfort. Nothing else can ever replace or even come close to what You provide to me. Thank You Jesus. I praise You Lord always and forever.
With Joy, I am praising God with you our dear Janet and sister friend in Christ. In Jesus' Name. Amen
DeleteAmen! Joining in your perfect prayer! Praise Him who brings us joy even through the tears. God bless you my dear sisters.
DeleteLearn to laugh at yourself more freely... what brought you laughter today?
ReplyDeleteThe joy of the Lord and the gift of being blessed to see another day has made my Heart MERRY today, Brie.
DeleteThank You for the prayer for my mother and family. God bless you and yours!
Maplewood NJ
My early morning Sonrise walk beneath the cool shade of the trees brought me joy; I am working my way up to laughter!
DeletePlanning to trade puns with my granddaughters via email today. That always brings me laughter.
As I do everyday for reference throughout the day, I was typing Matthew 11: 29-30 into my not-so-smart-phone, the autotype feature typed "JOKE" instead of "YOKE": take My joke upon you and learn from Me. My joke is comfortable and pleasant; My burden is light and easily borne! I laughed and wanted to share my laughter in keeping with today's devotion. May you and yours be blessed with lots of laughter today. I ask. I seek. I knock, knock, knock on Heaven's Door. I praise. I thank. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Delete😂😂😂 love your joke story Brie! 😂😂
DeleteThat one made me laugh dear Brie! Thanks
Delete
ReplyDeleteThere is a healing effect when we are joyful, cheerful people. We read in today's proverb that a joyful heart is good medicine. The word used for "joyful" here is the Hebrew word "sameah" which means, 'to be glad, happy, or joyful.' The idea behind this word is that someone is choosing to rejoice - to consider the good that God has done, rather than the misery and the opportunity to be sad and depressed. That is why we are to seek to maintain a "joyful" heart. Pray for us we look for an important document to enable us to complete the sale of the car. May our eyers be opened to helps u find it
Choosing sameah with you today, BFF. Trusting the important documents are in your hands now. Blessings! 🙏♥️
DeletePraying for that important document to appear before your eyes dear Min Ahadi! Seek and ye shall find.
DeleteWe serve a good and faithful God.
Thank You Father fir that in the powerful Name if the Risen Lord Jesus Christ.
I am up so very late but I just wanted to wish you all a blessed Thursday, and all of God’s healing, guidance, comfort, and faithfulness. May His love and Peace fill your hearts and your days. I will be thinking of you and praying for you. Much love and God’s blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteAMEN Jeanne, praying along with you!!
DeleteMaplewood NJ
“Form the habit of clear thinking always and laugh away your troubles and sorrows. Even the devil himself can do nothing to a man so long as he can laugh. Does a laugh cost anything? It is as easy to laugh as to worry and fret. Only a little effort is required in the beginning. It becomes a habit after a time” (TSOS).
ReplyDeleteGood morning Lord, It’s a great day to once again give thanks and rejoice, for this is the day You have made and I must be glad in it. What a great devotional reminder to laugh. As we’ve heard many times, laughter is a good medicine for the body, it is good for the mind, good for the soul and it is an unbeatable gift that we most often forget to bring out in ourselves and others.
This universe is not my home, but just a stepping-off place to my eternal goal. Through certain joys and sorrows in my life, I’ve come to realize that nothing lifted my spirit and made my soul glow quite like laughter. Solomon reminded us in Prov. 17:22 that, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” The scripture points to only one place in scripture where You are said to have laughed: “He who dwells in Heaven is laughing at their threats; the Lord makes light of them” (Ps. 2:4).
Sanctity is related to humor, so please teach me not to get wrapped up in my own affairs that I forget that You are God and I am not.
Help me to be like a child who has no problem taking You seriously because having been saved by grace, I can set healthy boundaries, not miss out on the joy of Your presence, and enter the kingdom of heaven laughing with eternal joy.
I ask that You bless me and mine for fulfillment of Your will and thank You that my “laughter rises to heaven and blends with angelic melodies of praise.” In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen.
“For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13).
Blessings and Peace.
Maplewood, NJ
Thank you Maplewood NJ.
DeleteAs Jane Marczewski, aka Nightbirde, is teaching me, "You can't wait until life isn't hard anymore before you decide to be happy!" And laugh, I might add! In Jesus' Name. Amen!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6UzrJrkpwQ
DeleteIT'S OK by Nightbirde
And my GOTO for LOL!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbZSe6N_BXs
I'M HAPPY by Pharrell Williams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXPoRnY3r10
OH! HAPPY! DAY! from Sister Act!
Being with my dear son and daughter-in-love us so much fun. They are vegan and I actually made a very yummy meal using vegan meat, mushrooms, potatoes, onions, peppers, garlic, herbs and seasonings. There was a lot of love and joy and laughter around our table. I believe our laughter rose “to heaven and blended with angelic melodies of praise.” We are all so blessed. Praying Bryan and Allie, with the help of God, will conceive a child very soon. Amen
DeleteI decided to keep a journal of the post op challenges we have faced for the purpose of a comedy script. We aren't out of the woods yet, but are coming up with some funny ways to see the worry we have been thru.
ReplyDeleteChris's prayer is mine today!
Dear Audra, where is this journal of which you speak? Maybe with those keys you are still looking for? 😁
DeleteShe Still Can't Find Her Keys 🔑🔑🔑
DeleteThanks for your post, bringing me laughter. (Keith never found his keys either)
Your post was key to jump starting the devotion on a day when I am leaving the beach.
Much Love, Joy, and Laughter, with or without keys, journals, and/or meetups with girlfriends!
Brie
I sure can relate! I am always looking for my glasses or sunglasses when they're on my head. And I have lost my keys so many times. God finds them in the weirdest places.
DeleteBrie, I thought it was Keith's wallet or was that Al's wallet that was missing. Thanks for the smile sisters!
Yuup! Jeanne, Thanks for keeping track. it is Keith's wallet that is still missing. We had a new set of his keys made, so I guess that counts as found.
DeleteOf all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most!
Much love, Brie
Help me to laugh at life more. Help me to not be so serious. Help me to accept your providence in my life. I worry too much Lord. I am too consumed with present situations and events, to the point that I don't see clearly.
ReplyDeleteAmen Audra! I sure can relate! Father, we thank you for always opening our eyes to the light and joy around us, no matter the circumstances.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jesus.
Larry and I are leaving the beach.
ReplyDeleteTraveling Mercy prayers requested. . Thanks family!
And what an awesome beach retreat you had! We, your JC family, were your students and recipients of your "Beach Ministry", Brie! May you both feel refreshed and restored as you head home. Praying for safe travels.
DeleteTraveling mercies for you and Larry, Brie! Do you mind if we hitch a ride on those prayers? Our family disperses in travel today after a lovely fun time together. May we all need safe in transit 🙏
DeleteHitch on! There is always room for praying travelers.
DeleteThanking God, dear Brie, that you arrived home safe and sound, and renewed and refreshed, and the same for our dear Audra and her family! Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus!
DeleteNot home yet. Have another 2 hours to go. Thanks all for your prayers. So far, so good. Much Love, Brie
DeleteSafety oh Lord for Brie & Larry, in Jesus name. Also for Audra's family, Amen.🙏💞
DeletePraying beloved Brie!!
ReplyDelete-Grace Takes Time
Thank you for every morning, I start my day with Jesus calling. I share it every morning with a group of women, I am so grateful.
ReplyDeleteDear heavenly Father, Please bless all requests mentioned here as well as the ones people keep in their hearts. Amen.
ReplyDeleteAmen to that dear ABC. God reads the prayers and requests in our heart sometimes even before we know them.
DeleteHeavenly Father, thank You for Your joy. Thank You for all the benefits and blessings You give to us. You shower us with so many good things Lord. I can't thank You enough Lord. I praise You Lord always. Bless You Lord. Thank You Jesus. Let my heart be light and my laughter be plenty. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen 🙏.
ReplyDeleteGathering into that sweet prayer, dear Janet! Amen. Thank you.
DeleteAmen dear Janet, amen! Bless your day💞
DeleteGood Morning, Dear JC Family - Happy Monday! Praying for each individual request, celebrating each victory and believing with you that today, we will bring laughter and joy into our lives as well as sharing it with others. My DH and I 'binge-watched' The Chosen, Season 3 yesterday afternoon and evening. We had 3 to finish. Then we watched how they filmed the 'Walking on Water.' Very powerful. So when I read 'my yoke is easy and my burden is light,' I could hear those words from last night and remembered with great joy the love, compassion and power of our Lord Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeleteLove and Blessings to each of you, today and always!
Amen dear Norah!
DeleteGod allows the trials but leads us through them. He wants us to bring our burdens to Him so we can walk forward with a lighter load so we can serve Him better and lead others to Him by our steadfast faith. We don’t crumble when the storms come because we’re anchored to Heaven and we stand on the immovable Rock that never crumbles. Hallelujah
Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the Lord,
And He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
Heavenly Father, thank You and bless Your holy name! I praise You Lord always and thank You Jesus 😊. Thank You for Your joy in my heart! Thank You for Your presence in my life! You are so amazing Lord! I can't thank You enough Lord! I was reminded of these verses in the Bible:
ReplyDeleteAnd in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. So the LORD said to Cain, "why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at your door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it." (Genesis 4:3-7).
It's easy to let things get to us and bring us down, but we must remember that we live in a broken world that isn't perfect. Only God is perfect and He indwelling us with His Spirit. So we can always draw from Him what we need and conquer the "sin" of sadness that wants to bring us down. For we are seated in the heavenly places with Christ Jesus. We can rejoice in that! Thank You Jesus!
Even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:5-6).
DeleteDearest Janet! Our loving Father knows when we are depressed, upset, discouraged, frustrated, in any kind of pain and downtrodden. His love can lift us high from our sins, our circumstances, and our loneliness. He cares for us and that is a truth that we can depend on. No one loves us like He does. Thanks for all the good spiritual food you strengthen us with. His Word is a lamp on our feet and a light on our path. Love you dearest sister!
DeleteA Decree I read by Tara Moseley;
ReplyDeleteI Decree a divine removal of every demonic arrow of Betrayal, Unforgiveness, Shame, and Pain. I Declare I will run my race without a limp, I let go of the wounding and receive the Healing Balm of Heaven.
HALLELUJAH!!!
Hebrews 12:1. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles."
Amen good sister. Thank you.
DeleteThank you JJ..your prayer speaks directly to me,. Claiming it!
DeleteAmen again!!!
DeleteToday's reading is a classic for me. I tend to take myself WAY too seriously. I appreciate the reminder of Proverb 31 ♥️
ReplyDeleteWell, I laughed at myself when I saw that last year I posted on April 17th on the June 17th blog! HA HA HA HA HA!!!! God keeps giving me real-life examples of His Word! All week I felt like the woman searching for the lost coin as my Best Man and I combed through our home looking for the lost keys to our MGB! We still haven't found them, but we did find a spare. I kept thinking, "Silly Woman!" My husband is a very methodical man. Orderly. Patient. Follows routines that he calls his 'chores.' I can set the clock by him when it comes to turning down the bed, making the coffee for the next morning, brushing his teeth and then do the same the next morning, though the time he gets up has varied since he's retired. So, I know it was through no 'fault' of his that the keys are missing. God blessed us as we didn't play the blame-game, or get short with each other. I look forward to the day they surface and we can laugh about it!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless each of you. Thank you for sharing the verses, teachings and life experiences that make this site live! Happy Early Father's Day to all of you Daddies out there. Again, we have the BEST example of a loving Father.
Heavenly Father knows exactly where the keys are. I'm sure He'll show you in time.
DeleteYes, He does know where they are, Peter! Thanks for your prayers!
DeleteI’m still praying you find the real key, dear Norah but it sounds like the mechanic can use the spare and maybe even make a new ignition part. Sounds complicated but not for our all knowing God!
DeleteDear Audra. I love Proverbs 31 and I want to be like that strong fruitful woman. But I am very tired from a full day. Going to sleep. God already knows I must drive back to Brooklyn in a few hours to sing for the Lord and make quite a bit of food, ice my cupcakes and get to my son’s in CT by 12. I was really looking forward to some down time with Rick but Bryan asked me if I could sleep over tomorrow. They miss me and want me to spend more time with Evelyn. Trusting in my Helper! With our amazing God all things are possible. Resting in Him Who
cares for me. Happy Father’s Day to all our fathers! Especially our Heavenly Father!
Psalm 37:5-7
Commit thy way unto the LORD; Trust also in him; And he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, And thy judgment as the noonday.
Today's verses remind us to rejoice in the Lord. We choose to take joy in Who God is, what He has done for us, and how He loves us knowing that He is at work in us. Throughout the Scriptures, we are commanded to rejoice in the Lord. Rejoicing in the Lord doesn't mean we have to be happy with our circumstances, but that we can remember the Lord Who is with us in the storm and promises to get us where we need to be. [
ReplyDeleteA cheerful heart is good medicine for us — not just for our heart, but also for our soul, mind, and physical well-being! So, let's join the psalmist as he writes:
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again — my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you...
Make some room in your living room and let's get ready to dance for zGod, the way that David danced
https://youtu.be/qesfKdKxXl0?si=P33SsT0-OeQ0IEY1
Amen Blessed
DeleteThanks for jump starting, or better yet, dance-starting my day, Min Ahadi ! 💃 🕺 💃
DeleteAmen, Min! ‘I will remember what God has done for me’. Let us rejoice in the Lord today!
DeleteThanks dear Min Ahadi, For sharing that truth and lifting my day. And that was true dance and praise music! You blessed me!
ReplyDeleteI am putting my trust in the Lord and giving Him every concern. I’m driving to Brooklyn this morning because I have an appointment with my dermatologist. I need a biopsy on a spot on my face in the smile crease of my left eye. My doctor said I need a full body scan too. It’s in God’s Habds so I’m not gonna worry. Today my grandson Gabriel is graduating from Kindergarten. Rick is going but I don’t think I can get there in time. I have a little gift, a book of prayers, a little stuffed bear with a graduation hat, and a balloon to give him before I drive back to Brooklyn. My brother and his wife are going to stay with my mom for a few hours. God is so good. I am believing that the biopsy will just show healthy tissue. May God grant our prayers and bless and heal our loved ones. Thank You Jesus.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Yes, Amen & praying re the biopsy.
DeleteAmen and let us know how it goes . God has gone before you !
Delete🙏 Jeanne.
DeletePrayers Jeanne, that you get to activate the part of today's devotion that says, Relax and know that I am God with you.
DeleteMay your dermatologist visit end with danceology out of the office to the tune of the song Min Ahadi posted earlier.! Hope the news is so good, you have to tell the receptionist on your way out, "Excuse me while I get undignified"
May love and prayers and laughter be yours today.
In Jesus' Name. AMEN!
Praying for the biopsy and as you wait for the results, Jeanne. It sounds like Gabriel will be well loved and celebrated today as you are also able to relax and know that your Mom is well taken care of. Have a blessed day and dance 😉
DeletePrayers over your day, Jeanne, and all outcomes in perfect love.
DeleteYou are such a strong woman of Faith, Jeanne, and your strength a Blessing for so many. "casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]." Amplified Bible
DeleteThank you for all your powerful prayers and your sweet messages. They really helped me!
DeleteVery good news!! The spot had been increasing in size. But today it was exactly the same size as the last time. She said there seems to be no change at all so she wants me to come in every 3 months instead of getting it biopsied. The full body scan showed no indication of skin cancer. I’m blessed and so thankful! We serve such a faithful God who hears and grants our prayers. Hallelujah! Driving back to Brooklyn now.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteExcuse me while I get undignified in praise, song, worship, Thanksgiving and dance to our Lord and Savior. In Jesus' Name. AMEN!
DeleteDancing with you and thanking our Great God for granting our prayers. I’m praying for your DH for God to grant him perfect breathing and restoration in Jesus Christ! Amen
DeletePraising God with you, Jeanne for answered prayer! Our God got this!!! HALLELUJAH!!!
DeleteAgain, todays blog & your prayer is exactly what I needed after a weekend w/my aging parents. God is good.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous, May God strengthen you and guide and comfort you as you care for your parents. You’re never alone. He is a very present Help.
DeleteStarting to read todays Jesus Calling blog; "Learn to laugh at yourself more freely. Don't take yourself or your circumstances so seriously."... I suddenly had a mental picture of someone, head throw back, laughing in delight for sheer joy! The word "Care-free" came to mind. For a fleeting moment all my cares disappeared.
ReplyDeleteYet this is actually how our Lord and Saviour desires us to live - 'Care-free'.
ALL cares and burdens, all disappointments, all life's knock backs; throughout the Bible He encourages us to give them to Him, leave them with Him (don't take them back out of His Hands), trust Him to work in all these things for our good and His Glory.
1 Peter 5.6-7
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you,"
Isaiah 46:4
"I am your God and will take care of you until you are old and your hair is grey. I made you and will care for you; I will give you help and rescue you."
Ephesians 3:20
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us"
James 1:6a
"But let him ask in faith, with no doubting"
Philippians 4:6-7
"Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Psalm 55:22
"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved"
'Take It To The Lord In Prayer':
https://youtu.be/TAyaXdvvbGU?si=7hBJuPgJY126qCFK
'Cast Your Burdens Unto Jesus':
https://youtu.be/APoFHMf-j6E?si=2fKrRbNStJad5HpH
It made me think of sitcoms, turning all of our situations into comedy.
DeleteI smiled when I thought of how Seinfeld would play out our situations ? 😄
Even if we dance like Elaine 🤣😂🤣
Delete👍🤣🤣🤣
DeleteAmen and thank for the reminder . May we apply it to every aspect of our lives.
ReplyDeleteCare free! Love it--thanks Peter! 🕊️
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteWe were Born Care Free
Deletehttps://youtu.be/3eZVHkQiOp4?si=kLoaALQEPoVYuoRy
I am seeking God for my little grandsons who are spending the week at Vacation Bible school. They don’t attend church regularly so pray that God really speaks to these special boys during this week. Amen!
ReplyDeletePraying for parents and all children everywhere to know love and serve HIM, both in and out of VBS. In Jesus' Name. AMEN!
DeleteAmen dear Ellen, May God’s Word stir some deep within your grandson’s hearts so they will seek Him and find Him for themselves. Thank You Father for this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
DeleteSome should’ve been something. That Aurocorrect got me again. Oh well.
DeleteAnd at ALL the VBS, light a fire in them!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, the joy that jumped off this page today! Laughter, Celebration (Jeanne!), prayers for Littles at VBS. Love and thanksgiving to all of you. Got the final paperwork lined up for my DH's surgery on Wed. The Nurse Practitioner said, "He's got this! He's been through so much - this will do it!" My friend, Jayne said, "From youa lips to Mayre's eaas." LOL! God has this. I'm heading to bed and praying for all of you, Dear JC Family! Love you so much - God DOES have this, Jeanne! I'm confident.
ReplyDeleteSleep Sweet - God is on the Night Watch!
Dear Norah --- Standing in agreement: God got this!!! One can put a thousand to flight. Two can put ten thousand to flight!
DeleteHALLELUJAH!!!
Amen and Amen! No one is Higher! Dear Norah! Trust in the Lord with your whole heart and mind and soul. Give it all to Him. He will carry your Best Man through this surgery and bring him back to good health, comfort and joy. Thank You dear Father for this in Jesus Name!! Amen.
DeleteNorah, I can’t describe the joy my heart felt when I heard this absolutely beautiful song!! Thank you! God bless you and give you a sweet, sound sleep.
So thankful for your beautiful music, Min, as I go to bed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbHQLszars4
ReplyDelete'Nite and Love to all of you, JC Fam!
Norah
What an amazing song! It will lift your heart to the Heavens!
ReplyDelete