JOY Blog

The Prayer List

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Next time you hear of a heartbreaking situation in someone�s life, simply send up a prayer. Who they are or where they are simply will not matter. I guarantee it will bring peace to your heart � and, most likely, theirs too.

Faith in Action: How to Love Others

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0400

It is not enough to just believe; we must love and show the fruit and evidence of our salvation. So what does it mean to put your faith into action? One way to act out your faith is to love others.

Make God Famous, Not Infamous

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

What does it mean to make God famous? When we strive to make God famous we proclaim His goodness, grace and mercy to all the world. People sense, see and feel God's Spirit dwelling within us, and they want that same power, peace, joy and forgiveness for their lives.

The Best Gift You Can Give Your Mother: Total Forgiveness

Sun, 13 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

What kind of mother do you have? Do you think fondly back on happy memories, or are you plagued by years of hurt or guilt? Rather than wishing things were somehow different, ask yourself, "How do I respond to the situation that God has allowed me to be in this day?" This Mother's Day, take some time to count your blessings, and give your mother the best present both of you can ever receive: total forgiveness.

If God is With Us, What is There to Fear?

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

When you are facing fears and anxieties, it is good to analyze and understand them. After gaining an understanding, it is then time to act by acting on God's Word. His Word will give you the peace you need to control the fears you face and develop the faith you need to take you to lasting peace.

Analyzing Your Fears, Phobias and Anxieties

Fri, 4 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Fear is one of the oldest known emotions. But what do you do when your fears, anxieties and phobias take over and diminish your quality of life? Bonus content: Enter the book drawing for "30 Days to Taming Your Fears."

Looking Upward at Christ and Outward at Others

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Digging deep into the Word of God transforms and renews your mind, empowers you for witness, and equips you for service. See how it will change your focus from looking inward at yourself to upward at Christ and outward at others.

Are You Failing to Thrive?

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Is there an obstacle you have to overcome before you can flourish in life? Where do you need to be more intentional in order to thrive as a Christian? Remember, God wants you to have an abundant life in Him, and He equips us to this end.

How I Overcame Depression with Bible Study

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Depression robs you of pleasure, forces you into isolation, and keeps the focus on yourself. But Bible study can change that. God's Word can lift your moods, bring you hope, and turn your attention to Him and others. He did it for Betty; He can do it for you.

Redeeming the Time: 25 Questions for Reflection and Action

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Our daily minutes and hours are to be wisely redeemed for something worthwhile. When we ask the right questions of our time, we learn to make choices that help us live wisely. Good questions help us pause and prayerfully reflect on how we not only spend our time but redeem our time.

From Emotional Damage to Emotional Healing - Part 2

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0400

We do not need to be emotionally healed before we can effectively serve Christ. God wants us to come to Him just the way we are. We can also help others who may be having the same emotional struggles, remembering that God never intended for us to do it on our own.

From Emotional Damage to Emotional Healing - Part 1

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Damaged emotions can cause personality distortions such as perfectionism, alienation from your true self, depression and low self-esteem. While God can give instant healing in these areas, sometimes our healing takes time before we come to a place of perfect peace within ourselves.

Overcoming Life Challenges in Christ - Part 2

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Weaknesses, hardships and difficulties are a part of life, even a Christian's life. But God's grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness. In Christ, we can overcome life's challenges. We have Someone, not just anyone, but the Creator of the Universe to hold our hand through them all.

Overcoming Life Challenges in Christ - Part 1

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

We don't face life's challenges alone. We are overcomers in Christ. Through adversity our faith grows when we learn to trust that God is doing a great work in us. Our attitudes displayed in hard times can inspire and encourage others with the crosses they've been called to bear.

Inspired to Pray at the September Java JOY

Fri, 9 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Moms and grandmas alike were inspired to pray for their children and schools at JOY International's Java JOY on September 8, 2011. Nancy Obritsch, Bismarck Area Coordinator for Moms in Touch, shared her heart about this amazing ministry.

Faith and Work: The Manager Who Prayed for His Employees

Thu, 4 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

As managers, we supervise, train and coach our employees. But do you ever think of praying for your employees? Building in this time for reflection can make a profound difference in how you conduct yourself at work, particularly when the pressure to perform at all costs is high.

Blogging with JOY

Mon, 1 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

JOY International is looking to bring on a few more bloggers. Whether you'd like to be a guest blogger, or sign on for a three-month commitment, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

Craving God Instead of Food

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The JOY small group study, "Made to Crave - Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food," based on the best-selling book by Lysa Terkeurst, was a big hit with JOY women. "I'm a conquering woman through Christ who doesn't have to feed my cravings" was one woman's comment after participating.

God's Creatures, Great and Small

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

When someone or something in your life drives you crazy, God might be using these encounters to teach and change you. It's easy to care for someone when you like them. When you don't, like I was with our cats, then what? You learn to care for "God's creatures, great and small," because, if for no other reason, you care for the people who care for those living beings.

God's Exchange: Past Shame for Present Hope, Future Honor

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Shame has been described as the feeling that something is fundamentally wrong with oneself, and nothing can compound shame like guilt. We can never rid ourselves of our shame, whether deserved of undeserved. We cannot erase our own guilt. No matter how much we try to bury it or push it aside, only God can actually remove it from us and heal us. God hears your pleas for mercy, for forgiveness, for healing and He honors them all. And although it may seem like years of silence to you, He is working. He is faithful, and if you seek His healing in your own life, sooner or later, you will see the stigma of shame displaced by His grace in you.

How Your Temperament Affects Prayer and Meditation

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Is there a way to pray (you talking to God) or meditate on Scripture (God talking to you) that works with, and not against, the personality God gave you? This post looks at four forms of prayer and meditation based on the four temperaments from Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.

I Refuse To Live Like I Don't Care

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Refuse to sit around and wait for someone else to do what God has called you to do yourself. Just as Jesus did not come for the healthy, we have not been called to rub shoulders with only believers. People are literally dying, spiritually and emotionally, without the good news of the Gospel message and without someone in their lives that genuinely cares for them. BE THAT PERSON!

The Value of Life

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Who determines the value of a life? And how do we determine this value? These are questions that the world seems to want answered. Each and every one of our lives has value - and that value doesn't depend on what we can or cannot do. Our lives simply have value because God, our Creator, says they do.

Wedding Cake Scripture Memorization: a Great Way to Implant God's Word in Your Heart

Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 -0400

When we memorize Scripture, we plant the Word of God in our hearts. Then it is always there wherever we go and whenever we need it. One technique for Scripture memorization I learned recently is to think of a bible verse in terms of a wedding cake, or something that has layers. Each piece of scripture can then be memorized layer by layer.

Putting On The Full Armor Of God

Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Do you think it's important to wear the armor of God? But do you have a hard time remembering what each piece is? From your toothbrush to your hairbrush, your morning routine can provide you with some great memory aids. Leave the house physically and spiritually dressed for the day!