Happiness
Posted on December 19, 2025 Leave a Comment
“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.” (Jeremiah 17:7)
(NKJV)
True happiness is not found in possessions or achievements but in trusting God. The world offers fleeting pleasures, but Scripture teaches that blessedness—deep happiness—comes from walking with the Lord. Happiness rooted in Him is steady, because it flows from His unchanging love.
Instead of chasing temporary satisfaction, pursue God’s presence. Spend time in prayer, Scripture, and fellowship. Happiness grows when we align our desires with His will.
Prayer
Lord, thank You that true happiness is found in You. Teach me to trust You fully and to delight in Your ways. Let my life reflect the joy of being blessed in Your presence. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN!
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Joy Does Not Need a Reason
Posted on December 18, 2025 Leave a Comment
Somewhere along the winding road from childhood to adulthood, many of us start believing that joy must be justified. We treat it like a reward. We earn it after finishing our work, solving our problems, or reaching some milestone. These achievements prove we deserve to feel good. But children know something we often forget. These small sages see the world with uncluttered eyes. Joy doesn’t need a reason.
Kids don’t wait for permission to be delighted. They don’t check their calendars before laughing. They don’t ask whether the moment is “appropriate” for happiness. They simply meet life as it comes, and when joy shows up, they welcome it without hesitation.
Adults, on the other hand, negotiate with joy.
- “I’ll relax once things settle down.”
- “I’ll celebrate when I finally get ahead.”
- “I’ll enjoy myself after I fix everything that’s wrong.
But life rarely hands us perfectly polished moments. If we wait for ideal circumstances, we end up postponing joy indefinitely.
Children remind us that joy is often hiding in plain sight. A cardboard box becomes a spaceship. A backyard becomes a kingdom. A walk to the mailbox becomes an adventure. Their joy isn’t tied to luxury or achievement — it’s tied to presence.
Adults often overlook these small wonders because we’re preoccupied with what’s next. We scroll, we rush, we multitask. We forget that the ordinary moments we hurry past are the very moments kids savor.
What if joy isn’t something we chase, but something we notice?
Choosing joy—especially in a world that feels heavy—is not naive. It’s brave. It’s a declaration that circumstances don’t get the final say in shaping our spirit.
Kids don’t deny reality. They simply refuse to let difficulty eclipse delight. A child can scrape a knee, cry for a moment, and then be laughing again five minutes later. Their resilience isn’t rooted in denial; it’s rooted in the ability to return to joy quickly.
Adults often carry emotional weight far longer than necessary. We replay conversations, rehearse worries, and cling to stress as if it proves our seriousness. But what if joy is not a distraction from life’s challenges, but a source of strength to face them?
Maybe the invitation is not to become childish, but childlike — to rediscover the freedom we once carried so naturally.
- To laugh without overthinking.
- To pause long enough to notice beauty.
- To let ourselves be delighted for no reason at all.
- To remember that joy is not something we earn — it’s something we allow.
When we stop demanding a reason for joy, we start to experience life with a fuller heart. We become more available, more grateful, more alive.
And, in doing so, we discover that joy was never waiting on us to achieve more. It was simply waiting on us to pay attention.
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JOY
Posted on December 18, 2025 Leave a Comment
“. . . the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
(NKJV)
Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness depends on circumstances, but joy flows from God’s presence. It is a deep, abiding gladness that sustains us even in trials. Joy is a gift of the Spirit, reminding us that God is with us and His grace is enough.
Practice joy by focusing on God’s goodness rather than your problems. Sing, pray, or recall His faithfulness. Joy is contagious—share it with others through encouragement and gratitude.
Prayer
Father, fill me with Your joy. Let it be my strength in hard times and my song in good times. May others see Your joy shining through me. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN!
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Faith
Posted on December 17, 2025 Leave a Comment
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
(NKJV 1982)
Faith is not blind optimism—it’s trust in God’s character even when circumstances are unclear. Abraham walked by faith when he left his homeland, and Peter stepped out of the boat by faith. Faith anchors us in God’s promises, not in what our eyes can see.
When life feels uncertain, choose to lean on God’s Word rather than your feelings. Faith grows when we act on what God says, even before we see results. Ask yourself: Where is God inviting me to trust Him today?
Prayer
Lord, strengthen my faith. Help me trust You when I cannot see the outcome. Let my confidence rest in Your promises, not in my circumstances. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
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God’s Limitless Generosity
Posted on December 16, 2025 Leave a Comment
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
Paul’s words remind us of the limitless generosity of God. Notice the repetition: all things, all times, all that you need. This isn’t partial provision—it’s total sufficiency. God doesn’t promise to give us everything we want, but He assures us that we will have everything we need to do His will.
This verse shifts our perspective from scarcity to abundance. Too often, we hesitate to serve, give, or step out in faith because we fear we don’t have enough—enough time, enough resources, enough strength. But Paul declares that God Himself is the source of our sufficiency. His grace equips us not just to survive, but to abound in good works.
The beauty here is that God’s provision is tied to His purpose. He blesses us abundantly so that we can overflow into the lives of others. Our abundance isn’t meant to be hoarded; it’s meant to be poured out in service, generosity, and love.
Think about where God is calling you to serve right now. Maybe it’s encouraging a friend, giving generously, or stepping into a ministry opportunity. Instead of focusing on what you lack, focus on the God who is able.
Prayer
Lord, thank You that You are able to make all grace abound in my life. Forgive me for the times I’ve doubted Your provision or held back in fear. Help me to trust that You will supply what I need to do the good works You’ve prepared for me. Let my life overflow with generosity, service, and love, so that others may see Your abundant grace through me. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN!
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Hope Born in Bethlehem
Posted on December 15, 2025 Leave a Comment
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (Micah 5:2)
(NKJV)
Christmas is more than lights, gifts, and traditions—it is the celebration of hope entering the world. The prophet Micah foretold centuries earlier.
Bethlehem was an unlikely place for the Savior’s arrival. Small, overlooked, and humble, it reminds us that God often works through what seems insignificant. Into this quiet town, Jesus was born—the fulfillment of God’s promise, the embodiment of hope for a weary world.
The shepherds heard the angel’s announcement in Luke 2:10 – 11:
“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’ “ (Luke 2:10-11)
(NKJV)
That night, hope was no longer a distant prophecy—it was a living reality, wrapped in swaddling clothes.
We live in a world that often feels uncertain, chaotic, and heavy. Headlines remind us of division, loss, and fear. Yet Christmas calls us back to Bethlehem, where hope was born.
- Hope in God’s promises: Just as Micah’s prophecy was fulfilled, we can trust that God’s Word will never fail. His promises are sure, even when circumstances seem bleak.
- Hope in God’s presence: Jesus is Immanuel—God with us “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel . . .” (Matthew 1:23). Christmas reminds us that we are never alone. In grief, in joy, in confusion, His presence is our anchor.
- Hope in God’s redemption: The manger points to the cross. Christ came not only to be born but to die and rise again, securing eternal hope for all who believe.
Practically, we can live out this hope by:
- Speaking words of encouragement to those who feel forgotten.
- Choosing gratitude even in small things, remembering God’s faithfulness.
- Serving others generously, reflecting the hope Christ brings.
Bethlehem teaches us that hope often comes quietly, humbly, and unexpectedly. It may not arrive in the way we imagine, but it always arrives in God’s perfect timing.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming into our world as the promised Savior. In Bethlehem, You showed us that hope is not found in power or prestige, but in Your humble, loving presence. Remind us this Christmas that our hope is secure in You—unchanging, eternal, and alive. Help us to share that hope with others, especially those who feel weary or forgotten. May our lives reflect the joy of the angels’ song: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN!
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Hope Has a Name
Posted on December 12, 2025 Leave a Comment
Hope in Scripture is not wishful thinking or vague optimism; it is confident expectation rooted in God’s character and promises. Because God is faithful, His people can speak of a “living hope” that is anchored in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christmas is the celebration that this hope has a name: Immanuel, “God with us,” who draws near to rescue rather than to condemn.
The child in the manger is the same Lord who would one day hang on a cross and rise from the grave, securing a future that cannot be taken away. His coming fulfills generations of longing and assures believers that their deepest expectations—redemption, forgiveness, and eternal life—are safe in His hands. In a world where so many hopes fade, Jesus stands as the One hope that does not disappoint.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, light of the world, thank You for stepping into our darkness and filling it with the promise of Your presence and salvation. When fears rise and circumstances feel uncertain, turn our eyes to You, the God of hope, who fills Your people with joy and peace as they trust in You. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN!
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Hope Arrives in the Dark
Posted on December 11, 2025 Leave a Comment
Christmas is God’s declaration that hope is not an idea but a Person who stepped into real history. The birth of Jesus announces that light has entered the darkness, and that no darkness—personal, cultural, or spiritual—can overcome Him. At Christmas, God does not ask the world to ignore its pain; He answers that pain with the arrival of His Son as Savior and Lord.
On that first Christmas night, the world was not peaceful or tidy. God’s people lived under foreign rule, many felt forgotten, and centuries had passed since the last prophetic word. Into that silence, heaven broke through with the news that a Savior had been born in the town of David, the long-awaited Messiah. The timing reminds every weary heart: delay is not abandonment, and waiting is often the doorway through which true hope enters. I would remind you that everyday is the day of salvation. When Jesus came into this world, He did bring hope to everyone who sought Him. So today, if you have not received the hope that Jesus brought, it is available to you! So, call upon Him now and receive that hope.
Prayer
Most loving Father, may Your Holy Spirit cause hope to overflow in us, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus and pointing us toward the day when You will make all things new. In Your powerful and beautiful name I pray, Amen!
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Cultivating Workplace Loyalty with Integrity
Posted on December 10, 2025 Leave a Comment
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23
Loyalty in the workplace is more than staying with a company—it’s about faithfulness, integrity, and commitment. When we show loyalty, we reflect God’s own character, because He is faithful and steadfast toward us.
Company loyalty doesn’t mean blind allegiance; it means serving with excellence, honoring commitments, and contributing to the mission with integrity. Joseph served faithfully in Pharaoh’s house, even in difficult circumstances. In the same way, our loyalty in the workplace can become a testimony of Christ’s presence in us.
Ultimately, our loyalty is not just to an employer—it is to the Lord. When we work with diligence and integrity, we honor Him, and He establishes the work of our hands.
Application
- Work with excellence: Treat every task as an offering to God.
- Be trustworthy: Let your word and your work be dependable.
- Seek the bigger mission: Loyalty means aligning your efforts with values that honor God.
- Remember your witness: Your faithfulness at work can point others to Christ.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the opportunities You give me to serve through my work. Help me to be loyal, faithful, and trustworthy in all I do. May my commitment bring honor to You and bless those I work alongside. Establish the work of my hands and let my loyalty reflect Your steadfast love. In Jesus’ name, AMEN
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Getting in the Christmas Spirit: Rediscovering Joy and Wonder
Posted on December 9, 2025 Leave a Comment
Every December, conversations turn toward “getting into the Christmas spirit.” For some, it means putting up the tree, hanging lights, or baking cookies. For others, it’s about shopping for gifts or attending festive gatherings. These traditions are wonderful, but the true Christmas spirit runs deeper than decorations or holiday music—it is about rediscovering joy, hope, and wonder through Christ’s birth.
The angel’s announcement to the shepherds in Luke 2:10–11 captures the essence of Christmas:
10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
(NKJV. 1982)
The Christmas spirit is rooted in this good news. It is not something we manufacture through busyness or consumerism; it is something we receive when we pause to remember that God came near.
The shepherds didn’t have ornaments or carols, yet they were filled with joy because they encountered the Savior. That same joy is available to us today. The Christmas spirit is about letting the miracle of Christ’s birth transform our hearts, so that gratitude, generosity, and worship overflow into every part of life.
Practical Ways to Enter the Christmas Spirit
Getting into the Christmas spirit doesn’t require perfection—it requires intention. Here are a few ways to embrace it:
- Slow down and reflect: Take time each day to read the Christmas story in Scripture. Let the wonder of God’s love sink in.
- Choose joy over stress: Holiday schedules can be overwhelming. Remember that joy is found not in doing everything, but in savoring Christ’s presence.
- Practice generosity: The spirit of Christmas is giving. Look for opportunities to bless others—through gifts, encouragement, or acts of kindness.
- Create Christ-centered traditions: Whether it’s lighting Advent candles, singing carols, or serving together, build rhythms that point your family back to Jesus.
- Carry it beyond December: The Christmas spirit isn’t seasonal. Ask how you can live with joy, hope, and generosity throughout the year.
When Christmas Feels Hard
For some, the holidays bring grief, loneliness, or stress. Getting into the Christmas spirit may feel impossible. Yet the beauty of Christmas is that Christ came into a broken world. His birth was not surrounded by comfort but by humility—a stable, a manger, and ordinary shepherds. That means the Christmas spirit is not dependent on circumstances. Even in sorrow, we can cling to the hope that Emmanuel—God with us—has come.
A Spirit That Lasts
Ultimately, the Christmas spirit is not about a fleeting feeling but about a lasting reality: God’s love revealed in Jesus. When we embrace that truth, the lights shine brighter, the songs sound sweeter, and the gatherings become more meaningful. The Christmas spirit is not confined to December—it is a way of living in joy, generosity, and worship all year long.
So this season, don’t just chase the Christmas spirit—receive it. Let the miracle of Christ’s birth fill your heart with wonder, and let that wonder overflow into your words, actions, and relationships. That is the true spirit of Christmas.
Bob Lankford 