#risingjoy

Rising Joy by Vicki Matheny So he said, “Who are you, Lord?” He replied, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting! Acts 9.5 Saul was zealous. He had agreed to the stoning of Stephen. He continued to threaten to kill the Lord’s disciples. He traveled to Damascus with permission from the high priest to bring anyone that he found to be a disciple of Jesus back to Jerusalem in chains. His reputation…

Rising Joy by Vicki Matheny Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes so he can see.” The Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw that the hill was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6.17 Do you ever feel overwhelmed with the state of the world? Does it seem that evil is winning? Do you feel surrounded by the enemy? (more…)

Rising Joy by Vicki Matheny The one who says he resides in God ought himself to walk just as Jesus walked. 1 John 2.6 Do your actions send the same message as your words? There are many people who live by the phrase, “Do as I say, not as I do”. However, for the follower of Christ that is not an option. In Matthew 23, in part, Jesus condemned the experts in the law and the Pharisees because they…

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. (Acts 13:2-3 ESV) Як служили ж вони Господеві та постили, прорік Святий Дух: Відділіть Варнаву та Савла для Мене на справу, до якої покликав Я їх! Тоді, попостивши та…

Rising Joy by Vicki Matheny He is not enamored with the strength of a horse, nor is he impressed by the warrior’s strong legs. The Lord takes delight in his faithful followers, and in those who wait for his loyal love. Psalm 147.10-11 Man is impressed by many things, principally when they have to do with strength, wisdom, and wealth. A person is deemed worthy if they live in the right…

Rising Joy by Vicki Matheny Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t there more to life than food and more to the body than clothing? Matthew 6.25 What we pursue makes a difference! What is important to you? Do you work to have nice clothes? Perhaps you work to be able to eat whatever you want. You can fill in…

Rising Joy by Vicki Matheny Remain in me, and I will remain in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me—and I in him—bears much fruit, because apart from me you can accomplish nothing. John 15.4-5 We cannot accomplish anything in this world…

God’s famous deeds

Rising Joy by Vicki Matheny They will proclaim the power of your awesome acts. I will declare your great deeds. They will talk about the fame of your great kindness, and sing about your justice. The Lord is merciful and compassionate; he is patient and demonstrates great loyal love. Psalm 145.6-8 God was known for his famous deeds that he performed in Egypt to bring the Israelites out of…