Category Archives: joy

two men, two plants, two ways

Posted on January 2, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Psalm 1 The temptation is to teach Psalm 1 as some kind of guarantee that if people want to be happy and prosperous this year all they have to do is read and meditate on scripture.  I will not yield … Continue reading →

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taking her breath away

Posted on October 16, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

 1 Kings 9:10-10:29 What did it take to make the Queen of Sheba breathless?  She had seen prosperity and fame before.  But she saw in Solomon some things that impressed her.  He had a wisdom that was more than just … Continue reading →

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Jesus and the prophet

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

John 3:22-36.  The prophet John (the Baptist) understood his place in God’s plan for his generation.  He was the forerunner to the Messiah – the friend of the Bridegroom who rejoicerd to hear his voice.  Now it was time for … Continue reading →

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emotions from the Holy Spirit

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Luke 19:28-44.  Two emotions are expressed in this passage.  First, the spontaneous joy that the disciples felt as they introduced Jerusalem to its king.  When the Pharisees objected to this display, Jesus told them that “if these were silent, the … Continue reading →

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the Holy Spirit draws the lost

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Luke 15.   In a series of three parables, Jesus responds to those who object to his acceptance of the tax collectors and sinners.  In each parable, someone seeks something lost [a sheep (3-7), a coin (8-10), and a son (11-32)].  … Continue reading →

Posted in evangelism, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, Holy Spirit, joy, kindness, love, patience, peace, self-control | Tagged | Leave a comment

joy from peace

Posted on May 8, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Philippians 4:2-23.  Paul’s final words to the Philippians warn them of the things that can rob them of the peace with God which is theirs in Christ.  Personal conflicts (like the disagreement that had developed among two prominent women in … Continue reading →

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joy from the Lord

Posted on May 7, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Philippians 3:1-4:1.  Our joy is in the Lord, and for that reason our confidence cannot be in our ancestry or our accomplishments. Because our joy is in the Lord, anything we might count in our favor is actually counted as … Continue reading →

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joy from confidence

Posted on May 4, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Philippians 1:1-26.  Things were getting bleak for the apostle Paul. He had been arrested and imprisoned in Rome with no knowledge of when — or if — he would ever go to trial. Even if he went to trial, the … Continue reading →

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the grace walk

Posted on May 1, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Ephesians 5:1-21.  The believer imitates God’s grace by walking the grace walk. The grace walk is a life that imitates God’s sacrificial love. Just as Christ gave himself up for us, so we who walk the grace walk are to … Continue reading →

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joyful noise

Posted on April 8, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

  Psalm 98.  With earthquakes, tsunamis and wars and strife all around us, is it appropriate to make a joyful noise to the LORD?  Yes, because of what he has done for this planet.  He has been faithful to Israel … Continue reading →

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