Joyful Heart Living

Today is the Day!

JoDitt — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:56:09 +0000

Today is the day!

The song came to mind called, “Today is the Day.” I tried to find it on Pandora Radio, but couldn’t, so I went online and was able to find the exact song that was in my head. It is “Today is the Day” by Lincoln Brewster. I found a video with the music and lyrics. I played it and sang and danced to it not once, but twice!

Here is the video:

Then I played the video, Salvation is Here, also by Lincoln Brewster!

It was so strong in my spirit that TODAY is the day, today is the day of salvation!

Today is the day of salvation!

Luke 19:9 (New International Version)

9Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.

1 Chronicles 16:23
Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day.

Psalm 71:15
My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.

Psalm 96:2
Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.

Isaiah 25:9
In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”

2 Corinthians 6:2
For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

I declare it!

Today is the day of salvation!

Thank you for what I have

JoDitt — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:29:58 +0000

Lord, today I am fasting from the thought that says, “I don’t have…”

Instead I am thinking about, focusing on, and thanking you for what I DO have.

Lord, I thank you that I have salvation in Jesus.

I thank you that I already have everything that pertains to life and godliness.

I thank you Lord, that you have put new song in my mouth. Thank you that I HAVE a new song in my mouth.

I thank for giving me Holy Spirit.

I thank you that I have rivers of living water flowing from my belly.

I thank you that I have mercy, which is new every morning.

Thank you that I am blessed with every spiritual blessing and I am seated with Christ in heavenly places.

Thank you that I have POWER!

Thank you that I have LOVE!

Thank you that I have a SOUND MIND, and self-discipline!

Thank you that I have eyes to see and ears to hear.

Thank you that I have boldness to come before your throne of grace.

Thank you that I have freedom.

Thank you that I have grace.

Thank you that I have mercy.

Thank you that I have favor.

Thank you that I have strength in the Lord.

Thank you that I have forgiveness.

Thank you that I have the power to:

forgive

plant seeds

speak your word

overcome the enemy

pray in the spirit

grasp how wide and how long and how deep is the love of Christ

Thank you that I have a treasure inside me.

Thank you that I have wisdom from above.

Thank you that I have everlasting peace.

Thank you that I have an intercessor, Jesus, who lives to intercede for me.

Thank you that I have YOU on my side.

Thank you that I have a purpose and a destiny.

Thank you that I have creativity.

Thank you that I have a heart after God’s own heart.

Thank you that I have been washed by the blood of the Lamb.

Thank you that I have been cleansed from all unrighteousness.

Thank you that I have access to YOU.

Thank you that I have Holy Spirit in me, guiding me, teaching me, reminding me of all Jesus’ words, convicting me, creating in me worship to Jesus.

Thank you that I have redemption through Jesus’ blood. (Eph. 1:7)

Thank you that I have forgiveness of sins. (Eph. 1:7)

Thank you that I have the riches of God’s grace lavished on me with all wisdom and understanding. (Eph. 1:8)

Thank you that I have Holy Spirit, a deposit guaranteeing my inheritance. (Eph. 1:13-14)

Thank you that I have faith in the Lord Jesus.

Thank you that I have access to the Father by one Spirit, through Jesus. (Eph. 2:18)

Thank you that I have a choice, that I have the choice to choose YOU, to choose life.

Thank you that I have a robe of righteousness.

Thank you that I have the crown of life.

Thank you that I have a light in me. I choose to let it shine today.

Thank you that I have gifts of God in me.

Thank you that I have the mind of Christ.

Thank you that I have the joy of the Lord, which is my strength.

Thank you that I have the word of Christ dwelling in me richly.

Thank you that I have a joyful heart.

Thank you that I have an abundance.

Wow! I have a LOT! Thank you Lord, that I am rich with the blessings of God!

Yes, you do have a LOT and you will be given even more.

Matthew 13:12
Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance.

John 10:10
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

Jeremiah 31:14
I will satisfy fully the life of the priests with abundance [of offerings shared with them], and My people will be satisfied with My goodness, says the Lord.

2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you inabundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].

A Joyful Heart is Better Than a Flu Vaccine

JoDitt — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:07:02 +0000

New International Version (©1984)
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.New American Standard Bible (©1995)
A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.

GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995)
A joyful heart is good medicine, but depression drains one’s strength.

King James Bible
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

American King James Version
A merry heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones.

American Standard Version
A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones.

Bible in Basic English
A glad heart makes a healthy body, but a crushed spirit makes the bones dry.

Douay-Rheims Bible
A joyful mind maketh age flourishing: a sorrowful spirit drieth up the bones.

Darby Bible Translation
A joyful heart promoteth healing; but a broken spirit drieth up the bones.

English Revised Version
A merry heart is a good medicine: but a broken spirit drieth up the bones.

Webster’s Bible Translation
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

World English Bible
A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Young’s Literal Translation
A rejoicing heart doth good to the body, And a smitten spirit drieth the bone.

Scriptures from Biblos.com.

Biblos.com is on of my favorite online Bible study tools.

Rejoicing in His goodness,

Do You Feel Powerless to Change?

JoDitt — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:07:42 +0000

If you feel powerless to do anything about your past, you feel guilty.

If you feel powerless to change your future, you feel afraid.

If you feel powerless to change your present, you feel depressed.

When you feel like the people or circumstances of your life will not change, you feel angry.

I encourage you today : DO NOT BELIEVE THAT LIE!
The belief that you are powerless comes from the enemy of your soul because this is what God says:

2 Tim. 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Eph 3:20
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

Acts 1:8
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

Proverbs 24:5
A wise man has great power,
and a man of knowledge increases strength;

Daniel 2:23
I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.

Micah 3:8
But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might,…

Luke 9:1-2
When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Luke 10:19
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

Acts 4:33
With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.

Acts 6:8
Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.

God has already given us power, so let’s embrace HIS power and walk in His power today.

We have the power to overcome sin.
We have the power to change our lives for the better.
We have the power to forgive.
We have the power to love.
We have the power to plants seeds — faith seeds, word seeds, praise seeds, financial seeds
We have the power to praise God no matter what.
We have the power to speak God’s Word and see His promises come to pass.
We have the power to be His witnesses.
We have the power to pray and know that God hears us.
We have the power to overcome the enemy.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13

In His Presence is Fullness of Joy

JoDitt — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:07:40 +0000

Psalm 16:11 (Amplified Bible)
You will show me the path of life;
in Your presence is fullness of joy,
at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 22:3 (American King James Version)
But you are holy, O you that inhabit the praises of Israel.

Psalm 22:3 (Amplified Bible)
But You are holy, O You Who dwell in [the holy place where] the praises of Israel [are offered].

Psalm 100:4 (New International Version)
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

Nehemiah 8:10 (New International Version)
…for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

What’s the secret to joyful heart living and to having fullness of joy?

According to the Scriptures listed above, we obtain fullness of joy from being in the presence of God. And we enter into the presence of God by praising Him. And when we have joy, then we also have strength.

So, whenever I am feeling less than joyFUL, or am feeling weak or am facing something difficult and need more strength, I stop what I am doing and begin to praise God. Sometimes it may take awhile for me to get my mind to quit thinking about everything else and just focus on HIM, but before long, I can feel His presence and my joy returns, along with strength.

Isn’t it great to know that we have the power to enter into the presence of Almighty God whenver we want to?

I found a really interesting blog post on the subject of “God inhabits the praises of His people,” where the author of the blog says that as he was pondering and questioning that scripture that God spoke to him and said, “Praise me and see if I show up.”
You can read the full story at ScriptureandLife.blogspot.com

And I would also encourage you to praise God and see if he shows up.
Then leave me a comment about your experience.

Fasting from Wrong Thinking

JoDitt — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:23:52 +0000

A couple of weeks ago I had this idea, (which I believe God confirmed was from Him,) to fast, not from food, but from thinking “I don’t know what to do” and from trying to figure out what to do about a certain situation in my life. And every time a thought came about “what to do,” I was to dismiss the thought and to focus on God instead— to think about His goodness and faithfulness, to think about and declare His promises. And then to praise Him and thank Him that the answer was on the way.

So I began to fast and was surprised at how often I am actually thinking about this situation. I even find myself dreaming about it and thinking about it in the middle of the night. But once I am aware of my dreams or thoughts, I dismiss those thoughts and instead concentrate on Jesus.

I have never heard of anyone doing this kind of fast so I was excited when I came across this website called ThinkingFast.org, which is leading people in 40 day fasts from wrong thinking. I am taking the challenge and doing the 40 day fast. Please leave me a comment if you join the fast also and we’ll share our testimonies in a few days.

From the website:

From the Inside Out
Daily Simple Steps to Lasting Change from Gregory Dickow Ministries
“As a man thinks within, so is he.” – Proverbs 23:7
The Fast from wrong thinking is a revolutionary approach to identify and conquer thought patterns, mindsets and mentalities at work to defeat you.

Thought 1 -
Today we begin a 40-day journey of “fasting” from wrong thinking; “fasting” from failure to success; from mediocrity to greatness. We will eliminate mentalities of failure and adopt mentalities of success. Fasting from wrong thinking begins with believing that: As a man thinks, so is he. So, let’s THINK God’s way and experience His success.

DAY ONE:

Today we’re fasting from the thought that says: “If things were different, I could really succeed.”

We dream of what we would do IF… if I had a better education; if I wasn’t tied down to this mortgage; if the economy was better; if people treated me better; if God would come through for me; etc. Notice the common thread of failure: IF.

CHANGE IT TODAY:
1. Drop the “IF”. Stop waiting for things to get better, before you make them better. Give up the excuse of “if only.” “If only I had this, or if only I had that.”

2. FACE life as it is. But don’t ACCEPT it as it is. The four friends of the paralytic couldn’t find a way in the house, because of the crowd (Mark 2:4). So they went up on the roof. They found a way, where there was no way. They didn’t accept life as it was, but faced life as it was, and experienced the will of God.

3. Recognize YOU HOLD the power to do something with your life, regardless of the economy, your upbringing, your past mistakes. God has given you SEED to plant (your words, your choices, your money, etc.). Begin each day sowing a seed of faith, joy, love or hope. You have a smile—use it. You have a mouth to speak God’s Word; to declare His praise—do it.

4. Don’t wait for the perfect conditions. Ecclesiastes 11:4 “He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap.” Don’t wait for the stock market, or real estate or the media to get better, before you do what you know to do. Make your life better by sowing the right seeds, beginning TODAY. Make good choices TODAY.

5. FORGET NONE OF HIS BENEFITS. Focus on the good you already have; what God HAS already done. (Psalm 103:2-4) He forgives all. He heals all. He redeems us from all destruction. The old hymn says: “For He has done great things. He has done great things. Bless His Holy Name!”

THINK IT & SAY IT
I don’t need things to be different before I succeed. I will make them different. I have the power to sow the seeds of a better life. I will not just accept whatever life brings. I will face it with faith and find a way through it. I will remember what God has done. He pardons all my sins. He heals all my diseases. He crowns me with victory. He satisfies my life with good things so that my youth, vitality and outlook on life is refreshed and renewed.

For more info visit ThinkingFast.org or FromTheInsideOut.us

Is Fear Keeping You from Your Destiny?

JoDitt — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:39:47 +0000

I am so thankful to God for setting me free from so many fears over the last few years. But as I began working on this blog and as I face a lot of uncertainty in my life right now, I am noticing fear trying to creep in again. I do not want to be in bondage to fear anymore and I certainly don’t want fear to keep me from my destiny.

So when I discovered Carrie Stone’s “4 Weeks to Freedom” program, I got really excited about giving fear the boot.

I wanted to share this because maybe there are others who could really benefit from the program as well.

Don’t delay in making a decision to enroll in the program
because it starts on November 5th, 2009.

Read below, watch the video, then visit Carrie’s website for more info.

Has Fear Kept You From The

God Given Destiny Planted Inside Of You?

Want To Overcome The Paralysis Of Fear

And Live The Life Of Your Dreams Now?

Are You Ready To Take On Fear And Win?

I Will Personally Teach You To Do Just That!

And I’ll Do It In Just Four Weeks

Using My Proven Program!

“FOUR WEEKS TO FREEDOM!”

“FOUR WEEKS TO FREEDOM!” WILL:

Equip you with battle strategies to take on the giants in your life.

Provide You With Practical, Proven, Easy To Apply Steps To Overcoming The Paralysis Of Fear.

Reveal Your God Given Destiny Which Is Hidden Within Your Identity.

Release Your Passion So That You Can Pursue Your Dreams.

Expose Your Purpose, So That You Can Become Who God Created You To Be.

Help You Define Your Priorities, Giving You Peace In All Circumstances.

God’s Thoughts, satan’s Thoughts and Our Thoughts

JoDitt — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:42:54 +0000

This short article by Dr. Mark Virkler posted on Koinonia Network provides a very simple way to test our thoughts to determine if they came from God, from satan or from ourselves.

Satan’s Thoughts: Spontaneous Thoughts Which Are Negative and Destructive (i.e. line up with the names of satan: Accuser, Father of Lies, Thief, Adversary)
God’s Thoughts: Spontaneous Thoughts Which Are Positive and Upbuilding (i.e. line up with the names of the Holy Spirit: Comforter, Counselor, The Spirit of Truth, The Convincer, The Exhorter/Teacher)
Your Thoughts: Analytical Thoughts (i.e. connected, you construct them yourself; they are not spontaneous)

(My recommendation is to go for God’s thoughts!)

I can’t… I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13).
I lack… My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19).
I fear… God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind (II Tim. 1:7).
I don’t have faith… God has given to me a measure of faith (Rom. 12:3).
I’m weak… The Lord is the strength of my life (Ps. 27:1).
Satan has really got me… Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world (I Jn. 4:4).
I’m defeated… God always causes me to triumph in Christ Jesus (II Cor. 2:14).
I don’t know what to do… Christ Jesus is made unto me wisdom from God (I Cor. 1:30).
I expect to get sick once in a while… By His stripes I am healed (Is. 53:5). Jesus Himself took my infirmities and bore my sicknesses (Matt. 8:17).
I am so worried and frustrated… I can cast all my cares upon Him, because He cares for me (I Pet. 5:7).
I’m in bondage… Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (II Cor. 3:17).
I feel so condemned… There is no condemnation to me, because I am in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1).

If you want more insight into the above, order Counseled By God

I get new insights from Dr. Mark Virkler’s monthly newsletter. Dr. Virkler is the co-founder of Communion with God Ministries and Christian Leadership University. His teaching on the 4 Keys to Hearing God’s Voice has helped me tremendously. Click Here to listen to (and read) an introductory overview of his message.

Rewarded with His Presence

JoDitt — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:12:40 +0000

A few months ago I began doing 2-way journaling where I write (actually, I usually type) my prayers (conversations) with the Lord. It has been very helpful for me in learning to hear HIS voice and developing a more intimate relationship with Jesus.

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27)

I will be sharing some of my conversations with you on this blog.

Here is part of my journal entry from October 30, 2009.

(Words from Jesus in red.)

I woke up this morning with a certain song in my head —”I will Sing, Sing, Sing” (sung by Chris Tomlin.)

I do not have that song in my iTunes library or on a CD so I got online and did a search and found several videos of the song. Just love the internet! Lord, I enjoyed praising YOU to that song, and to other songs I played after that.

While I was singing “Lift Him Up” I could feel your pleasure and your presence. I believe your were saying, “Yes! You are getting it! You are worshipping Me from your heart and I am working and warring on your behalf.”

Yes, I am a rewarder of those who diligently seek me. I reward you with my presence. I reward you with joy and peace. I reward you with wisdom and with strength. I reward you with liberty, freedom from bondage, freedom from fear, freedom from hopelessness. I reward you with a vision, a dream, a purpose.

But you must make time for me and make room for me in your heart. Do not let your life get too cluttered with so much stuff that you don’t have time or room for me.

What is Joyful Heart Living?

JoDitt — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:47:06 +0000

A few weeks ago I received an email with the title, “If you dare to care, then share,”from Randy Peck, a life coach and a “connector.” I have been subscribed to his blogs, YourDailyBlessing.com and RandyPeck.com, for several months and receive much encouragement and inspiration from his writings. This particular email was about “How to Establish a Powerful Online Presence.” Randy encourages regular folk like me to share their their stories, products, and services with the world through blogging and other Web 2.0 tools in order to make a greater impact in the kingdom of God.

I actually got the idea for this blog about a year ago, and even registered my domain name, but had never taken the time to get it set up and get started. Ever since I received that email I have been unable to get this blog off my mind and heart. I still do not feel “ready” to start it, and would like for the blog to be more polished before I begin, but if I wait for that to happen, I might never begin.

So, here goes!

A few years ago, during a very difficult time, the Lord began to teach me to live with a joyful heart, no matter what my circumstances were… to delight myself in HIM and He would give me the desires of my heart. (Proverbs 37:4) I have experienced a great deal of freedom from what He has taught me, but I am still learning.

This blog will be a place for me to chronicle my journey, to share my stories, my insights, my passions, the resources that I find useful, and perhaps to inspire others on their own journeys.

Won’t you come along with me on my journey?

Joyful Heart Living

Today is the Day!

Today is the day!

Today is the day of salvation!

Thank you for what I have

A Joyful Heart is Better Than a Flu Vaccine

Do You Feel Powerless to Change?

In His Presence is Fullness of Joy

Psalm 16:11 (Amplified Bible) You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 22:3 (American King James Version) But you are holy, O you that inhabit the praises of Israel.

Psalm 22:3 (Amplified Bible) But You are holy, O You Who dwell in [the holy place where] the praises of Israel [are offered].

Psalm 100:4 (New International Version) Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Nehemiah 8:10 (New International Version) …for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Fasting from Wrong Thinking

Is Fear Keeping You from Your Destiny?

Read below, watch the video, then visit Carrie’s website for more info.

God’s Thoughts, satan’s Thoughts and Our Thoughts

Rewarded with His Presence

What is Joyful Heart Living?

Psalm 16:11 (Amplified Bible)
You will show me the path of life;
in Your presence is fullness of joy,
at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 22:3 (American King James Version)
But you are holy, O you that inhabit the praises of Israel.

Psalm 22:3 (Amplified Bible)
But You are holy, O You Who dwell in [the holy place where] the praises of Israel [are offered].

Psalm 100:4 (New International Version)
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

Nehemiah 8:10 (New International Version)
…for the joy of the LORD is your strength.