Rick H. Carter Ministries
Inspiration
Articles
Don't Lose Your Joy
It is clear that we all face storms throughout our lives. The way we handle those storms and face those challenges may affect the joy we feel in our lives. It is hard to feel joyous through suffering and pain, but we have to understand that maintaining that joy is a choice. We have to choose joy throughout all challenges, storms and circumstances in our lives.
Merriam Webster defines joy as: (noun) “a high degree of gratification or pleasure” and (transitive verb) “to take great” pleasure. The first definition defines joy as a state of being, the second defines it as an action. The Bible implies that “joy” is a condition of the heart. It is referred to as one of the fruits of the Spirit:
Articles
Don't Lose Your Joy
It is clear that we all face storms throughout our lives. The way we handle those storms and face those challenges may affect the joy we feel in our lives. It is hard to feel joyous through suffering and pain, but we have to understand that maintaining that joy is a choice. We have to choose joy throughout all challenges, storms and circumstances in our lives.
Merriam Webster defines joy as: (noun) “a high degree of gratification or pleasure” and (transitive verb) “to take great” pleasure. The first definition defines joy as a state of being, the second defines it as an action. The Bible implies that “joy” is a condition of the heart. It is referred to as one of the fruits of the Spirit:
Galatians 5:22-23- But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (NIV)
As believers, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. He dwells in us, and those qualities should be exhibited in our behavior. Joy should be a natural part of a believer’s life. Have you ever seen a person who has finally received what they’ve always wanted! They are jumping, laughing, hugging, shouting…full of joy. Then you join in their moment of happiness, even though you are not the receiver of that blessing. Why? Because joy is powerful!
God wants your heart to be full of “joy”- to experience that “high degree of gratitude” and “take great pleasure” in Him. Throughout the Bible, joy is mentioned over 100 times along with the words, “joyous”, “joyful”, and “rejoice”. Let us open our heart and experience joy. Know that 1) Jesus Christ is our Savior and that we have the blessings of the Lord upon us; 2) that we have Grace and Salvation, knowing that God forgives us from our sins, and that we have eternal life in Him; 3) know that God cares for us, never leaving or forsaking us; and 4) that God’s word stands and that his promises are from everlasting to everlasting. Have joy, because we have God!
Yes, things happen. But, we take consolation in knowing that whatever things happens, as negative as they may seem, it will not last forever. Amen!!
Inspirational Message
Looking Toward the Future . . .
The Bright Hope of a New Year
As every year turns, we look towards the new year with anticipation, hoping that things are always better than the year before. We set goals and resolutions, create plans, put forth efforts to make dreams manifest. Regardless of what the past years have brought, we look towards the future with the bright hope of a new year.
Daily Bread
“Matt 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.”
Get your day started with inspirational scriptures to renew your mind and feed your soul!
Verse of the Day
Understanding Salvation
What is Salvation?
Colossians 1: 13-14 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Salvation is the gift of freedom from sin and destruction through God’s grace and mercy as demonstrated through the sacrifice and resurrection of his son, Jesus Christ. It is a gift that we did not deserve, but because of God’s loving mercies, his son, Jesus Christ took the penalty of sin for us, so that we could be redeemed. The ultimate sacrifice by Jesus Christ, has given us a path to freedom, hope, and a better future…a life full of God’s promises as we serve a faithful and loving God.
Romans 5:10 – For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
Acts 26: In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”
Why Do I Need Salvation?
Because of sin which entered into the world through Adam, we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. The introduction of sin has taken us away from the promises God has for us. Through sin, we are distanced and separated from God.
Life can be full of challenges, hardships, disappointments, and stress. Sometimes it seems we are fighting life’s battle alone. But we are not. As God’s children, he wants the best for us and longs for us to have a close relationship, so he can show us how to live an overcoming life. Not only does he want us to be set free, but for us to carry out our divine purpose on earth. As we become closer to God, he will show us our path. And as we grow to learn more about Christ Jesus, we will see that we are to move beyond just ourselves and help others. As believers, we are the hands and feet of Jesus Christ, and have been commissioned to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ so others can see. God’s grace and love is available to all who believe.
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