Finding Contagious Joy
How can we move from contingent joy through courageous joy to contagious joy? Everyone is looking for joy. Marketing companies know this. Every commercial promises the same product: joy. Want some joy? Buy our hand cream. Want some joy? Sleep on this mattress. Want some joy? Eat at this restaurant, drive this car, wear this dress. Every commercial portrays the image of a joy-filled person. Even Preparation H. Before using the product, the guy frowns and squirms in his chair. Afterwards, he is the image of joy. Joy. Everyone wants it. Everyone promises it. But can anyone deliver it? It might surprise you to know that joy is a big topic in the Bible. Simply put: God wants his children to be joy-filled. Just like a father wants his baby to laugh with glee, God longs for us to experience a deep-seated, deeply rooted joy. The joy offered by God joy is different than the one promised at the car dealership or shopping mall. God is not interested in putting a temporary smile on your face. He wants to deposit a resilient hope in your heart. He has no interest in giving you a shallow happiness that melts in the heat of adversity. But he does offer you a joy: a deep-seated, heart-felt, honest-to-goodness, ballistic strong sense of joy that can weather the most difficult of storms. Peter referred to this joy in the opening words of his epistle: Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls (I Peter 1:8-9 ). Who was Peter addressing when he spoke of unspeakable joy? He was speaking “To God’s chosen people who are away from their homes and are scattered all around the countries of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” (1 Peter 1:1 NCV). Peter was speaking to persecuted Christians – people who had been driven from their cities, separated from their families. Their rights had been taken. Their property had been taken. Their possessions had been taken. Their futures had been taken, but their joy had not been taken. Why? Go back to Peter’s Epistle again – this time in another translation: Although you haven’t seen Jesus, you still love Him. Although you don’t yet see Him, you do believe in Him… (1 Peter 1:8 The Voice). The source of their joy? Jesus! And since no one could take their Jesus, no one could take their joy. What about you? What has been taken from you? Your health? Your house? Have you buried a dream? Have you buried a marriage? Buried a friend? As you look at these burial plots of life, is your joy buried there, too? If so, you may have substituted courageous joy for contingent joy. Contingent joy is always dependent upon a circumstance. Contingent joy says I’ll be happy when… or I’ll be happy if… I’ll be happy when I have a new house or a new spouse. I’ll be happy when I’m healed or when I’m home. Contingent joy depends upon the right circumstance. Since we cannot control every circumstance, we set ourselves up for disappointment. Envision the person who buys into the lie of contingent joy. As a young person they assume, if I get a car, I’ll be happy. They get the car, but the car wears out. They look for joy elsewhere. If I get married, I’ll be happy. So they get married, then disappointed. The spouse cannot deliver. This ritual goes on through a series of attempts. If I get the new job… if I can retire… If we just had a baby. In each case, joy comes, then diminishes. By the time this person reaches old age, he has ridden a roller coaster of hope and disappointment. He or she becomes sour and fearful. Contingent joy turns us into wounded people. Courageous joy, however, turns us into strong people. Courageous joy sets the hope of the heart on Jesus and Jesus alone. Since no one can take your Christ, no one can take your joy. Think about it. Can death take your joy? No, because Jesus is greater than death. Can failure take your joy? No, because Jesus is greater than your sin. Can betrayal take your joy? No, because Jesus will never leave you. Can sickness take your joy? No, because God has promised – whether on this side of the grave or the other – to heal you. Can disappointment take your joy? No, because though your plan may not work out, you know God’s plan will. Death, failure, betrayal, sickness, disappointment. They cannot take your joy because they cannot take your Jesus. And Jesus promised, “[N]o one will take away your joy” (John 16:22). Is that to say your life will be storm-free? Is that to say no sorrows will come your way? No. Jesus reminds us of the truth: In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33). Is that to say you will never cross the drylands of sorrow? No. But that is to say your sorrow will not last forever! Jesus promises us: You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy (John 16:20). Years ago, I lived on a houseboat that was docked on the Miami River. The level of the river would rise and fall with the tide. The boat rocked back and forth with the river traffic. But though the level changed and the boat rocked, we never drifted. Why? Because we were anchored to a concrete sea wall. Courageously joyful people have done the same. They have anchored their hearts to the shoreline of God. Will the boat rock? Yes. Will moods come and go? No doubt. But will they be left adrift on the Atlantic of despair? No, for they
Listen to Your Teacher
Have you been listening lately? Vann and I had come in early for a pre-office hours meeting. We were both exhausted from a busy weekend and not really in a place to emotionally be very valuable to each other, but we were there anyway. We both admitted that we were too tired to be ready to do much productive thinking. Then Sam came in to say, “Hi.” Sam is the precious son of another person on our staff. His dad comes in early to start his work, then runs Sam to school. Sam came in and visited with us a minute and lifted our spirits. Vann and I both told Sam we were a little bit grumpy and asked him what we needed to do to be nice to the people we would meet that morning. Sam smiled sweetly, and replied very matter-of-factly, “Listen to your teacher.” Vann and I made eye contact and both had that expression on our faces that said that we had gotten the God-sent message from our little prophet. “Listen to your teacher.” In the rush of ministry, of life’s demands, of paying bills, of taking care of families, of pursuing goals, of fulfilling commitments, and a host of other demands, this is the ultimate reminder of what is important. We can get so caught up in doing our “Jesus stuff” that we lose track of Jesus’ voice in our own lives. We can forget why we do what we do. We can forget how we should treat people. We can get so self-absorbed or goal-absorbed or schedule-absorbed that we forget that we are to be Jesus to the people we meet each day. And to be Jesus to the people we meet each day, we’ve got to listen to our Teacher! A student is not better than his teacher. But when the student has fully learned, then he will be like his teacher. (Luke 6:40 ERV) About the author: Phil Ware has authored 11 years of daily devotionals, including VerseoftheDay.com, read by 500,000 people a day. He works with churches in transition with Interim Ministry Partners and for the past 21+ years, he has been editor and president of HEARTLIGHT Magazine, author of VerseoftheDay.com, God’s Holy Fire (on the Holy Spirit), and aYearwithJesus.com. Phil has also authored four books, daily devotionals on each of the four gospels.
Daily Prayer for February 21
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. Ephesians 5:25-27, NIV Lord our God, remember us even though we are only a few. Protect us from all evil, from all inner harm, which threatens us every day. Let your hand be over us so that at last a great power may stream out from your church into all the world, bringing the fulfillment of your promises. We thank you for all your goodness. Watch over us, we pray. Keep us in the right spirit and purpose, and help us resist all that is wrong and harmful. Grant that we serve you and not the world. Protect us this day and every day. Amen. Recent articles on Plough Temptations in the Wilderness Christopher Snook On the first Sunday of Lent, we remember how the devil tempted Christ, and how Christ foiled him. Read now Unwelcome Pruning Norann Voll Lenten lessons from a crop of grapes ruined by Australian wildfires. Read now Bake and Pray Kendall Vanderslice Discover the messy beauty of rolling up your sleeves and making bread – recipe included! Read now The Flaming Heart of Danko Maxim Gorky In this Russian legend, a young man sacrifices his life to save his people. Read now Not All Right Tish Harrison Warren I heard the girl kneeling next to me whisper to her mom: “Does my ash look all right?” Read now
Today’s Verse – Proverbs 17:9
He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. —Proverbs 17:9 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… You’ve probably heard this poisonous statement many times: “It’s just a little harmless gossip.” The Wise Teacher reminds us that gossip is neither little nor harmless. Sharing someone else’s stumble, offense, failure, or flaws separates friends and causes horrible damage. The consequences of such gossip are severe, and its damage is often lasting and devastating, especially to relationships. Instead, it is much better to be a peacemaker and an offense-mender, someone who covers over an offense with grace, forgiveness, and love. As Jesus said: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9). A peacemaker is one who covers over an offense and promotes love and peace. Let that be said of us! Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Father of Glory, I confess that I am often more a peace lover than a peacemaker. Being a peacemaker seems to be a lot harder for me. Covering over offenses feels a lot more difficult than passing on the gossip about an offense. So, please give me the character not to repeat gossip, but instead to have the wisdom and strength to be an offense-mender and an offense-coverer. Through the Prince of Peace, himself, I pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
20 Feb 2026
We are fortunate to live in the dispensation of grace. Christ came, lived here and died for our sins. That dies not give us the license to lead lawless lives. May His life model how we ought to live, in this world but not according to its values. We cannot do this without His help. Philippians 1:3-11.
Today’s Verse – 1 John 4:11-12
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. —1 John 4:11-12 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Can you imagine what an honor it is to have the Creator of the universe, the LORD God Almighty, living inside of you? Yet when we love each other, that is exactly what happens. When our hearts are full of love, there is room for God, a great deal of room for God, because God is love. When they are not full of love, we leave little room for God to take up residence and produce his character in us. Let God complete his love in you: commit to doing loving things for others today, and each day that follows, until you can express your love for your Father, face-to-face in glory! My Prayer… Abba Father, I find it so comforting to know that you are not far away – that I live in you and you live in me (Colossians 3:1-4). Please help me see others with your eyes and respond to their needs with your heart so that your love may be complete in me and demonstrated in my actions. In the name of Jesus, the Servant and Savior of all, I pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
19 Feb 2026
God is holy. He maintains His standards. We are the ones to make adjustments to suit His will for us. When He punishes us, it is out of love. As a father, He desires a relationship with His children. Even after allowing His children to be banished into exile, He restored them as He had promised. Punishment was meted for their sin, but He still restored them. Jeremiah 30:1-24.
Storm Peace
Can you rest securely when the storm winds blow? Years ago I heard the story of the farmhand employed by a man who lived in the city. Every evening before nightfall, the farmhand would secure all the gates and close down all the sheds and outhouses. Nothing was left to chance. There were no open doors left to bang around in the wind and no loose gates to accidentally swing open and cause trouble. He did his work thoroughly and made everything under his control as secure as he possibly could. If storms blew in during the night, they would not do any damage due to the faithful farmhand’s oversight, diligence, and faithfulness. Late one evening, the owner visited the farm and heard a weather report of an unusually severe storm approaching. The wind gusts were frightening and such a storm had never been experienced in the area before. In the dark, alarmed at the report, he sought out the old farmhand down at the cottage. “There’s a terrible storm coming,” he said, banging on the door. “Why aren’t you out there making everything secure? What needs to be done?” he asked in a panic. The old farmhand opened the door and held his lantern high. He looked at the owner and replied in a measured and dismissive tone as he turned away, “I sleep well on windy nights.” The Old Testament tells of a man who did not wait until the storms raged. Like the farmhand securing the farm, it was his custom to secure his family every day. Early every morning, as was his “regular custom,” Job took each one of his grown up sons and daughters to a safe place with God and secured pardon for any sins they might accidentally have committed. (Job 1:5) Have we done everything in our power during the good times to secure our loved ones against whatever tragedies and difficulties might threaten them? We, too, can sleep well on windy nights when destructive storms and gales threaten our families after we have placed them in the Lord’s keeping. Make it a “regular custom” so that we have peace even in the midst of storms. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (Jesus in John 14:27 NKJV) About the author: Elizabeth is a team writer for “Just a Minute” e-zine.
One-way Missionaries
They took a coffin, which they packed with their belongings, along with a one-way ticket. Yesterday, a friend of mine told me about “One-way Missionaries.” In the early 1900s, there was a group of missionaries who, when they were about to embark on a mission to a foreign land, would not pack a suitcase as most people would. Instead, they took a coffin, which they packed with their belongings, along with a one-way ticket. By so doing, they demonstrated their intention to die sooner or later in the new land they were adopting. A good example of this sort of commitment and intentionality was a missionary named “Peter Milne.” Milne selected as his mission a tribe of headhunters in the New Hebrides islands, in the south Pacific, off Australia’s coast. Every other missionary that attempted sharing Jesus with this group had been killed. Milne had no guarantee that would not be true for himself, as well. Still, he was not deterred, so off he went with his coffin. He spent more than fifty years in the islands, witnessing to the tribesmen about Jesus Christ. When he died of natural causes, the tribe buried him in a grave noted with this tombstone: “When he came, there was no light. When he left, there was no darkness.” These one-way missionaries understood the full implications of Jesus’ call to “take up your cross and follow me.” This was and is a call to give up fear, comfort, certainty, and security to follow in the way that the cross leads. This principle remains true. Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels” (Mk 8:34-38). About the author: Bruce Logue has ministered successfully as a church planter in Merced, California, offices at Starbucks, and loves people in the name of Jesus. He is also a spot on target writer!
Country Chicken
A Texas city slicker? I have just spent the last few days at a friend’s ranch in the Hill Country. It’s about 450 acres of gorgeous land, fabulous trees and about 30 longhorn cattle. The cattle, not unlike many of us Texans, boast quite an attitude. They are a handsome yet prideful lot. As usual, I was accompanied by my faithful Labrador, Valentine. She had a temporary identity crisis and attempted to be a herding dog instead of a retriever. Fortunately, the sound of a one ton bawling animal with horns the size of a compact car was enough to rattle her back to reality and she retreated. I am a native born Texan – third generation on both sides of my family raised in the Lone Star State. I like to think of myself as fairly well balanced and flexible, able to manage effectively both in high heels and boots. I was raised in Fort Worth, a good sized city that’s also called “Cowtown,” well in touch with my state’s ranching, cattle-raising and horse-loving roots. Fact is though, I can saddle a horse, but only if you give me enough time, and I can ride as long as the animal stays in low gear. Push it to a trot though and I stiffen up like a mesquite branch in a hard freeze. I confess that I am truly a city girl. No escaping that fact. I do own a pair of boots but they are five years old. Unless I have some mid-life growth spurt, they will last me until I face the grave. I am strong enough to heft a bale of hay, but not because I’ve ever done so. Those back muscles come from a pristinely clean fitness facility with gym rats wearing fancy workout clothes. My nails and cuticles are in much too nice shape to ever convince anyone that I might have scrubbed out a stock tank or helped deliver a foal. Yet, I love to escape the hectic pace of my urban life and pretend I am a rural cattle queen or high falutin’ horse rancher. As the old song goes, “The stars at night Are big and bright, Deep in the Heart of Texas” and I thrill to see them glitter in the black night sky. I love standing on the edge of a mountain (not a mountain by Colorado standards, but by, let’s say, Dallas standards) where I can see for miles – nothing but hills and trees and patches of pasture dotted with cattle or goats or horses. The verses from Psalm 50:10-12 seems to sum up that view: For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine … for the world is mine, and all that is in it. Honestly, I jump at the sound of deer tromping through the trees at night when I let the dog out. I rush back in the warm cabin when I hear coyotes yapping in the not too distant woods. I stay on the trails and rutted roads so as to not get lost when I go for a mid-day hike. I’m a city slicker and a country chicken. But the God I serve and worship from this hilltop sanctuary reminds me that this world – His earth – is in the palm of his hand. The 30 some-odd ornery longhorns eyeing me on my morning walk are a drop in the bucket of his creation. The birds flitting from feeder to fence that catch my attention and thrill my heart – he knows every feather of their wing and their chirp by heart. He knows all that and more and yet loves me beyond comprehension. He did not allow his only Son to die or send his Holy Spirit for those lumbering cattle or flighty feathered ones. He did all that and more for me. His hand of protection and his heart of love extend to me whether I’m safe in my seat-belted, security-system-ed city life or way out in the midst of this wide-open wilderness. I will return today to the traffic, the voice mail, a high-speed internet and infomercial life. It will be back to a ringing phone, a hungry washing machine, and the standard demands of family time. But after these few days away, I will take back with me the memory of those cattle on a thousand hills as well as the mind’s eye view of the rugged scenery and pleasant pastures. My citified stroll through the mall and my favorite well stocked grocery store will be tinged for a while with a bit of cowgirl swagger. Most important though, I will carry with me the reminder that God in His infinite creativity and immense love for humanity made this remarkable world for me to enjoy. He set up his system of creation and creature to rattle me from my self-imposed busyness and refresh my heart. There may be oh so many cattle on thousands and thousands of hills, but there is only one you … and only one me. And God’s love for us is as immeasurable as the shades of color in a Texas sunset. About the author: Amy C. Baker is an author and speaker. She’s a former human resources executive at Dell and now a full time wife, mom, author and communications consultant. Her first two books, Slow Dancing on Death’s Door and Seven Lessons for Career Success. She’s also recorded an audio CD of drive time devotionals. For more information on her ministry and the passion that fuels it, see www.amycbaker.com