Pure Joy Bible Reading Challenge Summary Week 3

This morning I meditated on today’s Pure Joy Bible reading passage just a little longer than usual. Since we began this topical Bible reading plan at the beginning of the month, I’ve felt challenged due to circumstances beyond my control. For two days my kitchen was out of commission due to water damage. I received two unexpected, unanticipated bills.  My special needs daughter, Taylor, had a seizure the first week of the challenge and now again this week. One of Taylor’s caregivers, special to our family, lost a grandchild. My sister-in-law and brother-in-law are undergoing major transitions to their home as the result of an accident. And this week, my hometown of Richwood, WV has been flooded, causing severe extensive damage, including my sister’s garage burning down and my father’s business office of over 45 years being destroyed. Honestly, I believe that Satan has never wanted to steal my joy more than now, when I’m leading a Bible reading challenge on pure joy.

I will be honest and tell you that I cried for my dad,family and hometown yesterday. Then my niece posted a pic of my dad and brother-in-law this morning.

See those smiles? Yep, you can’t steal pure joy. Even when your livelihood gets pulled down the bank or washed down the river. Because joy comes from within. Not without.

Check out the passages from the Pure Joy Bible reading challenge summary week 3.

Galatians 5:22-26

Joy- a fruit of the Spirit. When we as Christians walk in the Spirit and are in sync with his will and ways, JOY floods our souls and cannot be contained!#purejoy #biblereading

Psalm 92:1-8

Whenever I’m struggling to see God’s works, I get outdoors and observe nature. And to think that the One who holds the seas in place holds my heart? Astounding. #purejoy #biblereading

Philippians 2:1-11

I’ve said it multiple times but this month’s Bible reading plan , #purejoy, has personally challenged me each day. There is no doubt in my mind that Satan often steals our joy by causing disunity and strife, whether in families, small groups, circles of Christian friends, churches, or communities. Encouragement comes from Christ. Love brings comfort. Sympathy stems from the Holy Spirit. Unity brings joy.#biblereading

Man. Paul knows how to issue a throwdown!

1 Thessalonians 1:4-10

When we encounter affliction, joy is always available to us through the Word and the Holy Spirit. Today’s #purejoy#biblereading passage provides inspiration to be examples of joy even in the midst of heartache. I’m working on it! You too?

James 1:1-6

Count it all joy because of the perseverance and faithfulness developing. Another passage to reflect on deeply today! #purejoy #biblereading

Jude 1:20-25

For every time the thought crosses your mind today that you aren’t good enough, strong enough, just “enough”, what if you replaced it with “Now to him…”? Because he presents you before the throne of God with pure joy, as a blameless daughter of the King. What if we let His joy in us sink into our hearts? Pondering today. #purejoy #biblereading

Psalm 84:1-7

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, Lift up your voice and sing Eternal hallelujahs To Jesus Christ the King! The Hope of all who seek Him, The Help of all who find,
None other is so loving, So good and kind. He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart. – Alfred Ackley, 1933 Love that hymn! #purejoy#biblereading

And there’s a summary of our Pure Joy Scripture reading this week. Did you have a favorite? Let’s move forward in joy for another week!

By his grace,

Rachel

Resources:

Pure Joy Bible Reading Plan

Pure Joy Bible Reading Challenge Week 1 Summary

Joy Journal Printable

Pure Joy Bible Reading Challenge Week 2 Summary