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Always. Never. Be.

November 30, 2024 Cathleen Zahradnik

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT

 Here in the U.S. November reminds us to be thankful. You may think I chose the verse above due to the Thanksgiving holiday. You are partially right but not completely. I have had a weekly reminder of this verse popping up on my phone since January of this year.

My word for the year has been Joy. In January I chose some verses to support that theme and help me meditate on the meaning of Joy in my life so that I can apply it. I am still trying to distill the lessons that meditation has taught me. Do you mind if I process with you?

This verse helps me know a few things about Joy.

Joy is a choice. I can always choose to be joyful.  2024 America is a feelings-based culture. Advertising is designed to appeal to our feelings. People often disregard logic and make decisions based on feelings. Their logic boils down to the conclusion that feelings affirm what is true. But feelings aren’t always a good indicator of truth. That’s what makes the Word of God so important. Like a compass in the hands of a ship’s navigator, we need something to keep us headed in the right direction when we can’t see. A compass always points north. Always.

You and I can choose joy because God never changes. I can choose joy because I know what is true. He is. He was. He ever shall be. And I get to walk through it all with the One who never changes regardless of my feelings. I can choose joy. And so can you.

Joy results when I bring my concerns to God in prayer.  I can choose to never stop praying.

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Tags joy, thankful, prayer, process, peace
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September 5, 2026
Do You Believe?
September 5, 2026

“For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”Romans 4:3 NLT

How do you handle the inevitable uncertain circumstances in your life? Believe it or not, your response says a lot about what you believe about God.

I’ve recognized that my response is usually to try to get more information about the situation. I search the internet for possible causes or solutions. I try to understand the people involved and reason out why they are acting the way they do. Understanding and information make me feel more like I have a handle on the uncertainty. Information makes me feel like I have some control. But do I? Not really.

What does that say about what I believe about God? Do I really believe that He is in control and working for my good if I feel like I need to be in control? Do I really believe that He loves me and is for me? There must be some doubt about that. Time for some self-reflection!

I’ve been thinking about Abraham. He is referred to as the father of those who have faith (Romans 4:11-17). What makes him an example of faith to follow for you and me?

The Scripture says that he believed God, and God counted that as righteousness, in right relationship with Him. (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3)

If that is the example, then what can we learn from Abraham’s belief?

I’ve been asking myself some questions.

What made Abraham believe God? What made Him choose to believe what God had spoken to Him and to go without knowing where he was going? My conclusion is that Abraham believed God because of what He believed about God. What did he believe about God?

Read more →
September 5, 2026