Creating a Heart of Gratitude

One of the most powerful emotions is gratitude. If we can find ways to be thankful and grateful throughout our life, we will find the power and emotional strength to walk through some of life’s hardest seasons.

It's not always easy to find ways to be thankful and grateful. But, one of the things Scripture teaches us throughout the Psalms is that there is always something to be grateful for.

The Psalms teach us various songs and poems for every season of our life. But more than that, they also teach us how to cultivate a heart of gratitude and worship towards God.

We belong to a God who loves us and cares deeply for us. God’s love and goodness will never end. Psalm 100:5 praises God for these things:

"For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."

Through Psalms like this, we can begin to build a habit of gratitude towards God and all that He has done. We can thank God for what He has done in our lives, what He is currently doing, and what He will do in the future as we follow after Him.

Because God is always good, loving, and faithful, there is always something we can be grateful for—even in the midst of difficult seasons of life.

Take a few moments today to strengthen the habit of gratitude in your life.

- First, begin by thanking God for who He is: that He is good, faithful, and loving towards you.
- Next, thank God for all that He has done. Thank Him for the good things in your life, and that He has walked with you through the hard times.
- Lastly, thank God for all He will continue to do in the days and years to come. He is trustworthy!

THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT ETERNITY
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:19–20 
A Christian father who was terminally ill called his three sons to his bedside. To his two sons who were believers, he said, “Goodbye, my sons. I will see you in the morning.”
Turning to his third son, he simply and sadly said, “Goodbye, my son.” 
The young man was deeply disturbed. He said, “Father, why is it you said to my brothers, ‘I will see you in the morning,’ and you only said to me, ‘Goodbye, my son’? Why didn’t you say you would see me in the morning, too?” 
His father replied, “Son, you have never asked Jesus Christ into your heart to be your Savior and Lord. And that is what breaks my heart the most. I will never see you again.”
That son began to ask his father how he could be saved, how he could see his father again. His father told him how.
The son prayed and received Christ into his life. Then his father said, “Now our family will be together in eternity.” 
That can happen for everyone who has put their faith in Christ.
It will be a great reunion one day in the future. But what does the unbeliever have to look forward to? Judgment after death and a miserable, empty life on earth.
There might be some fun in sin—for a while. But payday comes.
The hard truth about eternal life is found in the apostle Paul’s words in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death” (NLT). 
That’s why believers are called to share the gospel far and wide, as the Christian father in the story did with his son.
In what’s known as the Great Commission, Jesus gave His followers these instructions: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20 NLT). 
Eternal life is the hope believers cling to when the things of this life start to overwhelm us.
There’s a reason that John 3:16 is perhaps the best-known passage in all of Scripture. Jesus’ words to Nicodemus still resonate powerfully today: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (NLT). 
If you do not commit your life to Christ, ultimately you will look back on your life and realize that you wasted it. But don’t wait until the end of your life to figure that out. Figure it out now. 
God bless you

1. The Body of the Word is the ability of the Father to birth the new and hidden revelations of himself.

2. The Body of the Word as the food of the Father is the necessity of the Father.

3. The future of the Father on earth and in the hearts of people is hinged on him birthing the hidden revelations of himself on earth.

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OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST 2026

TOPIC: FEAR GOD, PART 1

MEMORIZE:
"But the Lord your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies." 2 Kings 17:39 (KJV)

BIBLE READING: PSALM 112:1-9
1 Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

5 A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

6 Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.

8 His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.

9 He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

MESSAGE:
The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10); therefore, anyone who does not fear God is not wise. He is a Consuming Fire (Hebrews 12:29), and those who do not fear Him are truly foolish because even a mad dog fears fire. Psalm 111:10 also means that those who fear God become wise.

Apart from wisdom, however, there are many other benefits to fearing God, and today's Bible reading outlines many of them. One of the benefits is that the seed of a person who fears God will be mighty upon the earth (Psalm 112:2). That same verse also tells us that the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Psalm 112:3 says that you will have access to wealth and riches when you fear God. Also, Psalm 112:7 says that you will not be afraid of evil tidings. People who fear God do not need to be afraid of anything because He will deliver them out of the hands of all their enemies and everything that can harm them.

Those who do not fear God will find it easy to commit sins, and this can bring a curse upon them and their descendants. For example, Gehazi's lack of fear for the Lord caused him and his descendants to become carriers of the leprosy that was previously upon Naaman (2 Kings 5:20-27). Whenever a person acts in a way that shows that he or she does not fear God, such a person robs his or her children of the opportunity to be great and exposes them to curses rather than blessings.

Joab was another person whose lack of fear for the Lord brought curses upon his lineage. In (2 Samuel 3:27-29), the Bible details how he tricked Abner and murdered him in cold blood. When David heard about it, he placed a curse on Joab's lineage that sicknesses, leprosy, poverty, weakness, and untimely death would befall Joab's family and his descendants. People who do not fear God purchase trouble for their children.

Beloved, if you want your future and that of your children to be glorious, you need to have the fear of God in you. If you're going to have peace of mind in your old age, you must fear God. The reason I am sure that my tomorrow and those of my children will be alright is that I fear the Lord. I pray that your life and those of your descendants will be filled with blessings and not curses, in Jesus' name.

KEY POINT:
The fear of the Lord guarantees God's blessings for you and your lineage.

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR:
EZEKIEL 5 - 8

HYMNAL 7 - I AM THINE O LORD
1 I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
and it told Thy love to me;
but I long to rise in the arms of faith,
and be closer drawn to Thee.

REFRAIN:
Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
to the cross where Thou hast died;
draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
to Thy precious, bleeding side.

2 Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
by the pow'r of grace divine;
let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
and my will be lost in Thine.

[Refrain]

3 O, the pure delight of a single hour
that before Thy throne I spend,
when I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God,
I commune as friend with friend!

[Refrain]

4 There are depths of love that I cannot know
till I cross the narrow sea;
there are heights of joy that I may not reach
till I rest in peace with Thee.

[Refrain]


PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL.
Tuesday 25th August 2026 FEAR GOD, Part 1
‎
‎PRAYER POINTS
1.God of all wisdom and might, the One who made the heavens and earth with no pillars in between; You laid the foundations of the earth that it should not be removed

2.Father, the earth and the fullness thereof is in Your care, and by You we have the fullness of life through Christ Jesus.

3.Father, by Your wisdom You made the sun to rule the day, and the moon and stars to rule the night. The heavens declare Your glory, and the firmament shows Your handywork.

4.Father, please help me to fear You, and to walk in complete obedience to Your word, so I can become wiser, in Jesus' name.

5.Father, please help me to walk in Your fear, so I can be delivered out of the hands of all my enemies, in Jesus' name.

6.Father, please help me to walk in holiness and in Your righteousness so it will become practically impossible for me to commit sin, in Jesus' name.

7.Father, please help me to fear You so I won't miss the opportunity to be great and be exposed to blessings rather than curses, in Jesus' name.

8.Father, please help me not to purchase trouble for my children for lack of fear for You, in Jesus' name.

9.Father, please put Your fear in me so my children and I will have a glorious future, and peace of mind in my old age, and in Jesus' name.

10.Father, please let my life and those of my descendants be filled with blessings and not curses, in Jesus' name.

11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
‎
Help him to abide in Your fear for the rest of his life, till You come again in glory, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name
‎
‎12.Father, please bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, with wisdom and favour. Answer all his prayers beyond measure, and all those who have been broadcasting them, in Jesus' name.
‎
‎13.Father, please let every challenge and temptations, hindrance and obstacles of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name.
‎
‎14.Your personal petitions.
‎(Philippians 4:6)
‎
‎15.In Jesus name I pray.
‎(John 14:13-14; 15:16)
‎
‎#Godblessournation
‎

25-08-2026

The Lord Is My Portion

Lamentations 3:24 (AMP)
“The Lord is my portion and my inheritance,” says my soul; “Therefore I have hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him.”


There are seasons when everything around us seems uncertain. Plans change, people may disappoint us, and circumstances can leave us wondering what tomorrow will bring. Yet in the middle of his sorrow, Jeremiah makes a powerful declaration: “The Lord is my portion.”

A portion is what belongs to you—your inheritance, your provision, your security. Jeremiah was reminding his soul that even when everything else felt unstable, God Himself remained enough.

Our hope is not ultimately found in what we possess, how successful we are, or how comfortable our circumstances may be. Our greatest treasure is the Lord. When He is our portion, we can face uncertain days with confidence because our future rests in His hands.

Notice that the verse says, “Therefore I have hope in Him.” Hope is a choice to trust God's character even when we cannot yet see the outcome. Waiting on God does not mean He has forgotten us. Sometimes the waiting is where He strengthens our faith, deepens our dependence, and teaches us to trust His timing.

Today, remind your soul: God is still my portion. God is still my inheritance. God is still my hope.
Whatever you may be facing, you don't have to have every answer today. You can place your confidence in the One who holds tomorrow.

Prayer
Father, thank You for being my portion and my inheritance. When life feels uncertain, help me remember that I have everything I truly need in You. Teach me to wait patiently and expectantly for Your perfect timing. Strengthen my faith when I cannot see what You are doing. Let my hope remain firmly anchored in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today’s Declaration
The Lord is my portion. He is my hope, my security, and my inheritance. I will trust Him, wait on Him, and believe that He is working even when I cannot see it.

DON'T BE BROUGHT UNDER THE POWER OF ANYTHING

There is nothing wrong with enjoying good things. The problem begins when good things begin controlling you.

Many of us had favourite biscuits when we were younger. Every time you passed the shop, you bought them. Eventually, the excitement disappeared, you moved on. That is how it should be.

Nothing should master you. Whether it is biscuits, soft drinks, noodles or any other habit, learn to stop and ask yourself: "Is this controlling me?"

The issue is not whether something is lawful. The issue is whether it has power over you.

The Bible says: "All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." (1 Corinthians 6:12)

Many unhealthy habits continue simply because people refuse to discipline themselves.

People choose convenience over stewardship. Then, years later, they suffer the consequences.

Your body is God's gift. Take care of it.

Don't keep doing things simply because they are easy. Learn discipline. Learn restraint. Learn to say no.

Freedom is not the ability to do whatever you want. Freedom is the ability to refuse anything that tries to master you.

If a habit has become your master, break it. Don't negotiate with it. Don't excuse it.

Break it for your health. Break it for your future. Break it because you belong to Christ, and nothing but Christ should rule your life.

Shalom!

IT WAS LIKE A DREAM
When God Turns Captivity Into a Testimony
Key Scripture: Psalm 126:1–6
There are times when God transforms your life so profoundly that it feels almost surreal. Psalm 126:1 tells us, “When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.” Some breakthroughs are so remarkable that the pain of yesterday fades into the background. God has the power to shift you from sorrow to joy, from being overlooked to being embraced, from feeling stuck to experiencing growth, and from a long wait to a season of fulfillment.
Take Joseph’s story, for instance. He went from being thrown into a pit to becoming a slave, then from slavery to prison, and finally from prison to the palace (Genesis 37; Genesis 39–41). Just picture waking up one day as a prisoner and realizing that God has set you up to be second in command in Egypt. It must have felt like a dream come true. Similarly, David’s journey was nothing short of miraculous—he went from tending sheep in the fields to reigning as the king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:11–13; 2 Samuel 5:3–4). When God intervenes in your life, He can elevate your status, transform your circumstances, and reshape your future in ways you never saw coming.
Maybe you find yourself in a season where change feels elusive. Your prayers might seem unanswered, doors may appear firmly shut, and your dreams could feel out of reach. But remember, just because things are delayed doesn’t mean they’re denied. God can turn a situation around in an instant. Psalm 126:2 reminds us, “Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing.” The very mouth that once cried can become a source of testimony. The eyes that shed tears can become witnesses to God’s inYour current chapter isn’t the end of your story. Keep planting seeds of faith, keep praying, keep believing, and keep trusting in God. Psalm 126:5 reminds us, “Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.” One day, you might find yourself looking back at those moments of sorrow and saying, “Look at what the Lord has accomplished!” What God is about to do in your life could be so incredible that it’ll be hard to put into words. Your next testimony might be so amazing that all you can say is: IT WAS LIKE A DREAM!
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God who changes our circumstances. We trust that You can turn our tears into laughter, our sadness into joy, and our bondage into freedom.
Lord, please remember everyone who is waiting for a breakthrough. Shift their situations according to Your perfect plan. Open doors that no one can close, restore what has been lost, and bring hope where disappointment has taken root.
Father, let our stories be so extraordinary that we will know for sure it was Your hand at work. May those who have seen our struggles also witness Your unwavering faithfulness.
We declare that our season is shifting. Tears will transform into testimonies, waiting will lead to fulfillment, and what seems impossible will become a testament to Your power. Soon, we will look back and say, “It was like a dream!”
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

*TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - TUESDAY, 25TH AUGUST, 2026.*

*ONLY BELIEVE!*

Scripture:
“And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.” — Mark 5:37 (KJV)

*Reflection – Stay Close to Jesus When Faith Is Tested*

Mark 5:37 comes in the middle of the story of Jairus, whose daughter was critically ill. Jairus had come to Jesus believing that Jesus could help. But as they journeyed, the situation became even worse.

Jesus strategically chose only Peter, James, and John among the twelve disciples to accompany Him as He continued toward Jairus' house. You may what to ask why the three among the twelve? This Show us that even among the elected or selected there are favourites and disciples who are more closer to Jesus than the others. Are you among the inner circle of Jesus?

Immediately after this, Jesus would challenge the atmosphere of fear and unbelief with the powerful command:

“Be not afraid, only believe.” — Mark 5:36

The lesson is powerful: when circumstances become more difficult, stay close to Jesus.

There will be moments when circumstances appear to contradict what you have prayed for. There may be voices telling you that your situation is finished, your opportunity is gone, or your dream is impossible.

But Jesus is still present.

Today, choose carefully whose voice you listen to. Stay close to Christ. Let faith speak louder than fear, and let God's promises speak louder than discouraging reports.

*Prophetic Declaration:*
Today, I declare that I will remain close to Jesus Christ regardless of what happens around me. I shall not allow fear, bad reports, disappointment, or the opinions of people to separate me from my faith in God.

I declare that when circumstances become difficult, my faith shall become stronger. When the situation appears impossible, I will remember that nothing is impossible with God.

I reject every voice of hopelessness, fear, confusion, and discouragement that tells me to give up. I choose to listen to the voice of Jesus, who calls me to trust Him.

Today, I declare faith over fear in every area of my life.

I proclaim faith over my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, finances, plans, and destiny. May God's power and wisdom guide me through every difficult circumstance.

I declare that no negative report shall become the final report over my life. I will not make permanent conclusions based on temporary circumstances.

Today, I receive grace to wait for God's intervention even when I cannot see how He will make a way. I shall not run ahead of God because of fear, and I shall not abandon my faith because of delay.

I declare that every situation that appears beyond human possibility is placed in the hands of the God who has ultimate authority over life and every circumstance.

I proclaim that the Lord shall give me discernment concerning the voices I allow into my heart. May He surround me with people who strengthen my faith, encourage my walk with Christ, and speak wisdom into my life.

I declare that my faith shall not be based merely on what I see. I shall walk by faith and trust God's character even when I do not understand His process.

Today, I refuse to surrender my hope. I refuse to call dead what God has not called dead. I refuse to give up on what God has instructed me to continue pursuing.

I will not be afraid.
I will believe.
I will remain close to Jesus.
I will trust God's timing.
I will wait for His word to prevail.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!

*Action Steps for today:*
Begin with faith: Thank God before you present your requests, remembering that He is greater than every challenge.

Read Mark 5:21–43: Pay particular attention to Jesus' words to Jairus in verse 36: “Be not afraid, only believe.”

Declare: “I will not be afraid. I will believe. Jesus has the final word over my situation.”

Guard your atmosphere: Be intentional about the voices, conversations, and content you allow to influence your faith.

Surrender one impossible situation: Give it completely to Jesus and refuse to carry it through anxiety.

Take one step of faith: Continue doing what God has placed in your hands, even if the final result is not yet visible.

End with worship: Thank God for His presence and trust Him with the outcome.

*Prayer:*
Heavenly Father,
Thank You because You are greater than every situation I may face.

Lord Jesus, help me to remain close to You when my faith is tested. When I hear discouraging reports, remind me of Your promises. When fear rises, remind me of Your power.

Deliver me from the fear of bad news, delay, disappointment, and uncertainty. Give me grace to believe You even when circumstances appear impossible.

I surrender my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, plans, and future into Your hands.

Lord, give me wisdom to know which voices to listen to and which ones to reject. Surround me with people who strengthen my faith and help me remain focused on You.

Where I am tempted to give up, give me strength to continue. Where I am tempted to fear, give me courage to believe.

Help me not to judge Your ability by my circumstances. Teach me to trust Your wisdom, Your power, and Your timing.

I choose faith over fear. I choose hope over despair. I choose to remain close to Jesus.

Let Your perfect will be accomplished in my life.

In Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

*Blessing for today:*
May the Lord strengthen your faith today and silence every voice of fear and discouragement.

May you remain close to Jesus through every season. When circumstances become difficult, may His presence give you courage; when the road becomes uncertain, may His Word give you direction.

May the Lord protect your family, establish your ministry, bless your work and business, guide your studies, and order every step of your destiny according to His perfect will.

May no temporary situation make you abandon your confidence in God.

Fear not.
Only believe.
Stay close to Jesus.
Trust His timing.
Expect His faithfulness.

“BE NOT AFRAID, ONLY BELIEVE.” — MARK 5:36

May your faith remain strong, your heart remain peaceful, and your eyes remain fixed on Jesus today.

Good morning beloved and do have a blessed and victorious day Shalom!

*Remember: Your confession is your possession.*

*Postulant C. O. Oyadosu.*

_Please share with others, thank you and God bless you _

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Tuesday, 25th August, 2026

TITLE: "FAITH THAT OVERCOMES: BELIEVE GOD BEYOND YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES"

ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S)

1 John 5:4 (KJV) "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."

Mark 9:23 (KJV) "Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth."

QUOTE TO REFLECT ON

"Faith does not deny the problem; it believes that God is greater than the problem."

DAY'S REFLECTION

Every believer will encounter situations that appear bigger than human ability. There may be closed doors, financial difficulties, family challenges, opposition, disappointment, or circumstances that make the future uncertain. Yet God's Word teaches us that faith gives us victory over what seeks to overwhelm us.

John declares in 1 John 5:4, "whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world." To overcome means to prevail, conquer, or gain victory over an opposing force. The verse does not say that God's children will never face difficulties. Rather, it assures us that the difficulties of this world do not have the final authority over those who belong to God.

The Scripture identifies the means of this victory: "even our faith." Faith is confident trust in God and His Word. It means believing God's character and promises even when circumstances have not yet changed.

In Mark 9:23, Jesus says, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." This statement was made in the context of a desperate father seeking help for his son. Jesus was teaching that faith places our impossible situations into the hands of an unlimited God.

However, biblical faith is not a formula for getting everything we desire. It is not simply believing that something will happen because we want it. True faith trusts God Himself—His power, wisdom, goodness, and perfect will. Faith says, "Lord, I believe You can, and I trust You to do what is right."

Life experience teaches us that fear grows when we focus exclusively on the size of our problems. Faith grows when we deliberately focus on the greatness of God. The same situation can look completely different depending on where our attention is directed.

Therefore, when challenges arise, do not allow fear to become the loudest voice in your heart. Take your concerns to God. Stand upon His Word. Pray with confidence. Continue obeying Him even when the answer has not yet appeared.

Your faith may be tested, but do not abandon it. The God you trust is greater than the circumstance you face.

Today, choose to believe God beyond what your eyes can see.

MEDITATION SCRIPTURE(S)

Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV) "For we walk by faith, not by sight."

LIFE LESSONS (IMPLICATIONS)

1. Faith gives believers strength to overcome worldly challenges.

2. What we see is not always the final reality of what God can do.

3. Faith requires trust in God's character, not merely confidence in a desired outcome.

4. Difficult circumstances should drive us closer to God rather than away from Him.

5. Prayer, God's Word, and obedience strengthen our faith.

6. Nothing is impossible for God, but we must trust His perfect will and timing.

EVERYDAY ACTION

When a challenge arises today, replace fear with prayer and deliberately remind yourself of God's power and faithfulness.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, strengthen my faith to overcome every challenge. Help me trust You beyond what I see and believe that You are able to do what is impossible. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DECLARATION

I am born of God, and I overcome the world through faith. I will not be ruled by fear or circumstances. I believe in the power of God, trust His Word, and walk confidently in faith. Amen.

Devotion by

Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo
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Daily devotion for August 25th
How To Celebrate
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres.

Nehemiah 12:27
It is proper to dedicate. And it is proper also to celebrate when God has brought us to a place of achievement. The Holy Spirit has been careful to include in this account the three aspects that make up true celebration. One of the primary elements of true celebration is the expression of joy. It is amazing to me how many Christians never appear to be joyful. They are always gloomy and grim. I am reminded of what a little girl said upon seeing a mule for the first time: I don't know what you are, but you must be a Christian because you look just like Grandpa! There are a lot of long-faced Christians around. There are times of sorrow and sadness, of course, but Christians ought frequently to exude a sense of joy because they have something to be joyful about. Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is liking the present moment because it pleases us. But joy is much deeper and more long-range. Joy appreciates the past, the present, and the future, not because the circumstances are pleasing, but because the heart is right with God. These people were happy because the wall was finished. But they were joyful because God had helped them to finish it. Aware of God's love and acceptance, they therefore were joyful.

There is another clue hidden in this paragraph that tells us what celebration should be based on. Verse 30 tells us that purification is necessary to celebrate. You cannot do it with a hypocritical heart. It becomes a festival of empty words. Many people seem to be afraid of this word purity. They think it describes a self-righteous kind of person. But purification in the Christian life stems from the same philosophy that motivates us when we wash dishes. You do not set your table with dirty dishes, do you? God does not do His work with dirty vessels! We need a periodic cleansing of our lives and hearts. In the New Testament, it is a simple process. It is not by ritual but by confessing our faults and believing that God has forgiven them. Confess your sins. Then believe that God cleanses you, that He forgives you, that He has restored you to His favor. This is what fills the heart with joy.

There is still a third element in this that is found in verse 31. Thankfulness is always part of true celebration. These people were thankful. Are we properly thankful? Do we give thanks every day to God for the blessings we are enjoying at the moment? We are so trained by the media to grumble and complain, to insist on something we do not have, to focus on that instead of on all we do have. One of the first signs of a growing, maturing spirit in young Christians is that they begin to give thanks to God for what He has poured into their life; for the opportunities that are before them; and for the present blessings and liberties that they do enjoy. So there are the elements that make up celebration: joyfulness, purity, and thanksgiving.

Lord, forgive me for so often forgetting all that I have to celebrate. Teach me to celebrate all You have done for me with joy, purity, and thanksgiving.