Wrap Yourself in Joy Podcast

By Karen DwyerSociety & Culture Religion & Spirituality Christianity Education Relationships How To

Wrap Yourself in Joy Podcast episodes

December 23, 2023Perplexed? Exchange Your Plans for God’s Plans! – A Joy-Filled Advent #5
Perplexed. Exchange Your Plans for God’s Plans
Perplexed? Exchange Your Plans for God’s Plans!
Do you find changing plans perplexing? Mary and Joseph changed their plans often as they listened to God. Why not ask God to help you lean into change? God can help you most when you are willing to exchange your plans for God’s plans!
Advent JOY
Welcome to Advent JOY Podcast #5, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events, and Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ. Today, we travel with Matthew’s Gospel, meet some unexpected members of Jesus’ ancestry, and hear of Joseph’s dream and his faithfulness to Mary. Matthew fills us in on details of Mary’s return home to her betrothed Joseph after she visits Elizabeth.
The Family Record (Mathew 1: 1-7, 16-17)
So, we start with Matthew 1. At the time of Jesus, families kept a genealogical record (or family tree) to distribute inherited property and other rights under Jewish laws.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI points out that Matthew 1 is not a perfect historical account that includes every single member of the ancestry of Jesus Christ, saying: ”This was not Matthew’s goal.“ (Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives, 2012, p. 8).
Matthew wrote to appeal to the Jews by placing Jesus first and foremost as the Son of Abraham—the Patriarch and Father of Israel promised as part of an everlasting covenant with God (Genesis 17: 6-7), and as the Son of David—the priestly King of Israel, whose ancestors were prophesied to reign forever (2 Samuel: 7:13).
Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba in the Lineage of Jesus
Jewish lineages, at the time of Christ, usually did not contain names of women. Christ’s ancestry lists five women in Matthew 1. Of course, we would expect the Blessed Virgin Mary to be named. But there were four others listed—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba who came from foreign ancestry or had a reputation for immorality that could have disqualified them from inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ. All were Gentile women who turned away from immoralities or idolatries to become faithful to God in their circumstances.
Even if your past life or “family tree” seems dishonorable, Jesus offers you forgiveness, grace, mercy, and a new beginning when you turn to Him. You are part of the family of God, and every day you can have a new life in Christ. Hebrews 2: 11: G”od is not ashamed to call them [or you] brothers and sisters.”
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI wrote on the deeper meaning of the genealogies of Jesus and said:“[T]hose who believe in Jesus enter through faith into Jesus’ unique new origin, and they receive this origin as their own…Joseph did not beget Jesus but was truly born of the Holy Spirit from the Virgin Mary, so it can now be said of us that our true ‘genealogy’ is faith in Jesus who gives us a new origin and …to birth ‘from God” (Jesus of Nazareth, p. 12-13).
Found with Child (Matthew 1: 18-25)
Dreams were a common way God communicated with His people in the Old Testament. Joseph did not hesitate in his response to the angel in the dream. He trusted God to work everything out. He willingly exchanged his plans for God’s plans. We could say he leaned into God’s plans.
Joseph, from the tribe of Judah and the house of David, a carpenter by trade, became the legal head of this precious family (Abbott Ricciotti, The Life of Christ, 1947). Joseph is a role model to families—looking for God’s plans and leaning into them. This was the beginning of Joseph’s mission for life. Some have said it this way, Joseph was born for this vocation — to be the father of Jesus and Mary’s most chaste spouse. Like Mary, Joseph said “yes” to his vocation. His entire happiness was in knowing what God wanted him to do and carrying it out to the end ( Fernandez, Conversation with God, Vol. 1, 1997). He was devoted to God and his family.
Our Response
Lean into God’s Plans. Can you picture Joseph’s perplexity when his plans suddenly changed? He was likely building the house, planning the wedding, or earning extra money for the marriage, but he was unprepared to hear Mary’s announcement. Then God gave him more direction through an angel in a dream. He leaned in the changes. You can ask yourself: Am I open to changing my plans to fit God’s plan? Talk to Jesus about how you can stay open to God’s plans. What changes can you lean into?
Accept Your Place in God’s Family. If you feel unworthy or unqualified to be part of God’s family, remember Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth. These women changed direction to follow God, joined God’s family, and are part of the lineage of Jesus. It is not too late for your family to come to God. Ask Jesus to forgive you and your family. Ask him to help you change directions. Then do what he tells you.
Links
Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one: A Joy-filled Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. For more information, please email [email protected]
You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from A Joy-filled Advent Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here for the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
The post Perplexed? Exchange Your Plans for God’s Plans! – A Joy-Filled Advent #5 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
15 min
December 21, 2023Needing Calm? Seek Stillness with God! - A JOY-Filled Advent #4
Zechariah writes, His Name is John!
Needing Calm? Seek Stillness with God!
Do you need more calm in your life? Today, Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness and shows us the joyous blessings. Stillness with God will do the same for you this Advent, giving you more joy and peace!
Advent JOY & the Celebration at Zechariah’s Home
Welcome to Advent JOY Podcast #4, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events, and Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ.
Today, we are going to a celebration at Zechariah’s home. It’s the circumcision and naming of his newborn boy. Can’t you picture yourself as one of the neighbors who has come to help name the baby born to the old priest Zechariah and his aged wife, Elizabeth? Can you hear yourself say:
“This must be some child—a miracle baby! What a blessing from the Lord for Elizabeth! Zechariah is mute since the last time he went up to serve in the temple.” Join the podcast as we cover these exciting points:
The Circumcision and the Sacrament of Baptism (Luke 1: 56-59)
The neighbors come to celebrate the birth and help with the circumcision.
Circumcision is a rite by God under the Old Covenant, usually performed on the 8th day after birth. It was a mark on a male and a sign that he was in covenant with God, sanctified for divine service, and a member of the Jewish people.
Under the New Covenant, circumcision is not a religious ritual for us (Galatians 5: 6).
The circumcision ritual is similar to the Sacrament of Baptism, celebrated with family, friends, and godparents.
For the Christian, baptism is a sign one belongs to Christ, is united with Him in His death, and is incorporated into the Church (Hahn, Catholic Bible Dictionary).
The Neighbors Want to Name the Baby Zechariah (Luke 1: 60-66)
Zechariah confirms that His name is JOHN.
Immediately, Zechariah’s mouth was open, and his tongue was freed.
Zechariah’s Silent Retreat Results in Joyous Benedictus Blessings (Luke 1: 67-79)
Zechariah grew in faith, peace, and trust in stillness with God.
Benedictus means Blessed be..the Lord.
Zechariah’s prophecy is called a canticle, which means “little song”- a liturgical song from a Biblical text.
Zechariah thanks God for the promises to be fulfilled in the Messiah and for His Son John, who would go before the Lord to prepare His way, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by forgiving their sins.
Responding to the Scripture
Seek God in stillness. Choose a quiet morning or evening during Advent. Turn off all media and be present with the Lord in adoration, prayer, and Scripture. Sit with God and LISTEN. You may find a new vision, peace, and a deeper relationship with God – the one He wants with you.
Let God redeem you. If you are living in any darkness or carrying baggage, Jesus wants to carry your baggage, forgive your sins, and give you peace. “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Links
Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies one of the podcast series, especially this one: A Joy-filled Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. For information, please email [email protected]
You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from A Joy-filled Advent Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here for the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
The post Needing Calm? Seek Stillness with God! – A JOY-Filled Advent #4 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
15 min
December 15, 2023The Visitation & JOY of Fellowship – A JOY-Filled Advent #3
Today, we witness the visitation of Mary and the Joy of fellowship. Do you need more JOY in your life? Who doesn’t? Advent is the perfect time to receive and share more JOY with others! Mary and Elizabeth will show us how.
Join us today as we travel with Mary 90 miles to the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth. We will drop in on a special meeting of hearts to partake in the delight, the prayer, and the JOY of Fellowship.
The Advent JOY Podcast
Welcome to A JOY-Filled Advent Podcast #3, based on my book The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. Last week, we heard how God supernaturally begot the Son of God in the Virgin Mary and gave an old woman, Elizabeth, past her time conceiving a child. We discovered any barrenness in life can become a breakthrough! “For nothing is impossible with God!”
Advent JOY in the Hill Country
Today, we travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country of Judea, near Jerusalem. We will drop in on Mary’s visit to her old cousin Elizabeth. Both women are expecting, rejoicing over the births to come, and thrilled to see each other. Join the podcast today as we cover these exciting points:
The Visitation – Leaping for JOY (Luke 1: 39-45)
John the Baptist leaps for Joy
Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaims words of JOY.
Mary praises and skips with JOY.
Jesus is always joy-filled—even in the womb!
The JOY of Fellowship – God Knows Our Need (Luke 1: 31-33)
Fellowship in the Scriptures is translated from New Testament Greek Koinonia, occurring 20 times in the New Testament.
Elizabeth brought out Mary’s JOY, and Mary brought out Elizabeth’s JOY. True fellowship strengthens and encourages faith.
Elizabeth praises Mary for believing Gabriel.
The Holy Spirit reveals the presence of Jesus in Mary’s womb to Elizabeth.
The Magnificat – Mary’s Song of Praise (Luke 1: 46-56)
Magnificat was the first word in Luke 1: 46 found in St. Jerome’s Latin translation of the Bible (4th-century common language of the people) and it means “my soul magnifies.”
The Magnificat is a canticle – a liturgical song from a Biblical text.
The Magnificat shows Mary’s love for Scripture. She knew the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) well.
The Magnificat reflects themes from many Old Testament Scriptures – the powerful arm of God, His mercy to all, His justice and faithfulness, and His care for the poor and afflicted (e.g., 1 Samuel 2:1-10 and Psalm 34:2, 35: 9, 103: 17, 107: 9, 132: 11, 138: 6).
Three Months of Sharing Hearts
We can only imagine the comfort Mary and Elizabeth must have been to each other. They talked of the Scriptures to be fulfilled because they knew well the promises regarding the Messiah and the one who would precede Him. They shared the stories about Gabriel as his message had changed each of their lives. They would have known of Gabriel’s former visitations and announcements recorded in Daniel 9.
Advent Application
We can respond to these verses of JOY shared between Mary and Elizabeth by 1) Asking God for Advent JOY (He wants to give us His JOY), 2) Rejoicing in God’s goodness, 3) Preserving a quiet time for prayer, and 4) Sharing JOY with others, especially during Advent. God has JOY for YOU.
Links
Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies one of the podcast series, especially this one: A Joy-filled Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers.
Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. For information, please email [email protected]
You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from A Joy-filled Advent Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
The post The Visitation & JOY of Fellowship – A JOY-Filled Advent #3 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
16 min
December 09, 2023“For Nothing Is Impossible with God" - A JOY-Filled ADVENT # 2
A Joy-Filled Advent The Annunciation- Nothing is Impossible with God
JOY in Nazareth
Welcome to A JOY-filled Advent, Podcast #2. It’s based on my book The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. Last week we met the Archangel Gabriel, who appeared to Zechariah in the temple after 430 years of silence from heaven. When Zechariah disbelieved his announcement, Gabriel gave him a 9-month silent retreat. This week, we follow Luke 1: 26 to a small town in Galilee, the hometown of Mary and Joseph, to hear another announcement called The Annunciation in the Catholic Church. Join our journey today as we visit Mary, hear of a Savior to be born, and learn that “nothing is impossible with God.”
Another Message from Gabriel (Luke 1: 26-30)
The powerful Archangel Gabriel brings the second announcement– this time to a young girl in Nazareth.
This most important heavenly Annunciation comes to a girl in a remote village where you might least expect it to occur. BUT God causes miracles to happen in the most unlikely and even ungodly places when people are open to Him.
The recipient of the Great Annunciation is Mary, a virgin teenager, engaged to Joseph in the lineage of David, which points to the Old Testament prophesies soon to be fulfilled.
Jesus Name by His Heavenly Father (Luke 1: 31-33)
The Baby would be named Jesus, Yeshua in Hebrew and derived from Yahweh – the Most Holy Name of God in the Old Testament. The message is clear: Yahweh God would name His son Yeshua after Himself.
Truly, Jesus would be the Son of God and fulfill Isaiah 7: 14: Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel (God with us).
Mary’s Fiat (Luke 1: 34-38)
“Fiat” is the first word of Luke 1: 38 in the early Latin Bible translation and it means “let it be.” This was Mary’s “YES.”
Mary received the Word of God, surrendered, and entrusted herself and her life to God’s will. Mary gives us this example of how to seek and accept God’s will: Listen, Dialogue with God, and Surrender.
God’s Power
Some may find it hard to believe in the virgin birth. But the virgin birth and incarnation are essential parts of our Christian faith.
The incarnation means God became man, reaching out to mankind. In no other religion does God “become flesh” (John 1: 14), “accept the limitations of humanity,” come to earth to show His love, and then die for the sins of all (Fulton Sheen, 1958, Life of Christ, p. 19). St. Augustine says that when we cannot understand this miracle, “Let us grant that God can do something which we confess we cannot fathom. God is the God of the impossible!” (John Willis, 2002, Teachings of the Church Fathers).
For example, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli told God he felt barren in his old age and then received a great miracle!
If you are unsure about God’s power to accomplish miracles or significant changes in your own life, consider this: If God can supernaturally beget the Son of God in a virgin and give an old woman Elizabeth, past her time of conceiving a child, God can fix the barrenness in your life too. If you feel unproductive or barren, ask the Holy Spirit to come upon you in new ways and to open new doors where least expected. He will give you a breakthrough! “For nothing is impossible with God!”
Links
Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies one of the podcast series, especially this one: A Joy-filled Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers.
Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small groups. For information, please email [email protected]
You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from A Joy-filled Advent Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
The post “For Nothing Is Impossible with God” – A JOY-Filled ADVENT # 2 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
15 min
November 30, 2023God Hears & God Answers; Don’t Give Up Hope – A JOY-Filled Advent #1
God Hear & God Answers
Are you waiting for an answer to prayer, or are you about to give up hope? Join us today as Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Gabriel teach us this lesson: Don’t give up hope – God hears & God answers prayer.
The celebration of ADVENT often surprises me because it comes so quickly. How about you? It was just fall, then Thanksgiving, and then within a week, it’s Advent. So let’s prepare our thinking—our mind and heart with plenty of time to find the JOY of Advent this year. We will cover these points today;
The Meaning of Advent
Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus, ” meaning “coming.”
The Advent season helps us focus on the present coming of Jesus in our lives and on increasing our desire for His presence every day.
The People, Prayers, and Events
This podcast will help you discover the people, prayers, and events so important to Jesus’ first coming.
You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, the Angels, the Shepherds, Simeon, Anna, and the Magi.
It’s as if we will travel with them and partake in the most meaningful events in their lives.
The First of Two Annunciations
For 430 years prior to the birth of Jesus Christ, God had stopped speaking to His people because they had stopped listening to His prophets. Fast forward 430 years and we will drop in on the “first annunciation.” The term “annunciation” in Latin means announcement.
When God began speaking again, He sent announcements through His most important heavenly messenger – the Archangel Gabriel.
In Luke 1, we read that the first announcement came to Zechariah. He and his wife Elizabeth served God, trusted him for everything, while they waited and prayed for children, which overtime seemed more impossible (Luke 1: 5-7).
Gabriel, The Might of God and No Puny Angel
Gabriel may sound harsh to you, but he has a gentle side too. We have to consider the circumstances: the GREAT Archangel Gabriel had been sent by God to O
Poor Zechariah—the Archangel Gabriel just couldn’t take his unbelief so with one look he muted Zechariah for the next nine months.
Gabriel is no puny angel – “Gabriel” in New Testament Greek means “the Might of God.”
Personal Reflection
After listening to the podcast, please reflect on the powerful message of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and us in the first part of Luke 1: God hears. God answers. Don’t give up on God.
Have you ever prayed for something so long that you gave up? Have you ever received more than you expected – just as you were about to give up?
St. Jerome wrote about Zechariah: “Your prayer is heard…that is to say you are given more than you asked for. You prayed for the salvation of the people and you have been given the Precursor” [John the Baptist] (Souvay, 1910, The Catholic Encyclopedia – Zacharias).
While Zechariah was praying and waiting and giving up on prayer all those years, he did not know that God was preparing Joseph and Mary and so, he had to wait just a little longer.
Application and Prayer Points
Consider these prayer points because Jesus wants to share His joy while you wait for His answers:
(a) Ask Jesus for a new and fresh prayer encounter with Him. Ask for new joy and to experience His presence while you look for everyday miracles.
(b) Take Time. Make a point to take some quiet time every day to listen to the Lord, read LUKE 1, and stay connected to the joy of the Lord
(c) Converse. Share with Jesus what you are waiting for. Then keep an open attitude to receive heavenly surprises JOY. (For example, you could pray: Jesus, I have given up on… Please give me new insight. Show me the little places where I see your hand at work.)
(d) Start an ADVENT PRAYER Journal. Why not record your prayer and conversation with Jesus this Advent? You may be surprised at the transformation to JOY you receive and will want to record during Advent.
(e) Thank God. Let the Lord know that you trust your life and circumstances to Him.
Links
You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from the Advent JOY Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
The post God Hears & God Answers; Don’t Give Up Hope – A JOY-Filled Advent #1 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
19 min
November 20, 2023Joyful & Battle Ready #8 - Wrapped in JOY and Armored in Prayer
Pray at Every Opportunity (Ephesians 6:18)
Wrapped in JOY and Armored in Prayer
Is there a way to stay wrapped in Joy and Armored in God? This final podcast of the Joyful and Battle-Ready series focuses on the key to living in JOY and being protected with armor. So join the podcast today and discover how prayer secures your JOY and activates your armor. Join us today as we cover these points:
True and Lasting JOY
As the Scriptures point out, prayer is the key to staying wrapped in joy and armored.
Psalm 16 reminds us that God offers the fullness of JOY in his presence.
In John 15 11, Jesus says, Abide in my love… I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
To abide in God’s love means we are always in communication with him in prayer.
Prayer and JOY
Essential points covered in the last eight weeks include: 1) receiving JOY from God the Father, Jesus our Savior, and the Holy Spirit our fruit bearer of JOY, 2) asking God to increase your capacity to receive His Joy and Love, 3) Praising and thanking God-two of the five forms of prayer associated with JOY, 4) Using the Prayer and Holy Imagery to defeat Joy Busters, 6) Rejoicing to stop worry, 7) Reading and Praying scripture leads to deep spiritual JOY.
Prayer is the path to JOY.
Prayer and The Armor of God
After the armor message of Ephesians 6: 17, verse 18 says: With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones (NABRE). The NRSVCE translation says: Pray at all times…
Interestingly, PRAYER isn’t called a piece of armor but is connected to the armor.
There was not any punctuation or separation of sentences in the original New Testament Greek manuscripts, so the need to pray at all times connects to the armor.
We have found that each piece represents Jesus, whom we come to daily, and, in a sense, we “put on Jesus daily.” So we put the armor on with prayer.
Pray at Every Opportunity in the Spirit
Prayer to Christians is like oxygen to life- live and breathe with prayer.
Many Christians say, “All we can do is pray.” We should say, “We will pray. God will hear, and He will change everything.”
When prayer is the atmosphere we breathe, and we keep breathing it, the Holy Spirit is released to work in unimaginable ways, and supernatural graces and gifts are poured out.
Heaven will even surprise us when we stay connected with the King of Kings and His Kingdom in prayer!
Pray at all times, Aware of His Presence
The Catholic Church defines prayer as a “vital and personal relationship with the living and true God” (CCC 2558). It is “Christian…insofar as it is communion with Jesus Christ” – ” a covenant relationship between God and man in Christ”(CCC 2565, 2564).”
Prayer is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. In relationship with a living God, we are continually communing with our Savior. God is with us always. He is for us. He is our Helper in all things.
Praying at all times means you are constantly connecting with your closest friend.
Praying at every opportunity
Praying at every opportunity, as translated in the NABRE, conveys that opportunities arise at various times of every day and evening. We need to pause momentarily and give that event or situation to Jesus.
For example, in Nehemiah 6:9, he prayed, “But now, O God, strengthen my hands.”
Confidence in Prayer
Praying at every opportunity establishes a deep personal bond between you and your Heavenly Father in everything you do. It is always heart-to-heart with your heart speaking directly to the Heart of Jesus. He hears you.
Pope Francis says, “Prayer is more than just a physical, emotional, or intellectual act; it is an inner desire to encounter God with confidence. God has revealed Himself to us in His Son, Jesus Christ. So, the prayer of a Christian brings us into a relationship with God without any fear or trepidation. One can establish a relationship built on confidence with Him in prayer” (May 5, 2020).
Personal Reflection
Remember all that God taught you in Ephesians 6 about standing strong and firm in battle. Read Ephesians 6 often.
Visualize yourself putting on each piece of the armor of God—the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, Shoes ready to Proclaim the Gospel of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Lord of God, plus, Praying at every opportunity in the Spirit. Act it out in your mind. Try it!
Cup of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering
Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies one of the podcast series, especially the one that starts next week: A Joy-filled Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers.
Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women’s small group. For information, please email [email protected]
Links
Download bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: wrapyourselfinjoy.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here for the book Wrap Yourself in Joy: find the Joy, fight the Fear.

The post Wrapped in JOY and Armored in Prayer – Joyful & Battle Ready #8 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
18 min
November 13, 2023The JOY of Scripture & Wielding the Sword of the Spirit (Joyful & Battle Ready #7)
Did you know that JOY is associated with reading and praying with scripture? The Word of God promises a deep spiritual joy in interacting with God via His Word. Join the podcast today as we cover the pleasures found in the Word of God and how to use the Word as a Sword of the Spirit to protect your mind and emotions from attacks of the evil one.
Join us today as we cover these points:
Deep Spiritual JOY
Happy in Psalm 1 (ASRAI in Hebrew) more closely means—a deep spiritual joy (Ross, A. P. (2011).
The BENEFIT is the deep, joyous pleasure and satisfaction that will come when you listen to the Lord in verses of Scripture and interact with Him around the verses.
Four Stages of Prayer
In The Armchair Mystic, Rev. Mark Thibodeaux describes four stages of prayer, summarized as: Talking at God, Talking to God. Listening to God speak in Scripture daily and Resting in God’s presence,
Stage 4 is the goal.
Joy and Healing
Another benefit of reading and praying God’s word: HEALING
Basil the Great said: “The Holy Spirit composed the Scriptures so that in them, as in a pharmacy open to all souls, we might each of us be able to find the medicine suited to our own particular illness… (Spidlik, T., & Drake, P. (1993).
WRAP – Simplified Lectio Divina for Reading and Praying with Scripture
WRAP is an acronym for reading, praying, and reflecting on Scripture, and it works best if you journal what you hear (from WRAP Yourself in Scripture, a book by Karen & Larry Dwyer, Institute of Priestly Formation,
WRAP aims to foster a personal encounter with Jesus in the Scriptures so that the words come alive and you hear God speak to YOUR HEART.
It’s a form of Lectio Divina— which the Catechism of the Catholic Church defines as reading to hear God speak to you and meditating on His Words so that it becomes your prayer (CCC 1177).
WRAP Method
W: Write down the verse that inspires you or seems to arise out of the passage.
R: Reflect on the principles/ ideas the verse is inspiring in you & record your thoughts. (Mull Over, Mentally Picture, Mutter, & Memorize.)
A: Apply the principles. Write down your response to the Scripture & how it applies to your life today.
P: Pray and praise. Talk with Jesus about what the verse opened in your heart.
The Sword of the Spirit
In Ephesians 6:17, Paul calls the Word the Sword of the Spirit.
The Roman soldier carried his sword in his belt (or girdle).
The Romans employed two types of swords: the “rpomphaia” (Revelation 1,2), a large, long, and broad sword that took two hands to wield, and the “makchaira” ( Ephesians 6: 17), a short 6” to 18” sharp and piercing dagger for hand-to-hand combat.
A Formidable and Sure Defense
Hebrews 4:12 describes the WORD of God as “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, …able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
The Word brings truth where there is falsehood, light where there is darkness, and joy where there is sorrow. Psalm 119: 11, 105
Luke 4: 1-13 shows Jesus using the Word of God in defense all three times.
We can speak the Scriptures to help us stand firm against temptations, discouragement, fear, or other attack on our faith.
An Offensive Weapon
You can hide God’s Word in your heart to help identify and reject sin and strengthen your inner person.
When you share the Word with someone—especially a word that deeply moved you—it is a sword that pierces another’s heart.
Personal Reflection: Sword of the Spirit Declarations
You can WIELD THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT with these Declarations from God’s Word:
I will love and read God’s Word daily (Psalm 119: 11, NRSVCE).
The Word of God is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119: 105, NRSVCE).
The Word of God is my defensive weapon as Jesus showed in his fight with the evil one (Matthew 4:10-11, NRSVCE).
When I gently share the Word of God with others, I can be confident that God’s Word is “living and active (Hebrews 4:12, NRSVCE).
Cup of JOY Women
Consider hosting a weekly one-hour cup of Joy women’s small group study accompanying this podcast. It’s free! The next opportunity if for Advent JOY.
Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize a small group of friends over coffee or tea. Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy women’s small group.
For information, please email [email protected]
Links
Download bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: wrapyourselfinjoy.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here for the book Wrap Yourself in Joy: find the Joy, fight the Fear.
The post The JOY of Scripture & Wielding the Sword of the Spirit (Joyful & Battle Ready #7) appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
17 min
November 06, 2023Stop Worry, Return to JOY and Put on the Helmet of Salvation - Joyful & Battle Ready #6
Stop Worry, Return to JOY and Put on the Helmet of Salvation
Stop Worry, Return to JOY and Put on the Helmet of Salvation (Joyful & Battle Ready #6)
Are you ready to stop the worry and return to JOY? Worry is the big JOY thief that brings on fretting. In only a few dances with fretting, you will be exhausted. Your JOY will be sidelined. Join us today and discover how to stop the worry, return to JOY, and put on the Helmet of Salvation to protect your thoughts and reasoning about what God has done for you.
Join us today as we cover these points:
Do You Worry?
You will find that worry is not only a joybuster but also a joy thief.
In Matthew 6: 25 34, Jesus talks directly to us about worry.
Worry Defined
The Cambridge Dictionary defines – to give way to anxiety or uneasiness, to allow one’s mind to continually dwell on difficulties and troubles, to think about problems and become distracted.
Even Jesus shows the anxiety and distraction connection.
Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things, but there is a need for only one thing (Luke 10 41- 42).
Fretting
The Hebrew word we translate as fretting includes firing up rage and kindling anger.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a fret as a worry, an annoyance, a discontentment that gnaws at you.
Fretting eats away at your peace.
Psalm 37 advises, Do NOT fret.
Actions Advised in Philippians 4: 4-7
Rejoice means to return to joy. Actively be glad, actively pursue joy.
In prayer and supplication, make your requests known to the Lord.
For every need you express in prayer, offer a thanksgiving about something related.
Receive peace. The peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
The Helmet of Salvation
Ephesians 6:17 says we must “take the helmet of salvation.
Pope Francis says the helmet is “not so much that of acknowledging the Resurrection of Jesus — everyone believes in it — but of believing in the resurrection of the dead.”
The helmet of a Roman soldier called a galea, was designed to cover the head with thick leather enclosed in beaten metals of iron and bronze, protecting the head from weapons of warfare causing injury.
The helmet of salvation shows that Satan’s flaming arrows target our minds and are directed at our faith in Jesus, who paid the price for our salvation with his passion, death, and resurrection.
The devil will try to discourage you and destroy your faith.
Personal Reflection: Helmet of Salvation Declarations
Take the Helmet of Salvation in defense against the evil one who pushes doubts to divert you from the truth of eternal life in Jesus Christ.
Starting today, say the Apostles Creed often.
Remind yourself of the Helmet of Salvation Declarations with the truths from Scripture:
Eternal life is in Jesus, and it’s for me (Romans 8: 12).
I will not be anxious about my salvation (Romans 5: 8-9).
I do not need to worry; I can know I have eternal life (1 John 5: 11-13).
Cup of JOY Women
Consider hosting a weekly one-hour cup of joy women’s small group study that accompanies this podcast, and you can begin anytime. It’s free!
Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize a small group of friends over coffee or tea. Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy women’s small group.
For information, please email [email protected]
Links
Download bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: wrapyourselfinjoy.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here for the book Wrap Yourself in Joy: find the Joy, fight the Fear.

The post Stop Worry, Return to JOY and Put on the Helmet of Salvation – Joyful & Battle Ready #6 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
18 min
October 30, 2023Defeat Joy Busters & Take Up the Shield of Faith (JOYFUL & Battle Ready #5)
How are you at defeating Joy Busters? Everyone faces those situations that can steal their JOY. But you can develop a plan to stop their impact on your life. You can become AWARE of the JOY Busters, UNDERSTAND their sources, and TAKE ACTION to stop their influence. Join the podcast today to uncover the actions you can take to defeat JOY Busters and learn how to” take up the shield of faith to quench the flaming arrows” coming at you.
JOY Busters
Merriam-Webster defines a buster “as a person or thing that breaks up, overpowers, or eliminates something.”
A JOY buster breaks up, overpowers, or steals your joy and includes, for example, interruptions to plans, hurt feelings, discouragements, fear, family quarrels, busyness, complaints, and weariness. Today, we will cover these points:
Joy Busting Responses
How do you respond to JOY Busters, called JOYBUSTING?
Joybusting happens when our emotions take over, and our responses leave us with more negative feelings and challenging relationships.
Joybusting includes, for example, angry outbursts, discouragement, fretting, gossip, negative thoughts, overeating, over partying, over drinking, over shopping, profane talk, procrastination, promiscuity, more quarrels, bitterness, and more.
Plan to Reject Troubles of the Heart
In Galatians 5: 16-26, St. Paul reminds us that to conquer the JOYbusting, which he calls “works of the flesh,” is to LIVE by the Holy Spirit.
Timothy Gallagher says each person needs an action plan to reject troubles of the heart (JOY busters and joy busting): (1) Be aware, (2) Understand, and (3) Take action. (The Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide for Everyday Living, 2018).
TIP: Three QUICK Actions to Defeat JOY Busting
You can take three simple actions to stop JOY Busting: thanksgiving, imagery, and persistence.
(1) Thanksgiving – immediately turn to Jesus with genuine thanksgiving
(2) Imagination- use holy imagination and picture Jesus with arms outstretched. You give him your joy buster.
(3) Persist – Persist in praising God and remembering the Thanksgiving JOY.
Also, consider getting a prayer partner to pray for more JOY for each other and to defeat JOYbusting.
The Shield of Faith
Ephesians 6:16. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Pope Francis, when speaking on this verse, tells us how important it is to take the shield of faith: The devil is a liar; he is the father of lies. And as St. Paul says, we must be girded in the truth, armored in justice.… Without faith, you cannot go forward; you cannot defend the salvation of Jesus. We need this shield of faith because the devil does not throw flowers at us but “flaming arrows” to kill us (General Audience, October 30, 2014).
The Roman Soldier’s Shield
In Roman history, at the time of Paul, a military soldier held a body shield to about 2.5 x 4 feet to protect himself from an enemy who hurled flaming arrows (dipped in pitch and set on fire) called “plumbata.”
Often, the soldiers interlocked shields in a “tortoise” formation – they raised their shields together overhead and in front so it looked like a tortoise.
Faith Defined
The word for faith used in New Testament Greek is “pistis,” which means to agree with, trust in, and live out what you believe.
Translated belief or faith, it appears at least 200 times in the New Testament
Hebrews 11: 1 defines faith, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” and then gives examples, including Noah, Abraham, and Moses.
Jesus is Our Shield
The Lord God says he is our shield. See Psalm 28:7, Psalm 33:20.
Proverbs 30:5. Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Take Up Our Shield of Faith
1) Read the Word of God every day and keep the Scriptures in your mind and heart. Romans 10:17.
2) Pray that moment. Hebrews 2:2 says.
3) Turn to a Prayer Partner or prayer group – In Tortoise Formation, you lock shields with others.
Personal Reflection –Shield of Faith Declarations
You can take up a shield of Faith against temptations, fear, and doubt.” Call on the name of Jesus and repeat these truths aloud and often.
When the devil sends the flaming arrow of fear, you say Psalm 56:3. O Lord God, “when I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” or Isaiah 41: 10. [the Lord says] … I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
When the devil sends the flaming arrow of temptation and doubts, you say Romans 8: 33-34. Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. He forgives us.
When the devil sends a flaming arrow saying you are getting old or God no longer cares and cannot use you, you say in Isaiah 46:4, The Lord says, even to your old age I am he, even when you turn gray I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. Or Psalm 92: 13-14. The Lord says They are planted in the house of the Lord…In old age, they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap…
Finally, thank the Lord daily for your joys and for helping you defeat the JOY Busters.
Cup of JOY Women
Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy Women’s small group study that accompanies this podcast, and you can begin anytime. It’s free!
Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize a small group of friends over coffee or tea. Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy Women’s small group.
For information, please email [email protected]
Links
Download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click HERE for the book WRAP Yourself in JOY: Find the JOY, Fight the Fear.
The post Defeat Joy Busters & Take Up the Shield of Faith (JOYFUL & Battle Ready #5) appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
18 min
October 25, 2023Singing for JOY & Slipping on Gospel Shoes - Joyful & Battle Ready #4
Singing for JOY & Slipping on Gospel Shoes
Singing for JOY & Slipping on Gospel Shoes (#4 JOYFUL & Battle Ready)
Are you singing for JOY? Did you know there is a connection between praising God and experiencing more JOY and Peace? Join our podcast today as we cover singing for JOY and slipping on shoes, ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.
JOY and PEACE
When we praise God, we surrender everything to Him and proclaim that He is God, and we are NOT. He has everything in our lives under control, and even when we do not see it, we can trust Him. Even in hardships, we can sing praises to the Lord, and he will comfort us with deep, calming JOY. In addition, we can put on shoes of Gospel peace as part of the armor we wear everywhere we go. In our JOYFUL & Battle Ready series, Podcast #4 will cover these points:
The Praise-Joy Connection
Are your prayers primarily prayers of petition?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) #2644 encourages us to use all five forms of prayer: blessing/adoration, petition with contrition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise.
There is a particular link of JOY with praise or thanksgiving prayers.
Enter God’s Courts with Praise
Psalm 100:3 says: Enter God’s gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise…
Pope Francis tells us to “NOT be formal Christians, prisoners of formality” (January 28, 2020).
A Garment of Praise
In Luke 4, Jesus said he was the fulfillment of Isaiah 61: 3- “to provide the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of discouragement.”
Jesus can give you a garment of praise, and it comes with the oil of JOY.
Paul and Silas Praise in a Desperate Situation, Miracles Happen
In Acts 16, at midnight and in the wretchedness of a Philippian jail, imprisoned Paul and Silas praised God as chains fell off and prison doors were opened.
CCC #2639 says, “Praise is the form of prayer…it gives God glory for his own sake, quite beyond what he has done, but simply for who he is.”
A Garment of Praise
Praise God with the psalms, instruments, singing, shouting, and clapping hands (Psalm 150, 100).
Praise does not have to be complicated. You can tell Jesus you love Him and praise Him …
Spend just one minute of praise this week, and it will be life-changing.
The Armor of God – The Battle Shoes
Ephesians 6: 15: As shoes for your feet, put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.
Roman soldiers wore shoes to avoid the battlefield’s rocks, sticks, and debris.
Shoes were a combination of heavy sandals and boots with soles of layered leather clenched together with metal studs that could grip the ground for traction.
Peace
Isaiah 52: 7 says: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
Peace means harmony and tranquility, without inner conflict, even amid chaos and upheaval.
In John 16: 33, Jesus said: I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Proclaim
In Mark 16:15, [Jesus] said, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
The best way to start sharing your faith is to share your relationship with Jesus, including His answers to your prayers and your thanksgiving.
St. Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II in Catechesis in Our Time (1979) said the faithful must proclaim the Gospel message. The Gospel kerygma: – “ the initial ardent proclamation by which a person is brought to the decision to entrust himself to Jesus Christ by faith — is gradually deepened, developed,” and “channeled towards Christian practice in the Church and the world” (CT 25).
Remind your friend how much God loves her and wants her to experience His love and presence.
Invite her to entrust her life to Jesus, to give Him their baggage and shame, and to ask for forgiveness.
You can prepare yourself with a few words of Scripture about God’s love and how Jesus is the sacrifice for all sin. Invite the person to trust Jesus now.
Then, of course, invite your friends to church and keep helping them along the Christian journey.
Personal Reflection – Shoes of Peace Declarations
These Shoes of Peace Declarations from Scripture can help you stand firm in peace so that you are “ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.”
When the devil tries to make you afraid to proclaim, you can proclaim: The Prince of Peace lives in me. (John 14:23). I have his peace. I will not let my heart be troubled or afraid. I will stand firm in Jesus, my Lord, and my strength, my God in whom I trust. Repeat John 14:27.
When the devil whispers, you are NOT ready to proclaim the Gospel. You say: In Jesus, I am prepared and willing to share the Gospel with anyone. It is what Jesus calls me to do. I am not ashamed to talk about Jesus and my faith with family, friends, or others. Repeat Romans 1: 16. I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…”
Finally, remember to praise and thank the Lord -just one minute of praising the Name of Jesus every day can be life-changing and joy-filling. You can find a free bookmark on my website to help you with ways to praise the Lord.
Cup of JOY Women
Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy Women’s small group study that accompanies this podcast, and you can begin anytime. It’s free!
Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize a small group of friends over coffee or tea.
For information, email me or go to Cup of Joy Women.
Links
Download Bookmarks from this podcast series at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Read more on hosting a Cup of Joy Women’s small group.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click HERE to find the book WRAP Yourself in JOY: Find the JOY, Fight the Fear.
The post Singing for JOY & Slipping on Gospel Shoes – Joyful & Battle Ready #4 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
18 min

About Wrap Yourself in Joy Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Join award-winning speaker, teacher, and author Karen Dwyer as we search for joy. We will explore how to find true JOY, awaken JOY, defeat JOY Busters, and create a JOY-filled prayer life – from a…

Share Wrap Yourself in Joy Podcast

Sign up to save your podcasts

Wrap Yourself in Joy Podcast

Wrap Yourself in Joy Podcast episodes

About Wrap Yourself in Joy Podcast