How determined are you? To be determined is to cause something to occur in a particular way.  Determination is a good thing; especially when being determined to live according to God’s Word.  Psalm 16:11, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at that right hand there are pleasures for evermore. I am determined to maintain joy amid my busy life.  Apply these suggestions below and be determined to be joyful.

1.     Be present when you are with your family. Run errands before the kids get home from school so that you can be home when they are home.  Prepare quick meals on a rushed day so there seems to be more time left in the day for other things. Give your children specific chores each week to help keep things in order.  Do not change their list.  Choose joy even when the kids disobey.  Fussing at a child never has helped them to do better work or feel special.

2.     Read your Bible every day. It is better to spend 10 minutes each day than to plan one hour a day and be inconsistent. Jeremiah 15:16 says, “Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.” I have chosen to read a passage of Scripture from a reading plan.  Then, I choose a verse and write it out.  I explain that verse to my understanding in my journal and write how it applies to me.  Then, I write a response.  Sometimes the response is a prayer to the Lord and sometimes it is “I will” statements.

3.     Pray consistently and persistently. John 16:24 – “Ask and ye shall receive that your joy may be full”. Keep a prayer journal. It will help you to be faithful to pray for others and not just your own needs.  

4.     Live what you learn from God’s Word. James1: 22 – “And be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” Be the same whether at home or in public; whether out of town or in town; whether at church or at play. Do what you know and God will bless your life!

Determine to be joyful!

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