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Counting Them Happy

Copyright (c) 2007-2023

"Take ... the ... prophets for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience ... we count them happy which endure," James 5:10-11.

The devil has used this passage to rob us of a victorious life. Any happiness you see is likely just a cover.

It is, often, thought we're to patiently endure whatever horrible things that come our way; to be victims of our circumstance. The only blessings we expect to see are in the life to come.

Occasionally, I've heard well intended people say, "We're never going to get through the trials of this life until we get to Heaven."

I have this urge to respond, "Don't say that! IT ISN'T TRUE!" But, I also understand that they wouldn't say it except they don't know.

The prophets were not victims. They suffered more because they went through all the issues of the inner man so they could come back and teach the people how to overcome. And, they did so holding on to the promises of God!

You can bet that, in each victorious adventure taken, the prophets were happy when all was said and done; in awe of what God had done for them. They believed God when He said we could be over comers (not only in the next life, but in this life, too). And, they weren't disappointed.

The prophets suffered and endured (stayed the course), not because they liked it but, because they liked the end result. The end result is where they found happiness.


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Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, columnist, and Senior Writer for the Storytime Tapestry Newsletter. Her latest adventures include her new website Glimpses of God http://iam.homewithGod.com/glimpsesofgod/ unveiling mysteries via scriptural methods of Bible study. Joyce's writings encourage us in our relationship with God and each other. This article distribution was sponsored by: http://nature-and-pets.pencircles.com/index.html

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Top-Level Category: Religion Articles || Related Categories: Society Articles

10 Most Recent Articles Written by Joyce C. Lock

Just Think
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2009-04-30 | Word Count: 702 | Page Views: 4132 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.33
Biblical lessons from Joyce C. Lock. What if people were to sell Jesus the way we sell goods and services, with the same gusto, determination and dedication to our cause?

Let There Be Peace
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2009-04-29 | Word Count: 538 | Page Views: 4123 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 1.14
Biblical lessons from Joyce C. Lock. Finding peace in the common age sometimes seems impossible. But with the right guidance, all things are possible.

Our Gift
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2009-04-28 | Word Count: 333 | Page Views: 4319 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 1.00
If you knew you were going to stand before God, today (not in judgment, but meeting your very best friend) ... is there a gift you would like to present Him with? Do you plan to meet Him empty handed? Maybe you have a gift for God already. Perhaps, you never thought about it and would like to.

The Lord is My Strength and Song
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2009-04-23 | Word Count: 2321 | Page Views: 4670 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 2.63
Biblical passages by Joyce C. Lock. The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

In Remembrance of Me
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2009-04-22 | Word Count: 1799 | Page Views: 3986 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 1.50
Biblical passages from Joyce C. Lock. The temptation of Jesus.

Seek Me First
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2009-04-21 | Word Count: 1968 | Page Views: 4698 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.11
Biblical passages from Joyce C. Lock.

The Abbreviated Christmas - XMAS -
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2007-11-13 | Word Count: 169 | Page Views: 4901 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 1.17
If you are like me you may not care to consider Wikipedia's explanation. But, if spelling 'Christmas' as 'xmas' is your preference, you might appreciate knowing how the 'X' in 'xmas' began.

Legalism
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2007-09-07 | Word Count: 252 | Page Views: 4633 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 0.71
Within Christian circles is known the term 'legalism'. We know it when we see it, couldn't possibly be guilty of it, but know someone who is. When pressed to define it, the bottom line answer is, 'Not what we're doing.'

A Way to Escape
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2007-09-06 | Word Count: 322 | Page Views: 4178 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 2.00
Have you ever found yourself in a position where, if you just keep your mouth shut, you will receive the credit? Perhaps you observe the keys in another's car. Maybe you're in a different town where no one would notice you visiting the local bar. Or, you're on vacation, at the beach, where church members will never see how you dress.

One Day at A Time
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2007-09-06 | Word Count: 140 | Page Views: 4264 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 1.57
If just for today, Lord, I'll keep my eyes and heart in tune to Your ever-loving presence. I'll walk with You, talk with you, and glean upon Your every word; be ready to go, ready to stay, and bask in the fullness of Your day.

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Greek Mythology and Christanity - Strange Bedfellows
Written by: Arthur Trafford | Distributed: 2011-09-16 | Word Count: 3628 | Page Views: 5433 | Votes: 4 | Rating: 0.25
You do realize that the Christian Messiah could have come into the world full grown, just like Adam and Eve? Read this article to find out why.

Just Think
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2009-04-30 | Word Count: 702 | Page Views: 4132 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.33
Biblical lessons from Joyce C. Lock. What if people were to sell Jesus the way we sell goods and services, with the same gusto, determination and dedication to our cause?

Let There Be Peace
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2009-04-29 | Word Count: 538 | Page Views: 4123 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 1.14
Biblical lessons from Joyce C. Lock. Finding peace in the common age sometimes seems impossible. But with the right guidance, all things are possible.

The Lord is My Strength and Song
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2009-04-23 | Word Count: 2321 | Page Views: 4670 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 2.63
Biblical passages by Joyce C. Lock. The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

In Remembrance of Me
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2009-04-22 | Word Count: 1799 | Page Views: 3986 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 1.50
Biblical passages from Joyce C. Lock. The temptation of Jesus.

Seek Me First
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2009-04-21 | Word Count: 1968 | Page Views: 4698 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.11
Biblical passages from Joyce C. Lock.

Rapidly Accelerate Your Spiritual Growth Through Writing Stories
Written by: Chris Cade | Distributed: 2008-10-28 | Word Count: 825 | Page Views: 4435 | Votes: 13 | Rating: 1.85
For centuries, spiritual sages have told short stories to enlighten and inspire others. Counting the stories and parables that Jesus and the Buddhas have told might take a lifetime, and it would probably take several lifetimes to fully integrate the wisdom from those stories into ourselves.

When Two Become One - The Gift of Sacred Marriage
Written by: Mashubi Rochell | Distributed: 2007-12-31 | Word Count: 780 | Page Views: 4373 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 0.60
In previous eras, the nature of sacred marriage was connected with duty, or related to practical necessities. Nowadays, as human relationships transform and become more conscious, the nature of sacred marriage enters a whole new domain of possibility, that is related to two souls who become One in God, without releasing their individuality or unique identities.

When Faith Is Tested
Written by: Mashubi Rochell | Distributed: 2007-12-26 | Word Count: 809 | Page Views: 4329 | Votes: 4 | Rating: 2.50
This is a time of monumental transition for our world, and each of our lives is being affected by the larger planetary transformations that are happening. Many of us who are on a spiritual path and living a spiritual life feel dismayed by the great intensity that is manifesting in our lives, our relationships, and even our physical bodies.

The Healing Presence of God's Love
Written by: Mashubi Rochell | Distributed: 2007-12-19 | Word Count: 729 | Page Views: 4854 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 2.25
God's love as a healing presence in the world is growing stronger daily. Many people are not yet able to perceive this growing presence of light, because there also exists at this time a thick cloud of negative energy that is surrounding the Earth. This acts to obscure both the perception and the consciousness of people, and to create feelings of isolation and despair.

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Seeing God Through The Eyes Of A Child
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When you look into the eyes of a child, it doesn't take a special kind of person to see their innocence, imagination and wonder. Every child, no matter what part of the world they come from or what language they speak, pretends, believes, and has irrational fears.

Understanding Catholicism After My Protestant Upbringing
Written by: Lindsie Andrews | Distributed: 2007-04-04 | Word Count: 1172 | Page Views: 7189 | Votes: 16 | Rating: 3.19
The Catholic Church and its thousand-year history conjure strong feelings in many and add to the luster of the most stable organizational body in the history of mankind.

Should The Christian Worry About A 'Generational Transference' Of Demons?
Written by: Christian Darland | Distributed: 2006-07-06 | Word Count: 1285 | Page Views: 6213 | Votes: 18 | Rating: 2.28
Am I suffering demonically from habitual sins my great- grandfather was involved in (not just once-in-a-while-sins, but over and over again)? Will my grandkids and great-grandkids suffer demonic punishment and slavery because of some habitual sin I do? Where does this idea really come from?

The Church Choir
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Church Choir: A church within a church, made up of many of the church's finest leaders ... the most likely place where a majority will bond together in friendship and unity, as they bond with the Lord. In strengthening its members, the entire church is strengthened. And, as they become one in heart, soul, and purpose ... God has promised His Spirit indwelling. The entire direction of a church can be changed through its choir.

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The Celtic Cross
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The cross has broad significance as a marker of not only religion, but also of cultural identity. This article discusses the ancient symbolism and history of the Celtic cross, which incorporates Pagan views, in contrast to the Latin cross, which represent the life of Christ. With the inclusion of the simple circle, the Celtic cross embodies symbolically the unification of opposites and balance.

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Ancient Fig Trees Through History
Written by: Patrick Malcolm | Distributed: 2006-11-01 | Word Count: 1080 | Page Views: 5427 | Votes: 18 | Rating: 2.33
The fig tree, 'Ficus carica,' possibly originated in Northern Asia according to archeological fossil records. Spanish missionaries brought it to the United States in 1520. Historical Sumerian tablets record the use and consumption of figs in 2500 BC.

Mercy, Not Sacrifice
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2007-03-06 | Word Count: 1020 | Page Views: 5322 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.44
We have heard it said, 'I don't smoke, curse, or chew; or run around with women who do.' Will somebody please give them a cookie ... to shut them up? Isn't that a bit like gloating, 'I'm saved and you're not'? I mean, really.

Giving Credit Where Credit is Due
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2007-02-07 | Word Count: 216 | Page Views: 5305 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 1.29
Have you ever attended a church service and thought, 'Yuck! This church is dead,' then attended elsewhere and thought, 'Wow! God is there,' as you felt personally touched by His presence?

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The Souls of Animals
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Discussion of Bible evidence on whether animals have souls or not.

Amy
Written by: Gary Kurz | Distributed: 2006-11-30 | Word Count: 742 | Page Views: 4356 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 3.27
A moving, true story to encourage giving and support of missions.

Understanding Catholicism After My Protestant Upbringing
Written by: Lindsie Andrews | Distributed: 2007-04-04 | Word Count: 1172 | Page Views: 7189 | Votes: 16 | Rating: 3.19
The Catholic Church and its thousand-year history conjure strong feelings in many and add to the luster of the most stable organizational body in the history of mankind.

Ties that Bind
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2007-03-06 | Word Count: 483 | Page Views: 4308 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 3.00
When growing up, if there was a sibling dispute, mom had the perfect solution. She would refuse to choose. Instead, mom would bang our heads together. She'd say that it takes two to fight ~ so we both got it. Now, that really hurt! But, it worked, every time. We'd hush, immediately. Though we didn't like it, we didn't dare say another word.

Leaving Your Financial Wilderness
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2007-04-05 | Word Count: 419 | Page Views: 4207 | Votes: 10 | Rating: 3.00
One's instinct to survive goes against giving all, as if we'd lose all that's left. And, whatever we think we possess is just a figment of our imagination. Yet, we cling to it for dear life.

Spirituality
Written by: Siobhan Gamble | Distributed: 2007-03-26 | Word Count: 760 | Page Views: 4187 | Votes: 19 | Rating: 2.89
Spirituality has always been a very sensitive topic. To many, it is a never ending discussion which can lead to arguments and debates that can jump from topic to topic. For others, it is a topic that should be left well enough, alone. I personally find the topic to not only be interesting, but also very important.

Humbleness: Should It Be Humiliating?
Written by: Siobhan Gamble | Distributed: 2007-03-27 | Word Count: 731 | Page Views: 4543 | Votes: 18 | Rating: 2.89
In this day and time, it almost seems as if kindness, politeness, consideration, and most of the lessons we were taught as children were tossed out of the window one day and replaced with a new set of rules. Could it simply be that children these days are born with a defect, lacking self-control? Or are they just not being taught the way they should be taught; parents blaming modern day hardships and circumstances? It is true that the children being raised today will determine the shape of our future, but in the meantime, whose example are they following?

Fruit Inspection
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2007-03-17 | Word Count: 268 | Page Views: 4979 | Votes: 15 | Rating: 2.87
If we believe we are called to be Fruit Inspectors, then might we also have been watching for imperfection in Jesus, in His day, too?

Checking Our Foundation
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2007-02-06 | Word Count: 1502 | Page Views: 4534 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.78
When we seek to know about God instead of knowing Him, our knowledge will never be complete.

God is Not Mocked
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2007-03-27 | Word Count: 395 | Page Views: 4947 | Votes: 16 | Rating: 2.69
How many times have we had the urge to Lord it over someone fallen; to look at them in disgust, to shun their very presence, to talk behind their back, to refuse their service, to forget all the good they've done, to spit in their face and kick them when their down?











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Word Count: 251

Total Views: 3637

Article Rating: 2.13 of 5
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Last Distribution Date:
2007-02-10 10:00:00

Internal ID: #4369





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