Findings: My Journey To Joy                            

This is the true story of a church in America's Bible Belt, the First Christian Church in Florissant, Missouri--a church with a meager beginning and record of steady growth for forty-nine years until the weight of sexual abuse charges against a youth minister left it, and its congregation, broken. This is a case history and analysis of those events.  

This is for the victims.—Joy S. Taylor, Author

Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20210427

Today is a beautiful day, because Jesus called out the Pharisees, lawyers and scribes for hindering people in the knowledge of God, “Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute,’” (Luke 11:49 ESV) Wisdom #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday

Prayer for Today

Lord Jesus, you are he who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. You know my works. You knew me when I was alive in body, but dead spiritually. You redeemed me into the household of God through your death on the cross and resurrection to sit at the right hand of…

Read the rest of this entry

Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20210426

Today is a beautiful day, because Jesus was criticized for eating with sinners, but look at the fruit of his wisdom, “Yet wisdom is justified by all her children.” (Luke 7:35 ESV) Wisdom #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday

Prayer for Today

Exalted, Holy One, you alone sit at the right hand of the Father, interceding for me. Strengthen my faith, Lord. Help me hold fast what I have until you come. I cannot overcome without you. I cannot ward off the attacks of the enemy without your name. I cannot keep your works until the end…

Read the rest of this entry

Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20210425

Today is a beautiful day, because God’s wisdom filled Jesus, “And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.” (Luke 2:40 ESV) Wisdom #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday

Prayer for Today

King Jesus, my kinsman redeemer, you hold the two-edged sword. Uphold my faith with your victorious Spirit in the midst of pervading evil around me. Bring me through this life. Establish my path. Let me overcome by your precious blood and the word of my testimony in the land of the living. May I see…

Read the rest of this entry

Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20210423

Today is a beautiful day, because the angel told Zechariah how God would use his son, John, “and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord…

Read the rest of this entry

Prayer for Today

Lord Jesus, you are the first and the last. You are the one who died and came to life. You know our struggles and our shame. There is nothing in the human experience of which you are not aware, even my deepest thoughts, and my heart’s desire. Keep me from the temptations of Satan. Help…

Read the rest of this entry

Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20210422

Today is a beautiful day, because “and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works?’” (Matthew 13:54 ESV) Wisdom #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday

Prayer for Today

Lord of Creation, you who holds the seven stars in your right hand and walks between the seven lampstands, you know my ways. You see my actions and know what goes on deep in my being. You are my greatest love, for your love is trustworthy and true. Forgive the times I fail you, Lord….

Read the rest of this entry