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 20200320

March 20, 2020
By Joy Taylor

Today is a beautiful day, because Leviticus gives instructions on planting fruit trees to let them grow the first three years, offer the crop of the fourth year to God, “And in the fourth year all its fruit shall be holy, an offering of praise to the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:24 ESV) Praise #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday

Prayer for Today

March 19, 2020
By Joy Taylor

Dear Jesus, when you fulfilled the old covenant with your personal sacrifice, you ushered in the new covenant. Our bodies became the temple, and our hearts the holy of holies, where we meet with you at will. We no longer wait for Atonement Day sacrifices. We no longer strive for the perfect work to save…

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Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20200319

March 19, 2020
By Joy Taylor

Today is a beautiful day, because Moses sang, “The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” (Exodus 15:2 ESV) Praise #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday

Prayer for Today

March 18, 2020
By Joy Taylor

Holy Spirit, prepare our hearts for the coming days. Release the peace of the saving knowledge of God. Brighten our beacon of hope. May we look up in expectation of help, for our help comes from your holy hill. May we stand firm in our faith, leaning fully on your promises. May we praise Mighty…

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Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20200318

March 18, 2020
By Joy Taylor

Today is a beautiful day, because “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.” (Revelation 22:14 ESV) Blessed #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday

At My Passing – Audio

March 17, 2020
By Joy Taylor

http://traffic.libsyn.com/joyinverse/At_My_Passing.mp3  

Prayer for Today

March 17, 2020
By Joy Taylor

Father, remind us of your words, given to Paul by your Holy Spirit. Fan the flames of courageous hope. May we revisit our faith in your eternal promise. Refresh our spirit of power and love and self-control. We need you, now, Father, in this rupture of the world as we know it. Steady our foothold…

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Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20200317

March 17, 2020
By Joy Taylor

Today is a beautiful day, because “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” (Revelation 22:7 ESV) Blessed #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday

Prayer for Today

March 16, 2020
By Joy Taylor

Oh Father, Abba Father, we crave your presence. We want to move close enough to you to know your heart, and to feel your loving arms around me. Grant us peace in the unknown and steadfast courage in the fire of trial. Draw us together as families to love on and support one another. Help…

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Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20200316

March 16, 2020
By Joy Taylor

Today is a beautiful day, because “Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:6 ESV) Blessed #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday