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

Prayer for Today

Lord Jesus, captivate our hearts. Grant us your peace that passes all understanding. Remind us that you stand with us in the fire. You go with us into our day to work, to play, to worship or to stay home. We are never without your loving, caring, protecting presence. May we feel your touch. May…

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Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20200315

Today is a beautiful day, because John writes, “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And he said to me, ‘These are the true words of God.’” (Revelation 19:9 ESV) Blessed #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday

Prayer for Today

Holy and Mighty Father God, you are the God of prophecy and revelation. As you prophesied over Jerusalem, may it be with our own cities and communities. May your followers make them to be a joy to you. May we work solely for your pleasure and honor. May we be a light to the hurting…

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Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20200314

Today is a beautiful day, because the Lord tells us to ready ourselves, “Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!” (Revelation 16:15 ESV) Blessed #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday

Prayer for Today

Lord, so many things point directly to you. So many needs crying to be met. So many fears echoing. So many people rushing to doubt. Quell them all, Lord. Send your peace that passes all understanding. May we remember your words that the Father knows our needs before we voice them. May we follow the…

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Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20200313

Today is a beautiful day, because John wrote, “And I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Blessed indeed,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!’ (Revelation 14:13 ESV) Blessed #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday

Prayer for Today

Almighty God, you are the God of salvation and pure joy. Remind us of the joy of your salvation. Give us unspeakable pleasure today, for your promises include blessing. We are blessed this day and every day. This is the day the you have made. We will rejoice! I praise you in the name and…

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Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20200312

Today is a beautiful day, because “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” ( Revelation 5:12 ESV) Blessed #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday

Prayer for Today

Father God, may your Holy Spirit rise up in us to fan our talents into flame for your glory. I ask boldly, yet humbly, in the name of Jesus, according to your good and perfect will. Amen. “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you…

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Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20200311

Today is a beautiful day, because “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and Blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3 ESV) Blessed #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday