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 20180420

Today is a beautiful day, because “the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,…

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Prayer for Today

Gracious Lord, you sent your Holy Spirit to live in us, guide us and empower us when you left to sit at the right hand of the Father. Remind us again that the mighty working power that lives in us is the same that raised Christ from death. Renew our boldness to come before your…

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Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20180419

Today is a beautiful day, because Paul prayed for grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior, “in hope for eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.” (Titus 1:2 ESV) Hope in the Lord. #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday

Prayer for Today

Almighty God, let your Spirit hover over the seas of humanity. Bring a wave of revival on this earth. Create a new life in all he touches. Set the hearts already in tune with yours aflame to speak your holy name to the nations. Send visions and dreams to those who sleep. Reveal yourself to…

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Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20180418

Today is a beautiful day, because Paul got his priorities right, “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” (1 Timothy 6:17 ESV) Hope in the Lord. #joyinverse…

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Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20180417

Today is a beautiful day, because those who hope in the Lord continue in prayer night and day, “She…has set her hope on God and continues in supplications night and day.” 1 Timothy 5:5 ESV) Hope in the Lord. #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday

Prayer for Today

Father God, there is none who compares with you. You are Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides. Use your church to supplant the needs of your servants, Father. You see and know. Touch the hearts of the brothers and sisters in Christ to graciously and generously give to the work of your pastors, ministries and…

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Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20180414

Today is a beautiful day, because Paul encouraged Timothy, “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the savior for all people, especially for those who believe.” (1 Timothy 4:10 ESV) Hope in the Lord #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday

Prayer for Today

Father, I am touched by just how faithfully and fully you love us. The Bible uses the word “unspeakable,” and to me it doesn’t mean that something should not be spoken about, but that words can’t express the idea fully. That is how I feel about this great love you have for us. I messed…

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Prayer for Today

Almighty God, you are vast, mighty, sovereign and powerful, yet, you see that my deepest desires materialize. Thank you for deep and lasting friendships. Thank you for bringing people into my life, souls who touch mine with their laughter, prayers, hopes, dreams, tragedies and victories. Thank you for those who love me enough to keep…

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