Meet the Authors.

Sarah Burlingame is passionate about Biblical truth. Her diverse church background has taken her through Mainline Methodist, Evangelical, Charismatic and Roman Catholic circles. Her calling as an intercessor led her to receive a certification in Advanced Spiritual Warfare from LMCI (Liberating Ministries for Christ International) lmci.org . Sarah has served as a small group leader, worship planner, liturgical dance leader and online ministry coordinator. She holds a M.S. degree in Education and lives in northeastern Pennsylvania with her husband and their youngest son. Her older sons reside in northeastern Pennsylvania and upstate New York. They attend North Rome Wesleyan Church.

Joanne Reinhart asked Jesus Christ into her heart at the age of nine in a Sunday school classroom in Maryland. Her journey with the Lord took her through various careers, colleges, and universities. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Art/Dance, Theology, and Education, and a M.S. degree in Educational Administration. Her passion for the Lord is evidenced through worship, dance, and teaching. She was liberated into her spiritual gifts and callings through the teaching resources of LMCI lmci.org . Joanne has danced and taught at Christian conferences and various churches in PA and VA. She currently lives in Florida and attends church at His Heart Ministries: Donna and Jack Rigney, Pastors

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Joy to the World



Picture the manger/Nativity scene:  the figures portray the epitome of PEACE, LOVE, and JOY.
Joy to the world, really??  With terrorist threats and attacks everywhere?  Global unrest? Jobs lost? Opportunities missed?  Sudden or chronic illness?  Other personal fears and anxieties?  How can we really have JOY in our lives or in the world?

It is true that people spend a lot of time and money seeking true “peace, love, and joy” in their lives. How can we really have these?  Are you one of the many that find this time of year only reminding you of the lack of peace, love and joy in your life?
The answer is in Jesus Christ, who was born in a manger, who lived His life and gave it for you and me at the cross.  He tells us in John 14:20 “Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.” (NKJV)

We do see people around the world seemingly ‘rejoicing’ at the horrific acts of terrorism shown in the media.  But, Jesus promises us that our sorrow will be turned into joy.  He even describes how in the following verses:

 John 16:21-24 (NKJV)
A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.  Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.
“….. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.  Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."

We are to ASK the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, for whatever we need in our lives. 

Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)
"You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."


 If this verse is true, then coming into the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ gives us “fullness of joy.”  How is this possible?  If you SEEK the Lord, and ASK, you will FIND Him!


Matthew 7:7 (AMP)
"Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you."
Cool! The bible tells us it is possible but you may still wonder how to apply this joy in your own life. Overwhelming distractions (especially during the Holiday season) are a firm reality for many of us in this world. We are busy people with demanding jobs and families. We decorate, we shop, we cook and consume fanciful meals. It may seem impossible to seek and find the joy we want in our lives. As the Grinch so aptly said, there is too much, “noise, noise, noise.” Then there are others who do not suffer from activity overload because they are alone or depressed. To them, Christmas is simply a time to be reminded of the close relationships they do not possess. Trying to escape the harsh realities of this world is a growing trend among many people… both the busy and the lonely. So, when one finds themselves tired of Facebook, TV, parties or whatever…. The promises Jesus gave us all regarding joy, will still be there waiting to be fulfilled. There is a saying called, “simplicity in Christ”. The way to find joy truly is simple BUT, we need to be persistent. The joy Jesus has for us is found in quieting our minds and simply talking with Him. Ask and continue to ask and it will be given to you. You must be willing to reach out in the quiet asking and He will be faithful in answering. Yes, it may take a little time and a little practice but isn’t joy worth the effort? It’s up to you. In conclusion, please read and fully consider these words uttered directly from Jesus Himself and allow yourself to be blessed.    

 John 16:33 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
" I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world." [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
~ Joanne and Sarah





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