"Laughing With The Lord" A Daily Dose Of Joy and Wisdom

By Walt Derksen

A Year of Faith, Humour, and Reflection: Laughing With The Lord

There is a special thread that connects humour and spirituality in the great fabric of Christian faith, demonstrating how joy and laughter are heavenly gifts meant for us to appreciate. "Laughing with the Lord" is more than a book; it's an uplifting journey through a year filled with Christian comedy, heartwarming anecdotes, and lighthearted tales, all of which mirror the joy of our faith.

Aside from the hilarity, this collection includes daily Scripture texts that act as anchors for meditation. Each day is followed by a thoughtful meditation drawn from the wisdom of the Bible, aiming to impart encouragement, hope, and a greater appreciation of God's love. According to Proverbs 17:22, "a cheerful heart is good medicine." That spirit is embodied in this book, which provides both a daily dose of joy and a period of spiritual meditation.

"Laughing with the Lord" promises to be a lighthouse, illuminating the way of your faith journey one day and one smile at a time, whether you're enjoying a laugh with loved ones or seeking peace during alone moments. Celebrate your faith, find hope in His Word, and unearth the profound knowledge hidden in chuckles and giggles.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Walt Derksen
• Release date: Sep 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223290254

Book preview

Laughing with the Lord

A Daily Dose of Joy and Wisdom

By Walt Derksen

2023 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Table of Contents

Introduction

January: New Beginnings   February: Love and Relationships

March: Overcoming Trials

April: Renewal and Growth

May: Faith in Action

June: The Power of Words

July: Creation and Nature

August: The Wisdom of Kings

September: Journeys and Adventures

October: Trust and Assurance

November: Gratitude and Thanksgiving

December: Joy and Celebration

Closing Thoughts

Introduction:

This introduction serves as a gateway into the harmonious blend of humor and spirituality. By shedding light on Jesus's humor, it emphasizes the importance of joy in one's faith journey and sets the tone for the daily devotionals that follow.

Humor, frequently seen as a soul salve, is more than simply a modern diversion; it has profound roots in human history, transcending cultures and even making its mark within the sacred pages of the Bible. When we think of Jesus, we often imagine a somber figure preaching and doing miracles. However, as we go deeper into the scriptures, particularly the New International Version (NIV), which provides an understandable interpretation, we realize that Jesus, too, used wit, irony, and even levity in His teachings. Laughing with the Lord exemplifies the joy and wisdom that are intertwined in our faith and the scriptures.

Let us start with some examples from the Bible where Jesus' sense of humor is evident:

The Speck and the Plank: In Matthew 7:3-5, Jesus asks, Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and ignore the plank in your own? How can you tell your brother, 'Let me remove the speck out of your eye,' while you have a plank in your own? You hypocrite, first remove the speck from your own eye, and then you will be able to see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."

This teaching is fundamentally about hypocrisy. However, Jesus' iconography is absurdly overblown. Consider someone with a large plank in their eye attempting to assist someone with a tiny speck! Jesus expertly imparts a significant lesson on self-awareness through this amusing allegory.

Camel through the Eye of a Needle: In Mark 10:25, Jesus says, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.

The vision is vivid and comically overblown once more. Jesus utilizes this humorous illustration to emphasize the difficulty that wealthy people may have in prioritizing spiritual ideals over material wealth.

When a man asks Jesus if he might follow Him after burying his father, Jesus says in Luke 9:60, Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God. On the surface, this appears to be a puzzling and harsh statement.In a more humorous interpretation, however, Jesus is jokingly pointing out priorities: focusing on life and living, as well as the spiritual road ahead, rather than being embroiled in worldly commitments.

These examples demonstrate that comedy is more than simply a source of entertainment; it is also a great teaching tool. By using comedy into His lectures, Jesus made his messages more remembered, accessible, and understandable to the public.

Our journey through Laughing with the Lord lasts 366 days and includes a daily dose of humor laced with scriptural knowledge. Every day, a joke will accompany a selected scripture, followed by a reflection that delves into the spiritual lesson contained within. What is the significance of this pairing? A cheerful heart is good medicine, Proverbs 17:22 (NIV) says, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. This devotional is intended to be good medicine, a combination of joy and spiritual nutrition.

The goal of this book isn't only to make you laugh, though you'll surely do so along the way. It's to demonstrate that our faith is more than simply solemnity and meditation. Joy, humor, and levity are essential components of a satisfying spiritual journey. In essence, the Bible is not just a guide to morality, but also a testament to the joyful nature of God's love.

We hope that by the end of this devotional journey, you will see the Bible, and especially Jesus' teachings, in a new light, one that gleams with the sparkle of comedy and the profound depth of heavenly insight. As you turn the pages, may you not only laugh with the Lord but also grow closer to Him, understanding His words with a joyful heart.

Now, as we continue on this journey together, remember that laughing is more than simply a light moment; it is a profound link to the divine, a testimonial to the joyful life that Jesus desires for each of us.

The quotes are designed to underline the daily reflections and to provide you, the reader, with a variety of perspectives on the topics being explored.

This foreword serves as an entry point into the beautiful blend of humor and spirituality. It emphasizes the importance of joy in one's faith journey and sets the tone for the daily devotionals that follow by throwing light on Jesus' humor.

January: New Beginnings

January 1

●  Joke: Why did Noah think the animals were bad at math? Because they were in pairs!

●  Scripture: Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV) - Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

●  Reflection: Each morning we wake up is a testament to God's unwavering love and mercy. Picture it this way: Just like when we struggled with math in school and made mistakes, our teacher would patiently correct us, guiding us to the right solution. Similarly, even when we fumble and err in life, God's compassion never runs out. I remember a time when I felt completely overwhelmed by my own mistakes, thinking there was no way forward. Yet, with each dawn, I was reminded of this very scripture. His love was the fresh start I needed every day, teaching me that no matter how muddled things became, there was always a new beginning awaiting me. Just like Noah, patiently guiding those pairs   of animals into the ark amid chaos, God guides us through our life's storms with patience and unwavering love. Every day is an opportunity, a new page, and with God’s love, there’s always a way to start afresh.

●  Quote: Life is full of second chances...and the second chances God gives us are not reduced in value or potential. - Mandy Hale

January 2

●  Joke: Why did Moses make great coffee? He knew how to brew it on the  mountain!

●  Scripture: Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) - But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

●  Reflection: Putting our hope in the Lord, like a good cup of coffee, gives us the energy we need to get through the day. There was a time in my life when every task felt arduous, and the days appeared to stretch on forever. This verse became my sweetener during such times, when I felt like I was drinking unsweetened coffee. We can rise above our daily troubles, just as Moses did when he climbed mountains and faced challenges with faith. Our weary hearts can fly like eagles with hope in God, ensuring that no mountain is too high to climb  

●  Quote: Mountains may rise and fall, and the sun might wither out, but God's love will remain. - Dee Waldeck

January 3

●  Joke: Why did the computer keep praying? It had too many bytes and needed to save its soul!

●  Scripture: Psalm 23:3 (NIV) - He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

●  Reflection: Just as computers frequently require upgrades and refreshes to work properly, so do our souls. I recall feeling overloaded by life's relentless speed. This Psalm became my reset button during such times. God's advice is the software update we all require, instructing us when we become lost among life's myriad tabs. So whenever you feel overwhelmed, remember that God is always ready to refresh and guide your soul, pointing you in the proper direction.

●  Quote: To be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter; to find  a quest of wild berries more satisfying than a gift of tropical fruit; to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring—these are some of the rewards of the simple life. - John Burroughs

January 4

●  Joke: What kind of car does Jesus drive? A Christler!

●  Scripture: Philippians 4:13 (NIV) - "I can do all this through him who gives me  strength."

●  Reflection: Picture your faith journey to be a long road trip. Smooth motorways will coexist with unexpected detours and difficult terrain. I once faced a task that felt as impossible as driving up a high hill with an empty gas tank. But this text served as my fuel station, telling me that with Christ at the helm, no hill was too steep. When life's uphill treks present themselves, remember that Jesus is not only the driver, but also the fuel that enables you to overcome any obstacle.

●  Quote: The road of life is filled with sunshine and clouds, black and white, triumphs and tragedies. As we continue down the road, we decide which things we bring with us, and which we leave in the rearview mirror. - Julie-Anne

January 5  

●  Joke: Why was Jonah so good at finance? Because he had experience going down into the belly of a whale!

●  Scripture: Romans 8:28 (NIV) - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

●  Reflection:  Life, like finance, has its fair share of highs and lows. I felt like Jonah during a time when I was being consumed by a metaphorical whale of misery. Nonetheless, this text was my lifeline, indicating that God had a plan even in the midst of my difficulties. It taught me that no matter how bad things become, God's divine design ensures that everything will eventually work out for our good. Hold on to this promise whenever you find yourself in the midst of life's difficulties, and know that a larger purpose awaits you. 

●  Quote: No matter how much it hurts now, someday you will look back and realize your struggles changed your life for the better. - Haruki Murakami

January 6 

●  Joke: Why did David become a musician? Because he was great with harp-strings!

●  Scripture: Psalm 59:16 (NIV) - But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.

●  Reflection: In many ways, music becomes the unsung manifestation of our souls. When I was hurting, I often sought peace in melodies and lyrics, just as David did with his harp. This text became my spiritual hymn, reminding me of God's constant love and protection. So, if your life's rhythms become a little out of sync, let the divine symphony of God's word restore harmony.

●  Quote: Music touches us emotionally, where words alone can't. - Johnny Depp

January 7 

●  Joke: What’s the best way to study the Bible? You Luke into it!

●  Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV) - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

●  Reflection: For me, the Bible has always been more than just a book. It has served as a guide, a friend, and a lighthouse. I remember looking for answers in its pages through difficult times and always finding insight. This verse explains the divine nature of scriptures, emphasizing their function in directing us to righteousness. When in doubt, just type 'Luke' into the Bible; there's likely to be an answer waiting for you. 

●  Quote: The Bible is a treasure book of stories that are timeless and ageless. - Zig Ziglar

January 8 

●  Joke: Why did the Bible school offer gym class? To exercise those faith muscles!

●  Scripture: James 2:17 (NIV) - In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

●  Reflection:To me, faith is like a muscle. It can grow weak if not exercised. When I felt disconnected from my beliefs, someone reminded me that faith isn't just about believing, but also about acting on those beliefs. Acting on our faith fortifies our spiritual being in the same way that exercise strengthens our bodily shape. So, exercise your faith muscles by performing acts of compassion, love, and justice.

●  Quote: "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole