JAMES JANZEN MINISTRIES

Finding the good in the bad

4/13/2026

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Paul found joy because he knew that as God works in us, He gives us the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. (Philippians 2:13) God is always at work, and the Holy Spirit revealed the good in the bad to him.

When insincere preachers began preaching the gospel out of selfish ambition in a manner that hurt Paul, he saw the blessing that Christ was being preached, even though these preachers had evil motives.

The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Philippians 1:17-18

The choice to think about worthwhile things helped him endure the sufferings of prison and his mistreatment at the hands of these preachers. Ask God to show you the good in the bad.

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More practical advice for finding joy

4/6/2026

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Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

Paul's final advice for finding joy is a list of things to think about: anything excellent or worthy of praise. He knows that all battles are ultimately fought and won in the mind. Do our thoughts dwell on our fears, unhappiness, losses, and irritations? Or do we think about the things on Paul's list?

Paul did not ignore the troubles of his life, which, as we have mentioned, were many and big. He felt them deeply. But even while grappling with painful and discouraging things, he consciously chose to focus on what is truly good. He focused on the things listed in today's verse. He had faith in God's provision. He did not forget the many blessings God showers on us in the present world. He believed in a full redemption and future rewards from God.

Focusing on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and praiseworthy protected his heart and mind from despair. It can also protect your heart and mind from despair.

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March 29th, 2026

3/29/2026

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Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

Paul’s admonition to pray comes with one condition—giving thanks.
I continue to be amazed at how often Paul admonishes his readers to be thankful. For instance, he mentions this three times in four verses in Colossians.

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:14-17

We also see this throughout the psalms, where giving thanks results in hope and faith. Giving thanks changes our perspective from worry to worship.

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More Reasons Not to Fear

3/24/2026

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Here are two more scripture passages where Jesus speaks about not being fearful.
Jesus said, "Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:29-31).

Jesus took the initiative and came to his disciples during their tormenting trial at sea (Mark 6:48). The disciples saw Jesus approaching, but did not recognize him at first. They thought he was a ghost, and they were frightened (Mark 6:49-50). Jesus said to them, and he says to us in our trial, "Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid" (Mark 6:50).
These verses, and those in the previous insight, remind us that we need not fear because of who Christ is and what he has done and continues to do for us.

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Fear is the enemy of joy!

3/14/2026

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Fear is the enemy of joy.

That is why Jesus often said, ”Do not be afraid.”

In this insight and the one that follows, I will let Jesus talk to you through His own word. Imagine that he is talking to you as you read these verses.

On the evening before his death, Jesus said to his disciples, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful" (John 14:27).

A synagogue official named Jairus came to Jesus and urgently asked Jesus, "My little daughter is at the point of death; please come and lay Your hands on her, so that she will get well and live" (Mark 5:22-23).

While on the way, bad news came from the house of the synagogue official. Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher anymore?" (Mark 5:35). Jesus disagreed with the advice of the bad news bearer to not trust further in Jesus. Jesus immediately said to Jairus, "Fear not, only believe" (Mark 5:36).

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SWIRLS OF NURTURE

Finding the good in the bad

More practical advice for finding joy

March 29th, 2026

More Reasons Not to Fear

Fear is the enemy of joy!

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