is happening in your life at the time. “Joy” is deeper. It is a deep satisfaction and peace in the soul that can not be robbed by circumstances. “Joy” is a “fruit of the Spirit” – Galatians 5:22-23 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self- control.
seek happiness. This is without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end. The cause of some going to war, and of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attended with different views. The will never takes the least step but to this object. This is the motive of every action of every man, even of those who hang themselves.” - Blaise Pascal
in the only real place where we can find it – in desiring God Himself. When we pursue joy elsewhere – these things become idols and fail us every time!
9“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my JOY may be in you and that your JOY may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
found only in God that ruins your desire for anything else. Everything else becomes small. It ruins your motivation for all other pursuits of pleasure that are not God. Q: Why can we not find real joy anywhere else? Psalm 37:4 - “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” Because HE IS THE DESIRE of every heart!
fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. 13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.””
happy at Christmas time? • just a little taste of the joy they really could have. Q: Why is the Christmas joy so fleeting for people? • because they do not find their joy in God … only in things. American cultural Christmas is the clash between things and God!
of Jesse (Jesus) will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” 13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
surgery, experiencing post-op fever and pain • Jena’s friend, Sandy, just passed away • Liz’s friend, Sarah, needs a heart transplant. She is away from home and her young children for treatments. The costs of her treatment are putting a significant financial burden on her family. • The Meltons' niece, Isla, was born prematurely and is in the NICU
after church. Dinner will be provided. Bring a friend to celebrate! • Today is Ella’s birthday! • 12/13 – Grace Bible Church 50th Anniversary Celebration at Reed Arena, 6:00 PM. Interpreters will be provided.
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