JOY is The Cure
Introduction
8 So there was great joy in that city. —Acts 8:8 (NLT)
25 He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. —Hebrews 11:25 (NLT)
11 In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. —Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)
What’s The Source Of Your Joy?
1. Human
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, —Galatians 5:22 (NLT)
10 And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” —Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT)
2. Divine
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! —Philippians 4:4 (NKJV)
16 Always be joyful —Philippians 4:4 (NKJV).
3. Faithful
9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. —Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NLT)
15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. —Romans 12:15-16 (NLT)
4. Unrelenting
1 Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. —Psalm 100:1-2 (NLT)
15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name —Hebrews 13:15 New King James Version (NKJV).
5. Personal
or
2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. —James 1:2-4 (NLT)
6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. —1 Peter 1:6 (NLT)
22 So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. —John 16:22 New Living Translation (NLT)
2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. —2 Corinthians 8:2-3 (NLT)
2 Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. —Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)
17 Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— 18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. —Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NKJV)
Conclusion
11 You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy. —Psalm 30:11 (NLT)
My Next Step
- Send funny and creative family home videos and photos to Pastor Mario.
- Mend a broken relationship this week.
- Share a Christmas Meal with a Family
Join Us For Next Week’s Message: Goodwill For All
If this message has been a blessing to you, please email comments to Pastor Mario.