John 15:9-11 (ESV)
9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
JOY is not what happens to you, it’s what happens in you.
Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV)
10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
How can I choose joy every day?
1. Choose to view what happened to you, DIFFERENTLY.
Philippians 1:12 (ESV)
12 I want you to know, brothers,[a] that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,
12 I want you to know, brothers,[a] that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,
Those who leave everything in GOD’S HANDS will eventually see GOD’S HAND in everything!
Romans 8:28 (ESV)
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[a] for those who are called according to his purpose.
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[a] for those who are called according to his purpose.
2. Choose to find the NEW OPPORTUNITIES.
Philippians 1:13-14 (ESV)
13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard[a] and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word[b] without fear.
13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard[a] and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word[b] without fear.
We Tend To Overestimate What We Would Do With The Opportunity We Don’t Have…
While Underestimating What We Could Do With The Opportunity We Do Have!
– Steven Furtick
Exodus 4:1-3 (ESV)
4 Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’” 2 The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.” 3 And he said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it.
4 Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’” 2 The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.” 3 And he said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it.
3. Choose to focus on WHAT REALLY MATTERS.
Philippians 1:15-18 (ESV)
15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
Yes, and I will rejoice,
Today I CHOOSE JOY!
Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.