Joy
intense and especially ecstatic or
exultant happiness
Happiness
a feeling, showing, or expression of joy
Acts 13:49-52 (New International Version)
The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.
But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women
of high standing and the leading men of the city.
They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas,
and expelled them from their region. So they [Paul and
Barnabas] shook the dust off their feet as a warning
to them and went to Iconium. And the disciples
[Paul and Barnabas] were filled with joy
and with the Holy Spirit.
Joy = Chara (greek)
Charis = Grace
Luke 2:8-11 (NIV)
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby,
keeping watch over their flocks by night. An angel of the Lord
appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were terrified. But the angel said to them,
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news
that will cause great joy for all the people.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;
he is the Messiah, the Lord.
John 10:14-15 (NIV)
I am the good shepherd;
I know my sheep and my sheep know me —
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father —
and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Luke 2:13-16 (NIV)
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host
appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth
peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When 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.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph,
and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
Luke 2:17-18 (NIV)
When they had seen him, they spread the word
concerning what had been told them about this child,
and all who heard it were amazed
at what the shepherds said to them.
How do we Experience JOY in the midst of difficulties?
The 4 P’s
1. Perspective
2. Priority
3. Power
4. Purpose
You can be bitter, or you can be better.
~Andy Stanley
Philippians 1:17-18 (NLT)
Those others do not have pure motives as they preach
about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely,
intending to make my chains more painful to me.
But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine,
the message about Christ is being preaching either way,
so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.
When JESUS is your purpose, JOY is your promise!
Philippians 4:19 (New Living Translation)
And this same God who takes care of me
will supply all your needs from his glorious riches,
which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
A personal relationship with Christ
gives us the JOY we crave.