Setting
the Scene:
It
is entirely possible for followers of Jesus to lose their original joy. When
you start out on the Christian journey you feel that you are invincible, that
nothing could come along and distinguish the flames of joy that are burning in
your heart. We all begin like this. All of us go through trials and
temptations, darkness and discouragement, weariness and worry. Some of us come
out the other side with less Joy than when we went in. Sometimes we find that
life erodes the joy away and we become people that settle for second best. We
just put up and make do. We live as joyless people condemned to a life of toil
and stress. What is sad in all of this is that we are content to live in this
valley where the fires of Joy have gone out.
Scripture:
Romans 15:13 - NIV Bible
“May
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.”
Romans 15:13 – Message Bible
“Oh!
May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that
your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit,
will brim over with hope!
DVD: “Lukewarm and Loving it.”
Open Discussion :
- What challenged you from the DVD?
- Are You Joyful? How do you express your Joy? If someone met you for the first time would they say you’re a joyful person. Or Do you think they would make excuses to get away from you because you are depressing to be with?
- What would you look like if you were on fire?
- Do you get the gospel?
- How will you respond to your lack of Joy, How will you pursue Joy?
- Will you let God forgive you for you joylessness and give you a hunger for him that expresses itself in JOY?
DVD: “In
Christ Alone - Page CXVI”
Quotes:
“Joy is what happens to us when we
allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.”
Marianne Williamson
“ When was the last time you
laughed for the sheer joy of your salvation? People are not attracted to somber
doctrines. There is no persuasive power in a gloomy and morbid religion. Let
the world see your joy and you won’t be able to keep them away. To be filled
with God is to be filled with joy.” Anonymous
“Joy is the holy fire that keeps our
purpose warm and our intelligence aglow”. Helen
Keller
Prayer:
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