All I Want For Christmas is JOY

What is joy? Where can I find it? How can I develop it?

There are nine Hebrew words translated as “joy” in the Old Testament. They describe: 

A deep feeling

Taking delight in someone or something

Joyfulness that accompanies music

Taking pleasure in something

Shouting for joy

Where Do I Find Joy?

There are two kinds of joy: Temporal and Eternal

Temporal joy is found in the world. Temporal joy is not all bad. However, it will never bring lasting satisfaction (Eccl 2:1-2). And certainly, sin is enjoyable for a season (Heb 11:24-25), but the consequences are significant (Gal 6:7). 

Temporal joy is found in the world.

Joy for today and forever is experienced only in Jesus.

Temporal joy is circumstantial.

Eternal joy is positional.

DEVELOPING JOY

1. Engage daily in God’sWord in a meaningful way. 

2. Engage daily in meaningful prayer.

3. Obedience

4. Trials

5. Focus on Jesus

What was the joy of the cross? 

The joy of doing the Father’s will (Obedience).

The joy of providing the way to God (Salvation). 

The joy of paying sin’s penalty once and for all (Substitutionary Atonement).

The joy of defeating death and Satan (Resurrection).

The joy of celebrating his completed work (Exaltation). 

The joy of living in us through the Holy Spirit (Indwelling Presence). The joy of his return (Second Advent).

The joy in presenting us blameless us to the Father (Justification: Declared not guilty and righteous). 

Joy for today and forever is experienced only in Jesus.

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH RON MOORE

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