Where Does Your Joy Come From?

That was the last Sunday's topic at church. I took these notes.

Reading: Psalms 32, Psalms 51

1. Transgression: to go beyond the normal known limits.

2. Sins: miss the mark

3. Iniquity: rebel against the authority of God.

-The enemy (the devil) wants to fill you with guilt and condemnation.

-I'm blessed because I've forgiven.

-Satan's first plan is to keep you away from God, church, and forgiveness.

-You got forgiven but you've not been joyful.

Reading: Jeremiah 29:11

Luke Ch. 15 Prodigal Son

-Was forgiven but his joy wasn't restored when he returned home.

-God's opinion of me makes everyone else's opinion of me not matter.

-There is nothing more unattractive than a mean Christian.

-You art not sanctified because you've had enough Jesus. You need joy in your family, and in your walk with Christ.

-The devil doesn't want you to have joy.

-In the absence of joy there is weakness.

Reading: Nehemiah 8:10

-The joy that God gives you, no man can take away. Don't let anyone take your joy. Only God can give it to you.

-You shouldn't fear the enemy! He's already been defeated.

Reading: John 16:24

-Ask and you shall receive that your joy will be full. This joy that I have, the world didn't give it and the world can't take it away. If you ask, God will give you joy that is full.

Reading: Psalms 16:11

-3 Joy Robbers-

1. The fear of what people think.

2. Fear of the enemy.

3. The bondage to sin a cycle.

(Condemnation is a joy robber as well.)

Reading: Psalms 51

-Forgive me according to your tender mercies.

-Have tender mercy towards people.

What I got out of this week's sermon?

I was exponentially changed by deciding to attend church. This church was welcoming, refreshing, and you can tell God was in the building, moving across the entire congregation.

This week's sermon was talking about joy, and all the ways the devil will try to steal it away from us. But as I learned, the devil didn't give it, and neither did the world. God gave us our joy! That's something to be honored to have. He loved us so much that He came in the flesh and died for all of us. Joy can't be taken by the enemy. You have to defeat him! He will not rule your life if you have God in your heart. You can praise God, and become one of His children. Don't give up on Him. He will always be there for you.