The Joy of the Lord
Jason Gastrich
http://biblelessons.jcsm.org. Enjoy!
Webster's dictionary definition: 1) to experience great pleasure or delight
: REJOICE, 2) the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or
by the prospect of possessing what one desires : DELIGHT.
Hebrew dictionary definition: 8057. simchah, sim-khaw'; from H8056
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival):-- X exceeding (-ly),
gladness, joy (-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice (-ing). (Found 88 times
in the Old Testament, in 22 books)
Greek dictionary definition: 5479. chara, khar-ah'; from G5463;
cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight:--gladness, X greatly, (X be exceeding) joy
(-ful, -fully, -fulness, -ous). (Found 57 times in the New Testament, in 18
books)
There are many ways to define joy. Joy isn't just a smile or a laugh. Joy is
something that is deep within and doesn't leave quickly. When we have the
joy of the Lord, we'll know it and so will others. Since joy is given by God
and something that He wants us to have, we need to be joyful! In addition to
being joyful, we should let others have their joy and not bring them down
when they are excited about good things. The only thing worse than not
having joy is stealing someone else's. We will also see where the Bible
gives us specific times to be joyful. Lastly, I've listed ways that God has
given me joy! If you're lacking, pray and try some! Enjoy this lesson and
God bless you!
Have Joy!
Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!"
As Christians, we should always find reasons to be joyful. We'll spend
eternity in Heaven! Spending eternity in Heaven with God, the saints and the
angels is something incredible!
If we can't find reasons to be joyful, our perspective must change. God lets
us have blessings every day. We should be able to see them and thank God for
them. Additionally, we should ask for God's blessings! Some think they
should be blessed with joy automatically, but God's Word says "you have not
because you do not ask". Ask for joy!
There were some homeless people on the beach the other day. All they had was
the clothes they were wearing and a push cart for each of them. They liked
what they had and it brought them joy. Everyone on earth has something they
are proud of that brings them joy. Jesus is what should bring us joy and
pride over all else. What are you most proud of? What bring you the most
joy?
Proverb 12:20 "Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But
counselors of peace have joy."
Proverb 21:15 "It is a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction will
come to the workers of iniquity."
Peace and joy go together. Give good advice and give peaceful advice. When
we try not to fight and hate others, and decide to get along, we will
experience peace and joy.
A man at Chevron looked at my truck's oil leak today. He said that their
previous work was good and he isn't responsible for the current leak.
However, what he said was controversial and difficult to prove. I could have
attacked this man's nationality, quality of work, competence, etc. But I
didn't. I thought about the truth in the matter and how we weren't sure
exactly who's fault it was. I couldn't blame him for something that I did
not know was his fault. So, instead I thanked him for looking at my leak for
free. I could have been angry that he didn't fix the current leak, but
instead, I had joy when I appreciated what he did do. I looked for the truth
and found peace. Then that peace turned into joy!
Ecclesiastes 2:26 "For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who
is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and
collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This also is
vanity and grasping for the wind."
God loves His people. All of the believers will receive wisdom, knowledge
and joy from God. That is something special since the unbelievers are not
going to Heaven and have the tedious task of acquiring meaningless things on
earth. These things that are made and acquired by the unbelievers will still
bring glory to God since God made everything. Additionally, the believers
will see what is made and give God the credit that is due to Him. Seeing
awesome things that are made, even by godless people, will give the us joy
since we will see God as an awesome Creator. Can you think of any things
that have been made by unbelievers that you can give thanks to God for and
appreciate the Creator?
Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is....joy...."
God's Holy Spirit produces joy. Joy is a product of Christ-likeness. When we
seek God through His Word and prayer, we will receive joy! Thank God that
joy is something He wants us to have!
1 John 1:4 "And these things we write to you that your joy may be full."
Reading the scriptures will bring us joy! The Bible is full of awesome
stories and truths that are encouraging to the believers. How can you not be
joyful when you see how much God loves you and what His plans are for you?
Let Others Have Joy!
3 John 1:4 "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in
truth."
Have joy when you know that others are being Godly! The Christian life isn't
easy. We should be excited for those that are taking steps of faith and
obeying God's Word!
Psalm 149:5 "Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their
beds."
Don't interrupt joyful saints! Praise God for their joy and ask for joy if
you don't have it. Let them sing, too. Not only do you get ripped off when
you don't sing to God in church, you distract others if you talk to people
during worship.
Proverb 23:25 "Let your father and your mother be glad, And let her who bore
you rejoice."
Your parents have enough things to think about. Don't bother them. Let them
enjoy themselves, too.
Romans 12:15 "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep."
As easy as this verse sounds, it's not so easy. We need to have joy with
those who are joyful. Don't forget to smile! We also need to cry with those
who are crying. Let people experience their feelings. Don't make people
repress their thoughts or feelings. Help them get it out and get over it.
When Should We Be Joyful?
2 Corinthians 7:4 "Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my
boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful
in all our tribulation."
Be joyful when you know that your friends are doing well. We should thank
God when they are good, too. Even during tribulation, we are to be joyful!
How do you do that? Find a way! Pray, sing, shout! God wants us to be a
light in this dark world and a great time to be one is during trials. When
an orange is squeezed, juice comes out. When you are squeezed (tested), what
comes out? Hopefully the world sees sincere joy. There's a certain feeling
you get when you are in a situation and know there is no immediate or easy
way out. When you are at that point, thank God and pray for a way. Also pray
for joy, peace and patience!
Proverb 5:18 "Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice with the wife of
your youth."
Be happy with your wife! For those married folks, God has give you your
spouse. Thank Him for that wonderful man or woman and be joyful! Don't steal
their joy either. Be a catalyst in their relationship with God and remind
them to pray and seek our Heavenly Father (the source of joy).
Proverb 24:17 "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your
heart be glad when he stumbles;"
Love your enemies. Would someone who loved another person be happy when they
hurt themselves? Of course not. You don't have to love what they are doing
or what they believe in, but know that God loves them and there is hope for
them. Have great faith in the power of God to change any human being at any
moment. Remember how He's changed you? Pray for your enemies and look for
the chance to share the gospel with them.
Proverb 29:2 "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But
when a wicked man rules, the people groan."
Be joyful when there are righteous leaders in authority. Perhaps that seems
rare in the United States government, but consider your church authority.
Are there Godly people in leadership at your church? If so, rejoice!
1 Corinthians 13:6 "(Love) does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the
truth;"
Iniquity is sin or unrighteousness. We need to rejoice in the truth and not
when evil is done. If we have the right kind of love, we will have the right
kind of joy. It's common for people to make bad jokes, make fun of people,
get excited at evil actions, etc. However, we're called to rejoice in the
truth. When we see righteousness and hear about good deeds being done, then
we need to rejoice! When do you rejoice? If you have gotten excited about
evil actions in the past, just say a prayer to God and ask Him to forgive
you. Now try and get excited about good things!
Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!"
1 Thessalonians 5:16 "Rejoice always."
There is no time like the present. Rejoice now! Do you know some people that
are always waiting for the perfect time to do something? Maybe you've been
one of those people. God doesn't ask us to rejoice sometimes or once in a
while. God tells us to rejoice always! This doesn't mean to be rude like
laughing hysterically at a funeral. There is a difference between laughing
and having joy. Having a joyful heart is a wonderful thing and it isn't
always expressed by laughing or joking. We have joy when God has given it to
us. It is deep within us and doesn't go away very easily. It begins with a
right (obedient) relationship with Christ and continues when we possess a
right attitude. Adversity won't derail the joy that comes from God; nothing
will! Look for ways and times you can express your joy to others!
Here is an acronym I learned:
J esus
O thers
Y ou
The concept here is that when we put Jesus first we will have joy. When we
put others next, instead of ourselves, we will be blessed with joy, also.
It's easy to be selfish in this world, especially when you're not sure who
is looking out for you. However, God wants us to be selfless and giving.
Here is a list of some things that have brought me joy. If you are lacking
joy, try them and they should help you too!
1. Praying
2. Worshiping
3. Talking to friends or family members
4. Driving
5. Eating
6. Watching something good on tv or at the movies
7. Exercising
8. Reading
9. Giving counsel
10. Receiving counsel
11. Listening to a sermon
12. Preaching a sermon
13. Sending encouraging emails
14. Tithing
15. Obeying God
16. Playing with kids
17. Reading the Bible
18. Going to a Christian concert or music festival
19. Being baptized
20. Getting a accepted to a college or graduate school
21. Getting a degree
22. Giving gifts
--------
Jesus Christ Saves Ministries
http://www.jcsm.org
Over 60,000 web pages!
John 8:36 reads, "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free
indeed."
Galatians 5:1 reads, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ
has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."
ICQ#: 20731140
AIM: MrJasonGastrich
YIM: Jesus_Saved_Jason
David Sienkiewicz
>
> Here is an encouraging Bible lesson. If you want more, please see
> http://biblelessons.jcsm.org. Enjoy!
Translation: Jason lives by the numbers and wants more hits on his site.
< snip >
yetti
BUY VIAGRA PHARMACIES ONLINE
Providing a list of Viagra Pharmacies online from which you can buy
viagra online.We have a list of quality Viagra Pharmacies online.
These pharmacies are based in the USA. Top 10 list of Viagra
Pharmacies online from which you can buy viagra online.
http://www.buy-viagra-pharmacies-online.com/
Buy Viagra Pharmacies Online - Buy Cheap Viagra Online
http://www.buy-viagra-pharmacies-online.com/
Buy Viagra Pharmacies Online - We provide a list of Viagra Pharmacies
online from which you can buy viagra online.
http://www.buy-viagra-pharmacies-online.com/
CLICK-CIALIS
http://www.click-cialis.com/
Top 10 Cialis Online - Buy Cialis Online -
http://www.click-cialis.com/
yetti
BUY VIAGRA PHARMACIES ONLINE
Uncle Davey
Uzytkownik "yetti" <deekay...@hotmail.com> napisal w wiadomosci
news:eb6b0e7f.04040...@posting.google.com...
Answering this to David Sienkiewicz?
You don't know who you're writing to, evidently.
Uncle Davey
DOC
deekay...@hotmail.com sez in this lil' ole news'froup...!
> david.si...@attbi.com (David Sienkiewicz) wrote in message news:<35fa3772.04031...@posting.google.com>...
> > "Jason Gastrich" <newsg...@jcsm.org> wrote in message news:<1MR4c.28219$4o3....@twister.socal.rr.com>...
> > >
> > > Here is an encouraging Bible lesson. If you want more, please see
> > > http://biblelessons.jcsm.org. Enjoy!
> >
> > Translation: Jason lives by the numbers and wants more hits on his site.
> >
> > < snip >
>
> BUY VIAGRA PHARMACIES ONLINE
I accessed his site, and the is NOTHING whatsoever to do with your
'viagra' accusation.
Why are you doing this?
I don't even know Jason, but I will not sit idly by and see anyone
falsely accused if I can help.
His site IS concerning the Bible, NOT 'viagra'.
Get your mind out of the gutter.
Mitch Alsup
>Joy is something that is deep within and doesn't leave quickly. When
>we have the joy of the Lord, we'll know it and so will others. Since
>joy is given by God
Are you implying that atheists and agnostics are devoid of Joy?
What about the Budhists? Taoists? and Confucians?
Gomez Addams
news:e90782f7.04042...@posting.google.com...
mahayana or hinayana, not the joy of Taoism, not the joy of Confucius. Read
the Subject line, read the post you are responding to, then you won't make
silly mistakes......
dwacon
> >Joy is something that is deep within and doesn't leave quickly. When
> >we have the joy of the Lord, we'll know it and so will others. Since
> >joy is given by God
>
> Are you implying that atheists and agnostics are devoid of Joy?
Of God given joy they are devoid.
> What about the Budhists? Taoists? and Confucians?
What about them?
--
The Power House
http://www.cafeshops.com/powerpress
Bible Bob
He may or may not be implying that atheists and agnostics are devoid
of joy so I will say it more clearly.
Joy is a fruit of the spirit available only to those who have holy
spirit in them. Spiritual joy is not available to the natural man
because the natural man, whether atheist, buddist or muslim do not
have holy spirit residing in them.
Here's the reference:
Gal 5:19 KJV
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery,
fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Gal 5:20 KJV
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife,
seditions, heresies,
Gal 5:21 KJV
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the
which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that
they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Gal 5:22 KJV
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 KJV
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gal 5:24 KJV
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the
affections and lusts.
Gal 5:25 KJV
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
The fruit of the spirit is spiritual love that flows from God which
produces joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, and faith.
You can not experience spiritual joy unless God gives it to you and
God does not give joy to unbelievers. So if you want some real joy,
confess Jesus as Lord and beleive in your heart that God raised Jesus
from the dead. Then start abidiing in the vine and you will
experience the spiritual joy that eminates from the love of God.
BB
Jim Ledford
BB, we were talking about this yesterday during a fellowship.
I was wanting to know if it was OK to witness to people based
on the spiritual joy one would receive in this life. what you
speak of is so very true. good to read you this morning.
Jim
walksalone
trolling spree not trimmed.
> On 21 Apr 2004 12:33:54 -0700, Mitch...@aol.com (Mitch Alsup) wrote:
>
>>>There are many ways to define joy. Joy isn't just a smile or a laugh.
>>>Joy is something that is deep within and doesn't leave quickly. When
>>>we have the joy of the Lord, we'll know it and so will others. Since
>>>joy is given by God
>>
>>Are you implying that atheists and agnostics are devoid of Joy?
>>What about the Budhists? Taoists? and Confucians?
>
> He may or may not be implying that atheists and agnostics are devoid
> of joy so I will say it more clearly.
He did not imply it, he said it in aroundabout manner.
> Joy is a fruit of the spirit available only to those who have holy
> spirit in them. Spiritual joy is not available to the natural man
& the evidence for this is found where exactly. The majority of xians I
have encountered & observed seem to have been weaned on a green persimmon
found on a hen house floor. & that appears to be the sweetest moment of
their life.
As to what I base that on, their conversations when their mythology is
involved, their daily appearance, which usually has a scowl or vapid look
on it for the majority of the day.
This is a strange definition of joy you have based on on observation.
> because the natural man, whether atheist, buddist or muslim do not
> have holy spirit residing in them.
Natural man has the capacity for joy, no drugs needed. He also has the
capacity to fail to understand that & make himself thoroughly miserable
while seeking an artificial [outside himself] source of instant happiness.
> Here's the reference:
snip grimorie quotes.
What reference, for you & those that need the artificial sources to be
happy?
Reference where joy is only spiritual if you can.
Reference where only xians can have this joy, using professional science
based journals if you can.
> The fruit of the spirit is spiritual love that flows from God which
> produces joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, and faith.
IOW, everything one does not encounter if the everyday xian. No thanks.
> You can not experience spiritual joy unless God gives it to you and
> God does not give joy to unbelievers. So if you want some real joy,
> confess Jesus as Lord and beleive in your heart that God raised Jesus
> from the dead. Then start abidiing in the vine and you will
> experience the spiritual joy that eminates from the love of God.
I don't believe I could stand a continuous diet of joy, those few times I
was in its presence make all those other moments of my life so much more
precious to me.
Rather like sunsets, a continuous diet of them being pretty would move them
to being bland.
> BB
walksalone who has had, & shared real joy, the joy of his children & the
joy of watching grow into independent people that are a boon to their
society & friends.
Your Name Here=Harvey
This is complete and total crap
>> You can not experience spiritual joy unless God gives it to you and
>> God does not give joy to unbelievers. So if you want some real joy,
>> confess Jesus as Lord and beleive in your heart that God raised Jesus
>> from the dead. Then start abidiing in the vine and you will
>> experience the spiritual joy that eminates from the love of God.
It plainly illustrates the depths to which religion has sunk - and it
shows the total negativity of religion at it's worse.
Religion was invented to control the masses, to keep them under control.
Maybe in those past times morality was lacking? And religion was needed to
inspire morality and decency.
But religion has become so corrupted, that they've become arrogant.
Arrogant to the point of ignorance. (This happened a long time ago too)
Thank you for providing us with a perfect example of how mislead you have
become.
So-called unbelievers have the joy of knowing they are not believing
in crap and drivel, not worth repeating.
Unbelievers in your god, have the joy of knowing that god is the god of
love and compassion and understanding. He will forgive you, but I will
most certainly not --- because you are suppose to be intelligent? Or
knowledgeable? Or have some ilkling of awareness within you?
Why do you deny it? (Awareness).
JW in particular are misguided and mislead (Sadly most of christianity is
too).
Harvey