Yesterday God sent his messenger Will Brian to tell us about JOY. For a somewhat nerdy definition of joy I suggest you contact Will directly, but I am compelled to share the following truths with you now:

  1. DON’T LET ANYTHING GET IN THE WAY OF GATHERING WITH YOUR SIBLINGS EVERY SUNDAY!

God gives you joy in, and through, your relationships with your siblings in Christ. Here’s what the apostle Paul said about the body and bride of Jesus in Thessalonica, “For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.” If you allow hobbies, sports, work, school, shopping, entertainment, home renovations, or your earthly family, etc. to keep you from gathering with your eternal siblings then you are forfeiting the joy of God.

2. GOD BREWS JOY IN REAL RELATIONSHIPS (REPLETE WITH CONFLICT).

The apostle Paul had a lot of conflict with the church in Corinth (what real/familial relationship doesn’t experience conflict?). Instead of dismissing himself, or downplaying the conflict, Paul engaged it head-on. Paul says to his siblings in Corinth, “We work with you for your joy.” If you want to chat with God directly (and at length) about the posture and process of conflict (all the way from becoming and being childlike, to aggressively and emphatically receiving and giving forgiveness) slowly read Matthew 18 seven times.

3. NEVER TAKE YOUR EYES OFF JESUS CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED

The enduring epicenter of joy is found in fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

#JOY