(By pastor Jean)

The book of Proverbs has a fair bit to say about joy, “A heart full of joy and gladness makes a cheerful face” (Prov 15:13; AMP) and, “But a glad heart has a continual feast (regardless of the circumstances)” (Prov 15:15; AMP). Then in Prov 17:22 we read that a joyful heart can be like a medicine and bring healing. Nehemiah 8:10 is a much-quoted verse and tells us that God’s joy is strength (the Hebrew word for strength actually means a refuge or place of protection). In the New Testament we read that Jesus expressed joy, “In that very hour He was overjoyed and rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit” (Luke 10:21; AMP); that was when the disciples returned from ministering and told Jesus about the success they had. Paul also encouraged joy; he told the Philippians to, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice” (Phil 4:4; NKJV). In Acts 13:53 we learn that the disciples were, “continually filled with joy” (AMP). (See also Rom 14:17). So, they obviously expressed joy in both the ups and the downs of life. Where do we find this joy? In Psalms we read that it is in God’s presence that we find it (Ps 16:11). Joy is also a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22), so that means that joy will develop in us as we grow and mature and spend time connected to God. Finally, in the words of Habbakuk, “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines…. yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation” (Habb 3:17,18; NLT).

(by pastor Norman)

Moses taught Isarel to make a priority of God’s words and teach them to their children (Deut 11:18-23). Joshua preached that if they meditated on God’s word constantly, they would prosper (Josh 1:8). (See also 1 Peter 1:2). In the book of Proverbs God’s wisdom is emphasized (Prov 2:1-7), we are to “seek her as silver” (V4; NKJV). “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16-17; NKJV). God’s word is truth and life (John 17:17, Heb 4:12) and that truth sets us free from all satan’s plans has (John 8:32). God’s word is powerful (Heb 4:12) and as we gain revelation and understanding from it, the Holy Spirit can change us to be like Jesus (2 Cor 3:18). Spending time in God’s word grows our faith (Rom 10:17). We can receive God’s word from sermons, Bible Studies and especially our own study and meditation. Christians in the early church, “continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine” (Acts 2:42a; NKJV). The apostle Paul taught the people in Berea about Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection and they studied scripture to confirm what Paul had taught (Acts 17:10-11). The apostle Peter exhorts us to, “desire the pure milk of the word” (1 Peter 2:2a; NKJV) and Paul encourages us to, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Col 3:16; NKJV). We need to be fanatics for God’s word- the results are glorious!

(By Pastor Jean)

Colossians 3 verses 15, 16 and 17 all end the same way with an encouragement to be thankful. In Col 4:2 we are told to be persistent and focused in our prayer life with an “attitude of thanksgiving” (AMP). (See also Phil 4:6). 1 Thess 5:18 teaches us, “In every situation (no matter what the circumstances) be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (AMP). We read here that it is God’s will for us to be thankful so that means we should make it a priority to develop an attitude of gratitude. Again, when speaking to the Thessalonians Paul tells them that they are to live a life in a way that shows gratitude to God (1 Thess 4:1). We also read a lot about thanksgiving in the Psalms, for example,” Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His name” (Ps 100:4; NKJV). The verse after that tells us why we should be thankful; because God is good, His love endures forever and He is faithful. Not only that but we know from reading the New Testament that God in His love, sent Jesus to die for us and give us eternal life (John 3:16). He saved us by His grace and we didn’t have to do anything to deserve it (Eph 2:8,9). He gives us His peace (John 14:27), His joy (Rom 15:13) and all good gifts (James 1:17) and much more! Have you ever noticed that grateful people are a pleasure to be around? Let’s always be looking for something to be thankful for, in both the ups and downs of life!

(By Pastor Norman)

As a Christian, we are, “the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus” (2 Cor 5:21; NKJV) and “the righteous are as bold as a lion” (Prov 28:16; NKJV). Righteousness is to be in right standing with God, this is how God sees us. Jesus died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins (Col 1:14) so we could receive God’s forgiveness, be born again spiritually (Eph 2:1) and have renewed fellowship with God. By His sacrifice we were sanctified or set apart for God’s service (1 Cor 6:11). Jesus paid a terrible price to redeem us or rescue us from the results of sin in our life, such results as poverty, sickness, failure and separation from God (Heb 9:26). Redemption allowed us to receive God’s righteousness (2 Cor 5:21). Our Christian life is a journey of faith (Rom 5:1-2), growing in and manifesting all Christ died for us to walk in (John 10:10b). How do we do that? We need to get into the word and let the Holy Spirit reveal God’s promises to us (John 16:12-15); this causes our faith to grow (Rom 10:17). As we grow in faith the Holy Spirit can change us and give us the power and boldness to be God’s ambassadors, and witnesses (2 Cor 5:20). Wow, what Jesus won for us should make us as bold as lions in wanting to share it all with others. Our changed lives will be a witness and as we boldly share Jesus with people the Holy Spirit will accompany our words with signs, wonders and miracles (Mark 16:15-20). We are Gods righteousness and “The righteous are as bold as a lion.”

(by Pastor Jean)

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ has also laid hold of me” (Phil 3:12; NKJV). Paul talks here about “pressing on” and he tells us how he does this in the next verse, by forgetting the past and focusing on the future. Then in verse 14 he uses the term, “press on” again and explains why he wants to “press on” and it is because he wants to receive the “heavenly prize” (Phil 3:14; NKJV). He also spoke something similar to the Corinthians when he compared the Christan life to a race and told them they should run to win the prize. What exactly does “pressing in” mean or involve? I believe it means pushing past all obstacles in an attempt to grow and mature as a Christian, to get closer to God and hunger for more of Him. Paul’s whole Christian life is an example of someone who pressed into God; to him nothing was so important as getting to know Jesus more and more deeply (Phil 3:8). King David, in the Old Testament, had this desire also, “” My soul followeth hard after Thee” (Ps 63:8; KJV). (See also Ps 84:10). Jesus taught about “pressing in” in Matt 11:12 when He said that “violent men seize it (the kingdom of heaven) by force (as a precious prize)” (AMP). In other words, we need to make pursuing God and His kingdom a priority in life. (See also Matt 6:33).