Everyday Joy, Part 4: Joy That Defies Every Condition

We loved seeing everyone this weekend! Feel free to message us during the week if you have any questions. If you missed this week’s message, or want to hear it again, be sure to check out our SERMONS Page. Messages are generally posted each week by Tuesday afternoon.

Every week, it’s our goal to provide you with some questions to process the message deeper, either personally, or with a small group. Here are some questions for you to consider from part 4 of the EVERYDAY JOY series, “Joy That Defies Every Condition”, with Pastor Shawn M. Shoup.

KEY SCRIPTURES

• John 15:11
• Philippians 4:4-23
• Psalm 150:6

TALK IT OUT

Discuss these questions with someone—maybe a family member, friend, or member of your Connect Group. Use a communication method that works best for your situation. 

Start talking

Find a conversation starter.  

• What atmosphere do you carry?
• What is the culture of your home?
• Is this culture or atmosphere one which brings Joy? Explain.

Start thinking

Ask a question to get you/your group thinking. 

• What is the soil your roots are growing into?
• Are you growing joy or happiness?
• Is there an area in your life where you need God’s resurrection power? If so, where?
• Where is your focus?

Start sharinG

Choose a question to create openness. 

• What is your source of joy?
• What or who are you struggling with or against?
• Who or what has you captivated?

Start praying

Be bold and pray with power. 

Father,

I desire to be filled with Your joy and to be more captivated by You than anything in this world. Please deposit Your joy in my life and teach me how to best steward it. I ask this in order that Your joy may be in me, and that Your joy may be full.

Amen and amen.

Start doing

Commit to a step and live it out this week. 

1. Take note, each day, of your thoughts, and their link to joy or lack of joy.
2. Start and keep a gratitude journal. Take note of any changes in your level of gratitude and joy.
3. Take note of the atmosphere of the various places you visit each day. Is it comfortable, happy, sad, full of turmoil, hopeful, and so on? Also, note its effect on you.
4. Set aside time each day to praise God for who He is and not for what He does.

• Pick one or two of those options and take steps to walk them out this week.

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