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Author Unknown As God's people, we should be a happy (Psa. 35:9). Rejoicing is commanded (Phil. 3:1; 4:4; 1 Thess. 5:16). It is promised to God's people (Psa. 132:16). Let's make a study of "joy," "rejoicing," "happiness," and see if we can't a more joyful and happy people. Various Kinds of Joy Consider the Joy Experienced by the Wicked. It is derived from foolish things (Pro. 15:21). For example, to obtain thrills from shoplifting, stealing or by driving a car down a road at 150 miles per hour is sheer folly. The wicked rejoice in these kind of quick thrills. Definitely, the joy of the wicked is short-lived (Job 20:5). One can enjoy the pleasures of sin only for a season (Heb. 11:24-26). Solomon impresses upon our minds the vainly of seeking happiness from earthly things (Ecc. 2: 10-11; 11:8). The joy of the wicked should be turned into mourning (James 4:8-9). Consider
the Joy Experienced by the Righteous.
It is a joy inexpressible and full of glory (I Pet. 1:8-9). One
must experience it to know of it. To describe to someone else the
joy which we experience is very What Reasons Do I Have for Rejoicing? The reasons for the Christian to rejoice are many, but let's look at specific verses which state reasons for rejoicing. Because of temporal blessings (Joel 2:23-24). That our names are written in heaven (Lk. 10:20). For salvation (Psa. 21:1; 1 Pt. 1:5-6). For deliverance from bondage (Psa. 105:43; Jer. 31:10-13). For divine protection (Psa. 5:11-12; 16:8-9). For divine support (Psa. 28:7; 63:7) For the hope of glory (Ro. 5:2). For the success of the gospel (Acts 15:3). What Can Make Me Happy? What is the source or power that brings happiness? God gives joy (Ecc. 2:26; Psa. 4:7-8). We rejoice in God through Christ (Ro. 5:11). Jesus Christ brings joy; it was part of the work of the Messiah (Isa. 61:3; Lk. 2: 10-11). We rejoice in the Lord (Phil. 3:3). Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). The Word of God brings joy (Neh. 8:12; Jer. 15:16; Jo. 17:13). To know and understand the Word of God brings great rejoicing in our hearts. This is a blessings, a great treasure, that we experience nearly every time we study the Word of God. The Word makes our hearts rejoice. The benefits of prayer brings joy (Jo. 16:24). Thus, through the Godhead, the Word of God, and prayer, we find happiness. Exhortations to Rejoice! Let the righteous rejoice (Psa. 68:3; 32:11). Let us serve God with gladness (Psa. 100:2-5). Let us engage in all worship services with rejoicing (Ezra 6:22). Let us rejoice in all our undertakings (I Thess. 5:16-18). Let us express our joy in song (Jam 5:13). Let us promote joy in other people (2 Cor. 1:24; Phil. 1:25). Let us pray for joy in others (Rom. 15:13). Let us rejoice and be happy for we have received manifold spiritual blessings (Isa. 61:10). There Is Coming the Great Eternal Joy. Saints shall be presented to God with exceeding joy (I Pt. 4:13; Jude 24). Entering the joy of the Lord will be the reward of saints at the judgment day (Mat. 25:2 1). Heaven is pictured as marvelous place of happiness and joy (Rev. 21:4; Psa. 16:11). Through faithfulness, we can finish our course on earth with joy (Acts 20:24). Worldly people everywhere are looking for joy and happiness. They look for it in worldly pleasures and in material possessions. They look for it all kinds of activities: employment, sports, hobbies, etc. They look for it in friends, relatives, family, etc. The Christian does not spurn any honorable worldly reward, but recognizes the greater value in the spiritual. We rejoice not in the things of this world, but in the Lord. As Nehemiah said, 11 ... The joy of the Lord is our strength" (Neh. 8: 1 0). And as David said, "My soul shall be joyful in the Lord; it shall rejoice in His salvation" (Psa. 35:9). And as Jesus said, "...Your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you" (John 16:22). The worldly do not remain happy long; they are never satisfied, but the Christians joy, our joy, is real, satisfying and lasting. |
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Ladies' Devo Luncheon The ladies devotional/luncheon will be held on Monday (tomorrow) January 10th, in the annex beginning at 11:30am. All ladies are encouraged to attend and invite friends and neighbors. The topic of this devotional will be "Positive Thinking" with some inspirational tapes. Ladies who work are urged to come and have lunch with us. Those who wish can make visitation and carry food to shut-ins after the luncheon. Sandy Callender Prayer Meeting Those interested, may meet for prayer at 5:30 each Sunday afternoon, in classroom #3. There are cards available in the foyer for your prayer requests. The sessions usually last about 10-15 minutes. FSOP Lectureships Don't forget that the Florida School of Preaching 25th Annual Lecturship is scheduled for next week, January 17-20 (Monday thru Thursday). This year's topic is "Do You Understand Preaching?" and a schedule of speakers and times is posted on the bulletin board in the foyer and at orangestreetcofc.com (PrintRoom/Activities Calendar) on the world-wide web.
"A wise man
will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding
shall attain unto wise counsels:" (Proverbs 1:5) Bill Norton |
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Tony
Price, Keely Watkins, Jeff Brooks, B.C. Carr, Robert Cox, Barb Faught,
Latanea Sims,
Theresa Chadwick, Sue Church, Norris Clark, Ervin & Alma Eubanks, Frances Black, Macon Cox, Frank DeBord, James & Dot Thornhill, Travis Thornhill, Robert West, Bob Hodgdon, William Barber, Minnie Stout, Terry Tribble, Vannie Dowdy, Vera Willis, Juanita Ashley, Sherry Hobbs, Mattie Hughs, Virgie Liles, Olivia Miner, Alzonio Rhodes, Doc Anderson, Elizabeth Gillespie, Wanda Huggins, Floy Murphy, Talmadge Royal, George Willis |
