First Baptist Idabel

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This Joy that I Have

At a conference at a Presbyterian church in Omaha, people were given helium filled balloons and told to release them at some point in the service when they felt like expressing the joy in their hearts. All through the service balloons ascended, but when it was over 1/3 of the balloons were unreleased. There are many of us who need to let our balloons go. We need to find our joy in the Lord!

Scriptures for Application

The source of the believer's joy is several fold.

1. The fellowship of the Father and His Son brings joy ( Psalm 16:11).
2. Victory over sin, death, and hell brings joy.
3. Repentance brings joy (Luke 15:7, 10).
4. The hope of glory brings joy.
5. The Lord's Word, and promises which He made bring joy.
6. The commandments of Christ and the will of God bring joy. Obeying and doing a good job stirs joy within the believer's heart (Jeremiah 15:16).
7. Prayer brings joy (John 16:24).
8. The presence and fellowship of believers brings joy (1 John 1:3-4).
9. Converts bring joy.
10. Hearing that others walk in the truth brings joy (3 John 1:4).
11. Giving brings joy.

Action:  Joy is the by product of obedience. One of the fruits of the Spirit is Joy; ask God fill you with His Holy Spirit.