3. Philip. 4:4-7 (New Living Translation) Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! [5] Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. [6] Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. [7] If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
4. TAKE HOME Joy is more about my relationship with God than my horoscope, Wall Street or having a good day. God wants to hear from me, especially when I ask for his help in doing Kingdom work. Jesus. I have lots of wants. I'll bring my requests to you. But mostly I'll count on you to help me reach out to others and help then grow up in faith. Being a Christian doesn't mean I escape bad weather, scary medical reports or even persecution. Real peace is all about knowing I'm in God's loving hands.
8. JOY COMES FROM TAKING INVENTORY ● My sins have been forgiven! Yippee! (Those 'in Christ' have this grand assurance.) ● The Holy Spirit has set up operations in my heart! ● My home is not on this planet or my neighborhood. I'll soon be on my way to heaven!
9. JOY COMES FROM TAKING INVENTORY ● I get to work with Jesus on the most important projects in the world! ● I'm one of the redeemed! ● Yikes! Nobody can rain on this parade!
10. WHAT, ME WORRY? ● I've talked to God about my concerns. ● I've read how he jumps to his feet to respond to his children in need .
11. Psalm 18:4-16 (New Living Translation) The ropes of death surrounded me; the floods of destruction swept over me. [5] The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death itself stared me in the face. [6] But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry reached his ears
12. Psalm 18:4-16 (continued) [7] Then the earth quaked and trembled; the foundations of the mountains shook; they quaked because of his anger. [8] Smoke poured from his nostrils; fierce flames leaped from his mouth; glowing coals flamed forth from him.
13. Psalm 18:4-16 (continued) [9] He opened the heavens and came down; dark storm clouds were beneath his feet. [10] Mounted on a mighty angel, he flew, soaring on the wings of the wind. [11] He shrouded himself in darkness, veiling his approach with dense rain clouds.
14. Psalm 18:4-16 (continued) [12] The brilliance of his presence broke through the clouds, raining down hail and burning coals. [13] The Lord thundered from heaven; the Most High gave a mighty shout. [14] He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies; his lightning flashed, and they were greatly confused.
15. Psalm 18:4-16 (continued) [15] Then at your command, O Lord, at the blast of your breath, the bottom of the sea could be seen, and the foundations of the earth were laid bare. [16] He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters.
17. Confession: I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. He is my Lord and savior.
18. I'LL REMEMBER WHAT PETER SAID ABOUT TAKING MY CARES TO JESUS ● First Peter 5: 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ● And who can forget what Jesus said in Luke 12: 27- 31…
19. Luke 12:27-31 (Message Bible) Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don't fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. [28] If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?
20. Luke 12:27-31 (continued) [29] "What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God's giving. [30] People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. [31] Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
21. Key Points to Remember: ● I'll make it a point to remember that I am in the hands of God. He knows my needs. ● What I need to do is make sure I am "about my Father's business."
22. He told me that when I'm seeking to bear fruit for the Kingdom his resources are close at hand: ● John 15:16 (Message Bible) "You didn't choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won't spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you.
23. And he is right there by my side! ● Matthew 28:19 (New American Standard) "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
24. ● So! There is no need to fret over the small stuff. God knows my needs before I know them. ● I can rest assured that if he tends flowers and birds who have no promise of heaven, well, he surely will tend to my needs. ● So! (and again I say So!) I will commit myself to helping others get into the Kingdom.
25. ● So! I will seek for Heaven's Help for Heaven's Work. ● No need to beg God for the Holy Spirit or forgiveness, those are 'givens'. ● No need to beg him to be a loving Father. I have that assurance already.
26. ● I'll just keep at Kingdom work and ask for strength, opportunities, doors to open, courage to walk through those doors and wisdom to be a discerning ambassador of the King.
31. TAKE HOME Joy is more about my relationship with God than my horoscope, Wall Street or having a good day. God wants to hear from me, especially when I ask for his help in doing Kingdom work. Jesus. I have lots of wants. I'll bring my requests to you. But mostly I'll count on you to help me reach out to others and help then grow up in faith. Being a Christian doesn't mean I escape bad weather, scary medical reports or even persecution. Real peace is all about knowing I'm in God's loving hands.
