Canyon Ridge Christian Church Podcast

MESSAGE NOTES: http://bible.com/events/49187943
RESOURCES: https://www.canyonridge.org/
Take a new look at the story of the First Christmas and the unexpected encounters that took place - like Mary's favor, Joseph's revelation, and the shepherds' acknowledgment. This year, take time to appreciate Jesus and the unexpected joy that he brings and reimagine how His story can unexpectedly transform your life.

MESSAGE NOTES: https://my.bible.com/events/49184550
RESOURCES: https://www.canyonridge.org/

Do you ever feel like you receive but don't give back to your people and your community? Living a life with Jesus means being a giver, not just a receiver! Paul explains in Philippians 4:10-20 that there is Joy in giving; it prompts others in your community to do the same, and in contentment there is generosity! Write out verses 11-13 this week word for word as your prayer to God and invite him to reveal things that are and are not true in your life. What is he inviting you to do? Who will you invite to discover the joy of generosity?

MESSAGE NOTES: https://my.bible.com/events/49181282
RESOURCES: https://www.canyonridge.org/

Do you struggle to maintain joy during tough times? Remember, joy is not just an emotion but a mindset you can cultivate. Choose to take a posture of joy and focus on the good, even in challenging circumstances. Let Philippians 4:4 be your reminder to stay positive and start each day with a joyful heart. Appreciate God's kindness and always remember that He is with you. What step can you take today to cultivate joy in your life and remind yourself of God's presence?

Have you noticed that you experience joy when you put effort into finding it? God invites you to stay with him and his people to experience joy! Paul writes to the Philippians that effort does not give us a place with God, but that effort is needed to discover the most joy in our lives! Effort is not to earn or achieve but to experience and connect with Jesus and the people he puts in our lives! Have you embraced what God has done for you? Who will you take joy in making the effort to connect with?

Joy can be found in staying together and staying faithful to God! The bible has many examples of how Joy can be found by honoring one another. In Philippians 2, Paul shares the honor that he has for Timothy and Epaphroditus and how much joy is found in their presence! What will you do to create better connections for people to stay together and stay faithful to God? 

Have you noticed how serving, promoting, and advancing yourself for your gain doesn't bring about genuine joy? Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians that you can find faithful joy by living in the example set by the life of Jesus. You might try to find joy in jobs, money, or success, but by living a humble and serving life, your life fills with opportunities to find joy!

Do you have people in your life who tell you the things you NEED to hear but don't necessarily WANT to hear? You need partners who hold up a mirror and let you see yourself. You need partners who will tell you the truth. This is what Jesus has in mind for us. In 2 Samuel, Nathan was a court prophet who served the King by connecting with God on behalf of David and by speaking for God to David when it was needed. He was there to help David stay right with God. To walk meaningfully in the direction of Jesus, we need to be shoulder to shoulder with these kinds of partners. Who have you invited to be your Nathan?

Who is someone that you know is becoming closer to God because of your contribution to their life? Partners don’t just get together, they go together. Partners go together and see what God is doing, commit at cost, and offer honor that lasts. In the book of Samuel, David and Jonathan form an unexpected connection and commit to each other at all costs. When you welcome these kinds of partnerships, they are life-shaping. Take a moment to reflect: Who are the people in your life that you honor? Who would honor you deeply?