The fuel source of Joy. To experience Joy, we cannot rely on unreliable fuel sources such as our circumstances and what we can experience with our responsive systems alone. Instead, through faith, we can see that in God’s presence is fullness of Joy!

The focus of Joy. If we are to experience Joy we cannot be distracted by cares and concerns that, while real, are truly out of our control. To experience sustainable Joy, we have to constantly train and tune our focus to see the source of all Joy in our everyday lives and routines. When Christ is at the center, we have everything we need.

Guest Speaker Daniel Guinn.

The process of Joy. As we study the scriptures, we find that joy can have suffering in the mix. While no one enjoys suffering, it still can have a purpose if allowed to run its course God’s way. The end result of suffering can be Joy if we keep our eyes focused on Christ.

The direction of Joy. Joy is not found by looking to the past. It instead found by looking forward through the lens of the cross, giving us the strength and perspective we need to endure with joy, despite difficult circumstances.

Be richly remembered. Life is not measured by what we have that only impacts us. It is instead measured by who we have touched and the lives we have reached. Christ set the example by giving all he had to reach as many as he could. That was his legacy. We are called to do the same. Only then are we truly rich.

Be rich in thanksgiving. In a society that is extremely negative, giving thanks is a skill that needs to be cultivated in our lives. This does not mean that we ignore the problems or live in naivety, it means we still choose to give thanks in spite of all we see. When we do that, we are rich.

Limited while limitless. The lie that we can believe is that we must wait to have an abundance in order to be generous. The ways of Christ are different. So often, he wants to see if we will give even when we have little because when we do so, an attitude of generosity swells in us that can’t be contained and we can be trusted with overflow. Even in our lack, it is possible to be rich.

Be Rich In Grace. An abundance of grace does not mean an absence of justice. It just means that you take yourself off the seat of judgement and allow someone else, more righteous, to judge. Just like Christ, who showered us with grace, we can cover people in their worst moments and in their weakness. In doing so, we will find that we can be rich in grace.

The test of “I forgive you.” We can’t keep forgiveness from others and expect God to still give it freely to us. Forgiveness is not an acceptance of their actions, it is instead an awareness of the true nature of God.