Joyful Contentment

hubba hubba nx2 MSR

Joyful New Year Series 5

“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:10-12‬ ‭NIV‬‬
http://bible.com/111/php.4.10-12.niv

Focus: Until you learn its secret, contentment is a fickle fleeting moment.

I. LASTING Contentment is POSSIBLE

A. It does not come from EXTERNAL CIRCUMSTANCES
B. It does not come from MORE MONEY OR MORE STUFF

Sin is what you do when your soul is not fully satisfied with God.

II. Contentment is a GIFT

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬
http://bible.com/111/php.4.13.niv

Content it discontent...
which tent do you live in?

Joyful Thoughts

Joyful New Year Series 4

Focus: Your ability to be joyful, even in difficult circumstances, is a battle that begins long before your circumstances actually become difficult.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:8-9‬ ‭NIV‬‬
http://bible.com/111/php.4.8-9.niv

I. Realize you're in a FIGHT!

“Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬
http://bible.com/111/php.3.1.niv

II. Set your FOCUS!

III. PRACTICE what you've learned.

IV. Keep your tank FULL!

Joyful Bad Days

Joyful New Year Series 3

Focus: Anyone can make bad days worse - how do I make bad days joyful?

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭NIV‬‬
http://bible.com/111/php.4.6-7.niv

I. Don't worry about ANYTHING.

II. Pray about EVERYTHING.

III. Express THANKFULNESS.

IV. Make CHRIST the CENTER of your life.

Joyful Relationships - Joyful New Year 2

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:4-5‬ ‭NIV‬‬
http://bible.com/111/php.4.4-5.niv

Happiness - Rejoicing - Joy -

General Truth: Hurt People - Hurt People
But if you have access to joy even while you are hurt, this changes everything.

I. Express yourself positively
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬
http://bible.com/111/php.4.1.niv

II. Reconcile Quickly
“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:2-3‬ ‭NIV‬‬
http://bible.com/111/php.4.2-3.niv

III. Who Starts?
A. The Offending person
B. The Offended person
C. The Third Party person

““Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:23-24‬ ‭NIV‬‬
http://bible.com/111/mat.5.23-24.niv

““If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18:15‬ ‭NIV‬‬
http://bible.com/111/mat.18.15.niv

Philippians‬ ‭4:2-3‬ ‭NIV

IV. Be Considerate

Philippians‬ ‭4:4-5‬ ‭NIV

Grace is an elixir that produces a heart condition that predisposes people toward reconciliation and revolutionizes the way they approach conflict.

If you

You know and so you can:
1. Rejoice
2. Be gentle
3. Love: loved people - love people
4. Forgive: Forgiven people - Forgive people

Joyful New Year

Philippians 4:4
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Focus: We need to find our song!

I. I can REJOICE ALWAYS

II. In the LORD, rejoice is a CHOICE