Saturday, July 17, 2010

Joy

1. Love is essential to being joyful
When my family/friends overcome a crisis or something good happens to him, I am joyful. This can only happen if I love them

2. When we meet God’s purpose, we become joyful

I was full of joy when Yuxing and my grandma came to Christ.
I was full of joy when cell group is so happy together and growing in Christ
I was full of joy during praise and worship

3. Joy can exist in times of persecution
Lifted from “The Story of Early Christianity: The first 500 years”

The Twelve Christians of Carthage
On July 17 (ed: today is July 17!!!), AD 180, twelve faithful Christians were beheaded at Scilli near Carthage for refusing to deny their Lord Jesus. The proconsul (Roman Administrator)…gave the order for them to be executed, they exclaimed with joy. “Thanks be to God!” This was their chance to show their love for Jesus.

Blandina, a young slave girl
Blandina was the last to die. The bloodthirsty mob had never seen such courage. She had earnestly encouraged her friends to remain steadfast to the end even as she watched them die. The day before, she had been tortured, hung on a stake, lashed and roasted on the iron chair. Despite what she had gone through, she entered the arena with joy and thanksgiving. A wild and angry bull rushed in. It took her upon its horns and tossed her into the air several times before she finally died.

4. God is interested in us
God is interested in us, not just the rewards but in our character. He desires us to be mature and complete.

James 1:2-4
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

-ed-