Choosing Joy

What a glorious Sunday it is today! The weather is amazing today in south Alabama! The sun is brightly shining, the breeze is nice and soft, and the scenery of the good ol' Alabama pines on the way to church was breathtaking! What a beautiful day to worship our wonderful Savior! Our preacher is talking about Philippians and encouraging the congregation to read the entire book this month and then keep reading it over and over again.. It's only 4 chapters! So my goal this week... AND month is to do just that! I encourage y'all to do the same, especially if your figuring out a devotion to do this month or need some extra scripture to ponder on.

With that being said, I'm going to share my sermon notes that were taken today!

*CHOOSE JOY!*

"Happiness is external, JOY is internal."

"Happiness is based on circumstances, JOY is based on Jesus Christ."

The Latin word for happy is 'hap' which means LUCK.
A lot of our happiness is based on our happenings. Jesus said that we will have troubles and trials. The BIBLE never EVER promises "happiness". We should want JOY and not happiness. Happiness, like temporary things such as; pay raise, raise of stocks, citizenship, etc.

Happiness is based on chance.
JOY is based on choice.

How to find JOY

1. Get over the distraction of what happened!
The "WHY?" Instead of asking God why things happen to us, start asking "WHAT?" Start asking God "What are you planning for me?" "What is the purpose of this?"

Philippians 1:12
"Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel."

2. Discover the new opportunities.

Philippians 1:13-14
"As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear."

3. Focus on what REALLY matters!

Philippians 1: 15-18
"It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But WHAT DOES it matter? The important thing is that is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I REJOICE."

"I will rejoice" is in the book of Philippians 14 times!