3-9-25 Setlist: The Joy Firm Foundation (He Won't) Great Are You Lord I Know A Name Sermon Notes: 6 Ways to increase your joy 1. Own your own joy Key Passage: Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 Key Passage: First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name. Proverbs 30:8-9 6 Ways to increase your joy 2. Enjoy the journey not just the destination Key Passage: Seize life! Eat bread with gusto, Drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure! Dress festively every morning. Don’t skimp on colors and scarves. Relish life with the spouse you love Each and every day of your precarious life. Each day is God’s gift. It’s all you get in exchange For the hard work of staying alive. Make the most of each one! Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily! This is your last and only chance at it, For there’s neither work to do nor thoughts to think In the company of the dead, where you’re most certainly headed. Ecclesiastes 9:7-10 (MSG) 6 Ways to increase your joy 3. Balance work and play 6 Ways to increase your joy 4. Enjoy your relationship with God 6 Ways to increase your joy 5. Enjoy your relationship with others Key Verse: Enjoy the wife you married as a young man! Lovely as an angel, beautiful as a rose—don’t ever quit taking delight in her body. Never take her love for granted! Proverbs 5:18 (MSG) 6 Ways to increase your joy 6. Enjoy your relationship with yourself Key Verse: So, I’m all for just going ahead and having a good time—the best possible. The only earthly good men and women can look forward to is to eat and drink well and have a good time—compensation for the struggle for survival these few years God gives us on earth. Ecclesiastes 8:15 (MSG) Discussion Questions 1. What do you feel like God is saying to you through this message? 2. What spoke to you during this message? Why? How can you apply it to your life?