Welcome to the Victory Blog

This past weekend, it was a real joy to have Colleen, my wife, give a message at our services about the Joy that we have through Emmanuel: God With Us, especially since that’s a topic with which she is very familiar! Here’s an overview of her message (although I encourage you, if you want to really experience what she talked about, make sure you listen to or watch the whole message here):

Everyone loves to be around joyful people. There just aren’t enough truly joyful people in the world. Truly joyful people still have joy even when life throws them a curveball. Although they are often confused for one another, joy is not the same as happiness. Honestly, happiness is overrated and joy is misunderstood. See this comparison:

If we chase after the temporary happiness, we risk being deceived and forsaking something that is even more valuable and powerful – His joy. Our enemy wants to steal our joy by substituting other things that bring temporary happiness. We must go after the pure joy.

The joy of the Lord is the difference-maker in the life of the believer. It is a major contributing factor that moves us from striving to success!

In Scripture, we see that joy:

• Is a foundation of the Kingdom (Romans 14:17) NIV
• Is a work or fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) NIV
• Is the power to overcome (Nehemiah 8:10)
• Grants us access to His benefits (Isaiah 12:2-3)

The Cross that was set before Jesus was the greatest demonstration of Joy in operation. Jesus endured the most shameful form of death to reveal the greatest display of strength and confidence.

Ways to obtain or increase Joy:

• Staying in the Lord’s presence (Psalm 16:11)
• Meditating on truth (Jeremiah 15:16)
• Obeying His commands (John 15:10-12)
• By the words we speak (Proverbs 15:23)
• Rejoicing (Philippians 4:4)
• Growing in humility (Isaiah 29:19)
• Giving ourselves away (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20)

That’s such a good word! And now, as we celebrate Christmas this week, I want to leave you with this special blessing: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  (Romans 15:13 NIV) May you have a very blessed and merry Christmas!