1. Pastor Mark Schwarzbauer PhD Choosing Your Destiny of Joy got joy?

2. CONTINUING MISSION DIRECTIVE Invite Friends over tonight & Watch Part 6 A.D. The Bible Continues 8 PM NBC 26

4. I Thessalonians 5:12-22 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

5. I Thessalonians 5:12-22 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

6. Part One: The Need for Joy

7. The need for joy 1.Depression 2.Discouragement 3.Hardships of life 4.Consequences of life 5.Realities of loss

8. Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

9. Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.

10. Deuteronomy 28:47 “Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, 48 “therefore you shall serve your enemies…”

11. Deuteronomy 28:48a “Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, 48 “therefore you shall serve your enemies…” Focus On Abundance Not Loss

12. Romans 14:17 “ 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

13. Nehemiah 8:10b “…the joy of the Lord is your strength.” “…the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

14. Part Two: The Search for Joy

15. We need joy and crave joy

16. The world’s search for joy. TV sitcomsTV sitcoms Comedy clubsComedy clubs Humorous music and videosHumorous music and videos Joke booksJoke books Funny greeting cardsFunny greeting cards Practical jokes.Practical jokes.

17. Clean vs. Lewd Humor Eph. 5:4 “It's not right that dirty stories, foolish talk, or obscene jokes should be mentioned among you either. Instead, give thanks [to God].”

18. We are really searching for God’s gift of joy

19. Part Three: The Choice for Joy

20. God’s gift of joy in the fruit of the Holy Spirit

21. We Develop Joy by Choice James 1:1-3 “ James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad:

22. We Develop Joy by Choice James 1:1-3 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (Choose For Yourself) (Choose For Yourself)

23. We Develop Joy by Choice Isaiah 61:3 “ To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;” (Give Joy to Others)

24. We Develop Joy by Connecting with God’s Presence in Prayer and Worship Romans 15:13 13 “ Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

25. We Develop Joy by Connecting with God’s Presence in Prayer and Worship Psalm 16:11 “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

26. We Develop Joy by Reading, Meditating and Memorizing the Word of God. John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

27. We Develop Joy in Repentance Psalm 51:12 “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.”

28. When the bridge is closed