‘Real Joy – Part 4’ – 06.25.2023

June 25, 2023
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1 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work. Philippians 4:1 NLT

REAL JOY COMES WITH RELATIONAL PEACE.

2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 3 And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.  Philippians 4:2-3 NLT

  • Because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement.
  • Our pride is often the source of our division.
  • Our division destroys our witness.
  • Our division goes against the prayer of Jesus. John 17

4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Philippians 4:4-5 NLT

  • Always be full of joy in the Lord.
  • Rejoice!
  • Let others see that you’re considerate.

REAL JOY COMES WHEN WE LIVE WITHOUT WORRY.

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything… Philippians 4:6a NLT 

  • Do you realize just because you think about something, it doesn’t mean you are actually praying about it?
  • Prayer is a conversation with God, not with self.
  • Prayer is thanking, seeking, asking, surrendering, listening, confessing, and believing.

REAL JOY COMES WHEN WE EXPERIENCE GOD’S PEACE.

6b …Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:6b-9 NLT

  • Tell God what you need.
  • Thank him for all he has done.
  • Fix your thoughts on the God stuff.
  • Receive God’s gift of peace.

REAL JOY COMES WHEN WE LEARN TO BE CONTENT.

10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 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. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. 14 Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty. Philippians 4:10-14 NLT

  • Paul had learned to be content no matter the circumstances.
  • I can do all things through Christ.
  • Jesus gives us strength to face anything.

REAL JOY COMES FROM GIVING AND BLESSING OTHERS.

15 As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. 16 Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. 17 I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness. 18 At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. 20 Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen. Philippians 4:15-20 NLT

  • Paul gave thanks for their kindness and generosity.
  • When we give it pleases God.
  • God gave his very best in Jesus Christ. John 3:16
  • God will meet our needs as we trust Him completely.

AS WE LIVE WITH REAL JOY GOD IS GLORIFIED.

Next steps for me today…

  • To surrender my life to Jesus Christ by faith.
  • To settle a disagreement with a fellow believer.
  • To pray about everything.
  • To give thanks for all God has done.
  • To learn to be content.
  • To give and bless others.
Next Steps

Handbook & Welcome Packet

•    The parent must complete the necessary registration forms and pay a non-refundable Annual materials fee. This covers registration fees, book, and materials for class.

•    The parent must provide the center with a pre-school/child immunization certificate, or Blue Slip. This is to be kept updated, if it is not, the center will send out a notice stating that the required immunizations are out dated. The form can be obtained through the health department or your pediatrician.

•    The parent will receive a copy of the policies and procedures and will go over them thoroughly. The parent will sign the Parental Agreement form which indicates policies and procedures and agreed upon fees.

•    All enrollment forms, including a Schedule Information Form, must be completed by the parent and returned to the center by the first day of attendance.

•    Parents of children with special needs or handicaps must inform the director of the child’s condition(s) prior to enrollment so it can be determined if the center can adequately meet the needs of the child. This is necessary for the well being of the child.

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