Thursday, October 3, 2024:
Immersing in Joy (morning)
Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Pondering Point
Righteousness, peace, and joy in God’s Kingdom are by-products of a spiritual relationship rather than spiritual rituals or spiritual busyness. The Holy Spirit is a person who God the Father (and Son) sent to instruct us in the faith and influence our behavior as people of God.
Review
Think of righteousness as right relationships with God and others. Are the kingdom markers of righteousness, peace, and joy in those relationships?
Repent if Necessary
Repent if necessary of letting a lack of peace or joy persist without addressing it kindly and gently. Or of letting a wrong spirit remain without addressing it.
Return (as necessary)
Return by pursuing righteousness, peace and joy with God in the name of of Jesus. Then pray that He helps you bring it to the rest of your relationship as well
Alright. On to your 5 minutes of joy for the morning.
Pray aloud
Lord Jesus, I pray that Your Holy Spirit leads me to participate in God’s Kingdom of God by being in right relationships with him and others, at peace with Him and others, and sharing joy with God and others.
Five Minutes
Use your GO TO JOYS and ANTICIPATED JOYS to fill a 5-minute window. Remember: use an alarm. If necessary, review the explanation.
Read the identity in Christ
statement aloud
In Jesus, we are people of God’s Kingdom,
marked by fruit of righteousness and peace and joy
coming through the Holy Spirit.
Closing Prayer
Close with Thanks to God for these moments together.
Ask Him to bless the upcoming day, then…
GO – in JOY, with JOY and anticipating JOY.
Thursday, October 3, 2024:
Sometime During Your Day
Level 3: Savoring joys of the past.
As we delve into memories and look to see how God fits into them, learning from those who went before us can be a great blessing. Dr. Bill Atwood is an Anglican bishop who credits learning many lessons from his grandfather Brigadier-General James Pickering. He was inspired to write The General, The Boy, and Recapturing Joy.
Dr. Atwood suggests two helpful questions when looking for the presence of God is previous memories:
- Where are You Lord in the memory?
- What do you want to say to me?
~ Atwood, The General, The Boy, and Recapturing Joy, page 48.
Here is a simple prayer conversation you might consider using in asking for God’s help here:
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to see that the kingdom of God is not a matter of spiritual activities like eating and drinking in special ways, but relational time with You.
God's Response
You are correct. The kingdom of God is a matter of relationship in Me that brings righteousness, peace and joy. This is the effect of My Holy Spirit’s presence and work in you.
Immanuel Thought
This thought bubble represents opportunities to receive or seek out the thoughts or voice of God using the Word of God to foster a conversation with God. It’s part of the Immanuel experience you’re learning.
Prayer
I would love to have You relate to me retro-actively by coming alongside me in my memories (both joyful and painful) and showing me how You were present and active in those times
Now select a memory and get started:
Journal Prompt:
Select a joyful memory.
What are you experiencing while relivng the memory?
Is God in the experience?
How can you invite God into future joyful experiences?
Key Words:
Joy can also be found in our past and re-experienced when we remember joyful events from the past and allow ourselves to relive them in our minds. We can actually experience the same feelings of joy all over again.Top
~ Warner, Coursey, The 4 Habits, page 34.
Reviewing our Joy (evening)
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Romans 14:17
The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Pondering Point
Keeping in mind today’s point that the Holy Spirit is a person sent to instruct and influence our behavior, read this quote:
From the book Joyful Journey:
Growing a relationship with God takes active intention and participation from each one of us. Imagine our ball of yarn metaphor at work in our relationship with God. When we appreciate Him we throw the yarn and when we cry out to God for help we do the same. As He responds tenderly and graciously, He throws back the yarn and the connection is strengthened. God frequently initiates these interactions with us. He beckons and waits for us to throw the yarn back to Him. Moreover, even when we are frail and cannot throw the yarn, His spirit helps us. He never gives up on us and will work on our behalf until the end.
~ Wilder, Kang, Loppnow, Loppnow, Joyful Journey, pages 12-13.
Pray aloud
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the food and drink consumed today. More so, I thank you for the righteousness, peace and joy we experience in Your Holy Spirit. Thy kingdom come.
Review
Scour the day for ANTICIPATED or SURPRISE JOYS. You are training your brain to look for joy. This builds the habit. Recall the body sensations and emotion.
This solidifies the habit. Remember: use an alarm
Read the identity in Jesus
statement aloud
Lord Jesus, as long as we remain in a certain place and circumstance, let us be convinced that You have us there to bring progress and joy for people (including ourselves).
Evening Prayer
Thank God for blessing the day, ask for peaceful rest, then GO to sleep – in grateful JOY, anticipating new JOY tomorrow under His grace.