Home - Week Two

Home – Week TwoThis series is so necessary for us right now because of the upheaval and chaotic times in which we live. We face crises of health, race, economic concerns and political uncertainty. In this state, we long for the feeling and comfort of “home.” To better understand how to find that feeling, we’ll examine: How God wants you to enjoy your life.Three things that are keeping you from experiencing joy.How you can strive for joy in life.God wants you to enjoy your life; and if you’re not, there’s a blockage somewhere.Paul wrote from prison that you can have joy even in hard times, persecution and suffering.1 Peter 1:8 – Even without seeing, you believe and are filled with love and joy.Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 – There is nothing better than to be happy, to do good and to find joy in hardship.John 15:11 – Jesus wants the joy of God to remain in His people.Galatians 5:22-23 – Joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit, which is from the Holy Spirit.If we’re not experiencing joy, what’s preventing it?1st – ActionsActs 8:9-24 – The story of Simon, a man who practiced sorcery, teaches us how sin can hold us captive and keep us from experiencing joy in our lives.Acts 8:23 – Peter makes the statement that Simon is full of bitterness and captive to sin.2 Corinthians 5:17 – We’ve become new creations in Jesus.There are sins that might be holding you captive:1. Outbursts of Anger2. Severe Rejection3. Irrational Fear4. Sexual Sin5. Pride6. LyingDavid is a great example of this. In a matter of days, he commits adultery and murder, which was totally out of his character. After his confession, he asks God to restore the joy of God’s salvation to him. (Psalm 51:12)The opposite of joy is grief. The Holy Spirit is grieved because of our sin. (Ephesians 4:30)When we sin, we need to repent. “Change your mind.” Think differently; live differently! (Romans 12:2)2nd – AttitudeActs 8:23 – Peter could see that Simon from Samaria was full of bitterness.When God blesses people in your life, how do you respond?If we get upset when someone else is blessed, maybe that’s the reason we’re not blessed.Acts 8:23 – The definition of bitter is “a sour taste.” Let the bitterness go so that you can be free and find joy. 3rd – Attacks (from the enemy)“Is there an open door?” An action or attitude that you’re not dealing with is giving Satan an open door to attack you.“It’s much more difficult to fight the enemy when he’s in the house than when he’s outside the house.”Acts 8:24 – Simon asks for prayer because he has some bad stuff in his life, and he needs help.You can strive for joy in your life.Is there an open door for attacks in your life? Are you struggling with actions or attitudes you need to deal with?You need to repent, ask for forgiveness and let it go.Get the poison out so that the poison won’t kill the fruit of joy in your life.