Family Business

Joy in Everyday Life

May 27, 2007 AM
Pastor Brad Dyrness

Sparks Nazarene Church

Joy can be an elusive thing.

“Cup of Joy”

Putting different people into one family came be a recipe for

      conflict.

How can we have Joy in the midst of life???

Transform our home from a morgue to a sanctuary Abba

Doing family is hard and doing family right can be nearly impossible.

James 1:2-4  

Joy not whining – Celebration not death is the gift of the family.

Matthew 12:46

 James – the blood brother of Jesus knew the sting of family. 

The same was true the other way… John 7:5 

James is writing to us and telling us how to have JOY even in the midst of pain…

1.     Consider it – vs. 2 

James says that your mindset is the key in finding Joy. 

Philippians 4:8  think about the good (true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praise worthy)

 2.  James says that this is Great Joy vs. 2

The original language has a deeper meaning. – all, whole, every, through and through

·        Same word in the great commission - all the earth

·        Same in Rev 21: 5, 7 “…  everything new!” ⁷ inherit all this…

3.      What kinds of trials come our way? Vs 2-4

Various kinds:

                   AHC – We reap what we sow. Gal 6:7

Actions Have Consequences

                   Spiritual Trials  1 Peter 4:12, 16

                   Ones we don’t understand

4.      How do we have Joy in the midst of… suffering, difficulties and trials?  Vs 3-4 for you know testing develops …

The perspective we are invited to “consider” is the outcome.

Perseverance, Maturity, Complete not lacking anything

What will happen in my life if I endure with joy?  I will grow!

Let us all ask for that blessed gift – joyfulness and gladness of heart…