1 Thess. 5:18 (NIV)

16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 16 Estén siempre alegres, 17 oren sin cesar, 18 den gracias a Dios en toda situación, porque esta es su voluntad para ustedes en Cristo Jesús.

16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 16 Estén siempre alegres, 17 oren sin cesar, 18 den gracias a Dios en toda situación, porque esta es su voluntad para ustedes en Cristo Jesús.

You might be saying – Paul must not understand difficulties in life. He doesn’t know what I have been through. If he lived my life he would be saying something else! Hummmm – let’s see some of the things Paul suffered on this earth…

Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.

27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? 30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying.

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3 2 Hermanos míos, considérense muy dichosos cuando tengan que enfrentarse con diversas *pruebas, 3 pues ya saben que la prueba de su fe produce constancia. Santiago 1:2-3

18 I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:18

 Make a determintion to let JOY reign in your heart, mind & home!  Sometimes that means telling yourself  Bless someone out of the “norm” – surprise someone. As you give blessings of joy you will become JOYFUL!  Keep your eyes on Christ & His Kingdom!  Rebuke: Satan, sadness or depression!  Give joy away – it’s contagious!  Smile at everyone you see  As you walk around walk with a smile on

16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 16 Estén siempre alegres, 17 oren sin cesar, 18 den gracias a Dios en toda situación, porque esta es su voluntad para ustedes en Cristo Jesús.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18 18 Oren en el Espíritu en todo momento, con peticiones y ruegos. Manténganse alerta y perseveren en oración por todos los santos. Efesios 6:18

 We can do many good things in our lives in our own strength – but when God does it in His strength through us – joy comes. The way for that to happen is prayer!  When we are praying all the time life is easier. We begin to walk in the Spirit not in the flesh.  The more we stay in prayer the more we are able to keep our eyes on supernatural things!

24b Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:24b

16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 16 Estén siempre alegres, 17 oren sin cesar, 18 den gracias a Dios en toda situación, porque esta es su voluntad para ustedes en Cristo Jesús.

11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever. 11 Convertiste mi lamento en danza; me quitaste la ropa de luto y me vestiste de fiesta, 12 para que te cante y te glorifique, y no me quede callado. ¡S EÑOR mi Dios, siempre te daré gracias!

 Changes our perspective  Changes our ways of thinking  Changes how we view God, ourselves, everyone around us.  When we start to have negative thoughts – try to stop and think of 5 things you are thankful for. Notice how those other thoughts disappear!

16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 16 Estén siempre alegres, 17 oren sin cesar, 18 den gracias a Dios en toda situación, porque esta es su voluntad para ustedes en Cristo Jesús.

 I believe that if we do these 3 things throughout our days then everything else will fall into place!!!  Unbelievers will be attracted to joy, peace & love in your life!

1. Be joyful 2. Pray all the time 3. Give thanks even when it’s hard If you have a hard time in any of these areas ask the Holy Spirit to manifest that in your life & heart! He WILL - I know He will!!!