This life throws us all sorts of curve balls and we need to be ready for them as they come. All to often we allow our struggles to defeat us and steal away our God given Joy.

What's it mean to live a Joy filled life? How do we do that with all of the junk that happens to us and all around us?

Well the first thing is understanding that this means we are doing something of significance for the Kingdom. The Second is understanding that we are warned that troubles will come and that we need to count it all Joy when we experience hardship and trials.

If we accept our role and understand that God is doing something in our lives and it's not just to hurt us or defeat us, I believe we can live with greater Joy.

When we face hardships or trying times, we forget our identity in Christ and forget what He has instore for those that have called on the Name of Christ... We forget that He has a mansion prepared for us in Glory and a place for us at His table.

If we focused more on the Kingdom and even the rewards that we have waiting for us in Glory, there would be more Joy in one's life. The problem is that we are much more focused on this life and what is happening to us right now. These things will trip us up and steal the Joy that is available for those who follow Christ and understand their a child of the King's.

This fall we are going to start a new series in the book of Philippians and it's going to be great. Learning to live the Christian life with a Joyful spirit and attitude. Trusting the promises in Scripture as we persue God and fight to stand firm in our faith. We are promised that God will finish the work that He has started, We are called to be of the same mind, moving forward with the same purpose and working at the same goals. Lastly, we are called to rejoice and take great Joy in our faith and in His sacrifice for us.

Philippians 1:6 " For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."

Philippians 2:2 " Make my Joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose."

Philippians 2:17-18 " But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my Joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your Joy with me."

We all go through different seasons in life, especially as we strive to live for the Lord. We are warned in scripture that trials will come and suffering will come but to be strong in the Lord and that our hope is in Him. I would say that sums up the past 6months. As a church we have never been more alive spiritually and on fire for Christ but with that comes adversity and trials.

We have grown as a body of believers to be people who support one another and challenge one another to work on their walks with Christ. I believe God has blessed this work because we are supporting one another and we are working together to further His name and grow in our own personal walks with Jesus.

That's the church! If you look at 1 John we are instructed to love others in action and not just in words and then in James, He instruct us to confess our sins to one another and pray for one another. The body of Christ grows when these things are being carried out by the church.

Over the last two months we have been studying on Sunday mornings the Life of Elijah. The prophet who strived to serve God and bring revival to the people of Israel while the Enemy worked hard at trying to destroy that and the life of Elijah.

He was bold and committed but yet had times of weakness and great difficulties. We can relate to this servant of God because there are times where we are strong in Christ and other times when we are weak and broken. God has been teaching us through the word that we are no different than Elijah and that there will be times where we fail to meet God and fulfil our calling but yet God remains with us.

God took care of Elijah no matter what trial or situation arose and we too as the church have to learn to trust our Creator for that kind of protection and direction. He is steering our church and steering those who are involved and it hasn't all been easy but its been fruitful.

I am looking forward to seeing where God moves us next! If we are listening and ready to follow, He is faithful to lead!