Message Study Notes for January 9, 2022
Series: Restore the Joy; Title: Restore the Joy of Jesus in My Heart

We are created in the image of God and His goodness is written in our hearts. When we are disobedient to God’s ways or resist His presence the joy in our inner being fades. It needs the restoration that salvation brings.

God has always been the source of immense joy.
Bible Notes:

The fullness of joy is ours for the taking.
Choose today to seek meeting with God above all else.
Center your life around the presence of your heavenly Father.
Live for transformational encounters with God and watch as the things of this world fall into proper place, providing you with transcendent peace, joy, and purpose during any circumstance

If you have lost your joy in the Lord, David in the Bible describes the way back.

Psalm 51:10-12 nlt Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.11 Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.

Empty yourself to be filled with God.
Confess your separation from God.
Ask for the Holy Spirit to fill you.
Seek the joy that comes from following Jesus.

Family/Group Study Notes for January 9, 2022
Series: Restore the Joy; Title: Restore the Joy of Jesus in my heart

How would you describe your relationship with Jesus? What emotions emerge when you consider what Jesus has done for you? On a scale of 1-10, 10 being highest, what level of joy does Jesus bring in your heart? Why did you rate where you did? How could your joy in the Lord increase?
Read Romans 14:17-19. Paul is writing about the legalism and judgement people were having for each other in the Christian Community. These legalisms stole the joy of serving Jesus. How do we do that to each other as Christians today? How does Paul describe the Kingdom of God? What does that mean to you? How would Christianity look in the world if we lived that way in Christ?
Read Psalm 16:1-2. How is David describing God? How does David see himself before God? How would it change the time you spend with God if you truly knew you could do nothing good without Him?
Read Psalm 16:5-11. How does David describe God in these passages? What emotions do you sense are coming from David? Read these passages again and the one saying it to God. Would you say this is an honest description of your feelings? Why? Why not?
Read Psalm 51:10-12. David lost his joy and trust in the Lord through his sin and pride. In this salm he describes his way back to joy. Describe that pathway out of this passage.
Gather in smaller groups and pray for each other and a renewed joy in Jesus.