“The joy of the Lord is my strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
We tend to think of joy as a passive result of pleasurable things; something that just happens in us and to us when circumstances are pleasant, which means that joy comes and goes as circumstances change.
Nehemiah 8:10 says, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” My strength. If this is the case, how can joy be just a feeling? That would be like saying, “the joy of the Lord is my Red Bull” or “the joy of the Lord is my coffee”–it gives me a shot of strength and then wears off.
But that’s not what strength is. Strength, through joy in the Lord, is our spiritual power to persevere, to lift our heads, to walk by faith no matter our circumstances. It is not a high or a shot or a boost. It is the state of a soul that rests fully in the good news of a real, ruling, rescuing Jesus.
That’s what the “joy of the Lord” means–clinging to what He says and living like it is true. It gives us peace and solid footing and, yes, strength. Joy is something we can attain and have at all times, no matter the circumstances, because God is always God and the good news of Jesus is always good. Circumstances change. Our hearts are fickle. But the joy of the Lord is our strength because He is unchanging, unfailing, and always inviting us into it.
January 4, 2023 - Immanuel At a Glance
Sunday Resources
SUNDAY SERMON - We were blessed by Sam Allberry’s sermon on Sunday at our prayer meeting. You can view the sermon online here!
BIBLE READING PLAN - Everyone could use a fresh start reading the Bible. We have printed Bible reading plans available at the connect desk
Wednesday Updates
WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN THE CAFE - We will continue our time in the book of Acts as the adults gather in the cafe for teaching and community.
Just a reminder, there will be no iKids or Student Ministry tonight.
If you would like to serve coffee on future Wednesday nights, please email us here!
On the Horizon
WOMEN’S RETREAT
Have you heard about the upcoming Immanuel Women’s retreat? You are invited to join us from March 3rd to 4th at Deer Run Camps & Retreats. The cost is $85 per person. You can learn more and register here.
SEMINARS
Our Studying the Bible Together Seminar resumes this Sunday in the staff lounge at 9 am, led by Tom Cox
Session 1 of Next Steps resumes this Sunday in the staff lounge at 10:45 am, led by Tony Shepherd
Our First Word Genesis Seminar resumes this Sunday in the cafe at 9 am, led by Russell Moore
No Discover Luncheon in January. Discover Luncheon resumes in February. RSVP for the next one on February 12.
ONLINE PRAYER MEETINGS- Every week, Jenn Ross, one of our Discipleship Group leaders, facilitates two online prayer meetings that everyone is welcome to join. The Zoom meeting times and links are below:
Every Thursday afternoon from 12:00-12:45 pm
Every Sunday morning from 7:30-8:00 am
BAPTISMS AND DEDICATIONS - Mark your calendar for Sunday, January 29, 2023, for Baptisms and dedications at Immanuel!
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