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(Philippians 1:3-6 NLT) Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
√ Happiness is EXTERNAL
√ Joy is INTERNAL.
(2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV) Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
√ Happiness is based on CIRCUMSTANCE.
√ Joy is based on CHRIST.
(Philippians 4:11 NIV) . . . for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
√ Happiness is based on CHANCE.
√ Joy happens by CHOICE.
(Deuteronomy 30:19 NIV) This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, . . . .
(Philippians 1:9-11 NIV) And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ–to the glory and praise of God.
√ Stop asking “WHY?”
(John 16:33 NLT) I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
(Philippians 1:12 NIV) Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.
√ Start asking “WHAT?”
(Philippians 1:13-14 NIV) As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
(Romans 8:28 NLT) And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
(Philippians 1:15-18 NIV) It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,
√ Refocus on WHAT REALLY MATTERS.
(Philippians 1:21 NIV) For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
