Day 12: Joy

May 23 • Bible Reading from 1 Peter 1:3-9 Joy

Character: "I have inner contentment and purpose in spite of my circumstances."

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Text:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, & into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-- kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine & may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

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Take a minute:
How accurately does 1:8 describe you?

What does Peter seem to be saying leads to our joy?

Day 11: Joy

May 22 • Bible reading from Philippians 4:10-13 Joy

Character: "I have inner contentment and purpose in spite of my circumstances."

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Text:

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

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Take a minute:

When you face difficult circumstances, what level of joy have you maintained?