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The hidden half of domestic violence

How to have eternal life

JOY in the midst of CONFLICT

JOY in the midst of CONFLICT...Impossible?

Last weekend, during our chat here on Shattered Men, the topic was JOY. I would like to share what we discussed. JOY: NOUN : 1. a. Intense and especially ecstatic or exultant happiness. b. The expression or manifestation of such feeling Joy differs from happiness. Happiness is often based on outward situations. JOY is
within. Actually I feel the definition above does NOT do justice to JOY. We can have joy without being happy. We can have Joy in the midst of conflict...in the midst of turmoil.

Paul often expressed JOY even after being imprisoned and often after beatings.

2 Corinthians 8:

1  Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

1 Thessalonians 1:

5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men
we were among you for your sake.

6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word
in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.

7  So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

How do we obtain JOY in the midst of conflict?

Lets look at one key to this: Daniel 3:

17   If it be so, our God whom we serve is
able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

18  But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

Can you pick out the key for these men to have joy in this conflict? Look at the first 3 words of verse 18.....BUT IF NOT.....It is the TOTAL DETERMINATION to follow God at ALL cost that brings real JOY! My friend...do YOU have JOY today? Are you determined to follow Christ or are you trying to walk the fence? Do you try to "belong" to both camps? Are you in Gods camp perhaps on Sunday morning and then the world the rest of the week?

This will NOT result in JOY...in fact it will result in the exact opposite. Do YOU have JOY my friend? If not the first step is to belong to HIM. IF you are not sure...read How to have eternal life  but if you have done this and still do not have JOY... do you have un confessed SIN on board?

Are there ANY secrets you are trying to keep from HIM? Any areas you have not yielded? These will keep you from having JOY. If you have any area that you need help on...call upon HIM today (EFFECTIVE PRAYER FOR HURTING PEOPLE) and remember 1 John 1:9 is there for US to use if we sin...If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Hebrews 12:

1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

As always, we are here to help YOU. If you need any help with KNOWING you have eternal life or in growing closer to HIM... PLEASE contact us by the E-mail Icon below.

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JUNE is Domestic Violence Against Men Awareness Month