For many, the most wonderful time of the year isn’t so wonderful. A painful past or our own insecurities can overshadow the joy we’re supposed to be feeling. What if this year could look different? It’s time to let God heal the Ghosts of Christmas Past.
What if you could have joy in any and every circumstance? Do you find that hard to imagine? Or is it like imagining a purple elephant flying on tiny wings wearing a tutu? You can imagine it, but you’re pretty sure it’s not real.
And yet there are people out there who have suffered more than you or I ever have, or ever will, who say that this joy is real, and is possible. They lived it. They know.
The Apostle Paul is one of those people. If you want to line your sufferings up against his, go ahead: beaten to within an inch of his life an several occasions, imprisoned multiple times (and not the type of prison where there are regular meals, TVs and yards to walk around in). He was hated, rejected, criticized, betrayed…Paul went through it all. And yet Paul lived with a joy that was deeper than all the pain he endured.
Paul found joy in his relationship with God, and in the partnerships he built with people. He found deep, lasting, circumstance-surpassing joy. And you can find it too.
Through the summer we’ll be exploring Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi, and learning to fly with the joyful dancing elephants.
How God’s grace inspires and empowers us to build a community of diverse generosity.
How deep your discipleship goes determines how high your discipleship grows.
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