Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

    Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

    Leading a Joy-Filled Life
    Leading a Joy-Filled Life
    Leading a Joy-Filled Life
    Ebook147 pages1 hour

    Leading a Joy-Filled Life

    By Sarah Young

    ()

    Read preview

    About this ebook

    In this eight-session Bible study, Leading a Joy-Filled Life, explore what the Bible has to say about expressing gratitude to God in all situations, finding joy even in the mundane aspects of life, and adopting a mindset focused on the eternal blessings that God has promised for those who serve Him. Discover, as Paul wrote, how to "be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" (Romans 12:12). 

    Each Jesus Always Bible study includes readings from Jesus Always, selected Scripture and study questions, daily reflection questions, and is designed for use in personal small group, or classroom settings.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherThomas Nelson
    Release dateJan 30, 2018
    ISBN9780310091295
    Leading a Joy-Filled Life
    Author

    Sarah Young

    Sarah Young, author of the bestselling 365-day devotionals Jesus Calling® and Jesus Listens, was a missionary alongside her husband, Stephen, for forty-five years. In her writing and in her mission work, Sarah was committed to helping people connect with Jesus and the Bible. Her books have sold more than 45 million copies worldwide. Jesus Calling® has appeared on all major bestseller lists. Sarah’s writings include Jesus Calling®, Jesus Listens, Jesus Always, Jesus Today®, Jesus Lives™, Dear Jesus, Jesus Calling® for Little Ones, Jesus Calling® Bible Storybook, Jesus Calling®: 365 Devotions for Kids, and more, each encouraging readers in their journeys toward intimacy with Christ. Sarah believed praying for her readers was a privilege and God-given responsibility and did so daily even amidst her own health challenges. Connect with Jesus Calling at: Facebook.com/JesusCalling Instagram.com/JesusCalling YouTube.com/JesusCallingBook Pinterest.com/JesusCalling

    Read more from Sarah Young

    Related to Leading a Joy-Filled Life

    Titles in the series (100)

    View More
    View More

    Related ebooks

    Christianity For You

    View More
    View More

    Related podcast episodes

    Related articles

    • Article

      A Prayer for February

      Jan 15, 2022

      A Prayer for February
      1 min read

    • Article

      Monday, November 1

      Oct 15, 2021

      Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands . . . Isaiah 49:15–16 (NIV) MY MOM RECENTLY GAVE ONE of my

      1 min read

    • Article

      Salvation Prayer

      Jan 1, 2021

      Jesus, I believe that You died on the Cross for me. There You were wounded for my transgressions, You were bruised for my iniquities; and the punishment for my peace was upon You. I have been like a lost sheep, I have turned to my own way, but I beli

      1 min read

    • Article

      May

      Apr 16, 2022

      May
      32 min read

    • Article

      Wednesday, January 29

      Dec 16, 2019

      I SPENT FOUR DECADES PRAYING a prayer Jesus didn’t want to answer. My prayer was framed by what I knew was possible, not by reliance on the limitless creativity of Jesus. The always faithful One knew He should ignore my idea and go with His own plan!

      1 min read

    • Article

      Friday, November 5

      Oct 15, 2021

      She comforts, encourages, and does him only good and not evil all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:12 (AMP) SOMETIMES I HAVE TO REMEMBER that one of my God-ordained jobs is to build my husband up with my words and to comfort him. We have fun toget

      1 min read

    • Article

      Max Lucado

      May 28, 2021

      Max Lucado
      2 min read

    • Article

      A Note From The Editor

      Oct 15, 2021

      WHILE IT’S NO SECRET THAT this time of year can be overwhelming, harried, and stressful, it is also a season full of hope and anticipation. A special time to give generously and receive graciously, to reconnect with loved ones near and far. A time to

      1 min read

    • Article

      Sunday, April 24

      Feb 16, 2022

      AT THE GROCERY STORE, I searched for a few healthy snack options. On a sale rack, I found crunchy peapod snacks. They sounded healthier than potato chips, with a similar crunch-salt value, so I grabbed them. After getting home I tasted them. Yuck. Wh

      1 min read

    • Article

      Saturday, September 4

      Aug 14, 2021

      LAST NIGHT, WE GOT TOGETHER with our good friends the Couches. My husband, Scott, and I have known Shane and Marty since college. We couldn’t help remembering our early days of friendship. Those were formative days of growth and joy. In college, Shan

      1 min read

    • Article

      Think Good Thoughts

      Jan 15, 2022

      Think Good Thoughts
      1 min read

    • Article

      Monday, January 2

      Dec 16, 2022

      “WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU could do better?” a friend asked me recently. Without missing a beat, I quickly replied, “Sing.” I’ve long admired those who have voices that can croon any type of music—Christian, opera, R&B, pop, jazz, or country. I love to si

      1 min read

    • Article

      Leave Your Fear

      Jan 16, 2021

      Leave Your Fear
      1 min read

    • Article

      Sunday, December 19

      Oct 15, 2021

      Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philip

      1 min read

    • Article

      Facing a Difficult Decision

      May 18, 2020

      Facing a Difficult Decision
      1 min read

    • Article

      Sunday, August 18

      Jun 18, 2019

      WHAT DOES IT REALLY MEAN to pray without ceasing? Does it mean we chant at the wailing wall in Jerusalem? Or is it more like the meditative murmurs of a cloistered nun? I used to think that was the picture of devoted prayer. Today, it looks like cons

      1 min read

    • Article

      God Is with You

      Sep 16, 2023

      SOMETIMES, DESPITE CLOSE relationships and knowing that God is near, life can make you feel alone. When your heart is heavy with loneliness, remember that God is always by your side. Ask Him to give you the strength to be vulnerable to others and ope

      1 min read

    • Article

      Think Godly Thoughts

      Jan 16, 2021

      Think Godly Thoughts
      1 min read

    • Article

      Leaning On The Lord And His Wisdom

      Aug 27, 2021

      Over these past few weeks, I have found myself enquiring of the Lord almost continuously. We have been experiencing some troubling situations recently and I have really needed extraordinary advice. I am so aware of where my help comes from, so I imme

      2 min read

    • Article

      Wednesday, November 3

      Oct 15, 2021

      Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (ESV) FOR THE PAST YEAR I’VE had a monthly phone call with a spiritual director. I reached out to her because I was feeling unclear about God’s purpose for me

      1 min read

    • Article

      Sunday, November 28

      Oct 15, 2021

      Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. Hebrews 11:1–2 (NIV) FOR AS LONG AS I can remember, I have harbored huge dreams. With the passage of time, they change

      1 min read

    • Article

      Allan & Janine Bagg

      Jun 24, 2022

      Allan & Janine Bagg
      9 min read

    Related categories

    Reviews for Leading a Joy-Filled Life

    0 ratings

    0 ratings0 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

      Book preview

      Leading a Joy-Filled Life - Sarah Young

      INTRODUCTION

      Sometimes our busy and difficult lives give us the impression that God is silent. We cry out to Him, but our feelings tell us He isn’t answering our prayers. In this, our feelings are incorrect. God hears the prayers of His children and speaks directly into the situations in which we find ourselves. The trouble is that our lives are often too hectic, our minds too distracted, for us to take in what He offers.

      This Jesus Always Bible study is designed to help individuals and groups meditate on the words of Scripture and hear them not just as words said to people long ago but as words said to us today in the here and now. The goal is to help the heart open up and respond to what the mind reads—to encounter the living God as He speaks through the Scriptures. The writer to the Hebrews tells us:

      In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.

      —H

      EBREWS

      1:1–3

      God has spoken to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. The New Testament gives us the chance to walk with Jesus, see what He does, and hear Him speak into the sometimes-confusing situations in which we find ourselves. The Old Testament tells the story of how God prepared a people to be the family of Jesus, and in the experiences of those men and women, we find our own lives mirrored.

      THE GOAL OF THIS SERIES

      The Jesus Always Bible Study Series offers you a chance to lay down your cares, enter God’s Presence, and hear Him speak through His Word. You will get to spend some time silently studying a passage of Scripture, and then, if you’re meeting with a group, openly sharing your insights and hearing what others discovered. You’ll also get to discuss excerpts from the Jesus Always devotional that relate to the themes of the Bible passages. In this way, you will learn how to better make space in your life for the Spirit of God to speak to you through the Word of God and the people of God.

      THE FLOW OF EACH SESSION

      Each session of this study guide contains the following elements:

      • CONSIDER IT. The two questions in this opening section serve as an icebreaker to help you start thinking about the theme of the session, connecting it to your own past or present experience, and allowing you to get to know the others in your group more deeply. If you’ve had a busy day and your mind is full of distractions, these questions can help you better focus.

      • EXPERIENCE IT. Here you will find two readings from Jesus Always along with some questions for reflection. This is your chance to talk with others about the biblical principles found within the Jesus Always devotions. Can you relate to what each reading describes? What insights from God’s Word does it illuminate? What does it motivate you to do? This section will assist you in applying these biblical principles to your everyday habits.

      • STUDY IT. Next you’ll explore a Scripture passage connected to the session topic and the readings from Jesus Always. You will not only analyze these Bible passages but also pray through them in ways designed to engage your heart and your head. You’ll first talk with your group about what the verse or verses mean and then spend several minutes in silence, letting God speak into your life through His Word.

      • LIVE IT. Finally, you will find five days’ worth of suggested Scripture passages that you can pray through on your own during the week. Suggested questions for additional study and reflection are provided.

      FOR LEADERS

      If you are leading a group through this study guide, please see the Leader’s Notes at the end of the guide. You’ll find background on the design of the study as well as suggested answers for some of the study questions.

      images/himg-6-1.jpg

      SESSION 1

      JOY IN SALVATION

      CONSIDER IT

      Billy Bray was a twenty-nine-year-old miner in Cornwall, England, when he had a brush with death on the job in 1823. He was known as a rowdy drinker and womanizer, but shortly after the mining accident, he read John Bunyan’s Visions of Heaven and Hell and was convicted that he was on his way to hell. He became a passionate Christian and unconventional preacher, often bursting into singing, shouting for joy, and dancing in the middle of a sermon. Many hearers complained about this behavior, but Bray was so grateful for God’s rescue from the path of destruction that he couldn’t—and wouldn’t—stop celebrating.

      If you are a follower of Christ, what feelings and emotions does that evoke in you? Does your liberation from the enemy fill you with such joy that you can’t help but let everybody you meet know about it? Perhaps you’re not the type who sings and dances. Perhaps for you, joy is a deep and settled sense of peace, a sense that you’re okay and nothing can take away your well-being. Yet regardless of how you experience joy, it’s important to recognize the amazing gift that God has given to His children—and be incredibly thankful for it.

      In this session, we’ll examine what the disciple Peter has to say about the inexpressible and glorious joy we should all have when we think about what God has done for us. We will see that no amount of persecution could shake Peter’s joy once he had seen Jesus risen from the dead and heard His promises about our future life.

      1. When you were a child, what was something that filled you with joy?

      [Your Response Here]

      2. When you were a child, what was something that could rob you of joy?

      [Your Response Here]

      EXPERIENCE IT

      In Me you can discover Joy inexpressible and full of Glory! You will not find this kind of pleasure anywhere else; it is available only in your relationship with Me. So trust Me, beloved, and walk confidently along your life-path. As we journey together, you will encounter many obstacles—some of which are quite painful. Expect these difficulties each day, and don’t let them throw you off course. Refuse to let adversity keep you from enjoying Me. In My Presence deep sorrow can coexist with even deeper Joy.

      Your life with Me is an adventure, and there are always some dangers involved in adventurous journeys. Ask Me to give you courage so that you can face your troubles boldly. Keep your hope fully fastened on Me and on the heavenly reward that awaits you. Your Joy will expand astronomically—beyond anything you could possibly imagine—when you reach your eternal home. There you will see Me face to Face, and your Joy will know no bounds!

      —F

      ROM

      J

      ESUS

      A

      LWAYS

      , J

      ANUARY

      8

      3. As

      Enjoying the preview?
      Page 1 of 1