Day 5 of Finding Joy in the Journey
Hebrews 12:2-3
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Session A: Welcome to the third joy designation category: God’s Joy. Whether you bring to mind any part of the Godhead individually or approach Them collectively, these verses show that God Himself is One of joy. We are still building our joy list but take a few moments to appreciate God’s joy over you – and people like you. Again, note body sensations, mood changes, attitudes, etc.
Journal Prompt:
Joyful memories involving activities, part one:
Key Words:
Prayer Prompt
Lord Jesus, I am fixing my eyes on You as You continue to shape the faith You initiated in my life. Let me learn from You how to endure.
With the joy of saving people and pleasing God the Father compelling Me, I endured the cross, scorning its shame, and now sit at His right hand. Let my joy-inspired endurance encourage you so that you will not grow weary and lose heart, even as you face opposition in life.
Afternoon Session
Matthew 18:12-13
What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.”
We are excited to introduce a practical way to experience God's love and help that is easy to access even without a facilitator. We have noticed that even a one-time encounter with Jesus through Immanuel journaling can change someone's life… [it] is the third system developed to introduce an Immanuel experience. Journaling has proven to be the easiest way to learn the process.
p. 5, Joyful Journey, Wilder, Kang, Loppnow, Loppnow
Session B: Remember, you can share your joy stories with others for your 5 minutes. It builds community and spreads the joy.
Journal Prompt:
Joyful memories involving activities with family:
Key Words:
[Immanuel thought]: You know that I have WAY more than a hundred sheep. But I still know your name. I know you better than you know yourself. Can you hear My voice? Even if you wander, I’m calling for you – coming for you. And know that I smile big when we reconnect. Such joy!
I give everyone and everything to You God;
I give everyone and everything to You.
Evening Session
Session C: Before your official 5-minute window, take a moment to read through Anna’s reflection (below) from Joyful Journey. Think about God’s compassion toward you. Where might that compassion have been present today? Then move into a joyful memory time. Finish with worship joy toward God.
[Anna’s reflection] One very practical element of journaling was that it allowed me to organize my thoughts and slow down the whole process of interacting with God. And because I was able to slow down and quiet myself, I was able to receive the precious gift of being able to experience God's compassion toward me.... As I built this foundation of interacting with God I began to be transformed in a very noticeable way. I now find myself becoming more and more aware of the shalom of Christ that also referees every aspect of my life.
p. 7, Joyful Journey, Wilder, Kang, Loppnow, Loppnow
Journal Prompt:
Joyful memories involving activities with friends:
Key Words:
Psalm 20:4-6
May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand.
You may not think of yourself in kingly or queen-like language, but any place where we have sway or influence is a kingdom of sorts. So, where does your kingdom reach? Whom does your kingdom touch? Who have you made kingdom pacts with to share or trade (like Kings Solomon and Hiram of Tyre).
Prayer Prompt
Immanuel, in my part of God’s Kingdom, You call me to rule over the earth – by loving and serving. I pray that You give me the desire of my heart and make all my plans succeed. That almost sounds selfish, but I submit all desires and plans to Your will and give You the glory as I seek to operate under the anointing of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.