God never intended for us to experience breakthroughs or celebrate victories in isolation. When the church gets together, there is a powerful exchange of joy and strength that lifts everyone in the room. This week, Ps Richard shares how opening up your heart to godly community is the key to stepping into lasting victory. ------------------------------ DON'T KEEP YOUR JOY TO YOURSELF 1. THE JOY OF THE CHURCH TOGETHER Acts 12:5 NLT But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him. Acts 2:46-47a NLT They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity- (47) all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. Godly community and godly victory are more connected than you think. If you're still waiting for the breakthrough — who's in the room with you? A sheep separated from the flock isn't free. It's exposed. 1 Peter 5:8 NLT Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Romans 12:15 AMP Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief]. The right people can't find you if you keep hiding. 2. JOY IS MEANT TO BE SHARED Acts 12:12-14 NLT When he realized this, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer. (13) He knocked at the door in the gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it. (14) When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, "Peter is standing at the door!" Your joy is a gift to every person in the room Philippians 2:14-15 NLT Do everything without complaining and arguing, (15) so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. The Jesus in you is greater than the atmosphere around you If Jesus has given you joy, don’t hide it. Share it. 3. DON’T BE TOO SERIOUS TO CELEBRATE Acts 12:15-16 NLT "You're out of your mind!" they said. When she insisted, they decided, "It must be his angel." (16) Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed. 2 Samuel 6:16 NLT But as the Ark of the LORD entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she was filled with contempt for him. Galatians 5:22-23 NLT But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! You can have great conviction and great joy. Let’s not be too “mature” to be touched by God Nehemiah 8:10b NLT Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!" Revelation 3:20 NLT "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. -------------------------- CONNECT GROUP QUESTIONS: How can you help your friends, like the four men who helped the paralyzed man in the story?Why is it important to celebrate when other people are blessed?What are some of the dangers of isolating yourself instead of staying connected to a church community?When you are going through a hard time, you may want to hide, but what’s a good way to ask for help or stay connected? -------------------------- Connect with us:Web: mylifehouse.com Instagram: instagram.com/lifehouseglobal/ Facebook: facebook.com/lifehouseglobal Other Podcasts:Want to listen to our messages in other languages? Lifehouse Japan (Japanese & English): https://lifehousejapan.captivate.fm/listen Lifehouse Hong Kong (Cantonese & English): https://lifehousehongkong.captivate.fm/listen
