Date: 2026-01-02
AO: 3rd-f
Q: Schnitzel
PAX: Sharpie, Mr Rogers, Schnitzel, Col. Sanders, Dipstick, Paycheck, Wee Man
FNGs: None
COUNT: 7
CONDITIONS: Brisk enough to remind you that each day is made new by the Good Lord!!

WARMUP: Prayer for the growth of God’s kingdom and not our own!

THE THANG:
Questions to get us started…

Q1) How would we define joy?
Q2) What are thing that you find joy in?
Q3) What do you allow to steal your joy from time to time?
Q4) What does New Years mean to you?

We discussed having a heart of renewal, restoration, resolve, and finally (most importantly) rejoicing!!

We read through Paul’s journey with his “thorn” in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 – Paul pleaded with God to remove it three times and God said “no”, stating “my grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness”. We also see that this “thorn” reminds Paul of his need for God and the presence of the Holy Spirit in his life.

Much like us, we are not qualified for the Cause of Christ, which as we see in Philippians 7 & 13 is the “defense and confirmation of the Gospel”…go and tell, taste and see, stand firm and rejoice no matter the circumstances.

We spoke about seasons being hard however building on our maturity over time and providing growth, even when uncomfortable…

We read Philippians 1:1-21

Discussing Paul’s message for the saints, his love for them and his hopeful, deep-seated contentment type of Joy found as he writes one of his most joyful letters while he was in prison.

The royal guards attached to him as he shared the Gospel with all who came to visit and even when some folks intentions were not noble in their sharing of Jesus with others, Paul still rejoiced! Yes, he continues to rejoice!

Can we have a similar heart posture and we head into 2026. Not just chasing check lists, or rolling through the motions, but pursuing true value!

The men were challenged to commit to one of these things:

1) a renewed discipline
2) a reframed hardship
3) a resolved priority
4) a Godly pursuit to that brings real joy

Joy isn’t found in comfort or control – but in Christ-centered pursuits.

Paul’s writing form prison not a palace, while is in chains, physically lashed to the guards that over see him, and yet we see this joyful text…this isn’t a scripture of comfort but rather a battle text!

MARY:
Lord, finish a mighty work in us. Reframe our current perspective to align with yours, Redirect our resolve, and Restore our Joy!!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
It’s a new year…many new chances to make things new!

PRAYER REQUEST:
Marriages, illness, travel and family challenge – also thankful for the blessings and God’s grace & mercy!

BOM: Schnitzel

MOLESKIN:
Finish this sentence…”for me, to live is…”? Is that thing strong enough to carry suffering, battles, all seasons of life and will that thing last?

What we live for, often determines what we can ensure…Godly pursuits change perspectives. We see in Philippines 1:27-30 to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel and in Ephesians 4 to all in a manner worthy of that to which we have been called! To seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God!

Good things worthy of our calling…let’s lock shields, push each other, grow together and find true joy that can’t be shaken in seasons of spiritual dryness!

Strong men don’t chase comfort – they pursue Jesus and joy follows. Love you brothers!

Let’s go get it!