In this message, Maria shares about the origins of true joy!

When we received the Holy Spirit at the new birth, we received a full download of the Holy Spirit within us. Within each of us are all the resources we need to grow in the fruits of the Spirit. Our job is now to unpack what has already been given!

In Christian circles, we often hear that someone has a gift of joy. The truth is that this person has agreed with the work of God on the inside, but mostly it’s about coming into agreement with the Holy Spirit through connection and relationship.

There are four ways we can grow in joy in the natural:

1. Whatever you overcome releases joy inside of you, so give away that breakthrough and bless others and watch joy grow!

2. Joy sparks more joy, so get into it! Stir joy up with humour and fun!

3. Giving thanks is always a highway to greater joy!

4. Dance and praise will always release joy!!

Lastly, there is a spiritual way we can grow in His joy: to gaze on God's beauty! When we worship and gaze into His presence with captivated awe, we are being transformed by the Spirit of God and simultaneously transformed from one glory to another!

Watch out for the "Joy Stealer" this Summer, who will try to rob your joy by first stealing your hope. When we are hopeless, we are joyless! So stay full of hope in His ability to lead you in all things, then Joy will be the overflow of that mindset!

Phil brings a message on the theme of joy. He highlights the deeply relational component of joy and explains where supernatural joy comes from and how the Lord imparts it to us.

The Apostle Paul said to the Philippians, “I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.” (Philippians 4:1 NLT)

Joy is the fruit of a deepening relationship. Our brains are hardwired for joy, and it is the fuel they run on. Joy is awakened from being with those who love us and are delighted to see us and to be with us. Jesus promised us participation in His joy as He speaks His love over our hearts.

Joy also comes from seeing Jesus’ face. The Holy Spirit causes the Father’s face to shine upon us and to grant us both joy and peace. The Apostle John said, “I look forward to coming to visit and speaking with you face-to-face – for being together will complete our joy!” (2 John 1:12 TPT)

Joy is the fruit of a relational upgrade with the One who is most delighted to be with us. May this message ignite joy in you!

In “Sowing for the Seasons” Charlotte explores the metaphor of seeds and seasons to present the idea that God gives us seed that is specific for the season we are in.

She encourages us to value that seed and the season and sow the seed at the right time so we can make the most of the opportunities in front of us.

There are things we can only do in the season we’re in right now - this place with these people.

Seed is sown months before the harvest, we don’t sow to see a harvest now but we sow in obedience to God and wait with hope for the harvest.

May you be encouraged and strengthened to recognise, value and steward your seed and your season.