October 26, 2025

 Welcome to Brown Chapel/Avant, Mt. Pleasant, Shiloh

Prayer: Pastor Baggett

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:9-10 - Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priestly scribe, and the Levites who were imparting understanding to the people said to all of them, "This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep." For all the people had been weeping when they heard the words of the law.  He said to them, "Go and eat delicacies and drink sweet drinks and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared. For this day is holy to our Lord.  Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

Subject: The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength

• We all are going to go through trials and tribulations. We wonder how long it will continue.
• We need to check ourselves. 
• Check your joy!
• The joy of the Lord is our strength.
• Joy is one of the fruits of the spirit.  Galatians 5:22
• Joy is not being happy.
• Being happy is a temporary situation.
• Joy is based on a condition of the heart. It keeps us calm in moments of stress, grief, etc.
• Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5
• God's grace is sufficient. 2 Corinthians 12:9
• 2 Corinthians 7:10 - For sadness as intended by God produces a repentance that leads to salvation, leaving no regret, but worldly sadness brings about death.
• Do not wallow in despair. It will surely bring you to a dark place. Right where Satan wants you.
• Find joy is your everyday life.
• All of our strength & help comes from the Lord.
• Despair doesn't deliver us from anything. Joy does. 
• We know God's character. He promised to never leave us. We have gladness in knowing God.
• Joy in Jesus is a profound, lasting spiritual state that comes from faith in him, his presence and the knowledge of his love and sacrifice.

Invitation to Christian Discipleship

Roll Call:

Pastor Baggett

Debra W.

Willie & Bonnie T.

Eddie & Marina J.

Thelma W.

Evelyn H.

Rev. I. Pelton

Ginger R.

Violet W.

Clark M.

Rhonda L.

Closing Prayer: Pastor Baggett