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Ono Igo Community Church, 6287 Placer Road, Igo, CA (2026)

05/15/2026

Day 3: The Joy of the Lord Belongs to You!

Joy isn’t a feeling — it’s a decision that affects every area of your life. When you choose to rejoice, you’re agreeing with God’s Spirit inside you, and you receive the full confidence and strength of the Lord. When you’re facing troubling times, you never have to wait for permission to be joyful! Simply choose to rejoice and watch your circumstances begin to change.

Rejoice on Purpose!

We have been studying two small but powerful words from First Thessalonians 5:16: “Rejoice always.” As we have studied this verse throughout these devotions, we’ve clearly seen that rejoicing doesn’t always have to do with our emotions or circumstances — it has to do with making a choice to rejoice on purpose.

When you first came to the Lord, it may have seemed like the road of life was wide and filled with many acceptable options. But you’ll find the longer you walk with God, the narrower the road becomes because He wants to get closer to you. He wants to be more involved in your choices, and He wants to show up in your everyday life because He loves you. He loves you so much that He gave you His Spirit to help you make choices that lead to a joy-filled life. And one of the most life-transforming choices you can make is the choice to rejoice. The joy of the Lord is powerful, and His love for you is so great!

Is Joy a Feeling or a Decision?

You may be wondering, Is joy a feeling, or is joy a decision? Joy is a decision, but we get to feel it emotionally too. And that’s a wonderful thing! Most people I can assume like to feel joy, but there are times when we have to make a decision to rejoice before we actually feel it.

In the last devotion, we saw that the apostle Paul wrote to the church of Philippi about the importance of rejoicing even though he himself was in a horrible prison. His situation did not give him a reason to rejoice, but Paul still chose to be joyful and even urged the church to do the same! While in prison, Paul also found out that people were preaching the Gospel with ulterior motives — preaching out of envy, strife, and selfish ambition. Even while Paul was suffering in that filthy prison for preaching the Gospel in truth, he wrote this in Philippians 1:18:

What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

It didn’t matter what kind of news came Paul’s way — he was going to rejoice! It didn’t mean that he agreed with the behavior, but he decided that even though the Gospel was being preached for the wrong reasons, Christ was still being preached and that was reason enough to rejoice.

Sometimes it takes faith to rejoice, just like sometimes it takes faith to show love or be patient. The good news is, if you’re born again, all these characteristics are already inside you because the Holy Spirit lives within you! The Bible says that the Holy Spirit characterizes Himself inside you through love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (see Galatians 5:22,23). The fruit of God’s Spirit in you is joy, so all you need to do to rejoice is simply get into alignment with Him and the results will come.

Choose To Rejoice Anyway

In Habakkuk 3:17-19, we find an amazing situation in which the prophet Habakkuk faced great difficulty but chose to rejoice anyway.

Habakkuk was in a terrible situation. There was no fruit on the vines, no olives, no crops in the field, and no livestock. There was no provision of any kind — nothing to eat or drink — but even in the midst of this, Habakkuk chose to say, “...I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:18).

You may think, How could Habakkuk rejoice in the Lord while dealing with such dismal circumstances? It wasn’t a feeling for him — it was a decision. He rejoiced in the Lord, and it gave him strength. Rejoicing made Habakkuk like the mountain goats who scale the sides of mountains. They have so few places to stand, but they don’t freak out or lose their nerve. They aren’t in fear or panic — but they continue to climb with confidence.

That’s what the joy of the Lord does when we choose to rejoice. It gives us confidence and strength because we’re using what God placed inside us to put on display and give it to others.

Questions to Consider:

At the beginning of this devotional, Denise Renner asked the question, “Is joy a feeling or a decision?” What was her answer? Do you agree or disagree with this?
Denise gave two examples of people who decided to rejoice before their circumstances changed. What can we learn from Paul’s example in Philippians 1:16-18? What can we learn from Habakkuk’s example in Habakkuk 3:17-19?
😊🙏💕

05/13/2026

Day 2: Discover the Joy Within You

Choosing to rejoice over allowing sorrow to rule your day has such a powerful impact on your life. It has the ability to change your attitude, the way you treat others, and even the way you see the world! No matter what you’re facing today, you can still choose joy!

The Power of Rejoicing

Joy is such a powerful thing! When you do what First Thessalonians 5:16 and Psalm 118:24 tell you to do has the power to transform your life. The Bible even says in Nehemiah 8:10 that the joy of the Lord is your strength, which means when you choose joy, you are also choosing strength.

We find another incredible example of choosing joy in Philippians 4:4, which says:

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

When he wrote this, the apostle Paul was trapped in a horrible prison. It was dark and damp, and death was all around him. Many scholars believe that he was chained up and standing in sewage, and there were likely pests and rodents crawling around everywhere. It was such a horrible place, it’s almost difficult to imagine! And in that prison, Paul wrote this letter to the Philippian church and mentioned the words “joy,” “rejoicing,” and “joyful” 19 times — in a mere four chapters, Paul spoke about joy 19 times!

It’s also interesting that Paul was able to write this while he was enduring the terrible conditions of that prison. But in the middle of this enormous obstacle, Paul told the believers in Philippi, “If I can rejoice, you can rejoice too!”

How many people around you are depressed and without hope? If you act just like them, you won’t be able to give them hope. But if you choose to have a joyful attitude, you can help those who are discouraged. Maybe you can pray for them, share a joke to lift their spirits, or simply flash them a smile. Whatever you do, you’re giving something out of your spirit and your heart. You’re giving them something they don’t have — something they desperately need: your joy!

People desperately need your joy. They need your encouragement. Most of us love being around people who are happy and joyful. Why? Because joyful people encourage us. Usually, a person who is happy or joyful lifts up the atmosphere of the room — and that power is in you! You have the fruit of the Holy Spirit inside you called joy, and it is powerful to change the atmosphere around you (see Galatians 5:22).

Gentleness Brings Joy

How do you choose to rejoice? Philippians 4:5 says:

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

Gentleness helps us be joyful. The word “gentleness” pictures humility, patience, and steadfastness. It describes the attitude of someone who is able to submit to injustice, disgrace, and maltreatment without hatred and without malice.

In life, there will always be things we can’t control. For instance, you may encounter a person who is rude, unkind, or unjust. Instead of hating that person or being intimidated, by practicing gentleness, the power of the Holy Spirit inside you can help you get through your situation without hatred and without malice, trusting God in spite of it all. Now that is the mark of a powerful person!

How To Be a Powerful Person

People often think that holding on to an attitude of hate, resentment, judgment, or criticism projects power, or that they can protect themselves with their bad attitudes. Forgiveness and rejoicing are far more powerful than hatred. We see this same principle in Proverbs 16:32:

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

According to this verse, if you’re slow to anger, if you’re forgiving, if you choose to control your emotions, and if you choose to rejoice, you are better than the mighty. This is God’s opinion: Not only are we better than the mighty, but if we choose to rule our own spirit and control our emotions, we will be stronger and more powerful than a person who conquers a city!

Questions to Consider:

Proverbs 16:32 tells us that a truly powerful person is someone who is slow to anger and able to keep his or her emotions in check. Does this describe you? Take a moment to reflect on your answer.
Why was it so significant that Paul told the Philippian church to rejoice? How does this example of “rejoicing always” inspire you?
😊🙏💕

05/12/2026

Day 1: Rejoice Always — No Matter What!

It’s easy to rejoice when everything is going well, but it takes faith to rejoice when times are hard. First Thessalonians 5:16 tells us to “rejoice always,” but what exactly does that mean? The Bible gives us many wonderful reasons to rejoice — and one major reason is that God lives inside us. Whether you’re facing difficulties today or not — you can choose to rejoice!

Why Should We Rejoice?

Considering the difficult times we’re living in, it might seem impossible to always rejoice. Even when we find ourselves in trying situations, what reasons do we have to rejoice? Look at Psalm 43:4 as an example. It says:

Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God.

The psalmist called God his “exceeding joy.” Is God your exceeding joy? If not, read this passage again and let this truth sink into your heart. God is your exceeding joy.

Verse 5 continues:

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.

This is so powerful! Life will often bring many opportunities for you to be discouraged, negative, or disengaged, but this verse declares that God is the help of your countenance. Let’s take a closer look at what that means.

Whatever emotions you’re feeling will likely show on your face. But the truth found in Psalm 43:4 is that God is the help of your countenance. If you are downcast, God will help you. He will help you show His joy on your face because according to His Word, He is the help of your countenance, and you can depend on Him!

Four Reasons To Rejoice

Why should you “rejoice always?” As mentioned above, you can rejoice because God is the help of your countenance and your exceeding joy. Let’s look at two more reasons the Bible gives us to rejoice.

In Genesis 15:1, God says to Abraham, “...I am your shield, and I am your great reward.” How amazing is that? God is not only your exceeding joy and the help of your countenance, but He is also your shield and great reward. What a wonderful God we serve!

God isn’t just a God who stays far away — He lives inside you. When you were born again, His spirit came to live in you, and therefore, He will always be with you. That means your exceeding joy literally lives in you, the help of your countenance lives in you, and your shield and great reward live in you! And if God and all His goodness live inside you, you can’t separate yourself from Him.

When hard times come, we have to acknowledge His goodness that is in us by Christ Jesus and rejoice about it. We must use our faith and say, “I have my exceeding joy, my shield, and my great reward inside me. And because God is in me, I will rejoice!”

Rejoicing in Difficult Times

Every one of us will encounter difficult people in life — those who mock, criticize, and try to intimidate us. But the Greater One — the glory and lifter of your head — lives inside you (see Psalm 3:3). And that is why you can rejoice just like First Thessalonians 5:16 tells you to.

Denise made this powerful statement in one of her programs: “I’m convinced that in these last days, we’re going to have to use our faith more and rejoice more — even in difficult situations.” There might be moments when the people around you are struggling to remain in a place of joy, but it’s important that you choose to rejoice and continue to trust in God.

This is the kind of attitude we all need to have. We must decide to have an attitude of rejoicing that says, “I am going to keep rejoicing no matter what. My God is my shield, my God is the lifter of my head, and my God ismy glory, so I’m not giving up!”

Questions to Consider:

What role does joy have in your daily life? Is “rejoicing always” something that comes easily to you?
Has there been a time in your life when you faced something difficult and didn’t want to rejoice? What was it like for you, and what helped you through that tough time?
What is a characteristic of God you’re grateful for? Take a moment to write this down, pray, and thank God for this attribute of His character.
😊🙏💕

05/11/2026

God’s Goodness to All

The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. Psalm 145:9 (ESV).

God’s goodness extends to all creation, and His mercy is evident in all His works. This universal goodness challenges us to view the world and others through the lens of God’s mercy and grace. Understanding that God is good to all encourages us to extend kindness and mercy to others, reflecting His heart in our interactions.

How can you reflect God’s goodness and mercy to others in your daily interactions?

Prayer: Father God, Thank You for Your goodness that extends to all creation. Help me to reflect Your mercy and grace to those around me, living as a testament to Your goodness. In Jesus name, Amen.
😊🙏💕

05/10/2026

Celebrating God’s Goodness

They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. Psalm 145:7 (ESV).

God’s abundant goodness is worth celebrating, and we are called to proclaim it and rejoice in His righteousness. Our testimony of His goodness serves to encourage others and draw them closer to God. When we sing aloud of His righteousness, we not only honor God but also spread the joy of His goodness to everyone around us.

How can you celebrate and share God’s goodness with others today?

Prayer: Father God, I celebrate Your abundant goodness and righteousness. Help me to share my testimony of Your goodness with others, so they too may rejoice in You. In Jesus name, Amen.
😊🙏💕

05/09/2026

Guided by God’s Good Spirit

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! Psalm 143:10 (ESV).

God’s Spirit is full of goodness and leads us in the path of righteousness when we seek to do His will. His guidance ensures that we walk on “level ground,” a metaphor for a life that is stable, secure, and in alignment with God’s purposes. By submitting to His Spirit, we allow His goodness to shape our decisions and actions, bringing us closer to His perfect will.

In what area of your life do you need to seek the guidance of God’s good Spirit?

Prayer: Father God, please lead me by Your good Spirit and teach me to do Your will. I trust You to guide me on level ground and help me to walk in Your ways. In Jesus name, Amen.
😊🙏💕

05/08/2026

Learning from God’s Goodness

You are good and do good; teach me your statutes. Psalm 119:68 (ESV).

God’s goodness is not only seen in His character but also in His actions, prompting us to learn His ways. His statutes, or teachings, are expressions of His goodness, designed to lead us into lives of righteousness and peace. As we learn and apply His teachings, we align ourselves more closely with His good nature, becoming reflections of His goodness in the world.

What is one of God’s teachings you can focus on learning and applying today?

Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your goodness that guides and teaches me. Help me to learn Your statutes and live them out in my daily life. In Jesus name, Amen.
😊🙏💕

05/07/2026

The Eternal Praise of God’s Goodness

Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 106:1 (ESV).

Our response to God’s goodness and enduring love should be continual praise and thanksgiving. Recognizing His ongoing work in our lives, we are called to live in a state of gratitude. This attitude of thankfulness not only honors God but also keeps our hearts focused on His goodness, fueling our faith and joy.

How can you make gratitude for God’s goodness a regular part of your daily life?

Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your endless goodness and love. Teach me to live a life of praise and gratitude, always mindful of Your blessings. In Jesus name, Amen.
😊🙏💕

05/06/2026

God’s Enduring Goodness

For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100:5 (ESV).

God’s goodness and love are unchanging and everlasting, extending across all generations. His faithfulness is a constant, offering a secure foundation upon which we can build our lives. Knowing that His goodness endures forever gives us confidence and peace, assuring us that His love and care will never fail.

How does the everlasting nature of God’s goodness give you confidence in your relationship with Him?

Prayer: Father God, I praise You for Your enduring goodness and love. Let this truth deepen my trust in You and strengthen my faith for the future. In Jesus name, Amen.
😊🙏💕

05/04/2026

The Goodness of God’s Forgiveness

For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Psalm 86:5 (ESV).

God’s goodness is demonstrated in His readiness to forgive and in the abundance of His love for all who seek Him. His forgiveness is not limited or grudging but flows freely from His infinite goodness. When we call upon Him, we can be confident that His response will always be one of mercy, love, and restoration.

Is there an area in your life where you need to experience God’s forgiveness and steadfast love today?

Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your goodness and for being so willing to forgive me. I call upon You today, asking for Your forgiveness and for a fresh experience of Your steadfast love. In Jesus name, Amen.
😊🙏💕

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