A Chant of Advice

(Pastor Harlan preached this message at JTKR last July 3, 2011.)

PSALMS 1:1-3 (KJV)

1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit inhis season; his leaf also shall not wither;and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

1. What We Should Avoid (Psalm 1:1)

• Counsel of the Ungodly
• Way of the Sinners
• Seat of the Scornful

2. What We Should Adore (Psalm 1:2)

• The Joy of Knowing Him
• The Joy of Knowing His Will
• The Joy of Knowing His Way
  

3. What We Should Await (Psalm 1:3)

• The Promise of Stability
• The Promise of Productivity
• The Promise of Vitality
• The Promise of Prosperity

An Ode of Yearning

(Pastor Harlan preached this sermon at JTKR Christian Church last July 17, 2011)

1. An Expression of Thirst (Psalm 63:1-2)

"The key to Christian living is a thirst and hunger for God. And one of the main reasons people do not understand or experience the sovereignty of grace and the way it works through the awakening of sovereign joy is that their hunger and thirst for God is so small." - REV. JOHN STEPHEN PIPER

2. An Expression of Joy (Psalm 63:3-5)

“Joy is not the absence of suffering. It is the presence of God.” - REV. ROBERT SCHULLER

3. An Expression of Faith (Psalm 63:6-8)

“God's promises are like the stars; the darker the night the brighter they shine.” - REV. DAVID NICHOLAS

Keeping the Joy Alive

(Pastor Harlan preached this in the afternoon and evening of September 6, 2009, during JTKR Christian Church's anniversary.)

Joy - mentioned 165 times in the Bible (King James Version). Its alternative term, "gladness", was mentioned 47 times.
- Greek "chara" (joy); "chairo (rejoice)

1. Joy Thrives in Clear Conscience (Psalm 32:1)
2. Joy Thrives in Positive Thinking (Philippians 1:25; Philippians 4:8)
3. Joy Thrives in Good Name (Proverbs 22:1; Ecclesiastes 7:1)
4. Joy Thrives in Forgiving Others (Matthew 6:15; Acts 8:23; Hebrews 12:15)
5. Joy Thrives in Peaceful Harmony (Philippians 2:1-2)
6. Joy Thrives in Purposeful Living (Philippians 2:17; James 1:2-3)
7. Joy Thrives in Generous Sharing (Acts 20:35)

Christian joy is more than an emotional experience or physical expression. It is a spiritual state that one acquires when he receives Christ as Lord and Savior, and a condition one should maintain as he travels the road of life. Life is not always a bed of roses. But it is always our choice if we allow the thorns to bruise us.

Enjoy life. No one else will do on your behalf.