By RACHEL Larson

the Bible, joy is a deep and steady gift from God, a fruit of the Holy Spirit, and a choice to trust God instead of a temporary mood. Unlike happiness, which changes when your life changes or things go wrong, Biblical joy stays strong even during hard times.

But let’ s face it, sometimes joy feels unreachable. For some, it feels forced, or like something believers talk about but don’ t seem to experience. Yet, for some, joy is something you can’ t take away from them.

Wherever you find yourself, know that you aren’ t alone. A foundational piece of joy is in the definition:“ a fruit of the Holy Spirit”( Galatians 5:22, NIV). This is NOT something we can manufacture. The joy that comes from the Holy Spirit is a fruit of His presence in our lives. It comes from Him and Him alone.

CMA hosts a National Youth

Movement event every year over New Year’ s – December 29 through January 1 – called Flame On. This year, our theme is JOY. We’ ll dive into three different areas that affect the fruit of joy in our lives: Jesus, Others, and You. If you’ d like to learn more about this fruit of the Spirit, you can register NOW! Registration opens October 1st and is available at CMAUSA. org under“ Events,” then“ Flame On.” You can also use the QR Code below. We assure you, you won’ t leave Flame On without having a blast, making new friends, and experiencing opportunities to meet with Jesus!

CMA Youth Movement strives to provide opportunities where young people like you can ask hard questions, explore your faith, and learn about our Savior. God has given us everything we need to understand what He wants from us – a relationship. John

17:3( NIV) says:“ Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” This verse shows so much of the heart of God … KNOWING God is eternal life. From the beginning, God has pursued a relationship with us. He wants us to experience HIS joy … James 4:8( NKJV):“ Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

Will YOU join us as we bring in the New Year worshiping our Savior and praising Him for the joy He gives? We’ d love to answer any questions you may have – so don’ t be afraid to reach out. We want nothing more than for you to experience the joy that comes from God through knowing Him. So, get registered and plan to come to Flame On. We’ ll see you there! CMA

Ben and Rachel Larson serve CMA as National Evangelist Youth Movement.

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cmausa. org