Welcome to “Hart to Heart,” a space where we connect, reflect, and grow together in our faith journey. As your pastor, I am honored to share insights, stories, and biblical teachings that resonate with our daily lives. This corner is dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of God’s word and its application in our community.
In “Hart to Heart,” you’ll find weekly reflections on scripture, discussions on pressing spiritual matters, and personal anecdotes that highlight God’s work among us. It’s my prayer that these messages inspire and encourage you, providing guidance and comfort as we navigate life’s challenges together. Let’s embark on this journey of faith, hart to heart, strengthening our bond with each other and with our Lord.
You may click on each of the underlined scripture references, if you wish to view the verse.
Hart to Heart:
7/24/2025
Fruit Of The Spirit – Joy
The bible speaks of the Fruit of the Spirit.
In singular terms, not the Fruits of the Spirit.
Joy is the Flag flown from the castle of the Head, when the Lord Jesus is on the throne.
Scripture Calls it, “Joy unspeakable and full of Joy” I Peter 1:8
C.S. Lewis Penned “Joy is the business of Heaven”
For the believer, “Joy is the foretaste of Glory Divine”
The song writer expressed it Well. “Blessed Assurance.”
Psalm 16:11 “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Consider redemption from heaven’s point of view.
Luke 15:10 “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”
Consider the Redeemer from Earth’s point of view.
Isaiah 53:3 Describes our Lord as “despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief”
And yet Jesus said John 15:11 “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”
John 16:24 John 17:13 Psalm 43:4
Define Joy? – Jesus, Others, and You!
Joy is present in the Believer’s Life. Even when happiness is missing because of burden, grief or loss.
Happiness is an outside job, based on circumstances.
Joy is an inside job, based upon Christ Jesus.
Happiness is a Thermometer, while joy is the Thermostat.
Joy is the grace gift of the Fruit of the Spirit.
Joy is not found alone, in isolation.
Joy is produced in balance with the other eight graces of the Fruit of the Spirit.
Question: What can destroy Joy in my life?
Only one thing. Sin Psalm 51:1-13
Only one kind of sin – “My Sin”
Question: Who is able to restore that Joy?
Only the Lord can restore the joy of our salvation.
Joy is the flag flown from the castle of the Heart, when Christ Jesus is on the throne.
Joy in the midst of suffering and hardship may be the strongest witness we may have before a doubting world.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 Acts 16:25 Jude 24-25
Walk in Joy – The choice is yours
Pastor David Hart
Find previous Hart to Heart Messages here.
Archive