MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time.
https://thebridgevenice.churchcenter.com/people/forms/500390

I need to be baptized.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a serve team.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve

I need to join a small group.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups

Dig Deeper:
1. Read Luke 2:10-11. How is Jesus the only lasting source of true joy? Why was this announced at his birth?
2. Read John 15:11. How is the joy from Christ different than other types of joy? How does His joy make our joy complete?
3. Read Philippians 4:4. What do you think it means to rejoice? When are we to rejoice?
4. What steps can we take to cultivate a spirit of rejoicing in our daily lives, even amid challenges?
5. Read Philippians 4:5. What is another word for graciousness? How does the concept of gentleness play out in your life, and how can it impact your relationships with others?
6. Read Philippians 4:6. Is this a suggestion? Why or why not?
7. Paul instructs us not to be anxious but to present our requests to God through prayer and petition. What is a petition? How can we put this into practice when faced with anxiety-provoking situations?
8. Why are we not supposed to worry? Is worry something that you can control?
9. What might be the difference between concern and worry?
10. What does worrying produce?
11. What is one thing that sometimes causes you worry?
12. What does it mean to pray to God “in everything”?
13. If God already knows everything that we are thinking and experiencing, why is it important to take everything to Him in prayer?
14. Read Philippians 4:7. Why does the peace of God surpass understanding?
15. What does the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, mean to you personally?
16. How does the peace of God guard our hearts and minds?
17. Read Philippians 4:8. What does it mean to dwell on whatever is true? Honorable? Just? Pure? Lovely? Commendable?
18. Why would Paul ask us to dwell on “moral excellence”?
19. What are some concrete ways you can align your thoughts with the virtues listed in verse 8? How can Paul's teachings help you deal with negative or unhelpful thoughts?
20. How can the teachings of Philippians 4 help you deal with uncertainties in life?

Live It Out:

Jesus is the only lasting source of true joy. This Christmas season, and into the new year, make the choice to choose joy every day by:

1. Giving God thanks. Create a page in a notebook or journal, and write down each day something, or many things, you are thankful for. Thank God for all that He provides to you.
2. Drawing near to God in prayer. We are asked to bring to God all our requests through prayer and petition. That means everything, not just some things. What are you not talking to God about? Draw near to Him in prayer, bringing all your requests to Him.
3. Focusing on God’s goodness. When we bring our requests to God, His peace will guard your heart and mind. Through this peace, you will be able to focus on His goodness. Share His goodness with others by dwelling on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable.

Reading Plan:
Monday: Philippians 4:4-6
Tuesday: Philippians 4:7-8
Wednesday: Luke 2:1-7
Thursday: Luke 2:8-12
Friday: Luke 2:13-20
Saturday: John 15:11