Close
MESSAGE: Joy Date: 7/19/2026
SERIES: Fruit of The Spirit
COMMUNICATOR: Pastor Kevin Geer
CHECK-IN & SHARE WINS: What was one highlight from your week? Where have you seen Jesus at work—in your life or in the world around you? Celebrating wins helps propel God’s mission forward and inspire others to join in.
________________________________________________________________________________________
THINK, DISCUSS, LIVE: These questions are great for personal reflection, group discussion, or both. They’re meant to help you grow in your faith, deepen your connection with your Jesus friends, and live it out in the world around you.
Read Galatians 5:22-23; Psalm 16:11; John 15:11. When you hear the word “joy,” what comes to mind? How is biblical joy different from just being happy?
Why do you think true joy comes from God instead of our circumstances?
(See 1 Chronicles 16:27; Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 16:11).
Read Acts 16:22-25; James 1:2; Philippians 4:4. Paul and Silas sang songs of praise while they were in prison. What does their story teach us about having joy during hard times?
Read Ephesians 2:8-9, The Bible connects joy with remembering God’s grace and what He has done for us. What is one way God has shown His grace or faithfulness in your life that still brings you joy today?
How can remembering God’s presence and His promises help you stay anchored?
(See John 16:22; Hebrews 13:5; Isaiah 41:10)
Jesus said, “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy” (John 15:11). What do you think it looks like to live with Jesus’ joy instead of always chasing happiness? (See John 15:9-11; Philippians 4:11-13; Psalm 16:11)
Read Hebrews 10:24-25; Romans 12:15; Luke 15:6-7, 22-24. Joy grows and is expressed best in community. How can our Life Group help each other celebrate God’s goodness, encourage one another, and choose joy this week?
This week, what is one practical way you can choose joy instead of complaining? Share one area of your life where you want to grow in choosing joy.
Read Nehemiah 8:10. What do you think it means that “the joy of the Lord is your strength”?
Share about an area of your life where your joy is being challenged or stolen. Then pray for one another, asking God to restore your joy and strengthen your faith.
Identify one way God has been growing joy in your life. How can you intentionally use that joy and strength to encourage, serve, or point someone else to Christ this week? Who is one person you will share that joyful strength with in the coming days?
PRAYER OPTIONS: Practice praying out loud to grow your faith—even if it feels uncomfortable. Try it with people you trust and feel safe with.
Share one thing you are thankful for (a praise) and one thing you need prayer for (a request). Then pray together for each other’s requests.
Prayer Partnership: What’s on your heart that we can partner with you and bring it to the Lord?
Read and put into practice James 5:13-16. Pray for the sick, praise Him for everything, confess your sins, pray for physical, spiritual and emotional healing.
Praise Sentences: Short prayers thanking God, then pray for shared needs.
Prayer Clusters: Groups of 2–3, share requests, pray together, and encourage each other during the week.
________________________________________________________________________________________
CHECK OUT THE CANVAS BIBLE READING PLAN
Read through the New Testament until the end of the year – 5 days a week, Find it on the Canvas Church app (“Bible Reading Plan”). Listening option available.
Read it. Think about it. Live it out.
________________________________________________________________________________________
CANVAS + Looking for some great content to help you grow in your faith?
Check out Canvas Plus, a totally FREE content streaming platform found exclusively on the Canvas App.
________________________________________________________________________________________
WHAT IS THE LORD UP TO?
Take a moment to quietly reflect on these questions, then share what God is teaching you.
Experiencing the Father: Where have you recently seen or felt the Father’s love in your life? Recently, I’ve experienced the Father’s love and kindness toward me through…
Following Jesus: Where is Jesus shaping your character or inviting you to trust Him more right now? Right now Jesus is growing me, gently inviting me to become more like Him in…
Walking in the Spirit: What has the Holy Spirit recently revealed to you through Scripture? During my time in the Word, the Holy Spirit revealed this to me…
_____________________________________________________________________
WHAT SERVE TEAM ARE YOU ON?
One of the best ways to get connected, meet new people, and grow in your faith is to serve others. There are many ministry areas to choose from—or help create a new serving opportunity. To explore the possibilities go to canvas.church/serve If you’re already serving on a team and looking for a new challenge, connect with your ministry team lead to explore your next step.