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WisconsinChristianNews.com Joy As Warfare mine it. He amplifies fear, piles on discourage- ment, and feeds weariness, but he has little ac- cess to a heart anchored in joy. Mary’s response to the angel illustrates this truth vividly. She was afraid — so much so that
Volume 26, Issue 9
By Dr. Sherri Tenpenny February 2026
When worship is woven into daily life, it brings freedom and a deep-seated gladness that is not shaken by external pressures. As Galatians 5:22 reminds us, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, good- ness, faithfulness, gentle- ness, and self-control.”
Romans 15:13 ESV, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that
by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound
in hope.”
Joy is listed as a fruit of the Spirit; happiness is not. Happiness is circumstan- tial. Joy is enduring. Family gatherings — birthdays, weddings, gradu- ations, the holiday season — are often steeped in tra- ditions, music, and nostal- gic memories. Yet this kind of happiness is fragile. It can be disrupted by loss, strained relationships, ill- ness, financial stress, or unmet expectations be- cause it rests on external conditions.
Joy is often misunder- stood. Many assume it is a light emotion or a cheerful response to pleasant mo- ments, but Scripture pres- ents something far deeper. The joy God gives does not depend on circumstances or outcomes. It is a steady strength that flows from His presence and faithfulness. When Scripture declares that “the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10, NASB), it is not speaking poetically. It is stating a spiritual reality.
the angel needed to tell her, “Do not be afraid.” Her circumstances were complicated and her future uncertain. How would Joseph respond?
Joy guards the heart and steadies the soul. This is why the enemy works so hard to under-
The joy of the Lord, however, is anchored in God: who He is and what He has done. Joy flows from the eternal truth that God entered human history to redeem and restore His peo- ple. It is grounded in Emmanuel — God with us — not in a flawless family experience. The birth of Jesus was not marked by com- fort. He was born into poverty, political oppres- sion, and danger. Yet the angels proclaimed, “Good news of great joy which will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10, NASB). This joy did not wait for conditions to improve; it announced hope in the midst of darkness. Joy is not passive or sentimental — it is spir- itual warfare. Choosing joy checkmates the enemy’s primary tactics: fear, despair, accusa- tion, and hopelessness. Scripture tells us that the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, but joy rooted in the Lord deflects the enemy’s lies. God’s promises endure, and He is ever present throughout tests and trials. Joy becomes warfare because it is defiant faith. It shifts the atmosphere and lifts the heart toward heaven, rising above the chaos. When believers rejoice in Christ, no matter the circumstances, they don’t allow the enemy to have leverage over their emotions. Joy an- nounces victory before the battle appears re- solved. It is not a denial of pain; it is the refusal to let pain define the present reality. Light has entered the darkness — and darkness cannot overcome it.
Her parents? Her community? Yet Scripture tells us that her soul mag- nified the Lord. Her joy did not come from her perceived circumstances; it came from trust in God. This is joy as warfare — faith expressed before circumstances resolve. Joy is sustained in the mind, heart, and soul because it comes from the Holy Spirit. It is not tied to external events, nor does it require a smile to exist. This is why believ- ers can experience the joy of the Lord in hardship, uncertainty, and even in the midst of profound grief. Joy is something we choose to em- brace, and it deepens as our rela- tionship with Jesus grows. Happiness, by contrast, is con- nected to circumstances and out- comes. It can feel exhilarating, but it is unstable. It may last for a sea- son, and it can vanish without warning. Interestingly, you can ex- perience happiness in a situation but not feel joy, as in the expression, “The win was empty; it had no meaning.” Happiness reacts to life; joy abides through all circum- stances.
BUSINESS FOR SALE Embroidery and Screen-printing
After 24 years, we would like to sell Northwoods Sewing and retire.
Joy flourishes when we commune with God through time in His Word.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, we lift our hearts and rejoice! We praise You with our prayers and our songs. May we learn the difference be- tween temporary happiness and eternal joy. Let us lean on this understanding in our decision-making, ac- tions, behaviors, and com- munications with others. We thank You for being the rock and the foundation of our joy. As we practice daily to walk in Your joy, show us more; teach us more. May we always feel the depths of Your love for us as we embrace the meaning of true joy. We ask for these things, or better things, that You may have in store for our lives. In Jesus’ blessed name, Amen.
There are four embroidery heads, all attachments, supplies and digitizing software.
Pastor Wanted Cornerstone Church • Mosinee, Wis. Cornerstone Church is a welcoming, multigenerational congregation seeking a pastor with a heart for Scripture, discipleship, and community. We’re looking for a spiritually grounded leader who can preach, shepherd, and guide our church family as we grow. This part ‑ time role (20 hrs/week) includes Sunday preaching, pastoral care, and ministry leadership, with the potential to expand into full ‑ time as the church grows. If you love Jesus, value biblical leadership, and feel called to serve a close ‑ knit Wisconsin community, we’d love to hear from you.
Four station screen-printing machine, all supplies and equipment.
Mostly wholesale type of sales. Many dedicated and repeat customer base. Be your own boss, work from your home, live in the Northwoods or relocate the business. Need approximately 500 square feet of space. Minimal competition, lots of growth potential. Started in 1999. This is not a start-up, not a failing business. Very Successful. CONTACT: Art: 715-542-2525 Or Email: AWMatzdorf@gmail.com
Learn more and apply: cornerstone-mosinee.com/seeking-pastor-2
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