This is the official podcast of Joy In Him Christian Fellowship in Castro Valley, California. For over 25 years Joy In Him has been healing the broken hearted, preaching the uncompromised Word of God, teaching people how to live a victorious life through Christ Jesus and reaching out to the world around them.
For more resources visit Joy In Him Christian Fellowship online at www.joyinhim.org.
Working in concert with God's Holy Spirit as a witness in the earth starts with stepping out in faith in the smallest ways. Pastor Stu tells of many accounts in his own life and ministry where his trust in God led to Holy Spirit being demonstrated towards others.
If you compared Holy Spirit to the foundation of a house, how strong would you stay your foundation is? How strong is your relationship with Holy Spirit? Shore up your foundation today with this message.
God's Spirit has been involved on earth since before the beginning of all things. His Spirit is the glue that holds all things together in our lives. Join us as we begin a journey of getting to know Holy Spirit in a deeper way.
When God gives us opportunities, it’s easy to default to the safety and security of our comfort zones. But God didn’t call us to play it safe. He called us to follow Him! Let’s chase God’s calling this week as we conclude our Chasing Carrots series.
It’s nice when you do something right—and it’s even better when someone acknowledges it. But if you’re constantly chasing that approval, is it possible to stay joyful when you fail? Let’s learn to stop seeking approval and start chasing something lasting in this week’s Chasing Carrots message!
It’s not easy to be perfect! In fact, only one person has ever done it. And while you can’t be a perfect son, daughter, husband, wife, or parent, you can follow the example of the One who lived a perfect life. Let’s talk about it in this week’s Chasing Carrots message.
Being a celebrity—or just having your name be known—can feel pretty good. But is it fulfilling? When the fame fades, what are we left with? Let’s chase something that lasts together in this week’s Chasing Carrots message!
Strong relationships are built on trust, and trust is built over time. If you want a relationship that lasts, you’ll both need to make a promise that persists. Let’s get to the root of commitment in #RelationshipGoalsJIH.
Don’t sit back and let temptation, dissatisfaction, and anger seep into your marriage. Take action! We’ve created a how-to guide for a relationship that consistently kicks the devil in the face—hard.
What if one of your relationship goals was to have a goal? Let’s see why the strongest relationships are the ones that are always on a mission. #RelationshipGoalsJIH
Every relationship needs a firm foundation. What is yours built on? Take a look at how to center your relationship around a consistent example of what love should look like. #RelationshipGoalsJIH
Pastor Stu looks at the difference between how God spoke to and used His servants Moses and Joshua to reach the promised land.
Pastor Stu recalls an experience he had in the Vietnam War and relates it to how to face the fear giant.
Pastor Stu begins this series by looking at the one giant we face on a daily basis; the giant of conformity and acting like the world.
You can either sit on your circumstance or you can sit under them, but you can't do both.
God, who knows all our troubles and goes before us, will never forsake us. Just like Peter in the boat, faith can cause us to overcome the tribulations in our life.
Jesus modeled intimate prayer in Matthew 6. This teaching breaks The Lord's Prayer down into individual components to use in our time with Daddy.
It's important that our devotion to our Heavenly Father doesn't become a business transaction.
How I begin a day determines how the day will go. And how I end my day helps determine how tomorrow will begin. This series is concluded with a teaching on how to spend our time seeking God.
Today, tomorrow and this new year are like a blank canvas, waiting for our strokes to create an image. This life is not something waiting to be uncovered, but rather a culmination of decisions made every day.
The choices we make are the pen we use to write upon the pages of today, tomorrow and our year. This teaching gives three keys to finding our choice in Him.
The new year is coming whether we are ready or not. This teaching asks several rhetorical questions to get you ready for your best year yet!
Both Pastor Jonathan and Pastor Stu reflect on the journey of faith that Joy In Him has been on for over 25 years. This teaching also compares the differences between Zechariah's and Mary's encounter with the angel Gabriel.
Two ingredients are required in order for us to walk in the fullness of God's blessing. Those two ingredients are willingness and obedience.
There are two ways to view a situation and this teaching encourages us to make a paradigm shift. Let's see things with an attitude of gratitude and not one of complaint.
There's more to stealing than just taking what doesn't belong to us. This teaching examines stealing in three different ways and simplifies the entire topic.
We have been given the gift of speech and we have been given the gift of choice. We have the power to choose whether or not we will use our words to curse or to bless.
Did you know that there is a difference between jealousy and envy? Did you know that either is extremely hazardous in the life of a believer? This lesson addresses how to guard yourself against jealousy and envy.
The teaching examines where lies come from and gives steps to take to ensure that we tell the truth.
Who's your boss? Do you love your job? Are you passionate about your work? After this lesson you may find a different answer to those questions.
When we say that we are going to do something, we need to hold true to that word. This teaching shows how keeping our word carries over into so many other areas of our lives, including punctuality and making excuses.
There's a handful of things that the Lord hates and one has to do with how we use our words.
It can be tough to stand up for what is right, even when everyone else isn't. But anything we compromise to get we will ultimately lose.
Did you know that you are the temple of the living God? What kind of a house is God coming home to? This message takes a look at how to walk in holiness.
Reflecting God's character involves modeling His love and not conforming to this world.
Sin that remains concealed is more toxic than a house that is contaminated with black mold or termites. And just like mold or termites need to be dealt with swiftly, we must swiftly confess and forsake any sin in our lives.
We have God's character as a model and guide. We have an obligation to reveal His character in the earth by the way we live our lives.
How good is your word when you make a commitment? Our aim should be to be like God; who is always true to His word.
In order for our character to be made over from the inside out, we must first be found in Christ. The next step is to draw near to the Son and allow His light to transform us.
"To be or not to be? That is the question." If we hope to be effective in this earth we have to be who God created us to be. That involves stepping out of our comfort zone and blazing new trails.
You have to give away the very thing you need in order to receive it. Be the friend to others that you hope to have in your life.
Who we hang around with can have a huge impact on the type of life we will live, and whether or not we will fulfill God's call on our life.
Friends belong in one of three spheres of our lives; in our circle of concern, our circle of influence or our circle of intimacy.
Do you have a tough time setting meaningful goals? There's a SMARTER way to set those goals so you can achieve them!
Life is fragile. Don't waste it. Make it count by using every minute to thrive. (The video clip used in the sermon illustration is available by using the provided link).
A solid root system requires that the plant be firmly planted in the soil; only then can it be expected to thrive. Are you planted?
Want to thrive in all areas of life? Then it's time to start causing the soul to thrive first.
Getting our soul to thrive is the key to thriving in all areas of our life. And if my soul isn't thriving, I'm merely just surviving.
Thriving is obvious. Pastor Jonathan uses an illustration to demonstrate how our relationship with Christ needs to be without distraction. The life assessment referred to in the teaching can be located using the link below.
Pastor Jonathan kicks off this series with the cry: It's time for us to more than just survive; we were born to thrive!
What's the force behind faith that makes our faith work? Love. This series is concluded by exposing some of the pitfalls that hinder our faith and knock us off of our love walk.
This teaching examines the friendship kind of love and four qualities that make a good friend.
Easter is a wonderful time to reflect on the agape love of God. Christ's work on the cross was His demonstration of the highest form of love. All that is asked in return is that we would follow Him. Will you follow? (The video clip referred to in the message can be viewed using the provided link.)
Have you ever met someone who just seems more difficult to deal with than others? Pastor Jonathan draws a comparison to Jesus' last week on earth and how the love he demonstrated towards those who sought to kill him is the same love we ought to demonstrate towards those who seem to be unlovable.
Emulating God's love towards others is a daily responsibility and one that is easier to accomplish than we realize. In this teaching, Pastor Jonathan gives a unique perspective on a way to approach walking in love towards others.
We are commanded to love one another. What exactly does that mean? The Father demonstrated His love towards us so that we have a pattern to follow in loving others. This teaching begins to break down the meaning of the agape love of God.
Pastor Jonathan begins this series by looking at who God is and by defining the various forms of love mentioned in scripture.
In this teaching, Pastor Stu concludes this series and the point that we are to use the gifts that God has placed inside of us to be the light to this world.
This teaching begins to look at the gift we are to the world by being the light to this dark place.
In this teaching, Pastor Stu warns of using excuses as a crutch to pacify the shortcomings experienced in life.
In this sermon Pastor Stu takes a look at President Andrew Johnson from our nation's history and the impact he made on the lives of countless individuals.
Going into the new year, is it a year of new beginnings? Pastor Stu encourages us to make 2018 a year where we shine brightly as the light in this world.
This teaching speaks of how Jesus is the first light to this world, and how we in turn are the light to this world.
God gave His greatest gift to us, so that we would be the greatest gift to others in return.
Part 2 of this teaching wraps up by looking at the humanity of several individuals in Scripture, who made mistakes along the way, but ultimately followed the directions in their lives.
If we want to go somewhere we've never been, we've got to do something we've never done before. Taking direction into the unknown can be a little unnerving, but certainly worth it in the end.
It's one thing to be in control of your life, it's another to be yielded to the Spirit of God. In this teaching, Pastor Jonathan explains how to walk in the Spirit and stay out of the works of the flesh.
You've been baptized in the Holy Spirit, now what? There's a continual filling that is to take place in the life of the believer; the same way that the oil in a car needs to be changed regularly.
Building upon the previous lesson that Holy Spirit is the Helper, Pastor Jonathan examines just how powerful the infilling of the Holy Spirit is in the life of the believer.
If we are to be led by the Spirit of God, it would help if we know exactly Who the Spirit of God is and how He can help.
Pastor Jonathan kicks off this series on being Spirit-led by explaining Who Holy Spirit is.
Pastor Stu concludes this series by looking at the last of the faith storms topic discussed earlier in the series.
This teaching looks at many of the tools at our disposal, especially faith. However, faith misunderstood or misused is a wasted tool.
This series kicks off by looking at the pitfall of deception that comes from not knowing God's Word.
The Bible states: "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him." That statement would include us as individuals, including our bodies. Learn seven ways we can be good managers of what belongs to Him.
Living this life for no one but ourselves is really no way to live life at all. Life was meant to be shared with others.
Since everything in this world belongs to The Father, that would also include our money. Learn keys to being a wise manager of God's money in this earth.
The gifts, talents and abilities that are on the inside of us are gifts given to us by God. What are we doing with the talents that belong to Him?
One of the ways that we can be good stewards is by utilizing the various talents that have been given to us. Jesus instructs us that we can experience greatness in The Kingdom by learning to serve others.
To each one of us has been given an equal amount of time. Are we using that time wisely or are we allowing that time to go to waste? This teaching will give you some practical how-to's in being a good steward of our days.
Being good stewards of our time begins with putting first things first. Our daily time of devotion to knowing who The Father is should be our first priority.
Examining the parable of the prodigal son, we can find traits from all three individuals mentioned from which to model our behavior.
This series on biblical stewardship begins with the fundamental truth that we are not the owners; we are the managers of all that belongs to God.
This series is concluded by examining scripture to see peace as an actual dimension for us to inhabit.
This teaching examines a place of perfect peace that only comes through our relationship with The Father.
We are to seek and pursue peace, but what does that really mean? Diving into the Hebrew meaning, we will discover that pursuing peace has a two-fold meaning.
The series begins by looking at the difference between the peace that the world brings and the peace that only God can bring. His peace is far greater than anything we could ever achieve on earth. His peace passes our understanding, our questioning and wondering.
Easter is a time where we celebrate our risen King. Jesus, our King, gave great promise of eternal life through emptiness; an empty cross and the empty tomb.
Words are as a seed sown into the ground and they produce a harvest. We are living today the results of words spoken yesterday. This series is concluded by examining the effect that words have on our circumstances and creating the future that we desire.
We are living life by design or by default. The key to living life by design is to have an intentional plan and to have laser focus in the actions we take. Each action is seed sown that will reap a harvest.
Abraham, our father of faith, is a fine example of how one's belief system is the catalyst to achieving a better future. In this teaching you will learn principles such as to not consider the circumstance, how to strengthen your faith and how to be fully convinced of God's Word.
The Word of God outlines what we are to do with our thought life. Keeping close guard over what takes place between our ears is the key to elevating our lives to higher levels.
In order to become something I've never been, I have to do something I've never done. The starting point for taking new action begins with a new way of thinking.
As children of God we have unlimited potential. But if we all have the same potential, why is it that others seem to have more success in life than others? Pastor Jonathan answers this question by examining our belief system.
Life is full of tough decisions. But what if there were a way to take the difficulty of making those decisions? Find out how in this teaching.
A continual meditation on God's Word is a key aspect in living a life that is happy, stable, fruitful and blessed.
What sort of spiritual routines do you have in place to take you to the future of being happy, stable, fruitful and blessed? This series kicks off with a call to develop consistent disciplines to set you on the path to success.
Living a life of blessing is a wonderful thing, as obedience doesn't come without reward. But what is the purpose for that blessing, if not to be shared with others?
The third aspect of reclaiming the future that The Father has for us moves from being self-driven into a life that is designed to benefit others. The clip shown during the service can be viewed using the Skit Guys link provided.
This teaching examines the second aspect of the future that God has laid out for us. Each of the three parts of Man constitutes a "vote" in determining which direction our lives will go. Renewing our soul is a key part in charting a new course in life.
God has prepared a future for us to walk in and the future is now! The four-fold plan that God has planned for us is rooted in our salvation. Starting the new year or any day begins with a choice to let go of past hurts and failings and step into God's happiness.
Pastor Stu makes a remarkable parallel to the shepherd's life found in the birth of Christ and our life as a witness for Christ.
The Apostle Paul had learned the secret to contentment in life; and it stems from having a grateful heart.
Having a grateful heart and expressing our thanks will take us to higher and higher heights with The Father.
This series kicks off the subject of gratitude and thanksgiving by examining a dangerous heart condition that occurs through ungratefulness.
This series is concluded by examining what it means to have our head anointed with oil, as well as the qualities of our Shepherd that will follow us all the days of our lives.
There is a table of provision for the sheep of the Master's sheepfold. Draw near to the table.
The significance of the Good Shepherd's rod and staff is paramount to our success in following Him. (The video referenced in the message is available for streaming)
Jesus told us in this life we would have tribulation, but we are to take His Word to heart and know that The Good Shepherd goes with us; even in the darkest of times.
If you're looking for direction in life, look no further. This message will cover four ways that the Good Shepherd leads his sheep.
Life takes its toll on us. We must do our part to find rest in The Father's presence and allow Him to restore that which was lacking in us.
The Good Shepherd sees to it that we are free from fear, agitation, pests and that we are well fed. It's not a matter of His ability, it's a matter of our awareness to His presence.
God has placed great treasure on the inside of us. That treasure is as a seed and this teaching looks at three things we can do to unearth the great treasure within us.
No matter how long we've been walking with The Lord, it's important that we never lose sight of the fact that we are children of God. Our Heavenly Father wants us to see Him as Daddy and to rely on Him for everything in life.
In June 2015, Joy In Him welcomed the President and Founder of the Lighthouse Ministry in Brazil, Rev. Rosa Varela. Since 1999 Joy In Him has been supporting the missions outreach which is called to helping some of the 12 million street children of Brazil. In this message, not only do we get an update as to how the Lighthouse Ministry is reaching the lost and hurting children of Brazil, but also gain encouragement in finding your God-given purpose in life.
Many times we want God to move in miraculous ways in our lives. In order for Him to move we need to give Him our address.
Easter is a time where we celebrate the completed work of Jesus upon the cross and His resurrection. In this message, we look at what this means for the believer, along with the work that yet remains for those who are in Christ.
In this message, Pastor Stu examines the end-times and warns of the danger of habitual sin.
Get a few spiritual keys to enhance your quiet time with the Lord and help you become the unique individual God created you to be.
In this message, Pastor Stu warns of the dangers that await us when we make choices that are contrary to the Word of God.
This teaching looks at keys to making a fresh start with God. It begins with an earnest desire for our Father.
In this teaching, we learn how our spiritual development has an impact on our conduct; which in turn has an impact on our witness as a Christian.
Learn how to tap into the hope and future that is awaiting you, rather than living a hopeless future.