Scripture:  Acts 13:32-52  (NIV)

"We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: 
" 'You are my Son; 
today I have become your Father. The fact that God raised him from the dead, never to decay, is stated in these words: 
" 'I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.' So it is stated elsewhere: 
" 'You will not let your Holy One see decay.'

"For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed. But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay. 

"Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: 
" 'Look, you scoffers, 
wonder and perish, 
for I am going to do something in your days 
that you would never believe, 
even if someone told you.' " 

As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. 

On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying. 

Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: 
" 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, 
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' " 

When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. 

The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. 

comment:  lots of real stuff there, my friends, god's friends.  but let us not get ahead of ourselves; "filled with joy."

in the chapter, "into action," chapter six, in the bigbook, the promises are fulfilled, if we work for them.  several chapters later, it says that "we are sure that god wants us to be happy, joyous, and free."  

but one of the gospels, mentions, "you will be filled with my joy."  

joy: 

1. the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation: She felt the joy of seeing her son's success. 
2. a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated: Her prose style is a pure joy. 
3. the expression or display of glad feeling; festive gaiety. 
4. a state of happiness or felicity.

seems that the only time real joy is available, in the spiritual realm, is when god has victory, and through grace, we are allowed to participate in it.

Prayer:  thank you father god, for knowing our needs before we pray, whether it be for understanding, healing, deliverance, or your precious gift of love.