Rejoice
Praying you are healthy and in good spirits today, rejoicing all the way. Ah, rejoicing: the joy so nice we do it twice: re + joy = rejoice (I have a book on the origins of words on hold at the library . . . no, I really do)
Or, maybe you are not rejoicing today--you may have a list of reasons not to. Job issues, relationship problems, health trouble, kids driving you crazy, financial headaches . . . you may have a few others on your list.
How about the hoosgow? (from the Spanish "Jusgado," meaning jail) This guy named Paul was in jail (house arrest) and he somehow found a way to be joyful. Here are a few passages from one of his prison letters:
Php 1:18 But what does it matter?
The important thing is that in every way,
whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.
And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,
Php 2:17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering
on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith,
I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
Php 2:18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me
.
Php 3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord!
It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again,
and it is a safeguard for you.
Php 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always.
I will say it again:
Rejoice!
Php 4:10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord
that at last you have renewed your concern for me.
Indeed, you have been concerned,
but you had no opportunity to show it.
The easy, weak and mindless thing to do is to give in to thinking about all that is not how you want it right now. Too often, we have given into temptation to whine and complain, focusing on what is not rather that what is.
Jesus never gave in. Jesus always saw potential, hope and a future. Jesus remained thankful despite a seemingly impossible task of saving the whole world. For this the Savior was born. For this the Savior died. And when the Savior rose again, the proof you and I need was clear: You are forgiven! God has proven his love for you! Heaven is your home and God is your helper every day until you get there.
God bless you as you rejoice with me because of what God has done for us.
Blessing on your weekend!
--Pastor Dan
Feel free to browse the archived devotions on the list to the left.
If you have any ideas, suggestions,
or feedback, please e-mail me:
peaceinjesus@clearwire.net
or
pastor@peaceinjesus4vietnamese.org