Rejoice

July 20th- Proverbs 3:12

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Proverbs 3:12

“For whom the LORD loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.”

There’s a quote which says, “Discipline doesn’t break a child’s spirit half as often as the lack of it breaks a parent’s heart.” No one one wants to be punished. Even if it comes with a promise of being for our own good. But not only can we take solace from God’s discipline, but delight in His correction. Because as our loving Father, God desires a close relationship with His children and only the very best for us. And His discipline is an expression of this love, not a form of punishment meant to harm or condemn. Just as a parent corrects their child out of love and concern for their well-being, God’s discipline is intended to guide and shape us. To lead us away from harmful paths and towards His intended purpose for our lives. So even though the consequences of our actions may be painful for a season, we can rejoice because God’s love remains steadfast. And because of that love He refuses to leave us undisciplined.

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March 18th – 2 Corinthians 12:10

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2 Corinthians 12:10

Although we aren’t told specifically what Paul’s thorn was, we can relate to the suffering he endured. Because whether it be emotional, physical, or spiritual, each of us have our own thorns to bear. Thorns for which we have pleaded with God to remove. And sometimes He’ll do just that. But what happens when His answer is no? It’s then Paul tells us to rejoice for the blessing of our sufferings. For although the thorn may remain, God is at work strengthening the one under it. Often it’s at our lowest times when God can do His greatest work. Because our weakness is an opportunity for God to work through us and show His strength. And by surrendering all to God, relying on His might rather than our own, not only can we deepen our relationship with Him, we can find joy in difficult circumstances because they allow us to experience His power in a unique way.

 

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October 15th – Zephaniah 3:17

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Zephaniah 3:17

God’s Promise – “I will sing over you with loud shouts of joy!”

We are often our own worst critics. Instead of seeing ourselves as marvelous works created by the hand that created all things, we focus on our flaws and imperfections. But that’s not how God sees us. Our Heavenly Father created every inch of us head to toe. And He loves us just the way we are. No matter if we are short or tall, skinny or fat, blonde or brunette, we are precious to God. So precious in fact that He sings great songs of love over us. Too many times we fall prey to the lies of the enemy who tells us that we are unlovable, unusable, and unworthy. But that’s far from the truth. Just ask God. For He looks at us through the eyes of a loving, forgiving Father and sees nothing less than a most wonderful part of His perfect creation! So remember to whom you belong, and who calls you His. The One whose heart shouts with joy just at the mere thought of you!

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July 20th – Proverbs 17:17

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Proverbs 17:17

Playwright Oscar Wide once said, “The burden of this world is too great for one man to bear, and the world’s sorrow too heavy for one heart to suffer.” It’s said you find out who your real friends are when you’re at your lowest. They are the ones who not only stay through the bad times, they offer to help carry the load. And if that load is due to falling in sin, they follow the words of Paul restoring, “such a one in a spirit of gentleness.” (Gal. 6:1) Real friends set aside their pride. For they know we all fall short daily, have moments of weakness, and need help from time to time. As Christians being a servant of the Lord is a great honor. But Jesus gives us an even greater honor by calling us friends. Therefore, from joyful hearts filled with thankfulness and love, may we mimic the friendship of Jesus to a hurting world, And, “while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.” (Gal. 6:10)

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July 19th – John 15:13

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John 15:13

We live in a world that glorifies a “me first” attitude. But have you ever stopped to think about how your actions and decisions affect fellow believers? Jesus tells us to love each other like He loves us. And although we may not be called to physically lay down our life for another, when it comes to helping others better know Jesus, we are called to lay down our prejudices, biases, opinions, rights, and political views. Because Paul tells us it’s better to limit our own freedom than to cause a weaker believer to sin. That means if we’re ever in a situation where are free in Christ to participate but see a fellow Christian struggling, we are to decline for their benefit. When we walk in the flesh it’s natural for our first concern to be our own needs and rights. But when we walk hand in hand with Christ, will can rejoice over self sacrificing. Because doing so glorifies God, edifies His people, and grows His kingdom.

 

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July 18th – Philippians 4:4

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Philippians 4:4

When we’re hurting, being told to rejoice seems not only impossible, but particularly cruel. After all, how could God expect us to find joy in pain? But did you know that of all the books in the Bible, among the most joyful are the “prison epistles”? These are the letters written by Paul while imprisoned in Rome. The apostle had been falsely arrested, shipwrecked, bitten by a snake, beaten, and eventually beheaded. Yet through it all, Paul never lost his joy. Because his gladness wasn’t found in his circumstances. Rather, Paul’s joy was in the One who provided the love, peace, and strength he needed to endure every trial. And by following Paul’s model we too can rejoice always; even in the worst of circumstances. We don’t rejoice over the hurt, but we can rejoice over the Lord. Because He will use our situation both for our good, and His glory.

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July 10th – Ephesians 1:18

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Ephesians 1:18

Gratitude is important. God wants us to be thankful everyday for the blessings that He so freely gives us. But you know what else is important? Joy. The Lord wants us to feel the joy that comes with each gift He bestows. “You shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you” (Deut. 26:11) In His greatest blessing our Father in heaven, through His unmerited love, sent His Son to die so that we can live. And the joy of hope we have as we look forward to an eternity spent at His side should flood our hearts. Nothing in this world can surpass the riches of the glory set before us through Christ Jesus. Because of Him, God calls us beloved, righteous, and His. He blesses us abundantly  because of our inheritance through Jesus. And as heirs to the kingdom, knowing this should light up our hearts with great joy!

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July 9th – Psalm 32:11

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Psalm 32:11

We all know the story of the adulterous woman. The one caught in the act of her sin. This woman could easily be you or I.  Although our sin may not be adultery, we sin just the same. And as Christians, we would do well to humbly remember all Jesus forgives us for daily. Especially before judging the sin of another. Thankfully when it comes to sin, we can experience the sweet forgiveness of the Lord through confession and repentance. No matter the transgression, when we come to God with a sorrowful heart, He is quick to pardon. Jesus didn’t condemn the adulterous women, refusing to throw the first stone. And He has no stones to throw at us either. So we can rejoice and celebrate! Because the forgiveness of the Lord not only results in an immediate restoration of our relationship with God, but a clean slate, and a fresh start!

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December 25th – Luke 1:68-69

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Luke 1:-68-69

I once heard a preacher say, “If our greatest need was entertaining, God would have sent us an actor. If our greatest need was technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need was more things, God would have sent us a genie. But since our greatest need is forgiveness, God sent us a Savior.” Because our God is perfect, true, and the source of all love, from the beginning it was His plan to redeem His people. And so He promised to send a Messiah. A sacrificial Lamb who would come to give His life for all of mankind. A promise fulfilled in the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God in the flesh, Jesus came to be our Friend, Teacher, and Redeemer. He is the greatest Christmas present of all! May we give thanks and rejoice for Christ’s birth, death, and the salvation He freely offers to each and every one. Merry Christmas to you all, and may the light of Christ’s love shine upon you this and every day of the year!

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November 30th – Colossians 3:15

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Colossians 3:15

With the holiday season upon us, wishes of “peace on earth and goodwill to men” fill the hearts of people around the world. But for Christian’s, the peace of Christ should rule in our hearts everyday, not just at Christmas. When we receive Jesus as our Savior, wonderful things begin to happen. First, we become adopted members of God’s family. Next, the Holy Spirit enters and gets to work transforming us into the likeness of Jesus. He begins by softening the rough edges of our heart. Next He takes out the garbage, and replaces it with the joy, love, and peace of Christ. A peace we are to let reign in our lives, and a peace we are to extend especially to fellow Believers. For we are each valuable members of the body of Christ. And out of thankfulness for the grace shown to us, we need to show the peace of Christ to a world that is anything but.

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