Rejoicing

March 31st – Matthew 28:5-6

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Matthew 28:5-6

Easter is the pinnacle of the Christian calendar. And it’s a celebration of profound significance and joy. Because it commemorates the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ from the dead, three days after His crucifixion. This miraculous event stands as the cornerstone of our faith. For it affirms Jesus’ victory over sin and death and offers the promise of eternal life to all who believe. Easter heralds the dawn of hope and redemption, as the empty tomb bears witness to the power of God’s love and the fulfillment of His promises. It’s a time of great rejoicing, as we gather to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and life over death. Easter calls us to reflect on the depths of God’s grace and mercy, as manifested through Jesus’ sacrificial death and glorious Resurrection. As we proclaim “He is risen!” with hearts overflowing with gratitude and praise, Easter reminds us of the unshakable hope we have in Jesus, our risen Savior, who promises an eternity by His side to all who call Him Lord.

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August 12th – Colossians 1:5

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Colossians 1:5

“Because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel.”

Many are the rewards waiting for us in heaven. Besides the crowns that we will lay at the feet of Jesus, there will be joy, rejoicing, glorified new bodies, and an eternity spent by the side of Jesus. That’s why Paul encourages us to lead our lives in anticipation of our heavenly treasures. By anchoring our faith in the rewards promised by God, we find the hope to persevere through life’s challenges with unwavering trust. This hope fuels our actions and choices, inspiring us to treat others with genuine love and kindness. Moreover, the promises of eternity enables us to keep a balanced perspective, helping us focus on what truly matters and avoiding being consumed by temporary concerns. And as we navigate through life, because of the hope we have in the Lord, we are guided toward a purposeful and meaningful existence. And all of these wonderful rewards we have as a result of God’s grace. Not earned through good deeds, our treasures in heaven come from the love of God and our love of Christ.

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December 12th – Luke 1:14

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Luke 1:14

In ancient times, reputation was everything. And those without the blessing of children meant God’s favor had turned away from them. Zacharias had always wanted a child, but his wife Elizabeth was barren. Many assumed it was a punishment from God. But not so. For when Elizabeth was 60 years old, an angel of the Lord came to Zacharias and told him not only was his wife going to get pregnant, but it would be a boy! I’m sure there were plenty who scoffed at the thought. But when God makes a promise, we know He will always deliver! God blessed Zacharias with his son John whose great work would be to prepare the hearts of the people to receive the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ. The world can laugh and mock the promises of God. But we as Christians can rejoice. For we know each and every one will come true!

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August 23rd – Lamentations 3:22-23

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Lamentations 3:22-23

One of things I love most about God is His mercy. Because everyday I make mistakes, fall short, and need the Lord’s forgiveness. Yet no matter how badly I mess up, when I confess and repent, God is faithful to forgive my sins. We serve the Lord of second, third, and fourth chances. And regardless of the mistakes we made the day before, each morning God gives, is the gift of a fresh start. Because of His faithfulness, love, and kindness, each dawn is a blank slate and a new opportunity to get it right. And although some days will be good while others bad, every day we get to spend on earth is a blessing. So each morning thank God because His compassions fail not. And from a heart bursting with gratitude proclaim, “This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it!”

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July 30th – Leviticus 25:10

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Leviticus 25:10

For Israel, every 50th year was set apart as the “Year of the Jubilee.” Literally meaning, “ram’s horn”, it was a year of rest for both the people and the land. The Jubilee was filled with celebrating and rejoicing, for it was a time of freedom and restoration. Both slaves and prisoners were released, all debts were considered paid in full, and property was returned to its original owner. And the people refrained from their labor, trusting God to provide for their needs. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, for believers every day is a Jubilee. Because of His work on the Cross, the Lord paid our debt, freed us from the bondage of sin, and restored us back to God. And no longer do we have to work in our own strength. For God promises to, “supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19)

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July 13th – Romans 9:3

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Romans 9:3

Paul’s heart ached for his fellow Jews and their rejection of Jesus.  So much so, that he was willing to be separated from the Lord if it meant salvation for Israel. The apostle received horrendous treatment from the people. Yet he never stopped hoping he would know the joy of seeing them receive Jesus as their Savior and experiencing the new life awaiting them. Such a selfless love is hard to fathom. After all it’s easy for us to want the best for those whom we love, and who love us in return. But what about those who don’t? Can we have the attitude of a Paul? Can we have hearts so full of love for Jesus that we mourn over His lost and rejoice over His found? Through our own strength such a love is impossible. But if we let Him, God will build in us that same kind of humble, self sacrificing spirit. The kind that joyfully leads others out of the darkness and into the light of Christ.

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December 6th – 1 Peter 4:14

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1 Peter 4:14

The holiday season is a special one. It’s the time of year when we cheerfully share tidings of comfort and joy with one another. But did you know before the birth of Christ, members of the early church found comfort and joy in suffering for God? To be considered worthy of facing persecution for the cause of the Lord was worth rejoicing! As Christian’s we know that trials and tribulations will come our way. Yet as the apostle Peter taught, instead of a “woe is me” attitude, we should view our hardships as opportunities for celebrating. Because we are promised that if we share in Christ’s sufferings, one day we will also share in His glory. So as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we can thank God for everything in our lives both good and bad. For in His presence there is a fullness of joy. A joy that can never be taken from us, and one not limited to once a year!

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November 7th – Psalm 30:11

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Psalm 30:11

Afflictions and suffering are part of living in a fallen world. And even though we may not understand why we go through the hardships we do, we can absolutely trust in our Father. For God promises to make, “all things to work together for good”. (Rom. 8:28) And we can rejoice in knowing that the storms in our life are under God’s control and will only last as long as He commands. Better still, when we come out the other side, our mourning will be turned into dancing, and our sorrow into gladness!

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