Tag: rejoice always
Week 16–Day 1–“Thankful–Not Critical”
Scripture reading for April 13: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18 “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
When dealing with accidents, illness, addictions, and hurting people, it is sometimes hard to maintain a good attitude. One of the keys to staying positive in God’s Word is choosing to be thankful instead of critical. Paul was writing to those in the church and writing this letter to appeal to them to keep a godly attitude in the midst of persecution and mistreatment.
We notice that he appealed to the believers as ‘brothers’ and gently suggested the proper course of attitude and action that would maintain peace among them. The first issue in this passage was the respect of those in leadership. Their jobs are stressful, in that they must see a big picture and guide those under them, sometimes making corrections. Giving honor to them and respect instead of criticism helps everyone. Other areas he addressed were idleness and revenge. When we don’t do our jobs, everyone suffers and others have to do double duty. When we repay evil for evil, that never promotes unity and peace.
Instead of avoiding the wrong behavior, it’s best to be proactive. Doing good to all with continual rejoicing keeps a peaceful environment. Prayer for others instead of criticism is wonderful. And a thankful heart in all circumstances is the will of God for us who abide in Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Father God, I ask for forgiveness for being critical and negative instead of thankful and rejoicing. Fill me today with Your Spirit and produce good fruit and works in my soul. May my attitude and actions bless those I work with and those we serve. Amen.
Rejoice!
Scripture reading for September 7th: Philippians 4
Although in jail himself, Paul closed his letter with encouragement to the church to live in joy and rejoicing regardless of their circumstances. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)
The church can rejoice because they are ‘in the Lord’. That alone is reason enough to rejoice. Paul believed that the Lord was near in two different ways. First, He was always present in His people and He was coming again soon for His people! This is why the church must not live in fear or anxiety! We must by prayer give all our worries to God and enjoy His peace guarding our hearts and minds.
Paul gave us two other reasons why he rejoiced and we should too. “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13) Christ is our strength to face every situation! We can live by faith in His promise! “And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) God will meet all our needs because He owns all the riches of this universe! We can truly rejoice along with the Apostle and Philippians in God’s wonderful provision!
Rejoice always!
Scripture reading for October 3rd: Philippians 4:1-23
Paul’s letter from prison was full of encouragement to these Philippian saints, but one of the only corrections in this letter occurs here when Paul calls two ladies to come into agreement. Euodia and Syntyche were evidently at odds in some dispute. They were in need of help to settle the matter and move on. They had much better things to do that be in strife!
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7) A cure for strife is found in rejoicing in the Lord! When we rejoice, our attitude lightens up and the troubles seem to melt. Gentleness should mark believers when they deal with problems between each other. Prayer and petitions about the problems should be given to God. A thankful heart is full of faith and God honors that! His peace will come over you and the problems will melt away!
After praying, setting our minds of the good things of God also helps. Paul was himself rejoicing in the Philippians concern for him expressed in their gifts. Paul had learned the secret of contentment in all circumstances–rejoicing in God’s goodness! “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” (Philippians 4:13) God always gave him grace to enjoy or endure!
Paul thanked the Philippians for helping him with an offering to meet his needs. Paul described their offering: “They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” God always rewards generous giving. Our offerings are like a fragrant sacrifice going up to God. God is pleased and we can be sure we will be blessed! Rejoice in the Lord! And again I say: Rejoice!