Tag: rejoice
Day 2–Pray–Don’t Worry
Scripture reading for April 14: Philippians 4:4-7 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Paul was writing to a supporting church from prison in Rome. He was awaiting a verdict that would determine whether he lived or was executed. He knew that the believers would be distressed because of his circumstances and that they also faced possible arrest and execution. He wrote to instruct them and to show them how to cope with daily stress and temptations to worry. His instructions are simple and helpful to all of us in the responder community.
Again we are encouraged to rejoice in the midst of difficulties and troubles. In fact, Paul states it twice for emphasis! He then tells them to let their reasonableness be known to all. When we are secure in Christ Jesus through faith and relationship, it is reasonable to rest in joy and confidence that God is in control. It is our choice to rejoice and to pray with thanksgiving recognizing that God is near to us and with us.
We are also instructed not to worry but to pray about all our fears and needs. When we pray, we should pray in faith that God will answer and even thank Him in advance for hearing and providing. When we cast our cares on the Lord we are to leave them there. In place of our cares and fears, God’s peace will come over us and guard our hearts and minds from worry and fear. We do our part by refocusing our thought life on what is good, lovely and perfect. We also set an example for other believers that helps everyone. (Philippians 4:8-9)
Prayer: Father, thank You for this simple instruction for Your children to live in peace and not fear or anxiety. Help me to practice this and be the example You desire for others and those You send me to help. Thank You for hearing and answering! I will meditate on Your goodness and grace. Amen.
Advancing the Gospel!
Scripture reading for September 2: Philippians 1
“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the Gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the Word without fear. Some indeed, preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the Gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.” Philippians 1:12-18
Paul found himself in prison in Rome and was writing to the church at Philippi that he had founded. The church was concerned for him and supported him with generous offerings. Paul explained to them that his imprisonment was all part of God’s masterplan to advance the Gospel. While in prison, Paul had opportunity to share the Good News with the imperial guard that was keeping him. His imprisonment and good attitude while there had taught by example the brothers to continue to preach boldly and not fear what might happen. Paul viewed his imprisonment as God placing him where there was a need to advance the Good News and cheerfully accepted his assignment.
While imprisoned, word came of others preaching the Gospel with selfish motives. They considered themselves as rivals of Paul and his missions company. Paul’s imprisonment was a chance for them to accuse him of being out of God’s will and a criminal and gain an advantage in followers. But Paul’s attitude was not to speak evil against them, but to rejoice that the Gospel was being proclaimed and producing fruit for eternal life. His attitude was one of rest in Christ Jesus and the victory of the cross!
As a believer, have you ever complained about circumstances that resulted in suffering or inconvenience? How does Paul’s world view expand your understanding of God’s plan and purpose? Is the advancement of the Gospel a priority in your life?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for opening up my world view to see a bigger picture when things don’t go as I planned. Help me to keep a good attitude that inspires faith and courage in others when I go through trials. Use everything in my life experience to further the advance of the Gospel. Amen.
The upside-down kingdom!
Scripture reading for March 11: Luke 6
“And He lifted up His eyes on His disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.”” Luke 6:20-23
After a great healing meeting where power had come out of Him and brought deliverance from demons and healing for all, Jesus looked to heaven and began to speak to His disciples. Jesus pronounced blessings on those of His followers who were poor, hungry, weeping and those hated and reviled because of Him. He told them that they should rejoice and leap for joy now in faith! Their reward in heaven would far exceed the troubles that they were now experiencing. In fact, they were in good company because this is how their own relatives had treated the prophets sent to them by God.
Jesus was teaching them about the invisible kingdom of God and their privilege to be a part of that kingdom. In spite of how it might look or feel, they were blessed and would be rewarded. People of faith had always been subject to persecution, hatred, exclusion, and even famine and sorrows and even death. The prophets of God had experienced this as well, even from the Israelites forefathers. These truths told them of an upside-down kingdom where what the world thought of as punishment was actually going to be rewarded. Jesus Christ, Himself, would model this attitude of joy and blessing as He suffered as the Son of God and our Savior.
As a believer in Jesus, have you ever suffered for your faith? Do you find it hard to rejoice and leap for joy when people hate you and revile you? Which one of these blessings pronounced by Jesus Christ do you most need in your life today?
Prayer: Father God, I admit that I don’t enjoy being hungry, weeping, or being hated by others because of Jesus Christ as my Lord. My experience has been limited of these things happening, but I have visited lands where it is dangerous to be a believer. Help me to live in hope and joy so I might share the Gospel by my attitude, actions and joyful life. Amen.
Satan fell like lightning!
Scripture reading for October 23: Luke 10-12
The Kingdom of Heaven is in direct opposition to the kingdom of the devil. The devil’s kingdom is one of dominance, manipulation, fear, and deceit. God’s Kingdom is one of love, compassion, faith, and truth. The devil uses sickness, oppression, depression, and poverty to imprison those made in God’s image. God sends His people out under His authority to heal the sick, deliver the oppressed, preach good news to the depressed and hopeless, and share His great riches with all who will receive! These kingdoms are in conflict that is raging around the earth each day.
Jesus sent out seventy-two disciples into this conflict. (Luke 10:1-4) They were not to take a purse, bag, or sandals. They were not to greet anyone on the road because they had a mission. They were armed with His Word and authority and had prayed that the Lord would send out workers. Jesus then sent them! Be careful what you pray for– you may be the answer!
They were to live by faith and trust God for whatever they needed in the way of daily provisions. As they entered a town, or a house, and were welcomed, they were to speak ‘peace’ to those who dwelt there. They were to eat and have fellowship with those who welcomed them. They were to heal the sick and tell them of the Kingdom of God. (Luke 10:8-9) If they were not welcomed, they were to shake the dust from their feet and warn the people that the Kingdom of God had come near to them. (Luke 10:10-12) It was a simple assignment!
As the seventy-two returned to Jesus, they were full of joy and rejoiced at their results! The demons had fled, sick people were healed, and Jesus’ authority had given them victory after victory! Jesus Himself remarked: “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:18-20) Jesus was filled with joy at these disciples’ success and their understanding, for the Father had opened their hearts. He cautioned them to remain humble about God’s grace gift to them.
Each day we are sent into this same conflict. We have the Holy Spirit and the Name of Jesus Christ. Authority is ours to plunder the enemies’ camp! All power of the enemy can be overcome by faith and the Word of God. We must remain humble and under His authority. Go out with humble boldness today and bring joy to God’s heart as you plunder the kingdom of the evil one!
Shining lights in a dark world!
Scripture reading for June 16th: Philippians 2, Psalm 120, Proverbs 27
Philippians 2:14-18 “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the Word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.”
Paul knew that as believers lived in love and unity of the Holy Spirit, they would cease from grumbling and complaining and begin to shine in the darkness of this world. Paul told them that the people living in the world system were crooked and twisted in their ways and thinking. It would require focused living for Christ, clinging to His Words of life, to bring reward when Christ returned. Paul, even though suffering in jail, rejoiced with the Philippians that they were standing fast. He encouraged them to rejoice with him as well. Suffering for the Gospel is part of shining light in the darkness and crookedness of this world.
Psalm 120:6-7 “Too long have I had my dwelling place among those who hate peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war!”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the wise counsel of our Brother and Friend, Jesus Christ, and Paul Your Apostle. Help me to rejoice in those of faith who are suffering around this world for standing firm in Christ. Help me to stand firm and share the Word of life, shining Christ’s eternal Light into all darkness. Keep me from war, grumbling or dissention, but guide me in Your peace and unity with my brothers.
Proverbs 27:9 “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”
Wise to what is good!
Scripture reading for June 6th: Romans 16, Psalm 112, Proverbs 19
Romans 16:17-20 “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise for what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”
Paul closes his letter to the Roman believers by personally sending greetings by name to over thirty workers there, plus their families! His last appeal is for watchfulness over the brothers for those causing doctrinal divisions. These people are not serving Christ Jesus, but their own appetites. They try to seduce those who are young and immature. Paul encourages them in their obedience. His pastoral desire is that they stand firm, opposing evil and standing strong for good. He encourages them that God’s power will soon crush Satan and his evil schemes through the grace flowing from Jesus Christ! He rejoices in this prospect and their obedience!
Psalm 112:1-2 “Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed!”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for being a God of peace that gives His people victory and discernment. Thank You for Your amazing Word and instruction and the peace that is ours through Your promises. I claim that my offspring will be mighty in the land and that those following me in faith will be blessed by You and protected and used for Your glory!
Proverbs 19:23 “The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.”
Faith brings mutual encouragement!
Scripture reading for May 16th: Romans 1, Psalm 97, Proverbs 4
Romans 1: 8-12 “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, Whom I serve with my spirit in the Gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you–that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”
Paul, writing to Roman followers of Jesus, wanted to encourage them by his own walk of faith and was asking God that he would be able to come and be with them. He wanted to encourage them in the faith and impart some spiritual gift to this body of believers to help them to grow stronger in their faith and increase the testimony of faith going out from that church. When believers share stories of faith and God at work in their lives, everyone is mutually encouraged and faith rises to believe God’s Word and pray for more miracles and salvations. This brings transformation and joy to the believers as the Light of God’s Word, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, advances against the darkness, driving it totally away at Christ’s return!
Psalm 97:10-12 “O you who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the lives of His saints; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to His holy Name!”
Prayer: Father God, I love You and trust You daily to use me in the encouragement of other believers. I desire to impart spiritual Truth and the Gospel message that people may be saved and come into God’s family. I desire the Light of the World, Jesus Christ to be exalted and shine through my life brighter and brighter each day until I go to be with You or Your return for Your Bride! Amen!
Proverbs 4:18 “The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.”
Faith’s pursuit!
Scripture reading for January 6th: Mark 5, Psalm 5, Proverbs 5
Mark 5: 25-30 “And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, “If I touch even His garments, I will be made well.” And immediately the flow of blood dried up and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. And Jesus, perceiving in Himself that power had gone out from Him, immediately turned in the crowd and said, “Who touched My garments?”
Mark recounted this story of a woman that had pressed in to touch Jesus’ garments. She had had a flow of blood for twelve years. She had spent all she had on doctoring, but was only worse. She was considered unclean because of her illness. She heard about Jesus and decided to pursue Him. Her faith was rewarded and she had the joy of healing, restoration, and immediate results! What a blessing and joy faith produces! God smiles and Jesus allows His power to flow out in response to faith!
Psalm 5:11-12 “But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your Name may exult in You. For You bless the righteous, O Lord; You cover him with favor as with a shield.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for giving Your church this story of faith’s pursuit. Help me to always pursue You with a pure heart for the needs that I have, realizing that in You is everything I need in life. As You met this woman’s need immediately, allow Your power through the Holy Spirit to flow through me and Your people to bring grace to those You are drawing to follow You. Praise the Lord! Amen!
Proverbs 5:21 “For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths.”
“Where is your faith?”
Scripture reading for March 22nd: Deuteronomy 10-14, Psalm 5, Luke 8
Luke 8: 22-25 “One day He got into a boat with His disciples, and He said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, and as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And He awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this that He commands even winds and water, and they obey Him?””
Life as a believer in Jesus Christ is centered on faith. Even in the time of Moses, God called His people to walk in faith in His Word and to love Him by obeying His Word. As they loved God, He would lead them and fight their battles and protect them from harm. They would possess the land of promise by faith and every place they walked would be theirs. As these disciples of Jesus experienced a storm on the Sea of Galilee, their faith wavered as Jesus calmly slept. They woke Him up in fear for their lives. Jesus faithfully protected them and then asked them a penetrating question: “Where is your faith?” This question should cause us all to examine our trust and belief in God’s Word.
Deuteronomy 11:22-24 “For if you will be careful to do all this commandment that I command you to do, loving the Lord your God, walking in all His ways, and holding fast to Him, then the Lord will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations greater and mightier than you. Every place the sole of your foot treads shall be yours.”
Prayer: Father God, my faith is anchored in Your holy and unchanging Word. Forgive me for times when I have been overcome by fear from the events around me. Help me to increase my faith by reading Your Word and applying it to my life daily. Thank You for Your amazing promises of favor and protection that cause me to rejoice in You!
Psalm 5:11-12 “But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your Name may exult in You. For You bless the righteous, O Lord; You cover him with favor as with a shield.”
Suffering halts sinning
Scripture reading for October 15th: 1st Peter 4
Key Scriptures: 1st Peter 4:1-5 “Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to life for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but the will give account to Him Who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”
Jesus Christ was a man of sorrows and acquainted with suffering and grief. The trial and crucifixion brought maximum suffering to Jesus Christ and although His flesh wanted to find a way out, He chose to submit fully to His Father’s plan and will. His example should motivate us as well. Jesus promised His followers that as He suffered and was persecuted, so they would also. Peter is pointing out to believers that this same attitude will serve them well. The world will not understand why we cease from sin and live fully for our Lord, but we will be fully rewarded on that Day of Christ.
1st Peter 4:13-14 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.”
Faith confession and prayer: Father, thank You for the example of Jesus Christ and the teaching You give us on the value of suffering in focusing our lives on the eternal kingdom and coming King! Help me to live a life free of sins and live fully sold out to You as a witness of Your saving grace to a lost world. Use any suffering for Your will as further purification and increase my focus on You. I rest in my Faithful Creator!
1st Peter 4:19 “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”