Rejoice!!!

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"(Philippians 4:44 NIV)

 Expressing joy in the Lord is easy when things go well with us. At such times we are always ready to let everyone know of God's goodness to us. Praise comes readily when we are up on the mountain. However, when  things go bad and our world seems to crumble our capacity for praise seems to diminish. Why then does Paul exhort us to rejoice always? Is it even a possibiity that we could rejoice always?

If  we are to rejoice always then we should rejoice even when the circumstances give us no reason for rejoicing. In that case we would need to learn to rejoice in rough moments when we certainly do not feel like it.

Paul was able to rejoice in prison. His praise to God was an act of faith. He was not rejoicing because his circumstances were favourable. In reality he had nothing to rejoice about.) His situation was dark and dismal but Paul's praise was an act of faith. It was based not on his circumstances but rather on the truth he knew about God. You see, Paul knew that he could trust God's promises to him.

What about you? Can you trust God's promises to be realized in you life regardless of your present circumstances? Can you dare rejoice despite the odds? Consider these promises today:

1) But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

2) The Lord knoweth how to deliver the righteous out of temptation,and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgement to be punished. (2 Peter 2:9)

3) Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever, for in the Lord JE-HO-VAH is everlasting strength. (Isaiah 26:3,4)

4) I will both lay me down in peace and sleep : for thou Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.
(Psalm 4:8)

Have a blessed day.

Love you all.

Verne

A Reminder

In  a world where many are losing hope it is always good to be reminded that we are in God's hands. When we are in the fires of affliction it is comforting to know that our God sits like a refiner of silver. He has His eyes steadfastly fixed on us as the fire burns away the dross in our characters. It is a slow and painful process but His patience never falters. His eyes never waver. He waits...

We do not enjoy being in the fire. Yet, we must stay and let it work its perfect work. We can trust our Divine Silversmith. As soon as He sees His image clearly reflected in us He removes us from the fire so that we are not burned. We must constantly remember that nothing can touch us except by our Lord's permission and all things that are permitted work together for good to them that love the Lord.

May the presence of our Saviour surround us as we experience the trials of this life.

Remember... Stop and smell the roses.

Love you all.

Verne