August 1, 2008
Rejoice in the Lord, Always
I will say it again: Rejoice!
We have a bunch of New Testament cd’s and passed them out at church. I have been listening to mine in the car since about May and I finally got up to Philippians. I don’t any longer have a FAVORITE book of the Bible, because there are so many promises and so much wisdom throughout the Word of the Lord. But Philippians was my very first “favorite” book.
Ten years ago when I was having a major crisis in my life with Rob’s work, my work, bills piling up, and had completely walked away from the way I was raised (to follow the Lord), I came across these verses in Philippians.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
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“I thank my God every time I think about you”
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” he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”
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“The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.”
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20-26 talks about wanting to die so Paul can be with Christ, but that “24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.”
Philippians 2
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“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”
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“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.”
OK I have to stop. Just go and read Philippians. It’s short and it is PACKED with good stuff. I can hardly not put every single thing down here.
My point? After having listened to the New Testament in order, I am moved to the center of my being by the life of Jesus, by his death on the cross for me, by the Lord’s mercy and grace! His GRACE!!!!!! And by the apostles, but especially Paul, who went through so much. Hiw can one person be so incredibly strong, except through the strength of the Lord?
As I was driving home last night, Paul’s words seemed to be speaking right to me, Jayleigh, in plain old D-town, Michigan.
4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Can there possibly be a better promise and reassurance after the week I have had? I don’t think so at all.
Praise God!
SIS NOEL said,
August 1, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Awesome post! God Bless you!
Farah said,
August 1, 2008 at 5:50 pm
What a book full of reasons to rejoice! THank y ou for the reminder as always. I struggle w/ the anxiety and faith
Farah said,
August 1, 2008 at 5:52 pm
ack pressed enter before finishing !
i tend to struggle with anxiety and lack of faith so muvh – it seems I am alwa7ys asking for help in that department