Thursday, October 29, 2009

Joyful living

The New Testament gives us many reasons to rejoice. Jesus said, "Rejoice because your names are written in heaven" [Luke 10:20]

The apostle Peter spoke of the reasons believers can "rejoice with joy inexpressible" 1Peter 1:8. We're not asked to pretend that problems don't exists but to rejoice even in the midst of them.

In Romans, we see the contrast between the two kinds of existence possible in this life. In Romans 1 : 18-32, we read about the sad, frightening life of those who refuse to live for God. It's a life full of trouble and turmoil. But in Romans 5: 1-11, we see what happens when a person trusts Christ. "We have peace," it says. "We rejoice," we're told. And we have hope, love, and salvation. What a contrast!

Let's remember that " ... the joy of the LORD is your strength." [Nehemiah 8:10]

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Happiness is something you choose.

If you know Jesus, you always have reasons to rejoice.

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