Revelation of the Word:

THEME: REJOICE IN THE LORD

Philippians 4:10-13

“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 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 all this through him who gives me strength.”

INSIGHT

-Apostle Paul was contented in all circumstances, in plenty and in want, when he was well fed and when hungry. To rejoice therefore one has to be in the Lord. When we are in the Lord, we draw strength from Him in all circumstances. When we are in the Lord we have faith and are able to acknowledge that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

SUMMARY

-Among the common singing birds is the raven. The common raven is the largest songbird, and it has a voice to match its size. While singing behavior varies among them, most takes place during the breeding season generally more in the early morning. In Psalm 147:9, we see that God provides provides food for the young ravens when they call. Also Job 38:41 says that, “Who provides food for the ravens when their young cry out to God and wander about in hunger?” God is a loving God and provides food for all His creation. He requires us to magnify Him all the time through rejoicing, and he will provide for all our needs. When we consider that we are far more valuable than the ravens which do not plant or harvest or store food in barns and God feeds them (Luke 12:24), we should always rejoice greatly in Him. Rejoicing is an inward gladness and worship to the Lord. The word rejoice has two parts; prefix re which means do it again or repeat and the word joy. Joy should be distinguished from happiness to understand the theme, rejoice in the Lord. In a art-shell happiness is an outward feeling of pleasant thoughts and experiences while joy is an inner expression of worship and hope that runs deep in our hearts. Happiness often comes when one is undergoing good times, has achieved something or gained the applause of men. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit which causes continual rejoicing in the Lord. To rejoice in the Lord one has to have love which is the foundation . 1 Corinthians 13:6 states that, “love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth”. God is both love and truth. He is the true word and calls us to abide in Him and He is in us. When we abide in Him, we will bear much fruit and without Him we can do nothing. We cannot rejoice in Him if we do not abide in Him through love. God calls us to love Him and our neighbors as ourselves. In the same way that a human couple sometimes has to work to maintain their attachment, a pair of ravens exhibits behaviors that strengthen their relationship, or pair bond. It is during such seasons like valentines that we should draw closer to our partners through love. Each man to rejoice with the wife of his youth. Further, Apostle Paul demonstrated how to rejoice in the Lord through his life experiences. He faced great tribulation and was imprisoned but remained faithful to God. He was committed to his mission of preaching the gospel of truth and taught us how to rejoice in the Lord always. He openly boasted in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, difficulties and acknowledged that when he was weak then he was strong because of Christ in him (2 Corinthians 12:10). To rejoice in the Lord is a choice that is often accompanied by how we feel about something. This is only possible when we are in the Lord. There are diverse times and seasons in life, a time to laugh and a time to cry, a time to plant and a time to harvest. There are both favorable and unfavorable times in life. Somehow rejoicing in the Lord is not just a feeling but should be accomplished by obedience to God’s word. It is not easy to rejoice while facing difficulties and trials but if it is what God desires from us, then we can do it. Rejoicing in the Lord is also submission to God’s authority and care. When we are in the Lord and He is in us, then it is possible to rejoice in Him. This is a statement of faith and surrender to Christ. An admission of the power of God working in us. Paul also discloses that, “I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). It is through the fruit of joy deposited in our hearts by the Holy Spirit that we are able to rejoice always. Joy in Christ for His death and resurrection for us, and His gift of salvation is a cause for rejoicing in Him.

PRAYER

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Almighty Father, we come before You to offer to You a sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise for Your faithfulness and love; that endures from everlasting to everlasting. Dear Lord we rejoice knowing that sustenance, love, hope and faith is the bread of Your children and we have everything in You merciful Father. We commit all the sick unto You, may You stretch Your healing hand upon them and heal them from all their infirmities. May You forgive us our sins and cleanse us with Your precious blood. For those who lack, Father, may You provide to them according to Your riches in Glory. Like You provide for the ravens, provide for us dear Jesus according to Your great love. We commit all our plans to You Lord for Your establishment. May You bless the works of our hands and give us favor before You and before men. We trust and have faith in You Lord that You will do so and You have done it. Thank You Lord, we praise You for Your faithfulness. Dear Lord, we pray that You will touch us and fill us with the Spirit of Praise and thanksgiving. May You fill our mouth and hearts with Your praises and out of our bellies flow rivers of joy and praise to You for only You deserve it all. Almighty Father, we rejoice in You and love You. Help us to love our neighbors and ourselves, and to remain united in Your love. Help us to love one another deeply for this is Your will dear Jesus. Receive all praise, honour and adoration. We pray in Jesus mighty Name Amen.

Love Filled Weekend

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Revelation Of The Word