Posts Tagged ‘ Rejoice ’
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
Psalm 105:3, ESV
God deserves all our worship, because our righteous Creator became like us to clothe us in righteousness. Let us praise and share His name throughout the world!
I got to thinking this past week about my mom. She would have been 63 yesterday.
My brother’s 10th anniversary was on Tuesday. They got married in a large room down the hall from mom’s room in the hospital, because we knew, barring some super-amazing miracle, she was going home to Jesus. The hospital staff was amazing, clearing the room and helping with decorating and some of the food. (A celebration of love and life is probably very welcome in that ward!)
10 years later, my brother and his wife have a house, some pets, and two rambunctious and adorable boys (the oldest starting Kindergarten this month.)
I think about that mom got to see me start teaching in Special Education (self-contained autism classroom), but she missed my then going on to get a masters in education and teaching 7th Grade Algebra and later some courses at Grand Canyon University (GCU).
She missed that I not only grew to enjoy coffee but become a barista and business owner.
She missed when I entered paid ministry as a Youth Pastor (and eventually an elder for my congregation) . Add to that the apologetics speaking I routinely do, including a YouTube channel to go with this blog, and eventually achieving a dream of teaching at a college, specifically Christian Worldview at GCU.
There are many things I know she would have loved to see happen in my life that I wish I could share with her.
But I also remember all the conversations had 10 years ago with people who used to “hate God and religion” but had come to faith or at least became more friendly toward Christianity all because of her. That had been her just 14 years before that. (Take it from one who took a lot of her badgering and questions!)
I remember seeing a church filled to standing room only to celebrate her life and share more of those stories.
I like to think there was so much more she could have done in this world, but I’ve talked with hundreds of those lives God used her to change. I think the fact that I have been used to impact hundreds of lives, and I talk about the role she played in that with many of them.
Do I miss my mom?
Absolutely! Is it everyday? Not anymore. Some days are so busy that I barely have time to remember my own needs! (Youth Pastor/Elders, Worldview instructor, and back in seminary.) But most days she is remembered. Even by friends who barely met her or only talked to her on the phone.
Actually, more often than not, I think about the fun we could have in any moment, how she would have responded to a situation, and – most importantly – the fun we’ll have in eternity.
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. [14] For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, ESV
Her legacy definitely continues through many who still praise God because of her life and so many other reasons, and, if not for her, I wouldn’t be here. I thank God for her life and the glory of God that is spread because of her life.
Was she perfect? Absolutely not! But she drew near to God for the last 13 years of her life, and that has made her perfect in Christ’s righteousness.
I long for the day we can praise God together face to face.
Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!
Psalm 105:1, ESV
We give thanks to God for what He has done, and in our gratitude we tell the world of His faithfulness and forgiveness.
The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.
Proverbs 23:24, ESV
God gives commands according to His nature and our good. He makes us righteous when we believe in His only Son, the Wisdom of God who guides us.
Rejoice always
1 Thessalonians 5:16, NIV
Being made in God’s image means we have reason to love life, especially as believers in Christ. Let us rejoice in our Lord and His salvation.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV
God has redeemed us, giving us hope and reason to be joyful and thankful at all times. Seek Him through prayer and worship, which He helps us do through His Holy Spirit.
And be thankful.l for all He has done!
I don’t normally make a big deal about this particular day of the year. I prefer to dwell on January 9, the day I became a believer in Jesus as my Savior.
What is special of this day?
Well, on October 26, 1983, I was born.
As I turn two score years old, it occurred to me that this year I will have spent two and half times longer as a Christian than not as a Christian. I was 16 years in the spiritual wilderness when I first bent my knee and confessed Jesus as Lord. This coming year, I celebrate 24 years walking as a disciple of Jesus in the Promise.
I may have completed 40 revolutions about our Sun, but I await eternity wrapped in the love of The Son.
And I am thankful for our God’s love and grace, for all the gifts He has given, especially for eternal life. (And a loving, God-fearing wife who helps me grow and stay on the straight-and-narrow. And I await greeting my mother once more in His presence.)
yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:18, ESV
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
Zephaniah 3:17, ESV
God loves us, saves us, comforts us, and rejoices in our salvation and good works done in His Name by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12, ESV
We should be encouraging each other through worshipping God, keeping each other faithful, and praying together. And Christ will empower us by the Holy Spirit.
that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
1 Corinthians 12:25-27, ESV
We join in Christ’s suffering, and we share in His resurrection. May we encourage each other as we await His return, praying for each other and loving each other in Christ’s love.
a simple man of God 