rejoice in the lord



      REJOICE IN THE LORD, ALWAYS



      Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (Is. 26:3)

      .....Sometimes in this world of trials and disappointments leave some depressed, especially when we look around and see all the sin that is so rampant in today's societies. It is everywhere, on television and in the movies. We see it on the evening news, where a man has killed his ex-wife or ex-girlfriend in a jealous rage. Our society has focused on pleasure and an image that others can make us happy or fulfilled. That wealth in today's world will make everything in our life perfect.

      This is a lie that the devil has been spreading down through the history of mankind. Material wealth or another human being simply cannot make us happy. When a marriage crumbles, each spouse blames the other, never accepting responsibility for their own actions. We as humans place to much expectation on others.

      We should strive to remember that God is the only perfect one, as is His Son Jesus. Jesus knows our heart and all the intents and actions that comes from within it.

      "That which is born of the flesh is flesh: and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."

      Jesus explained this to Nicodemus, who came to Jesus asking questions. Nicodemus was a religious leader to the Jewish people in Jesus' time. It is certain that Nicodemus was well read and educated in Jewish religion, however he stumbled at this answer from our Saviour. "How can these things be?" He wondered. Jesus was telling him that unless a man is born of water (baptism) and the Spirit (God's Holy Spirit) he cannot enter the kingdom God.

      .....Nicodemus was like alot of people today.

      Our society wants to look at God's word through man's eyes.

      People simply cannot understand how He gives a believer peace when he is converted and accepts Jesus into His life. Gods word gives us laws to live by, not to hinder us, but to make us happy and content. Its not a burden to take up one's cross and follow Jesus, but a way of peace. Jesus is the only one who can show us how to be joyful in a dark and sinful world. He testified " I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto Father, but by me." There is no other way to contentment.

      ....."And an highway shall be there, and a way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it." (Is 35:8)

      .....Jesus made this way possible, when He gave his life at Calvary. On the Cross, a fountain was opened unto all who come and drink of it. His blood washes us from our sins. We are sanctified through his sacrifice, by His stripes are we healed. Our Saviour took upon him the sins of the whole world down through time. God knew that man could never come this way through his own actions. We are born to fail, just as Adam and Eve failed and brought mankind down to Satan's level. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive.

      Christians need to remember this when they become discouraged or tempted in things of the world. We are living in the last days, and we should always be about our Fathers work, so that when Christ shall appear, he can look at us and say "Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." This Eternal joy and peace awaits all of God's children.

      Will you enter ?

      But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

      by: Greg Belcher.....2000