Dear Daily Message Readers,
READ: Philippians 2:12-18
Philippians 2:18 (NLT) "So you too should be glad and rejoice with me."
Here in the center of the United States, it is not uncommon for our weather patterns to mimic other parts of the world. For instance, today's weather reminded many people of the weather they have experienced, seen, or heard about in the United Kingdom. Picture this: 50 degrees Fahrenheit, a light mist all day long, and dark, gray clouds lingering overhead. This weather pattern was well resembled in the gloomy faces of the people I talked to today (some simply blamed it on Monday!). Though these individuals probably did not mean for this to happen, their non-verbal expressions communicated volumes about the condition of their day, and perhaps even their heart.
The Bible says that followers of Christ are to be joyful. Paul commanded the Philippian believers, saying, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (4:4).
"Right....," I can hear someone say. "With all the pressure on me, all the tasks I have got to do, all the expectations everybody's got for me at work, home, and at church, and now I have to be joyful too--or worse yet, feel guilty about it if I am not. Darin, you're asking too much! No, I am not. In fact, I am not asking anything the Bible doesn't ask for already, nor am I calling for something the Lord's not going to help us experience with His heavenly assistance.
You might ask, "Where does joy come from? Well, if you are expecting it to come through what you get or buy or do, you are looking in the wrong places. While it is true we will get a momentary rush by winning a big game, receiving a promotion at work, or being honored among our peers, that kind of emotion lasts only for a short time. And before long, we are looking again.
To say it as clear as possible: Joy comes from God and God alone. We are to rejoice in the Lord (Phil. 2:18). Deep gladness of heart is found only in Jesus--the forgiveness of sins He offers, the Holy Spirit He placed in us when we invited Him in our hearts, the gifts He has given us to serve Him, and the fellow believers who brighten our lives.
Are the weather patterns getting you down? How about the problems in your life? No matter what you are facing today, take a moment to praise the Lord and meditate on His goodness in your life. Faith Lesson:Joy that lasts comes from our everlasting Father.
In Christ,
Darin Smith
READ: Philippians 2:12-18
Philippians 2:18 (NLT) "So you too should be glad and rejoice with me."
Here in the center of the United States, it is not uncommon for our weather patterns to mimic other parts of the world. For instance, today's weather reminded many people of the weather they have experienced, seen, or heard about in the United Kingdom. Picture this: 50 degrees Fahrenheit, a light mist all day long, and dark, gray clouds lingering overhead. This weather pattern was well resembled in the gloomy faces of the people I talked to today (some simply blamed it on Monday!). Though these individuals probably did not mean for this to happen, their non-verbal expressions communicated volumes about the condition of their day, and perhaps even their heart.
The Bible says that followers of Christ are to be joyful. Paul commanded the Philippian believers, saying, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (4:4).
"Right....," I can hear someone say. "With all the pressure on me, all the tasks I have got to do, all the expectations everybody's got for me at work, home, and at church, and now I have to be joyful too--or worse yet, feel guilty about it if I am not. Darin, you're asking too much! No, I am not. In fact, I am not asking anything the Bible doesn't ask for already, nor am I calling for something the Lord's not going to help us experience with His heavenly assistance.
You might ask, "Where does joy come from? Well, if you are expecting it to come through what you get or buy or do, you are looking in the wrong places. While it is true we will get a momentary rush by winning a big game, receiving a promotion at work, or being honored among our peers, that kind of emotion lasts only for a short time. And before long, we are looking again.
To say it as clear as possible: Joy comes from God and God alone. We are to rejoice in the Lord (Phil. 2:18). Deep gladness of heart is found only in Jesus--the forgiveness of sins He offers, the Holy Spirit He placed in us when we invited Him in our hearts, the gifts He has given us to serve Him, and the fellow believers who brighten our lives.
Are the weather patterns getting you down? How about the problems in your life? No matter what you are facing today, take a moment to praise the Lord and meditate on His goodness in your life. Faith Lesson:Joy that lasts comes from our everlasting Father.
In Christ,
Darin Smith
