Rejoice in the Lord Jesus Always - Part 689

"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away and behold, all things are become new." (II Corinthians 5:17) This means that when we ask Jesus into our hearts, we become a new person in Jesus. From this first encounter with our Lord God and Saviour, we begin to do things differently. For example, we dwell on the Word -- the scriptures -- delivered to us by Almighty God Himself. He paid the price on the cross when He shed His precious Holy Spirit blood on the cross for our sins.

The next step is to press closer to our Lord God and Saviour. "For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that He may instruct him?" (I Corinthians 2:16) The Bible states that we -- ordinary people who believe and trust in an extraordinary God -- need to take on the mind of our Lord. Indeed, the scriptures encourage us to "let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:5) 

But taking on the mind of the Lord is more than just thinking continually about the Lord. In fact, we read that are "beseeched" to be of the same mind as the Lord. At the same time, we are instructed to rejoice in the Lord Jesus always (Philippians 4:4) Why? Because our joy and crown is to stand fast in the Lord Jesus -- and to be always willing to willingly do His will. 

And in so doing, be careful for nothing. Rather -- in everything give thanks by prayer and supplication -- with thanksgiving as the Word states -- lettin your requests be known unto God. "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. And that we do so in order that the peace of God, which passes all understanding keeps our hearts and minds pure through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:11-12)

Remember too that "whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."

Most of all, know that our Lord God and Saviour is big enough to supply all of our needs -- spiritual and physical -- according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Therefore rejoice with gladness. Sing praises unto God and Father and be the glory to Him forever and ever. 

Finally, receive the Word with all readiness of mind searching the scriptures daily -- and discern for yourself whether these things were so. (Acts 17:11)  May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Stand in the offering plate.