Rejoice

Hello friends and family,

It has been a while since my last article, or whatever you want to call this stuff, so I felt the need to get busy and put down some public thoughts. I have been writing quite often, but nothing publishable, yet.  I am working on a novel I started almost ten years ago. My goal is to have it finished by March of next year and start sending out book proposals.

          I started reading the bible through this year and have been very successful so far, just two months away from completing the task. Once done I will start over and add other aspects of bible study. Last month while in Arizona my path through the bible led to the wonderful book of first Thessalonians. I found a couple of verses that I have added to memory. My mnemonic for remembering these verses is RPG. Rejoice, Pray, Give thanks. 1 Thessalonians chapter five, verses 16-18 says: Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  What power and joy these verses bring.

My twisted little brain fumbled around with the acronym RPG and the first thing that came to mind was Rocket Propelled Grenade, a handheld weapon that is very destructive. My RPG is a weapon to be used against the enemy of joy, peace and contentment. It has been effective in my life when disappointment has raised its childish head. Or, when anger sneaks up and wraps its scaly arms around me. It is effective against anything that attempts to steal joy.

The rejoicing part has been somewhat of a conundrum in the aspect of what constitutes rejoicing. Does it look like snoopy when he does his happy dance? Or is it more benign, like a monk who gets a new blanket? And, what am I to rejoice about?  Yesterday in Church I got an answer. We are going through the book of Romans and have landed on Romans chapter five. To sum up a forty five minute sermon our pastor listed six things that we have reason to rejoice for. First, because of Jesus we have peace with God (vs1). Second, Because of Jesus we have access to God (vs2). Third, Because of Jesus we have Hope (vs2). Fourth, Because of Jesus the problems we face have a purpose (vs 3). Fifth, Because of Jesus we can experience Gods love (vs6). Sixth, Because of Jesus we have eternal security (vs 17-18).

I think the answer to what rejoicing would look like is most certainly Snoopy’s happy dance. I encourage you to memorize 1thessalonians 5:16-18 and apply it to your life. I believe you will find the joy you have been looking for. God bless and see you next time

Cliff