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
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