Philippians 4:4

"Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

Rejoice. A fairly simple word. Meaning: To be glad; take delight; to make joyful. Sounds easy. So why is it so hard?

We were called to take delight in the Lord. Easier said than done. There are so many things in this world that we don't have or that don't happen to us when we want. WANT, such a dangerous word in our world today. It is also probably one of the most used words too. Why? Because we live in a self-centered world. A world that is so focused and the here and nows of our own lives that we easily forget about the there and futures of others. I am the best at being me focused. And what's worse is that I have even gotten so good at being so selfish that I blame, blame, blame or do something for "others" because it will in some way benefit me. I'm so ashamed of that lifestyle. But, could you imagine what our lives' would be like if we served a God that was that selfish? I don't even like thinking about it. Everything God ever does is out of love. And Love is selfless. There would be no hope, no forgiveness, no life, no renewal, nothing without the selfless love of our Lord. Our Lord who would have found something better to do than die on a cross for a bunch of sinners, if He were a selfish guy. But, He isn't. And we are free! And for that reason we are called to REJOICE! And Paul was serious when he told us to take delight in God. (Hense, the repetition!) Paul of all people would know the effect of rejoicing and giving the glory to God. He is one of the most obvious transformations in the Bible! And God did some amazing things through Him! God is busy in our lives just like he was in Paul's. Our God is alive! And we need to give Him the glory for everything! Even when it doesn't seem easy. James 1:2 says, "Consider it pure JOY my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." More repetition! (Just new wording!) We need to ALWAYS be glad in the God who has given us ALL that we have. The Author and Perfector of our Salvation. The Way, the Truth, and the Life. Rejoice in Him. The Perfect Example of True, Selfless Love. Rejoice in Him ALWAYS! He deserves it!

Give THANKS to the Lord,

His [selfless] love endures forever!

Matthew 6:18-20

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven...For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Why does it feel like everything in this world is based on competition? And why do our wants and desires in this world destroy our motives of a pure, God-filled lifestyle? I don't know how many times I have made complaints about what I don't have in comparison to others. I have also found myself begin to despise others who look "better" or are more "popular" than myself. I have become so accustomed to a world of WANT as opposed to need. This passage in Matthew talks about the danger of storing up earthly treasures and I used to think it only meant "things." But, verse 20 proves those thoughts completely wrong. "Wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Just like 2+3=5 and 3+2=5 as well; where your treasure is, your heart will be and where your heart is, your treasure will be also. Your treasures are not just the tangible things in life, they are anything that you invest yourself into. Anything that your heart desires. So, when Jesus says not to store up earthly treasures, I think He was reminding us to spend a lot less of our energy comparing ourselves to others, and investing our thoughts in what others think about us, or focusing so much on ourselves that we miss opportunities to serve, love, and witness to others. Our treasures and our hearts are so important to God. He doesn't want to lose them forever. So, invest more of yourself into things that bring glory to the One who gave us life!

"Lord, I give you my heart
And the treasures it stores
To use it for Your kingdom
forevermore!"

1 Corinthians 13:12

"Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.

Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."

1 Corinthians 13, also known as the Love chapter, is an amazing chapter on what it truly means to love and the true definition of love is. I like this chapter because it goes beyond the overrated version of "love." I know I have used that word far too many times. "I love Taco Bell" and "I love chocolate." NOT! Love is soo much greater than that. And this chapter proves it! The entire Bible is wrapped in the love of the Author of our Faith. There is nothing that God does or ever did that was not lead by His love for us. And because of that, we can not truly understand the extent of our Creator's character and love. But, that is what makes me appreciate verse 12 so much more. We live in a sin-filled world that makes it hard for us to see God at work in our everyday lives. But, Scripture tells us that this world is just temporary and one day we will see God face to face, in ALL His glory! Then, we will be able to truly understand God's love for us! Verse 10 says, "when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears." The imperfect views we have gained from this world will be wiped out when we are in the presence of the Lord. We see a poor reflection of what God's love looks like. But, one day, we will see God face to face and be able to truly understand Him and fully know His love for us! The greatest thing about God is that even though we are "fully known" His love for us is still so great! I can't even begin to imagine what it is going to be like to know God's love fully. And I am so amazed by the fact that I am fully known. No hiding the real me or pretending to be someone I'm not. God knows me better than I know myself and he still loves me more than I can understand! God's love is soo exciting! And although He is hard to understand fully, He rejoices in our seeking!