Rejoice in the Lord Always!

Prayer Warrior said:

I’m enjoying this uplifting discussion! I just remembered a verse that I find amazing.

2 Cor 4:5-7--For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves because of Jesus. For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ. Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.

We carry the light of the knowledge of God's glory in our imperfect earthly bodies--clay jars, earthen vessels! Wow!

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Psalm 19:4-5 KJV
[4] Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, [5] Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
Brings to mind, it is The Spirit of Christ Rejoicing within.

Hidden In Him said:

The interesting thing about Paul's saying is that it brings to mind Jesus' teaching about, "he who knows not to do something yet does it will be beaten with many stripes, but he who knows not that he is doing wrong yet does it will be beaten with few" (that's a paraphrase). Our conscience is not the perfect judge of our conduct, but at least it's provided by God to light the way for us through what we currently understand. And not violating our conscience can be a tough enough battle as is, so there is always something to be said for walking close enough for it to be clear.

Takes the cross, however. There are always things each of us don't want to let go of.

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Ignorance in my opinion is a huge factor, or was for Paul anyway.

Nancy said:

Well, He knows what we are thinking anyhow so, might as well get it out!

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exactly! Agree. Nothing is hidden from Him so why not say it out loud. (Imo). Although you said it much better “might as well get it out.”

Nancy said:

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I wonder at times why He just doesn't snuff me out,

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can relate here too. Was telling my husband yesterday when I think of how many times I need forgiveness, I’m so thankful His mercies are new every morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. [23] They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

marks said:

This is repeated immediately. I think God means it.

So what are the implications of rejoicing always? How do we do that? Not just pretending that we feel extreme happiness when we don't, but to be truly happy all the time?

Much love!

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i think when you do not have any problems in life and you are living in the word of God and God is listening in you isn't this the greatest and wonderful gift of all?

you wouldn't have any problem because you are living in the word on what was written your mind and heart is at peace always the world may not have peace with you but God has it was like you see the world so wonderful because God is with you and you are in him you are like wearing smiles at all time a sincere smile that even a person a smack you in the face you are liken to a crazy person you wouldn't even be angry about it because you are keeping the word of God i felt that once no twice* then i fell here i am again trying again

when I read what i said the grammar is wrong so I will use a translator when you know the truth and someone attacked you or they are persecuting you because you know the truth you will not be angry what is the truth? the word of God no matter what torture they do to you will not be angry instead you will be happy and you will have no problem because when you can think your problem you used to have should not be called a problem because of his words

marks said:

This is repeated immediately. I think God means it.

So what are the implications of rejoicing always? How do we do that? Not just pretending that we feel extreme happiness when we don't, but to be truly happy all the time?

Much love!

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Hello @Mark

When you consider the situation Paul was in, as a prisoner, at the time of writing, and the situation that the Philippian believers were also in, with persecution and the danger of torture and death under Nero. Then looking through the eyes of the flesh, rejoicing would be the last thing we would expect from them. Yet, that is what they did, determinedly, regardless of circumstance and of feelings, they set their eyes upon Him Who had gone before them, Who for the hope that was set before Him, had endured the cross, despising the shame, and was set down at the right hand of God.

Many of them would be tarred and set alight, or sent to face the lions in the arena. Horrific possibilities surrounded them, but Chapter 4 shows how peace in dire circumstances can be achieved, and what our minds should be stayed on. It is a deliberate action, a choice we have all got to make. For we have a hope set before us, a glorious hope, which is not for this life only, but is eternal. That is what we must keep before our minds, as our Saviour did, and keep our minds stayed upon Him.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

VictoryinJesus said:

exactly! Agree. Nothing is hidden from Him so why not say it out loud. (Imo). Although you said it much better “might as well get it out.”



can relate here too. Was telling my husband yesterday when I think of how many times I need forgiveness, I’m so thankful His mercies are new every morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. [23] They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

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LOVE just knowing that His mercies are new each morning when I get up. Not sure I would want to get up otherwise! Such a myriad of things to thank Him for and to rejoice in! Amen

Nancy said:

LOVE just knowing that His mercies are new each morning when I get up. Not sure I would want to get up otherwise! Such a myriad of things to thank Him for and to rejoice in! Amen

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@Nancy: Makes me think also of Psalm 68.19: "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah."

amadeus said:

Our heads are the problem! Is not Jesus to be our Head? Remember the very graphic example of John the Baptist and his head. They cut off his head, but I suspect already he had a better Head in Jesus... and us? Are we ready for them to cut off our heads, if it comes to that?

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That was profound! : ) Yes, I'd say this may be part of why Paul said "who can separate us from the love of God." Christ in us is something they cannot kill. The Spirit simply returns to the Father with our spirit in tow, if you will. What do we lose by death if we have died to ourselves already? And this was a point Paul was making over and over again.

VictoryinJesus said:

lol my grandson told me the other day to stop being a Debby Downer.

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Hahaha...he's an old soul

Prayer Warrior said:

This is kind of funny. My hip has been out of whack.

Thanks for the encouragement. His timing is absolutely perfect. If only I can remember this!

I pray that you will see breakthroughs in the areas you need them!

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Thank you! I would take 10 fervent prayers over a million dollars any-day!
The waiting, the waiting! Don't you wish that we could see Him working all things to the good? How He works, behind the scenes, so to speak? But then, it has already played out before Him... ✝

Nancy said:

Thank you! I would take 10 fervent prayers over a million dollars any-day!
The waiting, the waiting! Don't you wish that we could see Him working all things to the good? How He works, behind the scenes, so to speak? But then, it has already played out before Him... ✝

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@Nancy A spiritually minded comment indeed...

Prayer Warrior said:

I’m enjoying this uplifting discussion! I just remembered a verse that I find amazing.

2 Cor 4:5-7--For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves because of Jesus. For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ. Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.

We carry the light of the knowledge of God's glory in our imperfect earthly bodies--clay jars, earthen vessels! Wow!

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Love this
"...our imperfect earthly bodies--clay jars"
Literally!
Shine His Glory to the darkness that surrounds us, Amen!

And, in the midst of all that darkness, we will still rejoice:

Habakkuk 3:17
"Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the God of my salvation."

marks said:

It's like that you may have all the problems everyone has and then some, or so it can seem, but that doesn't matter, since we're trusting Jesus to care for us just as He promised. Our trust in Him is confidence that the circumstances of our lives are for good, even if they seem very difficult to endure. The afflictions themselves are reason to glory, when we really believe that God is controlling everything in my life.

Much love!

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when you believe in Christ he is not the one you believe in but his father God

because what he said did not come from him alone but from God
this can be seen in the bible I don't know where

because you trust in his word your problem cannot be considered a problem

I only felt this when I listened to the lesson of ang dating daan- Church Of God after this the next day scoot also told me the same teaching of what I heard

I really lacked faith, I only felt that for a while and i'm back to where i came from.again
currently using translator and modifying some hope you understand

marks said:

I've known for a long time that all I've really need to know, I learned when I was three! Or maybe four, it's hard to remember that far!

What is it about a 3 year old? We must become as little children . . . why? Is it because they don't ask why, but just accept things?

I guess I think both are true. They'll believe you when you tell them about Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy, but then they'll ask a million questions!

How do we return to openness and acceptance and wonder that are in a child?

Is it in a return to innocence?

Much love!

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how could it not be? although i guess wise like a fox too

Funny bird said:

i think when you do not have any problems in life and you are living in the word of God and God is listening in you isn't this the greatest and wonderful gift of all?

you wouldn't have any problem because you are living in the word on what was written your mind and heart is at peace always the world may not have peace with you but God has it was like you see the world so wonderful because God is with you and you are in him you are like wearing smiles at all time a sincere smile that even a person a smack you in the face you are liken to a crazy person you wouldn't even be angry about it because you are keeping the word of God i felt that once no twice* then i fell here i am again trying again

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Blessings in Christ Jesus! This once or twice is likened to hoping in the back seat and letting Him drive. When we a truly willing to let go and trust Him in all things He will take the wheel. And when He takes the wheel you will rejoice(and I say rejoice) through all things and you will truly understand the early churches Power and Authority."In they Presence is fullness of joy."

Nancy said:

Hi Marks,
Funny you mention this today. Just got back from the dog park and, that is where I like to talk to God. I was in well, not the greatest place. My prayer time with Him turned into more of a question session..'why have you not taken this from me Lord? You know I can't do it yet...it still rears it's ugly head no matter how much I pray for it to be taken from me...or for me to be "delivered" from it. So, I do agree with PW and what she say's on this matter...we all fall short of perfection in these flesh bodies and carnal minds. It seems everyone I know well does have a certain area where they struggle in more so than others. It's a thorn of sorts, ha ha! Yet, my question to God (one of them) today was, why Lord will this not go away completely? Why, when it leads me into sin by being short tempered and frustrated will you not take it from me?
All I could think of on the way to the park was, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."
And yeah, taking matters into our own hands when i do not acknowledge Him in ALL my ways, I screw up royally and...yep, frustration, anger...and to think that when I do acknowledge Him...things really do go smooth. It is such a growth thing and, in hindsight, I bet you could see that the things you mentioned in your OP have indeed, decreased over time?
In Him
nancy
Such short memories we have

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Hi, Nancy. I appreciate your transparency. I've also said almost the same words. But I didn't give up seeking Him, because I didn't have any choice, and He led me to a place where I got the freedom I'd been needing so desperately, though I went screaming and kicking. There is a church doctrine that says sanctification is a one-time event that happens when we are justified. I've learned otherwise. If you would like to see my layout of salvation (spirit, soul and body), it's on the Theology Forum, with my thread being called, "It is the glory of God..." I see it like this: it's like you have 10 full garbage cans but you only have 9 lids. Try as you may, garbage will eventually start stinking from the can with no lid. The solution is to take the garbage out. If you like what you read, there is a place God has helped me that, while being a small ministry, have free videos that address what you are talking about. And you don't have to join anything or give out personal information. This man, in his 80s, has helped those that struggle in the body at large since the 70's." Make up you own mind. Never take my word for anything. Shalom.