Reason to be Joyful

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. – Psalm 100:1-2

The post “Joy in All We Do” was about the significance of joy in worship. The basis of Hebrew worship is remembrance, joyfulness, and praise for what God has given. If those under the law could celebrate, how much more can we who receive the holy gift of the gospel, rejoice and be full of life.

This day, be reminded of the victory that Christ brings in our life. Praise God for the sunrise, the sunset, and all His creation. Worship in art, poetry, and in song like Counting Every Blessing by Rend Collective. Put some pep in your step with momentum for your day for in every season, there is a reason to be joyful. We are blessed beyond measure and there is hope in our future because each day with God is a treasure.

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Joy In All We Do

The photo above was taken at my office building a few years ago as I looked out one of the meeting rooms. I wanted to capture the moment because it was a sign to me that everything would work out under a stressful situation. There is peace and joy because Jesus was born. Believe God will provide music for your ears, laughter for our souls, and a rainbow after every storm.

This day will be amazing because we seek God every day and in Him we believe. We are thankful for His provision; grateful for all we receive. Today, we read Deuteronomy 16:1-17 and will receive joy from reading His Word.

The passage today discusses three annual events that required meeting at the central place of worship. The Festival of Unleavened Bread or Passover, the Festival of Weeks, and the Festival of Tabernacles.

Passover is celebrated in March or April and was the celebration of being “passed over” when the first born was killed in Egypt because of the blood sprinkled door. The Festival of Weeks or Pentecost is celebrated seven weeks after planting in May or June. The Festival of Tabernacles is celebrated after harvest in September or October.

The take away for me is to find joy in all we do and bring it into worship because worship is giving thanks to God for what He has blessed us with. Let us find joy in His Word and apply it in our life. Let us find joy in music, in art, and in poetry. Let us find joy in the sunrise, the sunset, and the photos we take.

This day with You Lord, we step out in faith because of the victory in Christ. We can enjoy every moment and not worry. We can be happy instead of being uneasy and just be the person You made us to be. Help us to be at peace with things at work or with financial concerns at home. Today, we let the worries go and trust that everything will be worked out. Today, there is pep in our step with momentum for our day. Amen.

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Holding On To The Promises

A new series of messages will be given by my pastor at this Link over the next few weeks. The series will be on the book of Ruth which tells a story that begins where there is no hope with two women facing impossible odds but holding onto the promises of God. You are invited to join in on this sermon series and be inspired by the incredible blessings that come because of the greatness of our God.

Worship online via FUMC at this link https://firstwaco.com/ or Download the free app in the App Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.

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Love Has Come and Won

For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. – Romans 6:6-7

The post “Accept the Help” discussed the principle of forgiving debt on the seventh year. Payment of a loan was extended for one year as a generous act of concern for neighbors in need. They were given a grace period similar to the grace of the gospel in pardoning sins.

Be thankful that grace always wins! Listen to the song White Flag by Chris Tomlin and surrender all to the Lord. Then the war will be over because love has come and won.

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Refreshment and Energy

Receive refreshment and energy from this poem to finish the race strong. Christ’s perfect sacrifice delivers what you need to serve God so accept this advantage, ask what you can do for Him in return, and continue the race to victory.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Begin each day
 Asking what to do
 Accepting His love
 And starting anew
  
 For the race of life
 Like a long distance run
 Requires momentum
 For it to be done
  
 So use inspiration
 Learned from history 
 Of Christ’s sacrifice 
 To bring the victory
  
 Give Him the praise
 For what’s been done
 Spurred on knowing
 The battles’ been won
  
 Receive refreshment 
 All the day long
 With energy lasting
 To finish strong
  
  
 Poem by Mark Shields – © 01-07-2021
 Inspired by “This Day with God Devotional – Desolation to Restoration

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