Newsletter 399-"Rejoicing in Your Day"-12/14/2011


GOODNEWSLETTER
Number 399 December 14, 2011
REJOICING IN YOUR DAY
This is the day which the LORD hath made;
We will be glad and rejoice in it," Psalm 118:24.
We sometimes think, 'Why were we born in this time segment?' And, there is no doubt that we have thought of living in another time. For example, I thought that the days of the wild west would be exciting.
Bang! Bang! Back then, one could even 'RIDE A HORSE IN CALIFORNIA.' However, there isn't a thing we can do about it; except to be, REJOICING IN OUR DAY.
Yet, throughout history, the thought about living in any particular time period entertains our desires; for a moment, anyway. But, it isn't long before I realize that there was no air conditioning, cars or the
world-wide net. No, I'm happy to be living in these days. And, I rejoice in the LORD, more and more as the days go by.
Further, I am very happy to be born in the forties. Not too early and not too late! But really, the time we came on the earth doesn't matter, now does it? That is really true if we learn to REJOICE in our day; like
the writer of Psalm 119. And, David did, as well – always. He rested well. "I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me," Psalm 3:5.
But, what else would we think about a person who places the LORD first in his life - "From the rising of the sun to its setting," ?, Psalm 113:3. David's delight was "in the law of the LORD," in which he
"meditated day and night," (Ps 1:2). My Bible places stars next to verses that are prophetic. They aid in Bible study. In the Second Psalm, for example, stars are after each verse; which, means "prophecy." I really like
to use the "Open Bible for that reason. And, a star also means the verse will show up again later in Scripture. The Stars indicate many future verses about the Savior, too; such as, Psalm 1:7. "I will surely decree of
the LORD: He said to Me, 'Thou are My Son, Today I have begotten Thee." I appreciate the additional aids and helps provided by various translations so much that I tell the church members of Trinity MBC to buy a
good Bible with lots of helps.
And, we need not stay in the Book of Psalms to see rejoicing in God's plan and the accomplishments in one's life. It's throughout the Bible. None more vividly written than when Mary visited Elizabeth. Both
were pregnant. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby within her "leaped in her womb" (Lk 1;41). Elizabeth was also filled with the Holy Spirit; as well as carrying the forerunner of Jesus, John, the Baptist.
What Mary spoke were words of rejoicing, to be sure. "My soul exalts the LORD, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior" (Lk. 1:47-48). All of us should read and clearly understand what Mary said
in Luke, verses 46 to 55. Her Son would do the miracles and save mankind. What a calling Elizabeth had! What a calling we have!
Of course, Jesus rejoiced, over and over again. His works brought rejoicing to all, as well. Now, because of the LORD will come to earth, Gentiles could rejoice. Paul wrote that Gentiles ought to rejoice; even
rely on another, Christ. Here, Paul gives some real spiritual truth to the Romans. "Jesus Christ...confirmed the promises made unto the fathers" (Rom. 15:7-8). Paul then cites Psalms 18:49 and 117:1; ending with
the prophecy of Isaiah 11:1, "There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust."
Rejoicing means: "to be glad and made happy." When we read Scriptures, we get this feeling, every time. Indeed! God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good. We even read of the creation rejoicing.
God is aware and, He's had enough of Satan's doings. He shall avenge His people, as we read in Revelation. The wicked city of Babylon shall be thrown down, and she (the city) shall be found no more at all. At
that time, "...harpers, and musicians, and pipers, and trumpeters," (Re. 18:22) shall all be gone from the city.
Everything is taken care of by the LORD. Amen! His plan is right on schedule and His people are rejoicing in where they are and what they are doing – at the time they are doing it. The Apostle Paul knew his
calling and his fellowship and, wouldn't it be grand that we did, as well? He was was always concerned with those in the church. In 2nd Corinthians 1:12, Paul said, "For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our
conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, BUT BY THE GRACE OF GOD, WE HAVE OUR CONVERSATION (Life-style) IN THE WORLD, AND MORE ABUNDANTLY TO YOU-WARD."