Rejoice Always
Good afternoon all. How many of you had a party over the holiday weekend? I did not have a formal party, but I got to spend part of the weekend with friends. We laughed and talked and relaxed. I hope each one of you had an opportunity to celebrate with friends and family. The US had a party celebrating the day we declared our independence from England. We had not achieved our independence, but on July 4th we declared it.
As Christians we can also have a party to celebrate OUR declaration to be a part of God’s Kingdom, by accepting God’s grace. The Kingdom of God is a party! Let healthy laughter fill our meetings, our meals, and even our worship. Allow the joy of our faith to be clearly evident in our speech and on our faces. The Proverbs quote below reminds us that happiness is very healthy! Happy people recover from illness much quicker than negative people. Happy people deal with stress much better than negative people. Happy people solve problems much better. For some negative people, their illness, stress and problems never go away. What a better way to be happy than to have a party celebrating God’s grace for us, and the promise of eternal life?
“But his father said to the servants, “Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.” So the party began. (Luke 15: 22 – 24)
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice!” (Philippians 4: 4)
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” (Proverbs 17: 22)
Ideas for Action: Just because many of us just had a party, how about planning another party for the coming weekend and invite a couple of individuals or families over to celebrate. Don’t forget the cake! What’s the occasion? The joy of knowing and serving Jesus and belonging to our church family are reasons enough. On Wednesday nights this summer, my church is hosting a cookout for our young families to get together, have fellowship, allow the young kids to play together, and develop strong bonds together. My church is planning a BIG party this fall bringing everyone back together for a meal and fellowship as we kick off our fall season. What are some ways that you and your church can have parties to celebrate what we have as Christians?
Be Happy, Christ is in our life!