-
Rejoice in the Lord
Philippians 4:1-7
Preena Mathew Kochama

Farmers Branch MTC, Dallas, Texas.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
 
Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians while he was in prison. The passage for today’s meditation is an exhortation from Paul which begins in a very personal and affectionate tone. He begins by addressing the people in Philippi as brothers and sisters.
                      He encourages them to stand firm in the Lord. It is not easy to be stable and have a firm standing in the Lord always. We too, must be aware of the forces and pressures around us that can pull us down or push us away from Lord.
                                 In vs 2, Paul addresses two women personally taking up their names, Euodia and Syntyche. He puts it as a request to them to unite and to be of the same mind in the Lord. We understand that these two women who had been significant persons in the church had disagreements amongst themselves and were unable to reconcile. From vs 3, it is evident that these women stood beside Paul in his Mission of the gospel. It is indeed a distressing fact that those who take up a significant role in God’s work find it difficult to get along with each other and it badly affects the unity of the church.
                                 We see the exhortations of Paul from vs. 4 – vs.7. In vs.4, we see Paul giving a command to ‘rejoice’. The word ‘Joy’ or ‘Rejoice’ is repeatedly used in the book of Philippians.  Christian life is a journey of joy. It is a quality higher than happiness that transcends above the events and circumstances in one’s life. Paul reminds us that irrespective of what happens, to keep up gentleness. Vs. 6 provides great strength to anyone who goes through difficult situations and for those who are worried and apprehensive about their future. Paul asks us to come before the presence of God in every situation of our life with thanksgiving. Are we are not privileged to have a God in whose presence we can find comfort and solace at any time of our life? It’s a wonderful knowledge that the God Almighty can grant us peace that can guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. And the beauty of this peace granted by God Almighty is that it is beyond our human understanding.

PRAYER

Lord, grant us the grace to experience happiness and rejoice always no matter what our life situations be. Help us to come before You with thanksgiving in our hearts. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Christian life is a celebration when we have the attitude of gratitude. 

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more