Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Phil 4:4

When was the last time that you rejoiced in something? More than happy, I mean rejoice! The moment when a deep longing became a reality. The moment when you were so gripped with joy, so overcome with gladness, that nothing else mattered. You just embraced the moment and didn’t want it to pass. When I read scripture passages such as the one before us today, I am reminded to think on the eternal things of God. Think on His goodness, His mercy, His grace and His Eternal Presence at every moment day and night. His faithfulness is beyond comprehension. The abiding Presence of the Holy Spirit is comfort to the weary soul. I am reminded that I need only to turn from the things of the world that choke the life of faith with worries, anxiousness, and constant striving, to come unto Him that the “light of life” (Jn 8:12) may spring forth in hope, joy, peace, and rest in His Presence. God promises to all who will turn from their labors and worries, and come to Him, He will give rest (Mt 11:28). Rest with Him and in His Presence. That, my friend, will “Rejoice!” the soul and you can “rejoice in the Lord.” What are you clinching on to that keeps from time in His Presence? Begin today in His Presence and your day will be filled with rejoicing as you “Rejoice in the Lord.” In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12

In the beginning, God spoke light into existence. He did it before He created the sun, the moon, and the stars (Gen 1). Life is the source of all life. Nothing exists without light. God is the light of all creation, and nothing created exists without Him. As physical light is necessary for our health and well-being, spiritual light is necessary for eternal life. The scripture passage declares to us that Jesus Christ is “the light of the world.” He is the source of truth life and without Him is darkness. The light of Jesus Christ not only lights the pathway of life, that those who follow Him “shall not walk in darkness” but He is the “light of life.” The “light of life” is the abiding presence of Almighty God. It is life-giving light that brings joy, peace, and hope to the heart of the child of God. It is the light that shined forth in the face of Jesus that the disciple declared “that Thou art the Christ art the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Mat 16:16). It is the light that John declared “His eyes like a flame of fire” (Rev 1:14). His light is “the glory of God” (Rev 21:23). Dear friend, is there something that stirs within you when you hear the Name of Jesus? Is there something unexplainable that causes you to hope in the midst of tragedy, rejoice in times of hardship, and be at peace when things don’t workout as you once imaged. It is during the darkest times in life that the “light of life” shines brightest. It is during these times that you can “let your light so shine” before those who “walk in darkness” (Mt 5:16) that they may see and give glory to God. What does it mean to you to “have the light of life?” Dear friend, I pray that Jesus will illuminate in your heart and your fellowship with Him will shine brightly through your life as you “walk in the light as He is in the light” (1 Jn 1:17). Father, thank You that Your are the light of all creation and Your Son is the light of all eternity that all who believe on Him “shall have the light of life”. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matt 11:28

I pray that you had a blessed and wonderful day of worship with your local church on the Lord’s Day. Continue to be blessed in the week ahead. Recently I was encouragement from a friend to take some time, relax, slow down and do nothing. That may seem exciting at first, but I have found it difficult to put into practice. You see, activity is a major part of who we are. If allowed, activities can consume all our time and energy and become what we are known for. Our activities can become our identity. The scripture passage encourages us to spend time with the Father to know Him and find real purpose and meaning for life. Jesus invites us to “Come…and I will give you rest.” Jesus understood how important identity was in life. He understood how hard people work to create an identity. He was challenged and questioned by Satan (Lk 4:3), religious leaders (Lk 22:66), and many others (Jn 10:24) about His identity. Jesus never lost sight of who He was or His purpose. He accepted and committed Himself to the purpose that the Father had sent Him (Jn 7:16) and doing the work of the Father, He was at peace and rest. My friend, Jesus is not asking us to cease from our labors, but “come unto Me (Jesus)” for purpose and meaning in all our labors and “He will direct your paths” (Prov 3:6). With Him and in His presence is where we find strength for the day and “rest” to continue for the days ahead. Dear friend, “humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Pet 5:6-7). What do you think is God purpose for your life? Come to Him and He “will give you rest” in your labor with Him. Father, thank You for the promise of rest in Your Son. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.