“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee…” Jer 1:5

Much of life is defined and measured in terms of success rather than significance. A significant life is one of purpose and meaning and it takes on a new measure of success. Success is often defined in terms of fame, fortune, power, or achievement and miss the significance of making their lives count for more than accumulated accomplishments. Our scripture passage reminds us that true success in life is to realize the significance that God created every child to become. Every child of God is uniquely and wonderfully made in the image of God. God has a plan for each of His children. The Bible is filled with ordinary people who surrendered to God, submitted to His call, and were used significantly for His purpose. Jeremiah thought of himself as insignificant to God, but God reminded him and said to him “I formed thee…I knew thee…I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee.” Jeremiah was a simple man that submitted himself to God as a vessel in the hand of God (Jer 18:4). Another example of one who served God with his life was Joshua. God brought him out of the shadow of Moses and used him significantly through Joshua’s trust and obedience to God. God promised Joshua that He would prosper him and give him good success, if only he would follow His plan and purpose (Josh 1:8). Like Jeremiah and Joshua, and many others who looked to God, trusted Him, and followed Him, God has a plan and purpose for every child born on earth. My friend, your life is uniquely special to God (Ps 139:14). Those who trust Him by faith, are made alive in Christ, to live unto Him for His glory. Success and significance in life are measured by God’s plan and His design that all creation will exalt Him and glorify Him. Father, we love You, praise You and adore You. Thank You for Your wonderful, created design and plan for each of Your children. Help us know Your plan and live to Your glory through Your son, Jesus, the Christ. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

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

There are many saying for how one should respond to setbacks in life. We’ve heard the saying “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” “When you get knocked down, get back up.” “Look for the brighter side of life.” These are all encouragements for position thinking and to have a positive outlook that typically draw on personal and internal strength. Times may come when personal strength is not enough, and internal strength is exhausted. What then? Our scripture passage reminds us that the child of God gets and gains their strength always “in the Lord.” Therefore, “Rejoice.” In setback moments and adversity, be reminded to “lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths” (Prov 3:5-6). Therefore, “Rejoice.” Rejoice that Christ is presence, and He leads the way. Rejoice” and follow Him. In those moments when we are uncertain, hear the Spirit say “be still, and know that I am God” (Ps 46:10). In the stillness of the moment, God will begin to renew your strength and you can “Rejoice.” My friend, the joy of the Lord is a holy joy the delights in God and desires to see God exalted in all things. The child of God can “Rejoice” at every occasion and have “hope…because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Rom 5:5). The child of God is not simply an optimist in life, but a conqueror. “We are more than conquerors” (Rom 8:37) through Christ Jesus who loved us and will lead us every step of the way. Therefore, “Rejoice.” My friend it our duty and privilege to “rejoice in the Lord,” and to rejoice in Him always, and at all times. Lemons can remind us that the sun is shining, and God remains in sovereign control. In the down times, know that God has given you the perspective with the lowly and cast down. In those moments, look up and hear the Spirit say “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord” (Ps 121:1). Therefore, “Rejoice.” Father, thank You that nothing can separate me from Your love. Thank You for Your continued presence and strength through Jesus Christ. I will “rejoice and be glad.” In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

“Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:9-10

There are few times in our nation’s history that its people had reason to celebrate as a Nation. You may have seen television broadcasts where people flood city streets to celebrate a hometown championship.  Those times are memorialized with great energy, excitement, and anticipated expectation for what was long desired. The people celebrate at home because the team celebrates victory in the moment. Our scripture passage illustrates the passion of our heavenly Father has for every child created in His image. The illustration is of a woman who diligently searches for a lost piece of silver or a coin. So often women are known for their nature and ability to bear lost with deep passion yet rejoice greatly when peace is found. Our heavenly Father bears a deep passion for every child lost in sin, which are precious to Him. The soul of man is as precious silver. Not forged metals like iron or lead, but a precious metal with “intrinsic worth and value” (MHC) mined by royalty. The coin is created and accounted for to bear the image and superscription of its sovereign creator, as does the soul of every man created in the image of God. The lost coin represents the soul of man, made in the image of God, but now lies unused, defaced, tarnished, and amid the dust of sin. Every soul is known to Sovereign God and is accounted for. Every soul is precious because every soul bears the image of God. But its value is of no use as it lies in the dust and darkness of sin. My friend, the Father’s will is that all would be saved and none should perish. Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. That is the Father’s business. That is the victory that He celebrates. That is the “joy in the presence of angels of God.” Those in the presence of God know the “joy…over one sinner that repenteth.” Does your heart rejoice “with joy inexpressible” (1 Pet 1:8) over the salvation of one sinner’s soul. Draw near to Jesus and hear Him say “rejoice with Me…over one sinner that repenteth.” Father, thank You that Your search continues and You seek those to bear the image of Your glory and goodness that some lost soul might be saved. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.