Daily Bread - JAN/02/08

Psalms 118:24 - This is the day Yahweh made we will rejoice and be glad in Him.

When we consider all of God's goodness and the blessing, if we were in our right mind we would not be able to contain ourselves for the joy (Hebrew-giyl) and gladness (Hebrew samach) that should be expressed. Unfortunately, many of God's people allow the cares of this world to choke out the joy and excitement of life. We become so overwhelmed with our responsibilities and wants that we become prisoners of disappointment and greed failing to recognize the overwhelming riches that are ours in Christ Jesus.

This day did not happen by itself. It is not a product of natural laws but the very act of a joyful and loving God who invites us to come and share it with Him. Yes, there is work that needs to be done and responsibilities that need to be met, but they can be done joyfully. If we would cast aside our self-interest and fears and recognize that the provider of the day is also the provider of all that we have need of we can rejoice in knowing all is well. No matter where we find ourselves we can begin to dream for bigger things in God and take courage that He is devoted to our success. Decide today that from now on you are going to, "Glory in His holy name," and realize that all who seek the Lord must find rejoicing in their heart (Psalms 105:3; Deuteronomy 12:7). Let the joy of the Lord be your strength; for as you rejoice in God, the Holy Spirit will strengthen you in your inner man (Nehemiah 8:10; Ephesians 3:16). When you see a mountain of hindrance before you do not lose heart or become sad and discouraged but rise up in shouts of joy and begin to proclaim grace, grace! (Zechariah 4:7). There is only one way to welcome the King of Kings into your life - who will come, fight your battles, and promote you into all the things that He has purposed for your life - and that is with shouts of joy (Matthew 21:9; Nehemiah 12:43; Psalms 24:7-9).

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org