REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAY
By John C. Carpenter
 
Paul and Timotheus, servants of Jesus Christ, wrote to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons, I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you (Philippians 4:2-9). Paul instructed the church in Philippi to do something which few in the modern day Christian church truly ever do - to rejoice.  In verse 4, the word rejoice is translated from the Greek word chairo, which means to be full of cheer, calmly happy, feel well off, be well, be glad, hail, or feel joyful. Also in verse 4, the word alway is translated from the Greek word pantote, which means every time, whenever, at all times, or evermore. By definition, to rejoice in the Lortd alway means to feel full of cheer and well off all the time. Many might say that feeling joyful at all times is impossible, that we are human, and that our emotional states are going to vary widely. This is true, yet God our Father and the holy scriptures instruct, no, command, us to strive for this goal to the extent possible.
 
Much of the time, many Christians, even while assembling with other believers, may appear to be happy and full of joy, but, in reality, they are truly not happy, nor do they feel well off. If we are truthful about the matter, after talking with many of them and getting to know them personally, most are doing nothing but putting on an appearance that things are alright. If we are truthful with ourselves, much of their behavior is an intentional deception, and a sham. Often, many believers pretend to be joyful and happy to others, because they believe this is what is expected of them. More often than not, person one asks person two, how are you? Person two responds, I am fine. Then, right on cue, person two asks person one, and how are you? Person one reponds, fine. They both smile deceptively and nervously, separate, and then go about their own business. However, much of the time, neither person one or two is happy or fine. Why is this so? Why are so many believers in Christ not happy, in spite of their faith in God the Father and Jesus Christ? The scriptures not only exhort and encourage believers to rejoice at all times, but even command it.
 
JOY BECAUSE CHRIST IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE WITH US
 
Many in Christiandom do not have any joy. Much of the time, they do not think or believe that it is even possible to be joyous as a believer in Christ. However, the scriptures teach us that there are many reasons for the Christian to rejoice. Let us mention some of those reasons.
 
First of all, the apostle Paul wrote the believers in Rome, For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory [Greek, doxa, very apparent dignity, praise, worship, or reputation] which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God (Romans 8:18-21). The believer in Christ has good reason to be joyful because he or she shall not only be delivered from corruption, but shall eternally experience tremendous glory. Christ has promised to be with us even unto the end of the world. Christ instructed eleven of His disciples, observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matthew 28:20).
 
JOY BECAUSE OF REWARDS
 
Another reason for the believer to be full of joy is the fact that he or she shall receive great reward, temporally in this life, as well as eternally. Holy scriptures instruct us, Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life (Mark 10:28-30).
 
Similarly, Paul wrote believers in Corinth, For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
 
JOY OVER MANY GREAT AND PRECIOUS PROMISES
 
The believer also has reason to be joyful because God has given us exceeding many great and precious promises concerning this life and eternal life to come. Peter wrote fellow believers in Christ, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises [Greek, epaggelma, God has verbally committed Himself and given His assurance]: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (2 Peter 1:3-4).
 
JOY IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD
 
Well, first of all, there is great joy to be had in the presence of God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.David, the psalmist, knew the value of being with God. David exclaimed, I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Psalms 16:8-11).
 
According to Paul, the presence and ministry of Jesus Christ will result in joy for the believer. Paul wrote the believers in Rome, Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: And that the Gentiles might glorify God forhis mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And again he saith,Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people [the Jews]. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost (Romans 15:8-13). Christ brings joy, peace, and hope to the believer.
 
Finally, the psalmist, David, teaches us, Blessed be the LORD [and being in His presence], because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed (Psalms 28:7-8). The Lord, Himself, is the believer's strength, shield, source of trust, help, praise, and joy.
 
JOY IN OBEDIENCE, SERVICE, AND SUFFERING
 
Although many believers find this hard to digest, another source of the believer's joy can be found in obedience and service to Christ, although this obedience may be painful and long. Without a doubt, throughout the scriptures, obedience results in contentment, peace, joy, and life, while disobedience bears the fruit of unhappiness, frustration, anger, torment, and death. Jesus clearly taught that faithful obedience to God results in joy. He taught, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord (Matthew 25:21).
 
Jesus also explained to His own disciples the connection between obedience and joy when he told them, So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them (John 13:12-17).
 
Later, Jesus spoke even more bluntly, If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (John 15:10-11).
 
The unclear author of the book of 1 Samuel adds these words: Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft [Hebrew, qesem, to ditribute, to determiine, divination, a lot, an oracle, pronounce a reward, or sentence], and stubbornness [Hebrew, patsar, to peck at, stun, dull, press, or urge] is as iniquity [Hebrew, aven, to pant, exert oneself in vain, to come to naught, nothingness, trouble, vanity, wickedness, false, mischief, to come to naught] and idolatry [Hebrew, teraphiym, a healer, a family idol, images, or to use an idol as a god]. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king (1 Samuel 15:20-23). Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.
 
In respect to humble obedience and Godly service, Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, wrote to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons, Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word [of truth, the gospel] of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me (Philippians 2:12-18). Regarding his obedience, ministry and service to the Lord, the apostle Paul wrote Corinthian believers that he was sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing (2 Corinthians 6:10), and explained to the believers in Corinth that he and his fellow disciples were helpers of your joy (2 Corinthians 1:24).
 
Because He had such great joy in being obedient to His heavenly Father, Jesus even found joy in His death on the cross: Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).
 
Peter instructs us, rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ,happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified (1 Peter 4:13-14). Surprisingly, joy can even come from pain and suffering resulting from obedience to God.
 
Submission and obedience to the person, words, and commandments of Christ also can result in great joy for the believer in Christ. For example, Judas [not Iscariot] asked Jesus, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world (John 14:22). In part, Jesus answered, I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (John 15:1-11).
 
JOY IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY AND FELLOWSHIP
 
The scriptures also instruct us that there can be great joy in fellowshipping with fellow believers in Christ. Peter and his fellow disciples give us a great example of this. In the book of acts of the apostles, we read And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord [Greek, homothumadon, unanimously, with one mind and understanding]in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness [Greek, agalliasis, exultation, welcome, exceeding joy] and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved (Acts 2:44-47).
 
The unknown author of the the book of Hebrews implies the joy of togetherness, community, and fellowship: Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:22-25).
 
Similarly, the apostle Paul wrote the church in Thessalonica, Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore, comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do (1 Thessalonians 5:5-11).
 
Paul also encouraged the believers in Rome to pursue community, unity, holiness, and fellowship, all along knowing that these things would bring joy. Paul wrote, let love be without dissimulation [without hypocrisy]. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality (Romans 12:9-13).
 
Likewise, Paul and Timotheus encouraged joyful fellowship in the gospel when he wrote the saints at Philippi, I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now (Philippians 1:3-5).
 
JOY IN THANKSGIVING AND WORSHIP
 
One more source of Christian joy can be found in giving of thanks to and worship of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. The psalmist offers a psalm of worship and praise with these words: Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates withthanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations (Psalms 100:1-5). Paul knew the spiritual value and joy in having a thankful heart. The apostle Paul exhorted the believers in Thesallonica to Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). and to the Colossian believers he wrote, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him (Colossians 3:16-17).
 
The psalmist again reminds and instructs us what we should do: I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalms 118:21-24).
 
Lastly, the apostle Paul warned the believers in Philippi to Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are ust, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:6-8).
 
JOY DESPITE DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES
 
Believers in Christ are even commanded throughout the scriptures to be joyful in the Lord, despite difficult and painful circumstances. Even when things seem to not be going our way in the Lord, for whatever reason or reasons, God the Father expects those who know Christ to be joyful. Of course, many believers in Christ find this difficult to do, if not impossible.
 
James, the younger brother of Jesus, wrote the twelve tribes scattered abroad, My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing (James 1:2-4). The book of 1 Peter also exhorts the believer to remain joyful, even during temptations. The probable author, Peter, wrote, Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness [Greek, lupeo, to be in distress, to be sad, full of grief or sorrow] through manifold temptations [Greek, peirasmos, a putting to proof, the experience of evil, solicitation, discipline or provocation, or adversity]: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:6-9). God the Father expects joy even during painful and distressing provocation and evil.
 
Paul exhorted the believers in Rome, Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations [Greek, thlipsis, pressure, affliction, anguish, be burdened, or experience trouble] also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement (Romans 5:1-11). The believer in Christ has sufficient reason to remain joyful, even in the midst of affliction and trouble; because we are justified by faith, because we have peace with God through Christ, because we have access to the grace of God, because we have hope of the glory of God, because the love of God has been shed in our hearts, because Christ died for we ungodly, because while we were yet sinners Christ died for us, because we are justified by His blood, because we are saved from wrath through the ministry of Christ, because we are reconciled to God the Father by the death of His Son, and because we through our Lord Jesus Christ have received the atonement. When remembered, all of these reasons are reason enough to be and remain joyful.
 
Likewise, the apostle Paul also encouraged the church in Rome, We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:13-18). Paul explains that because the believer in Christ has faith, because he or she shall be raised up by Jesus, because all things are done for our sakes, because we are experiencing God's abundant grace, because our inward man is renewed daily, because our temporal affliction is light, and because we shall in God's time experience an eternal weight of glory, we should have a joyful heart that is full of thanksgiving.
 
JOY BECAUSE GOD COMMANDS IT
 
One last reason to have Christian joy is that God commands it, and may even punish those who refuse it.  God instructed Israel, Becausethou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things; Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee (Deuteronomy 28:47-48).
 
REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAY
 
Clearly, throughout the scriptures, in both the old and new testaments, our heavenly Father encourages, and even commands, the believer in Christ to have joy of heart, spirit, and mind. As we have seen in this article, this is evident in so many verses throughout the bible.
 
Through Nehemiah, God said, Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). In the psalms we are taught to Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart (Psalms 37:3-4), and Paul wrote the Philippian church,And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again (Philippians 1:25-26).
 
We also read in the psalms, Blessed [Hebrew,esher, happiness, to be right, prosper, be guided, or relieved] is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight [Hebrew, chephets, pleasure, a valuable thing, acceptable, or pleasant] is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night (Psalms 1:1-2), while the psalmist, David, teaches us to Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday (Psalms 37:3-6). It behooves us not to forget Paul's words: I rejoiced [Greek, chairo, full of cheer, happy, be well, be glad, or rejoice] in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content [Greek, autarkes, self-complacent, contented, be satisfied, or have enough]. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need (Philippians 4:10-12).
 
Again, Paul reminds us, godliness with contentment [Greek,autarkeia, self-satisfaction, contentedness, or having sufficient] is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content [Greek, arkeo, to avail, be satisfactory, be enough, or to suffice] (1 Timothy 6:6-8). The scriptures remind us, let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content [ Greek, arkeo, to avail, be satisfactory, be enough, or to suffice] with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Hebrews 13:5). David specifically referred to God as his source of joy: Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God (Psalms 43:4). Jesus told His own disciples, and us, to be joyful even when we are persecuted and spoken evil of because of our faith: Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you (Matthew 5:11-12), while James wrote the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (James 1:1-2).
 
The psalmists exclaim, Make a joyful noise [Hebrew, rua, to split the ears, shout, cry aloud, shout for joy, or triumph] unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness [Hebrew, simchah, blithesomeness, glee, exceeding gladness, making merry, or have pleasure]: come before his presence with singing (Psalms 100:1-2), Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart (Psalms 37:4), while David prayed to God O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days (Psalms 90:14). God the Father, through Paul, reveals His perfect will for those who believe in Him: Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice (Philippians 4:4).  AMEN.



 
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THE CHRISTIAN  HERALD
                    A Judeo-Christian Bible Study
 
“Be strong and of
a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid
of them: for the
LORD thy God, he
it is that doth go
with thee; he will
notfail thee, nor
forsake thee”
(Deuteronomy 31:6).
 
“Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass”
(Psalms 37:3-5).
the_christian_herald001001.gif
 
Pastors And
Teachers
 
“Preach the word [of truth, the gospel message]; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables"
(2 Timothy 4:2-4).
 
“Trust in the LORD
with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all
thy ways acknowledge
him, and he shall direct
thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart
from evil"
(Proverbs 3:5-7).
 
“Know ye not
that the unrighteous shall not inherit
the kingdom of
God? Be not
deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate [soft,
fine, a boy kept
for homosexual practices], nor
abusers of themselves with mankind [sodomite], Nor
thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom
of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God"
(1 Corinthians 6:9-11).