As you continue to follow along with us through the Bible with our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan, remember that the Epistles are letters that were written by the apostles to the born again, Spirit-filled churches through the Pastors of these churches. These letters were meant to give further and more clear instructions on carrying out God's plan for our lives. Pay attention to the Epistles today and you will be fully equipped to make right choices in every area of life! One example is found in today's reading in Philippians 4! Verse 4:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!
"Rejoice" is the Greek word "chairoo", which means to be glad, to be well, to thrive. The Amplified Bible (above) says it clearly! "Gladden yourselves" or MAKE YOURSELF GLAD! This is something that does NOT come from the outside in and no one can do it FOR you! You and I must stir up the joy of the Lord that lives IN us, as born again believers, by reminding ourselves of all of the wonderful blessings in our lives, of all that HE has done for us and of all the promises of His Word that are yet to be manifest! When WE do this, then HE is released to work in our lives and on our behalf! LET'S DO IT! There is no other way to live triumphantly and abundantly! A necessary prerequisite for making ourselves glad is found in verse 6:
6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
In order to NOT fret or be anxious, we must take everything to the Lord in prayer that is based on the promises of His Word (1 John 5:14-15)! Before we can do this, however, we must be DOERS of 1 Peter 5:7:
7 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. [Ps 55:22.] AMP
NOW we can pray and confess the Word of God over our situations and circumstances and NOW we can make ourselves glad! REJOICE! It's NOT simply a suggestion, but a command! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "Brighter":
Shalom in Him!
