Weekend Rest: Rejoice Evermore

Rejoice!

"Though the cherry trees don't blossom and the strawberries don't ripen, though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted, though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty. I'm singing joyful praise to God.  I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. Counting on God's Rule to prevail.  I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I'm king of the mountain!"  Habakkuk 3:17-19 The Message

Rejoicing.  The dancing word--Rejoice.  Rejoicing is the sacrifice of praise, even when life seems unfair and futile.  The Bible encourages us to rejoice in the Lord always.  Always rejoice-- even when the garden fails to produce, even when the job market collapses, even when friends forsake us, and even when we are overcome with sickness.  Rejoice! Be joyful in God! Praise God that He has promised never to leave or forsake us.

Rejoicing overcomes what we feel like doing, and takes us to a higher place of Faith in God. Our circumstances and feelings are no longer dictating our actions when we rejoice.  We are making a choice.  We choose happy.  Not all of our days will be filled with rejoicing.  God's word also says to weep with those who weep.  So we know that there will be times of weeping--but joy comes in the morning. Making a habit of smiling, singing, dancing, isn't always easy.  We are not the source of our joy and happiness. The only one who can strengthen and give us joy is Jesus. When we turn our eyes on Him, our cup of life becomes full.  We then see that circumstances and situations are in His hands and His control and we choose to rejoice! The joy of the Lord is our strength!

Weekend Challenge:

1-This weekend REJOICE in spite of your circumstance. Rejoice like you already have the answer! Rejoice as though you already have your miracle! Rejoice- Evermore! Read Phil. 4:4
2-Dance on your problems! Write down what you are struggling with on paper, give it to God in prayer---and leave it there.
3-Sing praises to God.
4- Smile frequently! 

Thursday Cafe: Morning Smoothie

Mark's Daily Smoothie

1 c. ice

2 c. OJ

2 scoops protein powder

2 tbsp. liquid or powdered vitamin

1 c. frozen or fresh pineapple (optional)

Blend for 3-4 minutes. Serve. Enjoy!

Wednesday Inspiration

Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. ---Psalm 145:2

Inspired Words

"Love hopes for the best, is prepared for the worst, and takes what comes with a smile." 
Barbara Johnson

Miracle Monday: Treasure in the Sand

Treasure in the Sand

"Despise not the day of small things..."

As experienced by Thomas Walker  (aka: Dad)

As Winter's chill crept through Central Florida that February 1989, the icy wind of despair was sweeping my heart.  I enjoyed metal detecting as a hobby and I figured since jobs had been few and far between, maybe I could find something of value on the beach.  My life goals were disappearing.  Everything I tried to do seemed in vain. I loaded up my metal detector and headed for New Smyrna beach. The beach was desolate when I arrived. I set up the metal detector and began scouring the sand for treasure.  Everything seemed futile...even this day of treasure hunting. Clouds covered the miles of sand.  Any trace of sunshine was lost as thoughts of doubt swirled through my mind.  All of a sudden something caught my eye. A worn out index card was peeking out of the sand. I had no idea how an index card had survived beach conditions. The card contained scriptures. I read the front side of the card Matthew 6:31-34.  

"Therefore, take no thought saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek;) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

I turned the card over.  This side of the card contained the scripture Psalm 37:4-5.  

"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."

I did not walk away that day with a handful of gold, but I gained something priceless.  I returned home with a treasure from God and a renewed hope that everything was going to be alright.  I carry this card in my Bible as a reminder. God sees us, He knows us and He cares. 

On a cloudy day

As I walked the beach

All hope seemed dismal and out of reach.

It seemed like despair had overtaken my soul,

I was losing my footing 

With no purpose or goal.

When like a beacon of light

God spoke to me there

His message was blowing 

In the salt spray air.   ---Thomas M. Walker