Rejoice and Again I Will Say........

REJOICE! It's the start of a new day. How did you start your day this morning? Did you rejoice in everything you have? Do you even know what it means? Let's examine the word rejoice.

re*joice

-verb (used without object)
1. to be glad; take delight (often followed by in) to rejoice in another's happiness

-verb (used with object)
2. to make joyful; gladden: a song to rejoice the heart
Synonyms: revel, exalt, glory

So I ask you again, did you rejoice this morning? How different would our days be if we started each day with rejoicing in our hearts? No matter what is going on in your life you always have something to be thankful for. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." In ALL circumstances this means when your child hits a home run, and when your husband cuts his toe with a hatchet. Now I know you are thinking the home run I understand, but the toe cut with a hatchet? How can I rejoice in that? You can rejoice that your husband still has his toe!

What is the longest amount of time you were able to rejoice? Did you know that God once told Israel to rejoice for 7 days? Leviticus 23:20 says "On the first day you are to take branches from luxuriant trees—from palms, willows and other leafy trees—and rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days." And Deuteronomy 12:7 says "There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you." Because the Lord has what? Because the Lord has BLESSED you.

Have you ever rejoiced for 7 days? Have you ever rejoiced for 1 day? Have you ever rejoiced for an hour?

Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS, I will say it again: REJOICE!"

This is the day, this is the day,
that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made,
I will rejoice, I will rejoice,
and be glad in it, and be glad in it.
This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made.

Thank you God for this day, for everything you have made, for everything you have blessed us with.