Windows On The Soul

Rejoicing is different from simply being happy. The "re" prefix indicates that it is repeated - be joyful again! Unlike happiness or simple joy, rejoicing is not an emotional response to a stimulus. Among the dictionary definitions for rejoicing, are "festivities" and "celebration" in commemoration. Christian rejoicing is rooted and grounded in the basis of our faith - the historical facts of what God has done toward us in redemption, blessings and gifting. So much so that rejoicing is written as an imperative, not so much as a command, but rather because of what God has done, the redeemed cannot help themselves but rejoice. So it is that Christian joy is listed as a fruit of the Holy Spirit - a "(super)natural" response of living and growing in the Spirit. ----xxxXxxx---- Ph.4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always; I repeat. Rejoice!" Act.4:51 "They departed rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer"...

The joy of the Lord is not real if we are chasing around trying to find the most "joyful" church or seeking it in lively music. Rather, joy is a spiritual fruit: ie. it is the result of spiritual growth. As we open more and more parts of our lives to God's graceful redemption, allowing Him to sanctify all aspects of our being, so His joy will grow in us. Out of that real joy will come praise and song, not the other way round. Jesus said, " Those who hear the word of God and obey it, will be joyful " ( Lk.11:28 ). ----xxxXxxx---- Neh.8:10 "The joy of the Lord is my strength" Ps.16:11 "Joyfulness is found in your presence" Ps.89:16 "In your name they shall rejoice all day; they shall be exalted in your righteousness" Ps.40:8 "I delight to do your will; Your law is within my heart" Jhn.4:36 "...both he that sows and he that reaps may rejoice together" Jhn.15:11 "I have spoken ...

" I'm as old as my tongue and a little bit older than my teeth " was my dear old grandfather's reply whenever we kids asked him his age. It is true though, that we measure ourselves in different ways by celebrating anniversaries and birthdays. Today, nine of our young people take a further step in their experience of spiritual rebirth. The bible is very strong on anniversaries. The Hebrew year is signposted with festivals, holy convocations, times for special worship, thanksgiving, offerings and rejoicing for what God has done. The Christian Church still keeps two of those ancient festivals - Passover (Easter) and Pentecost and added its own special remembrance in Christmas. But it's a pity we don't celebrate our personal spiritual rebirthdays like our natural birthdays (imho). Celebrate!!! ----xxxXxxx---- Lev.23:4 "These are the feasts of the Lord, even Holy convocations which you shall proclaim in their season." Jn.3:5 "Je...