Rejoice!

Good morning. It is pre-Friday, July 10, 2014.

Today is Teddy Bear Picnic Day. I remember this one from last year. It seems that it should always be on a weekend, though. Who has time for a picnic on Thursday??

Christi’s job situation is about the same. However, I think she is making strides, especially in sticking up for herself and speaking up about things that are just crazy. I think that’s a good thing. I’m praying that she can speak some sense into the operation and get things calmed down a bit. It would be good for everyone.

Stephanie is back over at Megan’s house, at least for last night, maybe for tonight, too. I think we need a break from this. 😀

As of last night’s fourth consecutive loss, the Texas Rangers are now worse than the Houston Astros. By one percentage point. So, this morning, the Rangers and the Red Sox are both in last place. What a great season.

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Joshua 1:8

(From The Divine Hours)

But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the LORD!
Psalm 115:18
Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant.
Psalm 86:16
You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah.
Psalm 32:7
Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.
Psalm 54:4
But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy! Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts; his name is the LORD; exult before him! Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.
Psalm 68:3-5

“Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father,
you have brought me in safety to this new day:
Preserve me with your mighty power,
that I may not fall into sin,
nor be overcome by adversity;
and in all I do direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose;
through Jesus Christ my Lord.
Amen.”

Today’s reading in Reflections for Ragamuffins is “Rejoice! Rejoice!”

Brennan refers to the act of rejoicing as “good humor.” He says that good humor helps us be victorious over “that subtle form of egotism that would make [us] pose as a martyr or at least a victim, that makes [us] always want to be noticed, consoled, or placed on a pedestal.” It also makes the life of our community “richer and more delightful.”

In Philippians, Paul exhorted the Christian community to rejoice. “Rejoice in the Lord always! Rejoice! Everyone should see how unselfish you are. The Lord is near. Dismiss all anxiety from your minds. Present your needs to God in every form of prayer and in petitions full of gratitude. Then God’s own peace which is beyond all understanding, will stand guard over your hearts and minds, in Christ Jesus.”

Rejoice in the Lord always;
again I will say,
rejoice.
Philippians 4:4

Father, help me to rejoice more. Just this morning, after reading this, I am more inclined to be rejoicing! Even though there are plenty of struggles and trials to be concerned about, there is much, much more in our lives to be rejoicing about! I pray that I will be more unselfish today. I pray that anxiety will be dismissed from my mind, and that I will trust you implicitly! May I be faithful in letting my request be made known to you, and that your peace will surround my heart and my mind, guarding them from anything that would harm or distract me.

I pray for this day. May we have safe passage to and from work today. I pray that Christi will continue to make headway in her work situations. I pray for your intervention in the operations, and that she will be successful today. I pray for Stephanie today, that you would give her peace and understanding. I pray for Megan’s comfort, as her pet guinea pig died on Sunday. I know how much things like that affect people like Stephanie and Megan. She is very distraught.

Your grace is sufficient, Lord. Fill us.

Rejoice in the Lord!! I will say it again! Rejoice!!

Grace and peace, friends.