Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Rejoice in the Lord
Philippians 4:1-7
Vs.4 "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice".
Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians while he was in prison. The passage for today’s meditation is an exhortation from Paul which begins in a very personal and affectionate tone. He begins by addressing the people in Philippi as brothers and sisters.
        He encourages them to stand firm in the Lord. It is not easy to be stable and have a firm standing in the Lord always. We too, must be aware of the forces and pressures around us that can pull us down or push us away from Lord.
       In vs 2, Paul addresses two women personally taking up their names, Euodia and Syntyche. He puts it as a request to them to unite and to be of the same mind in the Lord. We understand that these two women who had been significant persons in the church had disagreements amongst themselves and were unable to reconcile. From vs 3, it is evident that these women stood beside Paul in his Mission of the gospel. It is indeed a distressing fact that those who take up a significant role in God’s work find it difficult to get along with each other and it badly affects the unity of the church.
      We see the exhortations of Paul from vs. 4 – vs.7. In vs.4, we see Paul giving a command to ‘rejoice’. The word ‘Joy’ or ‘Rejoice’ is repeatedly used in the book of Philippians.  Christian life is a journey of joy. It is a quality higher than happiness that transcends above the events and circumstances in one’s life. Paul reminds us that irrespective of what happens, to keep up gentleness. Vs. 6 provides great strength to anyone who goes through difficult situations and for those who are worried and apprehensive about their future. Paul asks us to come before the presence of God in every situation of our life with thanksgiving. Are we are not privileged to have a God in whose presence we can find comfort and solace at any time of our life? It’s a wonderful knowledge that the God Almighty can grant us peace that can guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. And the beauty of this peace granted by God Almighty is that it is beyond our human understanding. 
PRAYER
Lord, grant us the grace to experience happiness and rejoice always no matter what our life situations be. Help us to come before You with thanksgiving in our hearts. Amen. 
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Christian life is a celebration when we have the attitude of gratitude.

Mrs. Preena Mathew, W/o Rev. Mathew Samuel MTC of Dallas, Farmers Branch 

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