Rejoice in the Lord Always Again I Say Rejoice

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"Rejoice in the Lord always, once again I say rejoice." (Philippians 4:4)

 Past Rev. Kevin MacKenzie Special to The Guardian CHARLOTTETOWN, P.Eastward.I. - "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice." (Philippians iv:four) "In all things give thanks..." (1 Thessalonians 5:xviii) 

["In this calendar week's guest sermon, Pastor Abiodun Olusoji writes that God is calling His children back to the straight and narrow path of intimacy."]

When Paul wrote these words he was well aware of the fact that life could be very difficult. He had been persecuted, beaten, imprisoned, ostracised from his community. He had no illusion that life would be easy and trouble free, and still he wrote 'rejoice and thank'. He was challenging people to call up nearly the way in which they would respond to the realities of life, not with naïve optimism but with a conscious pick to focus on God, whatever the circumstance.

The congregation which I serve, forth with my colleague, the Rev. David E. Campbell, is about to enter into its 60^thursday yr of existence, and we are planning a yearlong acknowledgement of this milestone.

As organizations and groups are prone to do, we have chosen a theme for this anniversary – "Choosing Celebration." This is not the musing of a group of people  who have their heads in the clouds trying  to pretend that  there is zip to exist concerned about in life, nor is information technology an effort to  suggest to people that we in the church have  everything figured out and  life is wonderful all of the time.

Nosotros know that in that location are many things happening around us and to usa that can easily make it the manner of commemoration. Who amongst u.s. is not disturbed by and leery of the efforts of terrorists? Nosotros come across the awful effects of famine and wonder what, if anything, we can exercise to aid. There is climate change, wars, economic depression, the plight of displaced people, drug abuse and prejudice to proper noun but a few of the agonizing realities that come to our attention on a regular basis.

Perhaps we suffer personal challenges because of physical disease, grief, unemployment, family issues, addictions, low, loneliness, dubiety about our ain hereafter. We all have burdens that we bear and they take their cost on us. It would be irresponsible for united states to deny this and it would exist wrong not to seek help or to offer help to others. In light of this, nosotros accept a selection to make. We tin succumb to the negative forces that assail united states, letting them have the upper hand or we tin choose to direct our thoughts in other means. In the Christian community, we talk about having Skilful News to share, the Adept News that proclaims the fact that God loves us.

We say that God is with u.s. throughout life and that 'there is zilch in all of cosmos that tin separate us from that beloved' (Romans viii). We say that we trust God'due south Holy Spirit to guide and support us. Saying the words is the easy part. Giving the words life is when the work begins, for making these words existent and meaningful requires a choice — to choose commemoration.

Nosotros can choose to rejoice and give cheers for all that God has done and will do for us.  Nosotros tin can choose to celebrate the fact that we are children of God and that God's love continually surrounds usa, giving us the strength, and the incentive, to confront the hardships that intrude into our experiences.  Nosotros tin choose to make room for God when life is proficient and zest for living is great.

For our 60^th anniversary at Park Royal United, and in thanksgiving for God'due south life giving dearest, we are 'Choosing Commemoration'. May you lot know the reality of God's love in your life, and find your own reason to choose commemoration.

Rev. Kevin MacKenzie is with Park Majestic United Church building. A guest sermon runs regularly in Saturday'south Guardian and is provided through Christian Communications.

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Source: https://www.saltwire.com/prince-edward-island/news/rejoice-in-the-lord-always-again-i-say-rejoice-philippians-44-112997/

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