Blue Print For Successful Living

Rejoice in the Lord always. Romans 4:4

For Paul, thanksgiving was thnksliving. No matter what his circumstances, he was always ready to give thanks. If his thankfulness did not arise from his circumstances where did it come from? The words joy and rejoice appear 14 times in Phillippians. Two of the verses reveal the sources of Paul's joy. His joy arose from his relationship "TO" Christ and his position "IN" Christ. The life of a Christian must revolve around Christ. This is our blue print for living. Al Bryant.

There were times when my ex-wife and I were on opposite ends of the spectrum. Because of my faith and my enthusiasm for Christ she more than once told me that I was abnormal. My positive attitude would drive her crazy. More than once I found her in bed with the covers pulled over her head completely laid out by life's struggles. When we were short on cash I would say " Isn't it great that we don't need money to be happy." When the car would break down I would say " Another opportunity to trust the Lord." She never got the message of faith, hope and joy. If Paul could lead a jailer to Christ and maintain a joyful heart inspite of his circumstances then what are our possibilities today?

God's mercy came upon me
when I was filled with sin.
He washed me and redeemed me
so I could start again.

Each day that I draw closer
I'm thanking Jesus Christ
for loving me
unconditionally
and giving me new life.

I will praise Him in the morning.
I will praise Him thru the day.
My heart will not grow weary
of loving Him in a new way.

When tough times
come upon me
and most others would give in,
I'll carry my feet to the foot of the cross
so I can begin again.

Brad McGil

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