Before we begin celebrating, let's take a look at two of the ways we could look at today. My first inclination was to say, "I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream"r However, due to life's experiences, you may have had an alternate perspective. The two we are talking about today are both worth celebrating, and now we will uncover the joy there is to be found in each.
Some Bible texts can be hard to understand, this is by design. One of those is Romans 5:1-5 CJB which states:
1 So, since we have come to be considered righteous by God because of our trust, let us continue to have shalom with God through our Lord, Yeshua the Messiah. 2 Also through him and on the ground of our trust, we have gained access to this grace in which we stand; so let us boast about the hope of experiencing God’s glory. 3 But not only that, let us also boast in our troubles; because we know that trouble produces endurance, 4 endurance produces character, and character produces hope; 5 and this hope does not let us down, because God’s love for us has already been poured out in our hearts through the Ruach HaKodesh who has been given to us.
When we are walking the "rocky roads" of life it is hard to feel like rejoicing. But after having arrived at our destination we are filled with a deeper gratitude for our arrival, not to mention coming out the stronger and wiser toward discerning the pitfalls we had to stumble past. Experience, education, and fortitude are all, always, worth celebrating.
The reason why some can pick up the ancient Holy Scriptures and get so much out of it and others think it stupid, antiquated, or obsolete is explained in
1 Corinthians 1:26-28 - 26 KJV For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are:
We are not just called to walk our road, but to walk it beside others, helping them when they stumble over the rocks, pits, and curves in their path.
1st Corinthians 1:17-19 KJV says - 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
Each one of us is unique, and those unique perspectives, understandings, and practices are what makes life such a beautiful thing to experience and share. So regardless of where your road is, or where it is taking you, take a moment to enjoy the journey. Be thankful for the good, the bad, and the indifferent. And remember that God can turn anything into something for our benefit, or to benefit those around us.
Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
I pray you find so much joy in your daily life, and find innumerable reasons to look forward to your destination, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Your sister in Yeshua (Jesus),
Tamara Ruckdeeschel