We Choose Rejoice!
Philippians 2:17-18, Devotion #8

But even if my life is to be poured out like a drink offering to complete the sacrifice of your faithful service (that is if I am to die for you), I will rejoice, and I want to share my joy with all of you. And you should be happy about this and rejoice with me.
Philippians 2:17-18

Father, ". . . even if my life is to be poured out . . . I will rejoice . . . and you should . . . rejoice with me." Squinny called today and left a voice mail just seeing about how life is in our lives. A while back, in 1972, Squinny met Jesus at that weekend retreat in Augusta. I had the opportunity to speak at that retreat and meet the likes of Squinny. There has been lots of water pass under these bridges of our lives over those 35 years. He sure looks a lot older and the gray hair and all. Hmmm! And the eternity that Squinny and I will spend together - there will be a whole lot more water to pass under these bridges as we are together with You forever.

You know Father, I may have gotten hurt along this path of loving others into your Kingdom, but I sure have not had my life "poured out" to the point of death. None of us want to face that decision as to what we would do. But we do know this. We continue today to live for You, pouring out our energies for Your glory and the sake of others. And we do rejoice that You have given us meaningful work and great opportunity to share Your love in the school system, the church, the world.

"Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice." And that is what we will do. There are many times we could gaze at the belly button and mumble and gripe about something. The co-workers are disgusting, our neighbors are slobs, the food served wasn't cooked to our satisfaction. Yep, we could choose to gripe and grumble or to "rejoice." And we choose: "rejoice." Yes Father, thank You for Squinny and all the others that You draw to Yourself. You are a wonderful God and we thank You. Bless my boys as they "rejoice" their way through the day You lead them into. Bless us all to "rejoice" with one another. Life's good, yes, it's all good.

Thank You, Father, in Jesus name. Amen.

Love, Dad/Danny