Rejoice! You Are Free!
Today’s Verses:
Philippians 4:4 ESV
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice
Friday evening, sitting in the bedroom with the Yankees game on the radio, something came over me. It’s the weekend! For me, that means church work, but for others, it is a small escape from the pressures of life and the constant rush of Monday through Friday. But for us believers in Jesus Christ, it truly is our one chance in the week to reset our focus and remember the more profound joy that we have in our Savior.
While in prison, Saint Paul wrote to the church in Philippi. Being in prison, you think his letter would be a “woe is me” missive. Instead, it was a letter of joy! It rings with happiness and hope. His kind of joy doesn’t come from knowing that the weekend is here. It only comes from Jesus. The cross and tomb are empty. Your sins are forgiven. God’s promises stand. We embrace that joy and live in its beauty.
So whatever your weekend holds - and as a pastor, I hope that includes spending time with Jesus in church - carry this unending joy with you. Don’t live with a fake smile on your face or forced optimism. Our happiness is real and alive in our hearts and lives. You are a child of God! Rejoice. You’re free! See you in church this weekend!
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the joy that doesn’t depend on how my week went. Help me rest in Your promises this weekend. Let Your joy fill my heart and overflow to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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