JOY UNDER DURESS

Take a saint, and put him into any condition, and he knows how to rejoice in the Lord. ---- Walter Craddock

For the sake of Christ, then, "I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong (II Corinthians 12:10)

 ...for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers... (I Thessalonians 1:6).

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds; for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness (James 1:6).

But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed (I Peter 4:13).

 

A hymn to read, sing, hum, or whistle, to the glory of God: Be Still My Soul, (Katherina von Schlegel, 1752).

UNBELIEF

All unbelief is the belief of a lie. Horatius Bonar (Scottish pastor, 1808-1889).

Therefore God sends them a strong delusion so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness (I Thessalonians 2:11).

 A hymn to read, sing, hum, or whistle to the glory of God: O Wherefore  Do the Nations Rage(Psalm 2).

True and False Religion

There are but two religions --- Christianity and paganism, the worship of God and idolatry. A third between them is not possible. Where idolatry ends, there Christianity begins; and where idolatry begins, there Christianity ends. Friedrich Jacobi.

....your faith in God has gone forth everywhere...how you turned from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come (I Thessalonians 1:8-10). 

A hymn to read, sing, hum or whistle to the glory of the God who is: I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art. 

Gratitude

Good morning!

The man who forgets to be grateful has fallen asleep in life. ---- Robert Louis Stevenson.

Christians should have a gratitude attitude. ---- Stuart Briscoe

Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most HIgh (Psalm 50:14).

O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the people. Remember His marvelous works that He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth (Psalm 105:1,5-6).

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ... (Ephesians 5:20).  

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (I Thessalonians 5:18). 

A hymn to read, sing, hum or whistle to the glory of God: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing(Trinity Hymnal 457).