December 8, 2020 – Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7.

Did you know that that Rejoicing in the Lord takes the discipline of choosing to rejoice?  Often Joy comes through tears and thankfulness.  We exercise  to keep our bodies moving.  There are four disciplines of the soul to help us stay close to the One who Loves us.  

The first discipline is  reading and meditating on God’s Word to transform us. The second discipline is prayer. The refreshment of the soul comes through praying God’s Word. The third is to worship God, in God-appreciation time.  The last discipline is solitude of silence in the Presence of God.

Dear Father God, discipline my mind to think about think about the true, the pure, and honorable things you give us. In this world, we desire peace and joy that come from You, I pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27.

Joy to the world, Let earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare Him room!

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9.   (Note – list of disciplines from Erwin Lutzer).