Monday, April 27, 2009

Be Happy!!!

We've been going over several things dealing with struggles the past week or so and thought I would bring a post with more of something we should be happy with. I've been browsing through some sites of friends the past couple days and found my inspiration at Russ Hutto's site. He has some free wallpaper that hit me. The March free paper was a canvas with Romans 5:8 on it, beautifully done, I might add.

So, today I want to look at Romans 5:8-11..."But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (9) Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (10) For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (11) And not only so , but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement."

What hope that brings!!! First off, though we were sinners...can anyone argue that fact for themselves? I think not and would also make sure we realize we are STILL sinners, but sinners saved by grace. Yet Christ died for the whole lot of us, right? Verse 9 continues telling us that through being justified by his blood, we are saved from wrath through him. This isn't saying we are freed from any negative ever occurring in our lives, but rather from an eternal wrath. Continuing on, we are reminded that if we were reconciled while yet enemies, how much more we shall glory in him being atoned by his blood.

I am reminded of the song "Friend of God" in which the lyrics speak so plainly about how amazing it is that God would be mindful of me and is thinking of me, and wants to be my friend. Am I the only one who can't sing that song without a huge smile coming across my face???

For some strange reason, the chorus of "Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin came to mind when I was reading the passage in Romans. (Yes, I am definitely a child of the 80's) We don't have to live in worry and fear, be happy knowing that we have the Hope that so many are searching for!!!

What verse, passage, or maybe even song do you draw strength from? I'd like to see some of you share a bit of encouragement today!!! Jump into the conversation...

3 comments:

Hetty said...

I will BE HAPPY!! Thru our Awesome God!! We, yes, are sinners-completely saved by His grace and mercy when we accept Him as our Awesome Lord and Savior-knowing He DID die for us-raised from the dead-and is ALIVE in each of us-as we call on Him! And I found this out-knowing nothing-later in life-that makes me thank Him for my struggles...or I never would have thought of searching for The One who knew us before we were even born!! We alter His plans-yet He takes us back in-and in our walk-straightens those amazing plans out!! WHAT A GOD!! We all, yes, are sinners, and cause such issues in life-when we don't know Him-don't focus-don't walk closely-but with that time in my life-my ex beat me-we can sit back-point fingers-and hate-or the fact that all that brought me to Him and more-look at what hard stuff CAN do-when we leap to HIM! No fault but our own in this issues in life-He has awesome plans-my ex and I sure altered them...with running to Him-He unfolds amazing plans from THAT point on. Takes time in a close walk-but you see the amazing things He does-even in hard times! ALL FOR HIS GLORY! Today-my ex and I praise Him-and thank Him-we can at least forgive-and be friends. AMEN!! His love is never ending..as we should strive to be like that!
Romans 2:24-25 It was for us,too, assuring us that God will also declare us to be righteous IF WE BELIEVE IN GOD-who brought JESUS OUR LORD BACK FROM THE DEAD. (25)He was handed over to die becuase of OUR SINS, and HE WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD to make US RIGHT WITH GOD!
Blessings to you all in your walk with our Dear Lord Jesus Christ!

In His Grip,

Hetty
http://www.twitter.com/hetty4christ

Don Porter said...

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The Lord is always there even through our most undeserving times. We are but dust and frail and I'm so thankful He is so merciful.

DrDeb said...

Thank you for this simple reminder to be happy despite all the frightening things happening around us! It reminds me of a question that Jack Cafferty asked the other night on CNN, "how can people stay positive with all of this depressing stuff going on?" One of the top 10 answers was faith.