rejoice

^{18 -20}Jesus said, "I know. I saw Satan fall, a bolt of lightning out of the sky. See what I've given you? Safe passage as you walk on snakes and scorpions, and protection from every assault of the Enemy. No one can put a hand on you. All the same, the great triumph is not in your authority over evil, but in God's authority over you and presence with you. Not what you do for God but what God does for you—that's the agenda for rejoicing."

Luke 10:18-20

not what we do for God but what God does for us. what we do for God can ultimately fail. what we can accomplish can be either fruitful or unfruitful. we're only human. but what He does for us, that's something to rejoice in. that's something to celebrate and be jubilant about. He does it all. He pulls us up from the mud and holds us close. He shelters us from the storm. He gives us comfort and warmth. He offers everlasting, overflowing, overabundant love. He conquers over His enemies. and He raises His people. He brings justice to the unjust. let's take joy in that! let's sing songs! let's lift up shouts of praise! let's dance! let's rejoice


we also learned at rock harbor this week about putting off our old selves and putting on our new selves. Jesus wasn't the only one who died the cross, we did too. our old lives. our shame, our regrets, our sins. they were all nailed on that cross and put to death. because of Him, we're made holy. no longer sinners. no longer our old selves. we've been made new. so let's put that old self to death and be holy. let's be representatives of God in this world. through our actions, words, and most importantly, through our love! that cross. it has a new meaning to me now. it's not only where Jesus died and gave His life for me. it's where, Jesus said, "this is where your old life is put to death, thien." and when He rose, we rose and were made new. let's celebrate Easter right. with joy and happiness. with gratitude and humility. with Jesus being the center of attention, as it always should be! let's celebrate the day Jesus came back. the day He rose, victorious!