Duck in the Pulpit

Give Thanks by Rejoicing and Not Worrying 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice! Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name, take joy in the God of our salvation. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.  

Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Brothers and sisters, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the door! 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is life not more than food and the body more than clothing? Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. Always pray in the Spirit in every prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone night and day, 

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ. Those of steadfast mind God keeps in peace, in peace because they trust in God. By God’s power they are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. Know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 

Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. 

As for the things that you have learned and received and heard and noticed in me, do them, and the God of peace will be with you. I appeal to you, then, be imitators of me. Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. We ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that, as you learned from us how you ought to live and to please God (as, in fact, you are doing), you should do so more. Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. 

May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.