The Joy of the Lord is our Strength

“Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” [1]

“Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” [2]

“Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous!
For praise from the upright is beautiful.

Praise the Lord with the harp;
Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings.

Sing to Him a new song;
Play skillfully with a shout of joy.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.

Our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
For our heart shall rejoice in Him,
Because we have trusted in His holy name.

Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us,
Just as we hope in You.” [3]

[1] Psalm 31:23-24
[2] Psalm 32:11
[3] Psalm 33:1-3, 12, 20-22

The Unique Way of Godliness

“Do not let your heart envy sinners but be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day; for surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off.” [1]

“Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: ‘Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full, for you shall hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets. But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” [2]

[1] Proverbs 23:17-18
[2] Luke 6:20, 24-28, 32, 36

Let Everyone Proclaim the Gospel

The first to hear the good news of Christ’s resurrection and to proclaim it to others were women. How fitting since Eve, the mother of all people, was the first to eat of the forbidden fruit. Women can preach the Gospel.

The Lord is gracious. He is forgiving.

“The [the angel] said to them [Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome], “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.’” [1]

“And they [the eleven disciples] went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.” [2]

Jesus Christ is risen from dead. He promised that whosoever believes in Him shall also resurrect from the dead to be with God. This is news that is worthy of being published and proclaimed to everyone. [3]

The Lord works with whosoever believes and preaches His message by confirming the proclamation with signs of divine affirmation.

[1] Mark 16:1, 6-7
[2] Mark 16:20
[3] John 11:25; 14:6