When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. The LORD hath done great things for us; wherefore we are glad. Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. – Psalm 126
Count it all joy. When you receive God’s forgiveness. The children of Israel through scripture have shown us what the patience and mercy of God really looks like. He forgives them and again they would turn to sin. In this scripture the psalmist talks about receiving the forgiveness of God.
When God releases them from the captivity caused by their sins the people have much to rejoice about. Where there was once no dream, now there is a dream to be had. When their mouths were once filled with weeping, now laughter and singing is found. Even the unsaved marveled at the good things that God did for his people. Those that were in tears receive joy for those tears. God has exchanged those seeds of bitterness for a crop of plenty. No more weeping but rejoicing.
There is something important to notice about this scripture and that is we don’t hear complaining about the punishment of the sin, but the rejoicing of forgiveness. It is important that we understand that we sometimes find ourselves in captivity or bondage because of our disobedience to God. When we do, we have to seek God’s mercy but we also have to understand we very well may have to go through the process of coming from that bondage. And when we come out of that thing, we should count it all joy because God in his mercy did not allow us to stay in the bondage but released us. We cannot be angry because our actions have causes us to be in difficult situations. I’ve heard people say when faced with financial diffi culty, marital difficulty or issues with the law, “why has God allowed this to happen to me?” It is not always that God has allowed it, but that we refused to move in his direction and therefore we brought the bondage upon ourselves. Whatever the case, we should count it all joy because of the relationship we have with God. His love for us is so great that he willingly comes to get us and restore us, even if we got where we were out of our own disobedience.
I pray for us today that we rejoice in the grace extended to us. Let us be thankful for God’s forgiveness that he freely offers to us. Let us also rejoice in knowing that whatever situation we find ourselves in (our doing or not) God will not leave us there alone. He will take those tears and turn them into rejoicing. He will take the wounds and bind them up. Count it all joy; you have received the forgiveness of God.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Speaking Events
Pastors Noah W. Reid & Carolyn Waddy-Reid, along with the Youth
of the Langley Avenue Church of God
6159 S. Langley Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
Cordially invite Everyone from every walk of life to attend this
Youth Sunday ~ February 17th at 11:00 a.m.
Minister Jewel D. Williams
will bring the message entitled
“Destined for Greatness”
Immediately Following the Morning Service:
The Langley Avenue Church of God is hosting the signing of Minister Williams’ newly released book
“Fearfully and Wonderfully Made”
A Teen Devotional for Girls
Tell all your friends, bring your whole family and celebrate the Lord with us!
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
I am excited about the release of my new book. It is geared for pre-teen and teenage girls. This Christian book uses the word of God to answer some of the questions teens are faced with in their lives. The topics cover such subjects as:
* What about me?
* Who Am I?
* Setting Goals?
* Peer Pressure.
* When Should I Date?
* Drinking and Drugs
* Marks of a Christian Teen
And so much more!!
Pick one up for your daughter, niece or any young girl you know!
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