4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Php. 4 NIV)
There are times in life when we need to stop what we are doing and celebrate! We must recognize the small and the large accomplishments, gifts, or other circumstances and thank God for them.
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Php. 4 NIV)
Yes, there will still be problems, concerns, worries; yes the current thing that we celebrate may unravel or even blow up in our faces. But, most likely, when God gives us a gift we should take it at face value, appreciate it, and rejoice in the Lord!
17Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. (James 1:17 NASB)
So, tonight I rejoice that our church is preparing to call a new pastor. We recently interviewed two candidates and, after LOTS of prayer and conversation, the Call Team (which I am a part of) unanimously agreed to recommend one of these pastors to the congregation.
Thank you, God, for giving us unity, clarity, and your Spirit’s guidance. We pray that this pastor will also feel God’s call to come to our church. We pray that the transition from there to here would be smooth for him and his family. And we pray for a smooth transition for our church as we will (hopefully) have a lead pastor again.
20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Php. 4 NIV)