05/11/2016 - REJOICE BEFORE THE LORD

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And you shall rejoice before the Lord your God, you and your sons and your daughters, your male and female servants, and the Levite who is within your gates, since he has no portion nor inheritance with you.  Deuteronomy 12.12

Since the beginning, the Lord has drawn man to understand the importance of joy. When the Most High did not receive Caim’s offer, he felt angry and his countenance fell, but God spoke to him about that sadness. He said that it was not a good sadness, because sin – the devil – was lying at the door (Gen 4.7). However, since he did not pay attention to the words of the Most High, he killed his brother and received the worst diploma: of being the first homicide in history.

He should have prayed and given his best to the Lord, but since he did not care about offering something to God, he let the demon enter in his heart. Then, when he was alone with his brother Abel, he preferred to be the only one left in order not to see his brother please God. Be careful! The evil one is seeking weak people that do not obey the Word; therefore, the prisons are full of people and orphans walk throughout the world. This does not come from God!

Whoever walks with the heavenly Father has a joyful countenance, for when they are visited by Him, they feel their hearts warm with joy. It is sad to see many people that once were saved and walked with Jesus righteously being deceived by the enemy, giving in to discouragement, and not walking with God anymore. Why should anyone stop shining the joy of the Lord and put out the light of faith in Him?

The Lord gave an order to Israel – and to the Church of Jesus – that they should rejoice before the Lord. To have such a state of spirit is simple: it only requires trust. However, we have been robbed of this blessing. The forces of evil already know that Jesus has dethroned them, but they fight desperately with all kinds of deceit and lies to take away the joy of the redeemed. What is really sad is to see that the devil makes some become unbelievers. Mercy, Lord!

The entire family should rejoice, even those who live and work in a Christian home. If they value the presence of God and live well, but deny the Lord the right to make them happy by believing in lies, all kinds of problems show up among them. Never stop giving the tithes in the House of the Lord. If you do not act correctly, Satan will be able to hurt you, and at the same time, hinder the growth of the divine work.

The Israelites could not offer sacrifices in any place. Whoever follows the enemy’s tactic and become rebellious to the commandments opens a door to the demon to act in your life. God’s matters must be dealt seriously, and in some cases, with some kind of sacrifice. Whoever does not strive to be faithful to the Lord is led towards the hands of the evil one. The rebellious people do not serve God, but the enemy.

To be obedient was not only to give tithes, but also to do that in the place where God would receive it from their hands. Do everything according to the instructions, for the Most High must be served wholeheartedly. Then, you will prove the wonderful reward that He gives. Pay the proper respect that the Word of God deserves.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares