Tag: rejoice in suffering
Access to Grace by faith
Scripture reading for June 19: Romans 5
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.” Romans 5:1-5
Faith works by love. God’s love poured into those who believe through the Holy Spirit provides a powerful rejoicing of faith. This faith knows and trusts that God is able to do what He has promised. This faith sees the ultimate goal of our soul enjoying God’s glory in eternal life. Faith enables believers to rejoice in sufferings for the cause of Christ. As we rejoice in sufferings, we gain endurance and this produces a strong character of righteousness and hope. Hope is the constant expectation of good coming from God’s hand to those who walk by faith, even in their suffering. We have peace with God!
This is the new world view of those who repent of trusting in man and self and begin to trust in God and His promises. Our vision expands our world from physical reality to see the King of Heaven and His glorious kingdom that has already broken into our world in Jesus Christ. Our vision gives us hope of a glorious future kingdom and the defeat of all our enemies and relief from the suffering. Our faith enlarges our heart’s capacity to love others and share the Good News of the King and His kingdom here and now available to all who will believe.
Are you currently standing in God’s amazing grace? What are some changes in your life since you have entered God’s kingdom by faith? Have you shared the gift of eternal life and peace with God with your own friends and relatives?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for giving me peace with You and pouring Your love into my heart by the Holy Spirit. I want my family and friends to know this peace and rejoice in the hope of eternal life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit today that I might love each person You place in my path with Christ’s love. Amen.
Love each other deeply!
Scripture reading for November 12th: 1st Peter 4
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength that God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” (1st Peter 4:7-11)
Peter, at that time, was convinced that the end of all things was near! That spiritual outlook is healthy for each generation as they await the coming of Jesus Christ. When we live as if Christ could come any time, we look upon prayer as a necessity, not an inconvenience! There are so many people that are needing salvation and only God can draw them! We must appeal to heaven with a clear mind and vision of consequences for those not found in Christ!
Our treatment of others is deeply important to our Lord! Peter encouraged the church to “love each other deeply”! Love covers sin, doesn’t expose and gossip about it! Love offers hospitality and is generous because of Christ’s generosity to us. Love also uses every God-given gift or talent to promote Jesus Christ and His Kingdom so that all may hear and be saved! When we love in these ways, Jesus Christ is praised and receives glory, now and forever!