Tag: Spirit of Glory
Judgment begins in God’s house!
Scripture reading for October 12th: 1st Peter 4, Psalm 54, Proverbs 18
1st Peter 4: 12-17 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the Name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that Name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the Gospel of God?”
Peter went through some fiery trials himself that tested his faith and he failed on several occasions. Peter wrote to followers of Jesus who were also experiencing trial with words of encouragement and comfort. Peter had learned how to rejoice in the trials and recognize the blessing of God’s grace and glory in his life that sustained him. He had also watched Jesus suffer unjustly and came to understand how God sustained Him. Suffering is part of the trials of walking through this world as a follower of the Lord, Who suffered unjustly because of our sins. We must take time to examine our lives and judge our own hearts, attitudes, and actions in the face of suffering. It is only by God’s grace we overcome.
Psalm 54:1-3 “O God, save me by Your Name, and vindicate me by Your might. O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth. For strangers have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life; they do not set God before themselves.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the instruction on trials that come to test us as we live for You here on earth. Help me to humbly evaluate each trial and respond through the Spirit of Grace and Glory that You have blessed me with. Help me to judge myself, my attitudes and and actions instead of judging others. I desire to honor You and glorify God as I live under Your authority and Holy Name.
Proverbs 18:12 “Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.”
Rejoice in Fiery Trials!
Scripture reading for November 12th: Lamentations 3-5, Ezekiel 1, 1st Peter 4
Key Scriptures: 1st Peter 4:12-14 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”
Life will have its trials and tests. We will be called upon to suffer because we bear the Name of Jesus Christ as our Lord. When we suffer for doing good or as a believer, we can rejoice and be glad. God will bless us with His Spirit of glory resting upon us to give us grace to endure and the sure hope of eternal reward in God’s presence.
Lamentations 3:22-23 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your faithful mercies and mighty Hand! Help me to rejoice in suffering and trials, relying on Your steadfast love and new mercies each day. Amen.
Rejoice in sufferings for Christ!
Scripture reading for November 11th: 1st Peter 4
Key Scriptures for over-comers: 1st Peter 4:12-17 “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, don not be ashamed but praise God that you bear that Name!”
Peter encouraged believers not to be shocked at the suffering that would come their way because of their faith. This is normal because Jesus Himself suffered. In fact, you are blessed if you suffer for Christ and godly living because the Holy Spirit rests on you. Believers should never be involved in sin and and then call the consequences of that persecution!
Observations for over-comers: Suffering will come to believers living dedicated lives for Christ! “Trouble and distress have come upon me, but Your commands are my delight. Your statutes are forever right; give me understanding that I may live.” (Psalm 119:143-144)