It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. Proverbs 25:2

Archive for August, 2024

To Fellowship in the Suffering of Christ

Many may say they want to know Jesus, to walk like Him and be in fellowship with Him, but they have not come to the realization of what that really means, which is a fellowship of His suffering.  As Christ followers we must change the way we evaluate the things that are happening to us and around us. We must change the way we view life and our expectations in life. 

1 Peter 5:10-11 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.  To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. NKJ

1 Peter 4:16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

God’s purpose is for us to reveal His love and His glory in the earth, which we see through the life of Christ. God’s glory and love is revealed in the earth when we are obedient to His word and by obedience our faith is displayed to those who are lostand in darkness so that they too may come to the Light.

All humanity knows how to be mean, prideful, hateful and to want revenge for the evil that is done to us, it is a natural part of fallen mankind. But the love of God is seen when we show, forgiveness, mercy and love to others. 

2 Corinthians 4:6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

God’s goal for our lives is that we walk in love and obedience in hard and difficult times, just as Jesus did. Through this we will reveal God’s love to a lost world and this will show our faith and trust in Him. Through the Holy Spirit we can gothrough hurt, pain, agony and persecution without hurting others in return, and this is God’s purpose for our lives. Some people may call getting to the end of the trial their goal, but forGod it is the going through the trial, with love and mercy, this is His purpose. It is the trying or testing of our faith in Him. 

What some may call the process; God calls the purpose. What some may call the end; God calls a spin-off or the result of the faith that was shown during the time of the testing of our faith

1 Peter 4:12-14 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.  If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.  On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.  NKJ

Many people struggle just to get through their hardships and trials, so they can be blessed and that they may see goodness and rest in the end. But actually, the blessings are byproducts of us accomplishing God’s goal. Which is us being patience and being light in dark places and by showing of His mercy and forgiveness in difficult situations. God’s purpose and plan for our lives is to show His compassion and love in these hard and difficult times. It is in these situations that we demonstrate our faith and the likeness of Christ in the face of adversity. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. 

2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. NKJ

Though Jesus was the Son of God, He suffered many things at the hands of evil men and because of this sinful world system.  It was through this very process of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection that He obtained salvation for all humanity.

If Jesus’ life is being formed in us then we too will experience challenges of our own, so that we too may have opportunities to forgive the wrong that we have experienced. In this we willreveal, reflect and resemble the likeness of Christ in our homes, families and community. 

Revelation 1:9 I, John, am your brother and your partner in suffering and in God’s Kingdom and in the patient endurance to which Jesus calls us. I was exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the word of God and for my testimony about Jesus. NLT

1 Peter 4:19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

The world will tell us that we should expect to receive only the good from God and should feel deprived or mistreated when we go through challenges and difficulties.   When our faith or sonship as children of God is challenged, by Satan or this world, we are to stand firm in who we are in Christ. 

It is in these challenges of life that stretch us and grow us into the image of Christ. Though we enjoy and rejoice in God’s blessing and favor, we will learn patience and perseverance through the things we suffer and the challenges we experience.  

Paul was ready to put aside his comfort and to be broken bread and poured out wine for those around him that they might see God’s light in him and believe in the risen Christ through his life. 

2 Corinthians 4: 7-10 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.  We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

We are to be reminded of our God given goal, purpose and intent, which is to know who we are in Christ and to display His power, light and love in a dark and hopeless world. 

Self-pity is from the devil and we fall into his trap when we focus on ourselves and become disheartened because of the things we go through. 

We are to be God’s light and share His hope through the power of the Holy Spirit who encourages us and gives us the endurance we need. Then we can have the same attitude and mindset as Christ and we too can say, Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing. 

2 Corinthians 4:11-12 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you. NKJ

Luke 23:34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.

Again, we must change the way we think about the things we go through as an opportunity to show God’s love and the light of His glory in a dark and hopeless world.

Every act of kindness can have at least three touch points, the joy as the one who gives, the thankfulness as the one who receives and the pleasure of one who witnesses the mercy, grace and compassion of God.  When we are generous we show God’s love and others receives His love through our generosity, while others may also witness this love of God.

Romans 15:5-7 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. NKJ

 

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We Learn Obedience and Faith Through the Things We Suffer 

As followers of Christ, we must change the way we view life and how we assess and evaluate the things that we go throughand the things that happens to us and around us. Some people have been taught a belief that followers of Christ should not suffer or experience, hardship, agony or grief. This is so far from the truth, because this fallen world system is filled with challenges, pain and misery.  We all will suffer in this life at some point. It is in the process of going through these hardships that we learn to trust, respect and rely on God’s word, just as Jesus did. 

Hebrews 5:8 Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. NKJ

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” NKJ

God sent His Son to redeem this world and to pay a debt that we could not pay. Through the things He suffered He learned obedience and trust in God. He trusted God in navigating His life in this fallen world system.  We all will encounter tests and trials that will challenge our faith but it is when we choose to put our trust in God our Father and be obedient to His word, even to the point of pain or suffering, that our faith is displayed to this loss world. 

1 Peter4:12-13 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trail which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. NKJ

God required obedience from the first Adam but he rebelled and disobeyed God’s command. Jesus came as the second Adam and even though He was the Son of God, He was obedient even to the death on a cross. Jesus was despised and rejected by men and He endured the shame of dying for our sins.  Jesus said, the servant is not greater than His master and the challenges and rejection He went through we as believers will go through at some point. But it is how we go through or navigate our problems that tries our faith that reveals our loyalties.  

1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. NKJ     

Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. NKJ

John 15:20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. NKJ

Christ is our example in that He trusted in every situation that God would judge all things right. That God would orchestrate and guide His life situations in ways that would eventually bring God glory and allow God’s light to shine into dark places.  Some situations may appear as though we are without any hope of being vindicated in this life. Though it may have appeared in the natural that Christ was defeated when He died on the cross, but His death was the very event that brought victory and allowed sinners to be saved by grace.

John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. NKJ

We too will experience persecution, rejection and some may experience physical harm or may live as outcasts, or as though dead to family and friends. But it is when we respond to these situations in love, that these crises will demonstrate and display our faith in God love. Our limited minds can only see things in part, but the Almighty God can reach across the lines of life and death, rich and poor, soul and spirit to bring about a triumph that no one could have imagined.  

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulations; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” NKJ

1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” NKJ

The difference between the world’s way and the followers of Christ is how they will respond to persecution. We are to show love in face of oppositions and to be the example of how love while being challenged. So to show others how they are to act during times of hardship or suffering. 

The world will say, you deserve better or you should not have to suffer through these hard times. However, God tells us differently, that we will experience tribulations as Christ followers. Jesus was sent to seek and to save the lost, He came and His life was spent, depleted and used so that we may be redeemed.  Just as Followers of Christ are also being sent and poured out for a lost world. Therefore, we too must die to ourown ambition and lay aside those monetary life accomplishments if need be for the sake of someone’s eternal soul. Followers of Christ in the natural world, are to lay these things aside to do the work of God in the lives of those around us. This is so that others who are lost might be saved, to have eternal life with Christ forever. 

John 20:21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” NKJ

When an olive is crushed or the grape is pressed, the true essence of the inner substance, the oil or juice will flow out. It is when a cup is rattled or shaken that what lies within spills out. The same goes for humanity, as life presses in on us, that which dominates our spirit within will spills out, be it the love of God or hate and fear which is of the enemy. 

When life comes at us hard, when we are totally spent and exhausted, that is when our true expression of faith in God will be seen. It is our true self that is an automatic response in those hard situations and will be shown in that instant. Rather than justifying our actions with the reasons of this world, be it stress, anxiety or anger, we should take note as to what flowed out of our soul and spirit. It is in the recognition and the confession of the problem that we can ask God to create in us a clean heart, right spirit and to let His love flow in and through us. 

2 Timothy 4:5-6 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering and the time of my departure is at hand. NKJ

Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. KJV

Life is about challenges and choices and it is through these challenges that we make know our choices. Followers of Christ must stand firm as Satan constantly comes to try and create doubt and to challenge God’s word. It is how we choose to respond to these problems that will display our faith and beliefs in God to both the natural and spiritual world around us. God is glorified when we obey His word and this reveals our faith and trust in God’s love for us. 

Romans 16:19-20 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. NKJ

 

 

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Faith Is Displayed through Obedience!

God’s goal and purpose for our lives is a life of faith, which is demonstrated through obedience. It is the act of obedience that gives a tangible testimony of our faith in God’s Preeminence and His dominion over all things. 

It is in obedience to God’s word in the face of adversity, danger or misfortune that verifies, confirms and proves that we trust in God’s ability to see us through all situations and circumstances. It is our faith that pleases God and it is through our trust and obedience to Him that our faith is revealed.  

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. NIV

It was in disobedience to God’s purpose for his life that Satan allowed pride to rise in him, birthing sin into existence in heaven. The one command God gave Adam was to obey Him, and to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Satan then led Adam and Eve into the acts of disobedience causing sin to be born into this world and ushering in this fallen world system. They had more faith in the words of Satan, their own desire and pride, desiring to have the same knowledge as God, rather than being obedience to God’s word. 

This is why God says obedience is better than sacrifice. Peoplemay give and sacrifice things that they possess as an expression of their wealth, position or conscience but it is obedience that isa true reflection and evidence of a heart of faith in God.   

1 Samuel 15:22 So Samuel said: “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. NKJ

The one command God gave Adam is the same one He has given us and that is to obey Him. For obedience is more important to God than any service we can offer. It is in obedience to God’s will for our life that we may suffer hardships and may have to sacrifice those things that areimportant to us, at the cost of friendship, family or life itself. 

It is in the humbleness of mind and self that we are able to give up our things, our rights and our way of living so we can submit to God’s will for our lives. It is when we humble ourselves before God and release the reins of our lives to Him and trustHim, that we able to operate in faith through obedience to God’s will, His word and His way. 

Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. NKJ

Jesus came and showed us how to live a life of obedience to God through humility and humbleness of spirit, He beingwilling to suffer personally for the ultimate will and glory of God. Jesus even though He was The Son of God, He was also the Son of Man and He learned obedience through the things He suffered. 

Hebrews 5:8 Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. NKJ

May we too display our faith in God through obedience, even in our pain, in our suffering and in our loss, so that a dying world may see and know the Hope we have in Christ. 

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 Colossians 1:27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 

 

 

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