Romans 5:1-5 (NIV) Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:1-5 (MSG) By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise. There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! ********************************************************************************** God doesnt owe us anything-yet in His grace, He still gives us good things. - Billy Graham Praise God, how true and faithful He is to His children in every instance of every moment. Peace, hope and patience; three words that I am sure you never expected would go hand-in-hand with one another. Justified through our faith in Christ Jesus we now have peace with God. Hallelujah! Through Jesus we have gained access to the grace of God that we now stand in. Glory! We can now boast in the hope that we have in the glory of our God. Amen! We can glory in our sufferings too...wait...what? We can do so because we know that suffering produces perseverance. Ouch! Perseverance produces character. Oh, it hurts! Character then in turn produces more hope and hope will never put us to shame! Oh man, the whole process sounds quite painful and unpleasant. We are a work continually in progress. The Apostle Paul encouraged the Philippine church with these words. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. Philippians 1:6 (MSG) God has begun a good work in us and He will continue to work on us until Jesus comes to take us home. This fact should fill us with joy and hope, but I am pretty sure I heard a few groans out there. Yes, God is working on us, but let us look toward the outcome; let us focus on the Gods purpose and goal. We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. (MSG) God loves you just the way you are, but he refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus.- Max Lucado Paul had a lot to say about allowing God to effectively work in our lives and we must understand that His purpose is to make us and mold us into the likeness of His Son. Now, this can be easier or difficult depending on how our attitude is in accepting his discipline and molding. My recommendation is to come in humbleness and say Lord, have your way in me. The process will be a little less painful if you are not kicking and thrashing through the procedure. [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight. Philippians 2:13 (AMP) My Prayer: Lord, have your way in my life today. I realize that your purpose and plan is to make me more like Jesus and that is my desire too. Give me the strength needed to face the molding process today and every day. I want to be a pleasure to you and a delight. Have your way in my life, I humbly bow to your will; not my own. I want to be able to, shout your praise even when Im hemmed in with troubles, because I know how troubles can develop passionate patience in me, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping me alert for whatever God will do next.
Posted on: Fri, 23 Jan 2015 13:30:47 +0000
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