I started out this morning making breakfast for my family. It’s what I do every Sunday. Don’t know how it started, it’s just what I do. So here I am making pancakes when it hits me. Open up the gates and let the King of glory come in. Well that was a little different, I thought. So I did. Open up the gates I mean. And the King of Glory DID come in! Who is this King Of Glory?! I’ll tell you who He is. He is my loving King that wants to spend time with me. The King that knows all, I said All of my sins, and loves me anyway. I don’t get it. I just don’t get it.
But then there are a lot of things I don’t get. Things like why we’re astounded when trouble comes our way.
Today I'm in 1 Peter 4. Let me start around verse 7;
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength 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
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Without grumbling? Instead, what ever we speak it should be as the very words of God. You ever notice how spiritual us church goers can look on Sunday, and how much we can complain about our jobs, boss's, and whatever else on Monday? Yeah, so do those around you that you've been wondering why they don't buy your "christian" message. You see, if your sold out to Christ, " they will, ( the people that don't know God ),
see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven". Likewise, if your not, they see that too.
But here is where this "Christian walk" thing starts to get a bit harder. Verse 12 ans on;
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a]
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
How you doin with that one? Yep me too! Not so good. But remember that nothing can separate us from His love. So there is hope. we can repent for our bad behavior. Ask for forgiveness. Then, keep on truckin.
Look at verse 17 again. Do you see that? " Judgment is going to begin with those of us that proclaim Christ as or Lord and Savior.
How sad and scarey is that? vs. 18, cause if it's hard for the righteous to be saved, then what about the ungodly or sinner?
Pilgrim, you were put here for a purpose. God has a plan to use you where you work everyday. Every dock you hit. Every forklift operator you talk to. Every traveler, dispatcher, cop, or waitress you come in contact with needs you to live out your Christ likeness in front of them. So don't be troubled by trouble. Thank God that He trust's you enough to use you during the trial. He is our faithful Creator, He loves you so much. As much as those that are still lost in their way. He wants to use you as His hands and feet to reach them. Humble yourself in the trial, and watch Him raise you up.
Be strong, be courageous,
"Shorthaul"
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a]
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
How you doin with that one? Yep me too! Not so good. But remember that nothing can separate us from His love. So there is hope. we can repent for our bad behavior. Ask for forgiveness. Then, keep on truckin.
Look at verse 17 again. Do you see that? " Judgment is going to begin with those of us that proclaim Christ as or Lord and Savior.
How sad and scarey is that? vs. 18, cause if it's hard for the righteous to be saved, then what about the ungodly or sinner?
Pilgrim, you were put here for a purpose. God has a plan to use you where you work everyday. Every dock you hit. Every forklift operator you talk to. Every traveler, dispatcher, cop, or waitress you come in contact with needs you to live out your Christ likeness in front of them. So don't be troubled by trouble. Thank God that He trust's you enough to use you during the trial. He is our faithful Creator, He loves you so much. As much as those that are still lost in their way. He wants to use you as His hands and feet to reach them. Humble yourself in the trial, and watch Him raise you up.
Be strong, be courageous,
"Shorthaul"
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