Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.1 Peter 4:12-13
My precious Brothers and Sisters 'in' Christ,
Even Though 'It Doesn't Get Easier’ (last weeks devo) and God's word confirms this, life will get better, in fact life will be perfect beyond our ability to imagine. His Presence, His Glory, His Voice, His Beauty!
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Phil 4:4-6
Life will get unspeakably better!' With every breath we move toward the day when we shall be with the Lord... forever! It cannot get any better than that.
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world." John 17:24
Are you dancing? Let your heart fill with His promise, embrace it and hold it in heart and mind. Read this promise again. Did you hear what Jesus said about you? He wants you near.
This life holds so many hard things. One of which is saying good-bye to a loved one or letting a loved one go. This was my experience last week, turning my thoughts to that day when I will never utter those heart-tearing words “Good-bye” again. After a clinging hug and drying my tears, I said ‘good-bye’ to a beloved granddaughter, releasing her into the hands of her Heavenly Father; as she moves states away to attend college. The day is coming when: the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’.Rev 7:17
For now I will choose to remember His faithfulness. I will trust and not be afraid for 'What god is so great as our God?' Psalm 77:13
Some have released a loved one in an earthly death and have peace they are in heaven, still there is much grief of separation. For others there is multiplied grief when there is no assurance they know Christ as Savior.
How vital for us to grow deeply in love with Christ. This happens as God reveals our sin and failure, causing to see a greater and greater need for the righteousness of Christ. Our past may plague us until we acknowledge that we are safely placed in Christ. Regrets over our sinful past will remain until we believe our past no longer exists because we are in Christ. The person in Christ has only Christ's past which is perfect and acceptable. In the Lord Jesus we died and rose and are (positionally) seated with Christ in the heavenlies. Christ's acceptance before the Father, is our acceptance. Our focus moves from ourself to Christ. All this is a precursor to dwelling with Him in the heavenly realm. No longer will we be aliens, as we are now on earth, but we will walk streets of gold and experience things our minds cannot imagine. Colors, flavors, sounds! Joys we now experience are a small fortaste of all that awaits us. I hear a song: “Heaven is a wonderful place, filled with glory and grace. I'm going to see my Savior's face, O Heaven is a wonderful place, I'm gonna go there".
Let us:
Count it all joy... James 1:2 Nothing that happens(if only it comes to us in the line of His will) can take anything from the joy that does not depend on circumstances but on our God Himself. If only we are kept by His power from anything that grieves the Spirit, it will be so always, 'for to the man who pleases Him God gives... joy. Eccl 2:26 ac
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Revelation 21:3-5
Circumstances in this life may not get better, but our life in Christ will end in joy unspeakable, expect it, my brothers and sisters.
Father-God, You who will welcome me home and wipe every tear from my eye, thank you for placing me in Christ so that I am secure with His righteousness. Thank You for drawing me to Yourself by revealing the sin and failure in my life, for You redeem all things, they serve Your will and purposes. Heavenly One, You have prepared a place for me for I have chosen to trust You to forgive me and cleanse me from all sin, You hung suspended between heaven and earth, humiliated, spit on, cursed as You spilled out Your blood for me, dying in my place. Life will get better because it is Life You have provided and Your life takes me into Your Presence to live in wonder and joy before You. Hallelujah, I exalt You. My dance has climaxed with my face to the floor; the carpet catching my tears. Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lamb who was slain to purchase my salvation. I worship You... now and FOREVER. amen
Praying for each one who reads my feeble scribblings, that God may touch You and draw You near!
az
