So That You May Rejoice with Exultation

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So That You May Rejoice with Exultation

We have so many promises  from God  throughout the Bible.     Many are meant  to encourage us  to stand up  for what is right  in God’s eyes  and do what is right  in God’s eyes.     In many passages  and ways  the Bible tells us  that the people of this world  will mock God’s children  and insinuate  that they are stupid  for trusting  in God’s ways  and standing up  for God’s ways.

The gist  of the world’s mockings is  that they are more loving  and understanding  than the LORD God Almighty is.     The essence  of their proclamations suggests  that everything God says  in the Bible  is too judgmental  and that He does not have the authority  to tell them  what is right  or wrong.     Consequently,  we hear daily news reports  about gay rights movements,  all sorts of wrong doings  in the political arena,  activists trying  to take all references to God  out of our country’s heritage,  abortion rights,  etc.

The apostle Peter wants Christians  to understand  how God wants us  to react  to the world’s taunts.     We need  to always remember  that God knows  what the future holds  and how things will be  in the end.     It is what is at the end  of this world  and what is in eternity  that we need to care about,  lest we become a victim  of this world’s pressures  and lose our souls.

We need to thoughtfully consider  1 Peter 4:12-19  and apply it  to our situation  —  noting that nothing has really changed  in the last 2,000 years.

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.

If you are reviled  for the name of Christ,  you are blessed,  because the Spirit  of glory  and of God  rests upon you.

By no means let any of you suffer  as a murderer,  or thief,  or evildoer,  or a troublesome meddler;  but if anyone suffers  as a Christian,  let him not feel ashamed,  but in that name  let him glorify God.

For it is time for judgment  to begin  with the household  of God;  and if it begins  with us first,  what will be  the outcome  for those who do not obey  the gospel  of God?

And  if it is with difficulty  that the righteous is saved,  what will become  of the godless man  and the sinner?

Therefore,  let those also who suffer  according to the will of God  entrust their souls  to a faithful Creator  in doing  what is right.

We stand tall and strong  in the righteousness  of our LORD  because of all  that He has done  for us  in love  through Jesus Christ.     We do not try  to live righteously  according to our own standards,  but according to our heavenly Father’s standards,  set up for us  according to His almighty wisdom  and power  to judge us all.

As we rest  in God’s love  and rejoice  in the salvation  He has given us  in Jesus,  we say,  “Hallelujah!     Lord,  thank You for making us  Your dear children  through faith  in Christ Jesus.     Let us always live  to your glory  because You have loved us  from all eternity.”

Love,
Margaret

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A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and God of gods

 

Pray for our country.

 

This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

 

The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield  to all  who take refuge  in Him.
Psalm 18:30

 

Sing for joy in the LORD,  O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming  to the upright.
Psalm 33:1

 

How blessed are those  who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4

 

Just as a father has compassion  on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13

 

Oh give thanks to the LORD,  for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1

 

Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3

 

Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that
I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12

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