Honor

November 12th – 1 Peter 1:6-7

1 Peter 1:6-7

An Indian guru once said, “The stones of a river start out rough, but with the current continually bumping and polishing them, they end up being beautiful.” I couldn’t think of a more perfect description of the Christian life. Each of us are as river stones. Rough and jagged around the edges, tossed and turned in the raging current of life. Yet we can find joy in the difficulties no matter how strong the river rages. Because the outcome isn’t just endurance, but a beautiful testimony that glorifies and honors the Lord. And as our faith is deepened, so is the hope we find knowing our suffering is only temporary. We perseverance knowing it will lead to a great honor. That honor being when Christ is revealed, we who have steadfastly held onto our faith, enduring through the trials of life, will receive honor and glory from the Lord as a reward for our commitment. No wonder our faith is called more precious than gold. For I can think of nothing more valuable than hearing the praises of my Savior.

November 12th – 1 Peter 1:6-7 Read More »

November 4th – James 1:12

James 1:12

Society today puts great value in things. Always trying to, “keep up with the Joneses”, people strive for material wealth and riches. Christians too yearn for treasure. But ours is a perfect, eternal, imperishable inheritance. (1 Peter 1:4) A glorious one bestowed by God the Father to His children. All made possible through the blood of Jesus Christ. Many are the rewards that will be given in heaven, and one is the crown of life. An eternal crown given to all who persevered in their faith no matter what. Through suffering, testing, and trials, they endured, never giving up hope. Not counting the cost. We too, by enduring through challenges with faith and perseverance, can look forward to receiving the crown of life. This gives us hope, empowering us to withstand life’s tests, knowing that our endurance is a testament to our love for God and our unwavering faith in His promises. And one day, standing before His majestic, mighty throne, we’ll cast our crowns at His feet. Giving the Lord all of the glory and honor. (Rev. 4:10-11)

November 4th – James 1:12 Read More »

February 19th – 1 Peter 2:17

1 Peter 2:17

Did you know that life coaching is the second fastest growing industry in the world? There are over a million certified life coaches in the United States alone. Businesses and people alike are spending over a billion dollars a year for their services. But as Christians we have access anytime, anywhere to the greatest life coaching there is. And the advice is free. All we have to do is open our Bibles and read the Word of God. For in it contains everything we need to live happy, successful, productive lives. Peter gives us God’s commands as to how we, as citizens of heaven, are to live while here on earth. First we are to show respect to all. Second we are to love the church. Third, we are to show deep reverence to God. And finally, honor those God has placed in authority over us. By following theses rules in faith and obedience, not only will we save ourselves a lot of money, but we’ll get the best advice, guidance, and truth out there!

February 19th – 1 Peter 2:17 Read More »

February 7th – Hebrews 2:9

Hebrews 2:9

John 3:16 tells us that God loves us so much, He sent His only Son to pay the sin debt we owe. A love perfectly exampled through the humility of that sent Son, Jesus Christ. Seated on a throne of righteousness at the right hand of the Father, the Lord willingly became “lower than the angels”. He gave up glory and power for pain and sorrow, all because of love. Love for us and love for the Father. Coming in the form of a man, Christ endured all things and suffered all things so He could become our perfect, compassionate, High Priest. (Heb. 2:16-17) Jesus shed His precious blood, giving His life so we can live eternally. And because of His great sacrifice, He once again sits beside God crowned with glory and honor. Such a love we can scarcely comprehend, and one we don’t deserve. Yet God offers His love freely. All we have to do is open our hearts and receive it.

 

February 7th – Hebrews 2:9 Read More »

August 18th – 1 Peter 1:7

1 Peter 1:7

I’ve heard it said that joy and sorrow and are like day and night. Meaning we can’t appreciate the beauty of the sunrise, without ever having experienced the darkness of the sunset. And so it is with our relationship with God. As His children we love the favor and blessings He bestows on us. But the truth is, it’s usually our times of trouble that build a deeper relationship with the Lord. For if we never taste the bitterness of life, we can’t fully savor the sweetness of God’s amazing love and grace. That’s why He allows trials into our lives. Because it is the fires of life which refine our faith. God compares this process to refining gold. When first mined, gold is soft, weak, and filled with impurities. But when put in fire, all of the grime, pollution, and corruption is melted. And what is left is a beautifully precious, purified, metal, stronger than before, and shining like the sun for the world to see.

August 18th – 1 Peter 1:7 Read More »

March 25th – Proverbs 18:12

Proverbs 18:12

We’ve all heard the expression, “pride goes before a fall.” And we need look no further than Satan to see just how far we can fall. Once one of God’s most beautiful creations, a heart of pride caused the devil to rebel against his Creator, leading to his banishment and eventual destruction. And a self serving heart can take us down the same dark path. For God loves nothing more than humility, as exampled in the life and death of Jesus. And as a fruit of the Spirit, humility keeps our hearts focused on God and others, allows us to be shining reflections of the Lord, and keeps us walking in obedience to God.

March 25th – Proverbs 18:12 Read More »