“We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us,” Romans 5:3-5 ESV. This passage is not suggesting that suffering is to be celebrated, it is pointing to the power of God’s redemption. We do not rejoice “FOR” our sufferings, we rejoice “IN” our sufferings and “FOR’ what it produces…endurance, character, hope, deliverance from shame and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the Love of God! Wow! Suffering turned to rejoicing is but one beautiful example among many, of the ways God REDEEMS us!! LORD God Almighty hallowed be Thy Name! You are Wonderful beyond description, too Marvelous for words. You are LORD of All.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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