Verse of the Day 1/13

Romans 5:4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.  New Living Translation (NLT)

 

You may have heard someone say in a prayer or conversation that they were "looking forward " to what God was going to do in a situation in the coming year.  Some of the situations being faced by friends and loved ones are challenging ones.  Serious health, relational and financial problems are among us.  The thought of looking forward is one of hope.  Having endured previous trials gives us hope for present and future ones.

 

Instead of endurance some translations start with patience.  Either way John MacArthur comments that it involves "perseverance, the ability to remain under tremendous pressure without succumbing."  He goes on to point out that the word for "character", literally means proof.  It was used in reference to determining the purity of metals.  The trials and challenges will challenge, try and strengthen our may strengthen our faith, and help us to know that God loves us while we are in our trials while "looking forward" to a better day, a better eternity.

 

For those of us who trust Jesus Christ as our Savior, we can look forward this way because we've been redeemed.

 

Redeemed  (Big Daddy Weave)

 

I don't have to be the old man inside of me
Cause his day is long dead and gone
I've got a new name, a new life I'm not the same
And a hope that will carry me home

 

I am redeemed, You set me free
So I'll shake off theses heavy chains
Wipe away every stain now I'm not who I used to be
I am redeemed

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Romans 5:1-5
New King James Version (NKJV)   Faith Triumphs in Trouble

 

5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.