Verse of the Day 11/30
Holman Christian Standard Bible
6 You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to struggle in various trials 7 so that the genuineness of your faith—more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Today's verses follow right after yesterday's and Peter is rejoicing in God's mercy and "living", continuing hope for an eternity in heaven with Jesus. Peter was not a member of the "name it and claim it club" but in today's verses willingly admits that we will face trials. He says that we have to face them. We don't run and hide from them but persevere through them. Through these trials are proved, which is a word that comes from the refining process for precious metals. To be pure, the dross has to be removed through fire.
James had said that we are to "count it all joy" (James 1:2) when we face various trials knowing that the testing of our faith produces endurance.
The Westminster Shorter Cathechism states that "the chief end of man is to glorify God and to love Him forever". I believe it was Augustine who wrote that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him". This is put on display when we continue to love and praise Him in and through our trials becauese they are proving that our faith is genuine.
"Scripture never ignores the reality of our suffering. Peter does not instruct his readers to "just look on the bright side." But God's Word does give us perspective in our suffering. Enduring these trials strengthens our faith. Persevering through times of suffering deepens our joy. We are able to face these challenges, day in and day out, because we focus on God's promise to save us—and we believe that our God always keeps His promises." (in my Bible notes from an unknown source).
As we love Him forever, He will be loving us with a love that began before we were even born.
Jesus, my Lord will love me forever,
From Him no pow'r of evil can sever,
He gave His life to ransom my soul;
Now I belong to Him;
Once I was lost in sin's degradation,
Jesus came down to bring me salvation,
Lifted me up from sorrow and shame,
Now I belong to Him;
Chorus
Now I belong to Jesus,
Jesus belongs to me,
Not for the years of time alone,
But for eternity.
Blessings,
Mike
Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. NIV
Holman Christian Standard Bible
A Living Hope
3 Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. 5 You are being protected by God's power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to struggle in various trials 7 so that the genuineness of your faith—more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 You love Him, though you have not seen Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
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