Joy/ Heaven

Saturday & Sunday

Devotions

March 26th -27th 2011

Saturday the 26th

Peace and Joy

-------------------------------------------

 

Bible Verse of the Day Romans 5:1-5

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, let us have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.

And let us rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but let us also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

-----------------------------------------------

Notes on the Scripture

 

One of the most perplexing issues in Christian thought is why a loving and all-powerful God allows His faithful children to suffer. I am not smart enough to answer it. Personally, I simply accept it: if God allowed Christ, who was perfect, to suffer such a terrible death prior to reaching His heavenly reward, who am I to ask for more lenient treatment?

In this passage, after reminding us that we will be saved through our faith in Christ, Paul asks us to rejoice in our sufferings. Our suffering builds character, just as the pain of physical exercise makes us physically stronger, or the task of studying makes us more learned.

We must learn to persevere, because the act of perseverance will lead to hope. In the mist of our sufferings we should look at it also as a teachable moment. What does God want us to learn from this? Do we depend on ourselves in difficult times, or do we lean on God?

What is God wanting to teach you in your suffering? Are you willing to learn?

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday

March the 27th

Heaven

Revelation 7:9-17

After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying,

"Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!"

And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing,

"Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom

and thanksgiving and honor

and power and might

be to our God forever and ever! Amen."

Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?" I said to him, "Sir, you are the one that knows." Then he said to me, "These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them.

They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat;

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

--------------------------------------------

Notes on the Scripture

 

"Revelation" is generally known for its bizarre, surreal, and frightening imagery of the Day of Judgment.

Yet here we have one of the most beautiful and comforting poetic passages in the Bible. And with all of the “STUFF” that is happening around the world today this brings comfort.

I believe it’s important in these days to have a right relationship with Christ. He is coming back again and we need to be ready. I like to say, “I am Prayed Up, Packed Up, and Ready to Go Up!” Can you honestly say that?

Heaven is real, and so is Hell! One day you will end up in one or the other.

Have you made your choice?