Sep 06

So, we have God's original plan, which was to have us live with him in perfect obedience to that plan, simply because he said so. And we have the marring of that plan by sin, man's disobedience.

"God made mankind upright, but men have gone in search of many schemes" (Eccl. 7:29).

Because of this, God sometimes cannot speak gently, though that is his preference. But gently or sternly, it is always in love and kindness.

"In his kindness, God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power is his forever and ever. Amen" (1 Ptr. 5:10, 11).

This passage speaks of suffering, but it does not state whether that suffering is a result of our own sins or because of the sins of others and we are just God's voice to them against that sin. Either way, the true child of God submits to God's purposes for himself. Whether the purpose of suffering is to get rid of sin in his own life or in the life of others, the child of God is called to glory. And sin must be gotten rid of for the glory of God to shine forth.

Scripture for today: 1 Peter 5:10, 11
Thought for today: Glory follows suffering and restoration.
Prayer for today: Make me like Jesus, Father, who suffered even death on a cross because he saw the glory set before him.

SEP 06