Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:3-9
This was the passage that was preached on at The Village on Sunday. It's always amazing when there is a sermon that you feel God is actually reaching down and writing the words on your heart. I felt His love and His presence wrap around me and just hold me and whisper words of assurance and peace.
Truth revealed to me in regards to the Joplin devastation.
1. We have been given a living hope that God has given us an inheritance that can never perish.
Why did this speak to me? Joplin has seen so much of the town perish, it's people, it's buildings, even hope has diminished. But God is preparing a place for us in heaven. One that rot and rust and devastation will never be able to touch. It reminded me that I am merely a visitor in this world and my home is with the Father. He will protect me and keep me until the day he calls me home.
2. Rejoice in the Lord for He is good....even in times of trials the Lords glory must shine through. You're faith should not be shaken by a tornado or other events in your life. It's the times like these that your genuine faith will be tested and refined. Be strong and keep faith so that Christ may be exalted.
3. Though you can not see Him, you believe in Him.
This is one of the biggest for me. You hear ALL the time...Where is God in the midst of this? Well, I can't see good in this...I can't see the God in this. But I know my God and I trust my God that He is there. I will continue to lift up and glorify my father in heaven despite the sufferings and hardships that come my way.
My God is all powerful, all knowing, and loves me more then words can express. To him be all the glory for the past, the present, and the future. I pray my life be a pleasing aroma to him and that I will remain strong and steadfast in my faith.
"Into the darkness you shine
Out of the ashes we Rise
There’s no One like You
None like You.
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…"
--- Chris Tomlin ---
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