May 1, 2020

Good morning Family,

It would be nice if we could see the trials in our lives as options, as electives. It would be convenient if we could say, I’m going to skip the trials today. But the fact is, we don’t have that option. Trials will come into the lives of every believe. We will be tested.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (NIV)

Notice that James says, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” The phrase various trials could also be translated “many-colored trials” or “trials of many kinds.” In other words, no two trials or experiences are necessarily alike.

We must remember that God never tests us without a reason. God’s ultimate purpose is to conform us into the image of Jesus Christ. God wants to produce a family likeness in us. This means that some difficulties and tests will show us immediate results, while others will produce long-term ones.

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Cor 3:18 (NIV)

The Holy Spirit works in a believers’ life, step by step, helping them come closer to God’s perfect way of living. It occurs little by little as the Holy Spirit points out more areas of our lives that need to be submitted to God’s will; and we, then, freely submit to God. The Holy Spirit works through the preaching of God’s word, the reading of Scripture, our prayer life, and the wise guidance of other mature believers to lead believers on God’s wonderful path of righteousness.

How can we begin to display the glory of God?

Confess Sin

When we confess sin, we are putting on display His glory by declaring His righteousness. We are aligning or moral compass with His.

Forgive Others

Our God is a forgiving God. When we forgive others, we are proclaiming His compassion and eagerness to forgive. It has been said that we are never more God-like than when we forgive.

Produce Fruit

Jesus says,

My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit. John 15:8

Give Thanks

Psalm 50:23 says, He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving glorifies Me.

Pray

Like giving thanks, prayer shines the spotlight on God’s attributes of goodness and omnipotence. The Lord encourages and invites us to,

Call upon Me in the day of trouble and I will rescue you and you will glorify me. Psalm 50:15

There are times when we can emerge from a trial, look back, and say, I learned this when I went through that experience. Or maybe we not able to identify, at that moment, what we have learned.

But what has happened, is that we have become a little bit more like Jesus. He has worked in our life to mold us and shape us into His own image.

May the grace and peace of Jesus Christ guide and keep you today,
Pastor Dennis