Heavenly Perspective
There are a number of things I want to write about right now.I could write about the fact that I was lucky enough to go to Boy From Oz on sunday, and that it and Hugh Jackman were brilliant!
I could ramble on about how I am looking forward to spring (hence the picture)
I could quote some classic paragraphs from High Fidelity or give you insight into the songs Ive been playing pretty much non stop this week.
I could write about the two very good films I saw on saturday night. Or the way that one of them, Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind seems to make so many accurate observations about life, love and the pursuit of happiness.
Or then again I could tell you about the decisions I am currently trying to make; the choices for next year that are running through my mind as I attempt to figure out where God wants me and where I can best serve Him.
Some of these things would be perhaps more interesting for you than others. Some would perhaps be slightly more selfish than God honoring.
Alas I shall share none of the above at this very moment and instead share with you some thoughts from Bible study last night, in which we got stuck into 1 Peter.
I love this book. There is just so much in it! And Peter himself is an encouraging dude - to go from hating the idea of Christ on the cross to boldly and passionately preaching Christ crucified, I think we can learn a lot from this man!
What is also very encouraging is looking at the blessings, trials, and results described in 1 Peter 1:1-12! We are reminded of some of the blessings we receive through Jesus: great mercy, new birth, living hope, being shileded by God's power, salvation, grace, and inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade, joy, revelation, peace, and the Holy Spirit.<br />All very cool things!
And if those numerous blessings greatly beyond what we could ever deserve are not enough to make you repent and believe and praise our Lord, then have a look at what the passage says about trials...
Peter reminds us that we can expect all kinds of trials. Things that will test your faith. But you know what? Amongst the suffering, the trials, the tears, the persecution and the pain, like the spring sun making its way into our chilly winter days, hope still shines through!
The bad is only for "a little while", they will not endure forever.
Yes, trials will come. But they are nothing in comparison to the blessings.
In other words, we are given a bigger perspective than the here and now. The here and now may be hard. But the promised future will be so, so, much better that nothing can compare!
"Inexpressible and glorious joy". I dont know about you, but the blessings we are promised through Jesus provide me with such a joy.
It is easy to get caught up in the idea that this life in this world and what it offers here, now, is what we have to live for. But even this thinking is a 'trial' that will drag you away from a heavenly perspective.
Take joy in what is to come people! And remember that as you endure in faith, praise, glory and honor will be given to God.
Do not let the here and now take over. Have a heavenly perspective.
"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—kept in heaven for you"
2 Comments:
Indeed, here and now have become important because of what is coming - Praise God!
Been a while between drinks, must've been busy. I might post one day about what's been taking up my time, but that's not for today...
Hope you're staying well and joyful and disciplined. Sounds like you're going from strength to strength! May God continue to grow you in your faith and love as you delve into the greatness of his hope.
In Him,
JT
Thank you JT!
I hope and pray the same for you!
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