My Heart's Desire

This post is mainly for myself, yet, I share it in hopes to encourage others also. 

Scripture says, "Suppose someone wants to love life and see good days. Then they must keep their tongues from speaking evil. They must keep their lips from telling lies. They must turn away from evil and do good. They must look for peace and go after it. The Lord's eyes look on godly people, and he blesses them. His ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord doesn't bless those who do evil." (Psalm 34:12-16)

Who is going to hurt you if you really want to do good? But suppose you do suffer for doing what is right. Even then you will be blessed. Scripture says, "Don't fear what others say they will do to hurt you. Don't be afraid." (Isaiah 8:12) But make sure that in your hearts you honor Christ as Lord. Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you about the hope you have. Be ready to give the reason for it, but do it gently and with respect. 

Christ suffered in His body. So prepare yourselves to think in the same way Christ did. Do this because whoever suffers in their body is finished with sin. As a result, they don't live the rest of their earthly life for evil human desires. Instead, they live to do what God wants. 

Ungodly people are surprised that you no longer join them in what they do. They want you to join them in their wild and wasteful living. So they say bad things about you. But they will have to explain their actions to God. 

Dear friends, don't be surprised by the terrible things happening to you. The trouble you are having has come to test you. So don't feel as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be joyful that you are taking part in Christ's sufferings. Then you will have even more joy when Christ returns in glory. 

Suppose people say bad things about you because you believe in Christ. Then you are blessed, but God's Spirit rests on you. He is the Spirit of glory. If you suffer, it shouldn't be because you are a murderer. It shouldn't be because you are a thief or someone who does evil things. It shouldn't be because you interfere with other people's business. But suppose you suffer for being a Christian. Then don't be ashamed. Instead, praise God because you are known by the name of Christ. 

Here is what people who suffer because of God's plan should do. They should commit themselves to their faithful Creator. And they should continue to do good. 

1 Peter 3:10-14, 

             4:1-2, 4-5, 12-16, 19

I pray that I may be so zealous for the Lord that I truly don't care a thing about what happens to me. I want Him to be enough, because He IS enough.

This is my heart's desire.

And I pray my children are set ablaze for Christ's name sake as they learn the ways of the One True God.


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