January 10
THINK IT NOT STRANGE
-It is built into the Adamic Nature of man to think it is some strange thing every time he goes through a trial, whether
it be mental, physical, social, or otherwise. That is why the Lord gave this awesome revelation to the apostle Peter, which
states, … Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing
happened to you: But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed,
you may be glad also with exceeding joy ( 1st Peter 4:12 ) ... WHAT A MUCH NEEDED WORD FROM GOD! Man in his
carnal state needs to be assured that God loves him and is not mad at him. This passage of scripture gives us confidence in
knowing that:
-God is the One Who initiates our trials …
-GOD IS THE FIRE that we go through …
-God wants us to go through the fire …
-Going through the CONSUMING FIRE OF GOD is the very thing that makes us into His image, for it is HIS FIRE that consumes
our wood, hay, and stubble (carnal mind ). As a result of going through fiery trials, we become like Him, and do qualify to
rule and reign with Him now and in the ages to come. Here are some more scriptures that bring out this great truth …
-Hebrews 12:6-7 states, …whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives. If you endure
chastening, God deals with you as with sons; …
( Read also Hebrews 12:6-13 )
-Hebrews 2:10 states, … the captain of our salvation was made perfect through suffering..
-Hebrews 5:8 states, …Jesus learned obedience through the things He suffered …
-2nd Timothy 2:12 states, …If we suffer with Him, we shall also reign with Him …
-James 1:2,3 states, …count it ALL JOY when you fall into divers temptations; … the trying of your faith works
patience …
-James 1:12 states, … Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown
of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love Him …
-Romans 5:3 states, … we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience; and patience experience;
and experience, hope: …
( WHAT A REVELATION! )
-COUNT IT ALL JOY!-
