Brothers and sisters:
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing
compared with the glory to be revealed for us.
For creation awaits with eager expectation
the revelation of the children of God;
for creation was made subject to futility,
not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it,
in hope that creation itself
would be set free from slavery to corruption
and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.
We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now;
and not only that, but we ourselves,
who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,
we also groan within ourselves
as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
For in hope we were saved.
Now hope that sees for itself is not hope.
For who hopes for what one sees?
But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.
When I read this I realize that I don’t really understand God, or rather I don’t the depth of God’s love. I get so wrapped up in my day to day existence most of the time that I don’t realize that next to eternity my time on this world is a passing phase. When I pause and begin to ponder these points I ache as the text describes. I ache to be with God in heaven for eternity.
Jesus said, "What is the Kingdom of God like?
To what can I compare it?
It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden.
When it was fully grown, it became a large bush
and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches."
Again he said, "To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God?
It is like yeast that a woman took
and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour
until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”
Now the first time I read this I was like, “Whaaaaa…..”, but my take on it is that the God’s kingdom seems small but when given the opportunity to grow it becomes massive. Just as I am made in the likeness of God, I am small and petty when I stay in of myself, but if I allow myself to be nurtured by God and his love I can grow to be great and help and feed many. But that’s just it, I have to choose. God won’t snap his fingers and make it so. It doesn’t work that way. I have to choose to love as he does.
Jesus,
There is a lot in this world that is calling me, and lets be honest, it’s not any good. Just like today my children will be going door to door getting candy on halloween, but if I let them eat too much they will get sick. Help me reject the sickness in this world. Help me to see sin for what it is. Help me to see sin period. Sometimes it’s dressed up so fancy and made to look good that you cant even tell it’s bad. Help me to see the love and joy in your way so that I will choose that instead so that I may grow in your love with your love. Cause deep down I know that is where true happiness that is lasting comes from. I love you Jesus you are so precious to me. Thank you.
In Jesus Christ’s name I pray,
Amen
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