BASKING IN THE GLORY

03/31/2024

"Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow" (1 Peter 1:10-11).

One of the very problematic aspects of being Christian is the tendency to be works-minded. Now, what do I mean by "works-minded"? I mean, the tendency to be overly self-reliant on your actions as the basis for your results. While reliance on taking action is immensely impactful in some of the outcomes of your life, it is important to know the actions God requires from you, God's part, and the part of other believers in producing the outcomes that God envisaged for you. 

No believer is a general practitioner. You may have a role in your outcome in life and ministry but there are others whose roles may ultimately determine your success. This is why over-reliance on self-effort can interfere with the roles of the Holy Spirit and other believers who have been assigned to help you fulfil God's divine plan.

In today's theme scripture, we find an example. The Bible says that the sufferings were Christ's so that the glory that followed would be yours. If you decided to suffer the things that Jesus suffered simply because you look at your efforts as the sole factor responsible for your success, this would be tantamount to pride. And God resists the proud. 

You may ask, how do I take on the suffering of Christ with a works-mindset? A good example would be speaking lack. 2 Corinthians 8:9 says, "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich."

What is the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in this context? He became poor so that through His poverty you became rich. In the spirit, the words you speak are reality and are designed to become flesh. So when you talk poverty, you are rejecting the sufferings of Christ and the glory that followed concerning your prosperity. 

Recognize that your words are often how you release or short-circuit the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 10:10 says, "For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." 

What follows after Jesus suffered is glory and you do not work for it. You bask in it by your confessions of the Word of God. Hear me, let no challenge or situation be so confounding that you forget to say what God has said about the situation.

Have a great day!

Faith-Filled Confession

I live in the glory of God. Jesus suffered so that I bask in victory. He was wounded so that I am healthy and He became poor so that I am rich. I observe no lying vanity. I forsake no mercy. Rather, I maintain my triumphal position, living the good life that God called me to live. Hallelujah!

Prayer Point

Thank God today for His mercies and lovingkindness.

One-Year Bible Reading Plan: Judges 6-7; Luke 8:1-21