We Also Glory in Our Sufferings

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. — Romans 5:3-4 

In a few weeks, our pastor will be preaching on a very similar verse, Philippians 1:27-30.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit,[a] striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

This passage is titled, Life Worthy of the Gospel.

Of course, none of us are worthy.

It's only by God's grace that we are saved. And that by God.

Paul tells us to glory in our sufferings, as he did.

We struggle, and through our struggles, God gives us perseverance and ultimately, hope.

Be Alert

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. — 1 Peter 1:8-9 

Last night we had about 50 children stop by our house for Halloween.

That was the most we've ever had.

We think we may have had more than usual just because everyone is ready to get out of the house and start hanging out together.

Kirk lit our firepit and turned on the patio lights.

He put plastic pumpkins in our wall and our welcome Autumn Scarecrow in front of our gate.

The first group included twenty children from about two years old to ten.

Here's how the sky looked just as the sun was setting.

A fun evening.

Today we welcome November.

And we are reminded that our enemy the devil prowls around looking for someone to devour.

God calls us to stand firm in the faith and to resist temptation.

We know that the family of believers around the world is undergoing trials much greater than ours.

And we pray for God's protection over them.

We Share in the Sufferings of Christ

Just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. — 2 Corinthians 1:5

Christ suffered and died for us, taking our sins on Himself.

Just as we share in His sufferings, we share in His love.

And our comfort is also in Christ.

We share abundantly in His sufferings.

And our comfort abounds through Jesus.

He is our hope of heaven.