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TUESDAY, 18TH APRIL, 2023.
SUB-THEME: THE CROSS OF JESUS.
TOPIC: BROUGHT PEACE.
TEXT: 1 PETER 4:12-19.
12. _Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you._
13. _But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed._
14. _If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you._
15. _If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler._
16. _However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name._
17. _For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?_
18. _And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”_
19. _So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
TOPIC: BROUGHT PEACE.
MESSAGE:
Hardly would anyone want to suffer in life. Christ suffered so that his church will enjoy peace. In our reading, Peter encourages believers not to be surprised when they go through pains, trials and hard times for the sake of their faith. When believers do so, they are participating in Christ’s suffering. What an honour and privilege (cf. Acts 5:41). We must be prepared to be insulted, denied rights, maltreated on account of our faith. We cannot be different from our masters who also suffered to earn us peace. It is better to suffer in the vineyard of Christ than in the wasteland of the devil. Does Christ’s suffering inspire in you the courage to endure your own suffering? Endure the suffering and receive the gift of peace which keeps you hopeful for the future glory.
REFLECTION:
There is peace in suffering for Christ’s sake.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to embrace your peace in my suffering. Amen.
MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH: HEBREWS 12:2
“…who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”.
TODAY’S BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 CHRONICLES 16-20.
Daily Walk With Christ – COCIN Devotional TUESDAY 18TH APRIL 2023
