The Greatest Expectation!

SCRIPTURE: For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18 (NASB)
“It will be worth it all when we see Jesus. Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ. One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrows will erase; so bravely run the race til we see Christ.” The lyrics of this classic Christian song can be daily recited and never get old. Scriptures related to this theme are also found in Romans 8:18, Titus 2:13, and Hebrews 6:19; they confirm its exhortation to press on one day at a time in Christ-focused hope! It always instantly transforms my focus from my immediate environment or circumstances to the hope I have in Christ. The blessed hope that believers have in Christ is nothing to scoff at, as is the practice of many who, in their condition of spiritual blindness, dismiss such hope as “pie in the sky, by and by!”
Today’s verse is not a “so-what?” declaration to be marginalized by the true child of God. After all, we who are twice-born are called to live in great anticipation of receiving that “crown of righteousness,” which all who have loved the Savior’s appearing will receive. (2 Timothy 4:8) Those who endure great temptations from trials and great tribulation, while persevering in their Christian faith, are promised the “crown of life,” says James 1:12.
The Apostle Paul and saints throughout the ages have modeled looking beyond satanic opposition and their “momentary” trials to the unsurpassed joy of being in Christ’s presence, face to face. (Revelation 22:4) For saints who’ve been blessed in their Christian walk through the ministry of faithful preachers and teachers of the gospel, such souls will be for these preachers and teachers a “crown of rejoicing,” as Paul declares in 1 Thessalonians 2:19. In light of all these truths about expected rewards and crowns—the latter of which we will GLADLY cast at our Savior’s feet-- brothers and sisters-- for what reason should we ever deny the significance of pursuing what the Lord our God offers us now, in terms of spiritual joy and peace, and at the end of a life lived in His service, out of a heart of love for Him, and for His glory?
PRAYER: Dear Abba, not even Your beloved Son Jesus denied looking ahead “for the joy that was set before Him.” Like the faithful saints who’ve preceded us, give us a heavenward perspective to view our trials as “light and momentary affliction,” never forgetting, as we press through them, that they are achieving for us “a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” Thank You, Father, in Jesus’ name; Amen!
Written by Sis Denise Diggs
Today’s verse is not a “so-what?” declaration to be marginalized by the true child of God. After all, we who are twice-born are called to live in great anticipation of receiving that “crown of righteousness,” which all who have loved the Savior’s appearing will receive. (2 Timothy 4:8) Those who endure great temptations from trials and great tribulation, while persevering in their Christian faith, are promised the “crown of life,” says James 1:12.
The Apostle Paul and saints throughout the ages have modeled looking beyond satanic opposition and their “momentary” trials to the unsurpassed joy of being in Christ’s presence, face to face. (Revelation 22:4) For saints who’ve been blessed in their Christian walk through the ministry of faithful preachers and teachers of the gospel, such souls will be for these preachers and teachers a “crown of rejoicing,” as Paul declares in 1 Thessalonians 2:19. In light of all these truths about expected rewards and crowns—the latter of which we will GLADLY cast at our Savior’s feet-- brothers and sisters-- for what reason should we ever deny the significance of pursuing what the Lord our God offers us now, in terms of spiritual joy and peace, and at the end of a life lived in His service, out of a heart of love for Him, and for His glory?
PRAYER: Dear Abba, not even Your beloved Son Jesus denied looking ahead “for the joy that was set before Him.” Like the faithful saints who’ve preceded us, give us a heavenward perspective to view our trials as “light and momentary affliction,” never forgetting, as we press through them, that they are achieving for us “a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” Thank You, Father, in Jesus’ name; Amen!
Written by Sis Denise Diggs
Archive
2023
January
MOVING INTO A NEW YEAR AND LEAVING YOUR BAGGAGE BEHINDEncouraging You in the New YearA Veteran StudentAll of God’s Gifts Are Wrapped in JesusThe Gift that Keeps on GivingA Faith That’s Signed and SealedI Remember Grandma (Part I)I Remember Grandma (Part II)Roots Growing DeeperSTANDING IN HIS PEACEBE WARY OF COMPARING! (Part I)BE WARY OF COMPARING! (Part II)TIE A YELLOW RIBBON...[Part I]TIE A YELLOW RIBBON... [Part II]The One That Got Away [Until Now] Part IThe One That Got Away [Until Now] Part IIThe One That Got Away [Until Now] PartWINTER, ALREADY ?! [Part I]WINTER, ALREADY ?! [Part II]HE KNOWS!Godly Hope vs. Positive ThinkingHope DeferredCalled To Endure!The Greatest Expectation!The Ear and Eye GateCourage, Saints!!Getting to Know Him- Little By LittleSame Storm Different Boat pt2The Apron of ServanthoodGetting to Know Him- Little By LittleConfess It as Sin!
February
People Are Laughing Out Loud at My BibleMe, Myself, and I (Depression)I Have to Qualify to Run the RacePreach, Preacher!Does He Know You?LESSONS FROM A LOWLY HOUSECAT (Part I)LESSONS FROM A LOWLY HOUSECAT (Part II)God’s Obedient Wild Kingdom (Part I)God’s Obedient Wild Kingdom (Part II)PRAISE God for WITNESSES!Sock LintSock LintNO GAS! NO BRAKES! SAY WHUT?! (Part I)NO GAS! NO BRAKES! SAY WHUT?! (Part II)THE BEST DEFENSE IS A GOOD OFFENSE (Part I)THE BEST DEFENSE IS A GOOD OFFENSE (Part II)Having The Faith to Favor And Follow A Faithful God (Part I)Having The Faith to Favor And Follow A Faithful God (Part II)MORE THAN 'SUPER,’ MORE THAN 'HERO'!HE IN WE, AND WE IN HE! [where 'we' can also be 'me'] (Part I)HE IN WE, AND WE IN HE! [where 'we' can also be 'me'] (Part II)MAKE FEBRUARY THANKSGIVING HISTORY MONTHTAKE HEED HOW YOU WALKTrust and ObeySpiritual ImmaturityMake It PersonalCain was Able and So are YouClimate Change
March
Loving My SpouseStop! In the Name of Love!Ask Not, Have Not!Beneficial GraceThe Incomparable ChristRECEIVE The CHIEF CORNERSTONE! Part IRECEIVE The CHIEF CORNERSTONE! Part IIDETRIMENTAL DELAYSFootprints On the Mountainside Part IFootprints On the Mountainside Part II...I SMELL SMOKE IN THE AUDITORIUM...The Heartbeat of His HeartThe Wayward and The ObedientThe Potter and His Vessels of ClayGod Can Use Anybody!You’re Canceled!Today’s Assignment!There You Go, Again!I Messed Up!The Worker and The Work!Repent and Obey!God Can Reach Anybody, But Will You?Wonder Working PowerThere is Work for You to Do!Yes, God Does Reveal Himself to Us!Now Hear ThisImperfect, But Usable!Preach the WordGod Can Save AnybodyThe Hard WordThe Message of Salvation from God
3 Comments
Amen!
Amen! It will be worth it all y when I see my Savior face to face; what joy shall flood my soul.
Amen! Thank You Lord, for that dearest reminder that theres a forthcoming 'glory that shall be revealed in us'! That is, indeed, 'food for the soul' and 'fuel for the road'.