April 16th // Strength and Firmness

“We know that we all possess knowledge, knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”

I CORINTHIANS 8:1

“To be built up in love is to be crucified with Christ. The process is always more anguishing than expected but the resulting beauty of a life transformed is beyond imagination.”

In Acts, we read about Peter and the other disciples proclaiming that Jesus is Christ. They are put in prison, but an angle of the Lord appears, releases them, and instructs them to share the message of Life. Once again, they are brought in front of the Council and they were flogged. “So, they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.” Acts 5:41

So often, when I suffer (not to the physical extent of being whipped or stoned), I have a negative attitude and ask, “Why me? How can I escape this feeling?” But to be crucified with Christ is to be built up in love! When we die to ourselves, we are given new life. 

Lord, would I rejoice in my suffering on Your behalf and die to myself daily so that I may share in Your resurrection. When I feel that I am at the end of myself, give me strength to eat from the tree of life.