Glorify God In Your Suffering

1 Peter 4:1-6,12-16,19 NKJV
Therefore, since Christ suffered for us  in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

Sweet Hour Of Prayer! (Lyrics)

V. 1
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare,
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

V. 2
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
The joys I feel, the bliss I share,
Of those whose anxious spirits burn
With strong desires for thy return!
With such I hasten to the place
Where God my Savior shows His face,
And gladly take my station there,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

V. 3
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
Thy wings shall my petition bear
To Him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since He bids me seek His face,
Believe His Word and trust His grace,
I’ll cast on Him my every care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

V. 4
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
May I thy consolation share,
Till, from Mount Pisgah’s lofty height,
I view my home and take my flight.
This robe of flesh I’ll drop, and rise
To seize the everlasting prize,
And shout, while passing through the air,
“Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer!”

Words by William W. Walford, 1845. 
This hymn is in the Public Domain.

Thank You Lord (A Prayer)

Job 12:10 NIV
In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. 

Dear Lord, my dad passed away on March 25, 2011 and although I’m confident that he is eternally in Your presence, I miss his presence here on earth. Thank you for allowing me to be there for his showing and his funeral. Thank you for sharing his loss with family, relatives and friends. It’s incredible how one life can impact so many people. Dad left not only great memories but a legacy that will remain for generations to come. I’m no longer crying or sorrowful as before. I think I needed to grieve as much as others needed to and I was given the opportunity. Thank You Lord for that. It means a great deal to me. As a few people have said, when someone that close to you dies it leaves a hole in your heart/life. I understand that now because dad was not someone distant from me. He was very close, very close to my heart. Thank You Lord for allowing me and others to move on, to find strength in you, and to have assurance that we will be with him in glory. Lord, I can only give You honor and praise. You are faithful! You are true! You understand our joys and sorrows. In Jesus’ name I give you love, honor and adoration, amen! - JSS

Job 33:4 NIV
The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.