As this devotional continues to consider what salvation is to ‘look like’ from a practical, everyday perspective…it becomes increasingly evident that we need to be filled with the Spirit of God.  To be in right standing with God is to be continually refreshed and renewed in our minds as followers of Christ.  We need to confess our sins as soon as possible (asap).  What relief to be freed from sins that dog our steps.  What blessing to know Jesus as our Savior.

  A joy-filled life is a sacrificial life, dependent on our Lord and Savior.
(NASB) Romans 12:12 “rejoicing in hope…”

  We can choose joy because our hope is in God Who gives His living water.  We were given His Holy Spirit when we accepted Jesus as our Savior by faith in what He as already done on the cross in our place and we repent of our sins.  And for what better reason do we have to rejoice in hope?
  No matter our circumstances we are to be continually “rejoicing in hope” because our hope is in the living Hope…the Lord Jesus Christ.  As we rejoice in hope…we are bringing honor and glory to God.

(NASB) 1 Peter 1:3-7 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,
7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ”

 

Rejoice!  And live a joy-filled life!