1 Peter 1:3

Our redeemed lives, every blessing that we see as good and even the life circumstances we do not understand, are to be offerings to God for His glory.

Do​​ you think and act different than the world?

Hopefully,​​ you feel as if you do not belong. ​​​​ Our lives are not about​​ here, they are about heaven. ​​ We have been saved for God’s purpose and He is working​​ all things​​ for His pleasure and honor. ​​ This truth​​ gives​​ us peace in all circumstances,​​ even​​ in​​ extreme difficulties,​​ because​​ God is in control!

 1Peter 1:3​​ says,​​ “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”

We have a living hope – a certain expectation of eternal life. ​​ This reality helps to keep our time on earth in a right perspective. ​​ We deserve nothing yet God has chosen to show us great mercy and compassion. ​​ He extended His love to us through the death and resurrection of His Son.

 Are you​​ compelled​​ to action? ​​​​ We are to live in praise and gratitude for the gift of our salvation. ​​ Our redeemed lives, every blessing that we see as good and even the life circumstances we do not understand, are to be offerings to God for His glory. ​​ Read the example​​ of praise​​ given in 1 Chronicles 29:10-13,​​ as David consecrated the building of the temple. ​​ 

“So David blessed the LORD in the sight of all the assembly; and David said, "Blessed art Thou, O LORD God of Israel our father, forever and ever. ​​ "Thine, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, O LORD, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all. "Both riches and honor [come] from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone. "Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name”.” ​​​​ 

I pray that today your life is a sweet representation of the hope you have in Christ.

Romans 15:13,​​ “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”.

 

Author: Sharyn Balogh

You know it's difficult to write about yourself. The most important fact I can disclose is that I'm saved by God's grace through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. My desire is to live a life honoring to God in response for the gift of salvation I've been given. This is so much easier said than done! I struggle daily with right choices, right words, right thoughts, and right actions. My best and only defense against sin is the power of God in me and for that I am inexpressibly thankful. I have three amazing grown-up children who have responded to God's call in their lives along with their spouses. One of the great joys of my life is knowing my children and their families strive to serve and follow God. My grandchildren are another wonderful joy in my life! My husband and I are blessed with four beautiful grandchildren to date with another expected very soon on September 12th. We also are thankful for the comforting knowledge that an additional three of our grandchildren, a set of twins at three months gestation and a little boy, Isaac, at four and a half months gestation, are in our Savior's presence. I have attended the same church since the day my eyes were opened to Truth over thirty years ago. How fortunate it is to have been led by God’s hand immediately to a church body that follows the Bible, no man-made doctrines, just the Word clear and strong. My husband is my best friend, my confidant, my encourager, and I still can't believe how blessed I am by his example of love and generosity towards everyone around him. He is God-fearing, compassionate, and kind and I have learned so much from him. I am a daughter to my almost 92 year-old mother, sister to three brothers, a wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, neighbor and friend. That means, whomever is reading this, we probably have something in common! I love every unique role I have been placed in. I'm frequently stretched and sometimes feel like silly putty that wants to bounce right back into my comfort zone. My greatest ambition is to be a follower of Jesus; a light that shines for Him at all times, in all circumstances. So, there it is, a bit about me. I guess I was able to write about myself after all! However, my existence cannot be defined without Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Savior. His love has permeated my life to His glory and my eternal thankfulness.