We live in a wide, wide world. Yesterday, this came to my mind as I happened to be looking at the statistics for actually who accesses my blog. While The United States, followed by Russia are the top ones over the past eight years, the Ukraine has been increasing to the point that now some days it actually has more "hits" than the US and Russia COMBINED!!! Why, I wonder? Well, perhaps it is because of the turmoil that has befallen them. And today, when I saw this sign I thought of their hardships and wanted to let them know that I am praying for them. So, the following passage seemed appropriate....
1 Peter 4:12-19 NASB
(12) Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;
(13) but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.
(14) If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
(15) Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler;
(16) but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.
(17) For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
(18) AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?
(19) Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
(12) Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;
(13) but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.
(14) If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
(15) Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler;
(16) but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.
(17) For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
(18) AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?
(19) Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
Please pay special attention to verse 16 and 19!!! Is it a coincidence that over the past few years that the Ukraine has been going back to the Bible and that now they are having problems? Satan will do everything he can to keep you from the Word of God, but be strong- HE WILL LOSE; GOD ALWAYS WINS IN THE END!!! My love to all who love the God of Heaven!!!
Your Friend always,
Gary Rose