Going Deeper April 26

By Pat Russell

Considering the sermon by Bruce Spear, April 26, 2020

Text 1 Peter 1:3-9

There is more noise in the community now that people are getting going into the day. But earlier when Larry and I were listening/watching this Sunday's sermon, it was very still and quiet except for the birds making their spring songs. Following breakfast, I walked around the yard, simply enjoying the beauty, the silence, the wonder of being in this day. I thought what it must have been like for the Trinity to have enjoyed the first Sabbath Rest.

The service today and Pastor Bruce's sermon had "rest" all over it, from my view. If you want to widen your "spiritual boundaries," or "go deeper," consider meditating on the three phrases that Pastor Bruce pointed out from our Scripture passage. These are all gifts given to us!

...a living hope... (v. 3)

...you have great joy... (v. 6)

...a glorious joy that can't be put into word... (v. 8)

Read again the Scripture passage. Read it slowly, like sucking on a piece of your favorite candy. When you come to a phrase in bold type, take a "sabbath rest" and let the Holy Spirit speak to your soul. Maybe you will recall something Pastor Bruce said. Maybe one of the songs will rise up within. Maybe you will simply fall silent. Maybe you will hear a still small voice of encouragement from the Trinity. Whatever comes, know it is a gift from God to your soul's well being.

Give praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In his great mercy he has given us a new birth and a living hope. This hope is living because Jesus Christ rose from the dead. He has given us a new birth so that we might share in what belongs to him. This is a gift that can never be destroyed. It can never spoil or fade away. It is kept in heaven for you. Through faith you are kept safe by God's power. Your salvation is going to be completed. It is ready to be shown to you in the last days. Because you know all this, you have great joy. You have joy even though you may have had to suffer for a little while. You may have had to suffer sadness in all kinds of trouble. Your troubles have come in order to prove that your faith is real. Your faith is worth more than gold. That's because gold can pass away even when fire has made it pure. Your faith is meant to bring praise, honor and glory to God. This will happen when Jesus Christ returns. Even though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not see him now, you believe in him. You are filled with a glorious joy that can't be put into words. You are receiving the salvation of your souls. This salvation is the final result of your faith.

When you have finished, offer a prayer of restoration and rest to our Lord with a peaceful sigh of thanksgiving and amen.

Blessings THIS day, P@

If you would like to connect with me about "Going Deeper" or about living in these days, feel free to email me at patannruss@gmail.com