the redemptive power of joy

"forgive them, for they know not what they do."  This is mercy, that He received His breaking with thanks and wept not for His own suffering, but for ours, calling out for our forgiveness.  Now born from above, alive in His love we expect His glory in our suffering, knowing, experiencing the redemptive power of joy eternal.  We have no fear of ANY personal loss, even to death.  Our life is in Him who was raised.

This imperishable inheritance is our true nature in Christ, we are His word.  We've been raised to disregard entirely our earthly persons, embracing instead our life: His word of truth, of power, of love that reveals our souls as radiant jewels.

His faithfulness is our shield, and His sword our faithfulness.  We count the destruction of our flesh, with all of its false hopes, as His faithfulness to His word, to His love, to us.  This travail gives birth to our new life in Him, freeing us from the darkened nature of this womb of flesh.  It's His blood that spills from our wounds, His spirit, His life that endures to resurrection.

He has chosen us to reveal His praise, glory, and honor, His death and resurrection.  He has chosen to put His life in us and rend the veil of flesh that covers it, giving passage of His light into this world of darkness from which He has borne us.

That's what 1 Peter 1:3-7 says to me.  Explanations upon request.  ;)

p.s. I stole this topic from a friend: http://jenniferling.wordpress.com/2010/08/05/kept-in-heaven/

you alone

If I were gone today, I would profit no less than all I could gather to myself in a lifetime.

If I were to suffer every day for many days, I would suffer no less than what I deserve.

So I will Father, that you draw me into the service of your son in whatever manner best serves your purposes, knowing that even suffering and death bless me in you.

Hallowed be your name.  At the mention of your name let your children tremble with rejoicing; let the enemy be struck with awe and stilled.

Let me not trust in my methods of reaching you, but in waiting upon your spirit, you, your presence.  Let my eyes look only to you, my understanding only to you.

I am waiting on you. You alone are my source.
For everything I must do, be, have, say, You alone are my source.
And you will come, you are able.
Don't delay! Don't delay!
Hurry to my rescue!
You alone are my source.

Don't let my confidence find rest in any other. Teach me to wait for you.
Let me not think I'll find satisfaction in any other.  Teach me to wait on you.

absent this suffering

Absent this suffering, might I never have learned to cry, "Help!"?  Is this more beneficial for your kingdom's release in me?  
Help!  I'm so frustrated I could scream!  Help!  You made me need you, now I need you! 
Help!  It hurts!
Thank you, because you turn everything for my good.  This is your mercy in some way.  Explain it to me please.
Receive everything with thanksgiving as from the Lord, giving glory, honor, and praise to His name.
You are so good Jesus, you love me!  You are good to me, and my lips will praise you thru my affliction.