For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief suffering wrongfully. But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange think happened unto you! Remember the words of the Lord Jesus; if any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. If you would be identified with Christ as His disciple/follower, KNOW that a big part of your Christian life is entering into His sufferings; associating with Him in your sufferings. Take up YOUR cross and follow Me saith the Lord Jesus Christ! Every Christian MUST take up his/her own cross; and fall in behind Christ and follow Him in your sufferings! ~ James Dowing Philippians 3:8-10, --- 1 Peter 4:13--- Psalm 11:5--- James 1:3--- Romans 5:3-4-- 1 Peter 1:7--- Hebrews 4:14-16--- Psalm 119:49-50--- 1 Peter 4:1-2, 2:21-23--- 2 Corinthians 12:7-10--- Philippians 1:6--- Philippians 2:13--- James 1:2-4,--- Hebrews 13:20-21, 12:22-23 --- Colossians 2:6-7--- Ephesians 6:10-12, --- Philippians 4:13--- Matthew 7:24-27,--- Psalm 125:1--- James 1:2-4, --- 1 Peter 5:10 --- Philippians 1:27-29 |