A LIVING WORD YESTERDAY

SOUND

The Joy of the Lord In the Shoes of Righteousness Walking Along Despised Limits of Shame

Hebrews 12:1-2

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

1 Peter 2: 19-23

For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:…"

These thoughts came into my hearing,

I am the author and the finisher of your faith. Look unto me. Set my joy before you, and you will endure your cross. The threat of shame shall not silence your faith. Continue looking unto me. I have taken your hand in my hand. Lay aside your weights and besetting sins, and run with patience the race that is set before you. I will not cast you aside; neither will I help evildoers. I will fill your mouth with laughing and your lips with rejoicing. Everyone who hates you shall be clothed with shame, and their dwelling place shall come to naught.

I have taken up the cause against you. I will fight against that which is unjust. I am your shield and your buckler. My spear is against your foes. I have shut up the way of those that persecute you, for I am your salvation. Your foes shall be confounded and put to shame. They shall be turned back and brought to confusion. They shall be as chaff before the wind, and the angel of the Lord shall chase them. Their way shall be dark and slippery. The angel of the Lord shall persecute them. Though men hide their nets for you in a pit and dig for your soul, they shall be ashamed and brought to confusion.

I will clothe them with shame and dishonor that magnify themselves against you. Confusion shall cover them as a mantle. I stand at the right hand of the poor to save them from those that condemn their soul. You have sought me in truth. I will give you understanding that you may keep my commandments. I have turned away reproach and granted you victory in the face of darkness and cruel judgment.

In this trial, you have bought gold tried in the fire that you may be rich and clothed with white raiment. The shame of your nakedness shall not appear, and your eyes are anointed with eye salve so that you may see. Stand fast in the faith, and believe with all your heart that your old man is crucified with me, and the body of sin is destroyed so that you do not serve sin. You are dead with me because of baptism and freed from sin. You are crucified with Christ, but you live. It is not you that is living, but Christ is living in you. Christ is living his life out in you; therefore, you may walk in his steps, for grace has abounded on your behalf. Do not frustrate this mighty grace. I have given you righteousness because of faith. Righteousness has set you in the way of my steps and exalted you out of the snare of self-righteousness.

You have suffered. I have heard your crying and seen your tears. Learn obedience by the things that you have suffered. Suffering shall usher you into my presence to prepare you to reign with me. I am the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey me. The servant is not greater than his master. Take patiently, the buffeting that has come. This is acceptable with me. Endure grief and persecution.

Do not revile because others revile you. I am the Shepherd and Bishop of your soul. Be as a lamb led to the slaughter, and you will follow my example and proceed in my steps. I am your example. Now do as I have done. You call me Lord and Master; therefore, do as I have done, for I have given you a proper example.

You must be conformed to my image, the image of the Son. All things are working together for good. You love me and are called according to my purpose. Speak no more of all the things that are happening, except to say, "If God be for you, who can be against you?"

I did not spare my own Son. I delivered him up for all. How shall I not with him also freely give you all things?

I justified you. Who shall lay anything to your charge?

Who is he that will condemn you?

It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for you. Who shall separate you from the love of Christ?

Be fully persuaded that nothing shall be able to separate you from the love of God that I have shed abroad in your heart by the Holy Ghost. Walk in love just as Christ has loved you. He gave himself for you as an offering and a sacrifice to me for a sweet smelling savor. By the power of his offering, his sacrifice, his life, and words of your testimony, shame is banished. The joy that was set before you has strengthened your faith. Joy has placed you before the throne of grace in holy boldness. Rejoice. I have made you glad.