What Joy !!

Gary Waddell • Victory Ministries Middle TN • iamnotashamed.com • 02/03/2026

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.  (1 Pet 4:13)

The word ‘exceeding’ means exceptional in amount, quality, or degree. As older men and women in Christ, Followers (or Workers), we at times allow the problems of this world over-power us with the daily barrage of wickedness in this world today. The third line in Horatio Spafford’s hymn, ‘It is Well With My Soul”, reads, “Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.” When Jesus went on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, and when we received Him as our Lord and Savior or Messiah (John 1:12), we all began a new life in Christ.  And in that same beautiful hymn there is a wonderful reminder that “The sky, not the grave, is our goal;” Perhaps churches should sing this more often is my feeling.

God is not finished with us until we breathe our last breath on this earth. Even the thief on the cross next to Jesus repented of his wicked ways because of his late belief in Christ. Jesus said “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”  (Luke 23:43)  Sadly, the thief spent his entire life in wickedness and turmoil, however, we as Soldiers of the Cross have had the joy of serving our Lord for a long time and knowing that this is not our home. We are heading soon to that mansion that Jesus has built for us in heaven.   What Joy !!

“Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.” (Ps 32:11) Christian, let us all keep our focus on heaven and not of the things that surround us on this planet. Let us keep telling all about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We will all meet soon.

Thanks for “Taking 5” • Gary Waddell • ioweitalltojesus.com
God bless and bless GOD