The Ladder of Virtue

After experiencing a pretty horrible few days, I read this – James 1:12

My struggle was more about coping with what was around me, but these words from James encouraged me to remain strong, to persever under trial, to not becoming weak, to let go and let God take control.

When my faith remains strong, even while surrounded by difficulties, I continue to experience the untold blessings of God! Passing the test means I will one day receive the victorious crown of life promised to every lover of God!

So passing the test means we love God enough to do what He says. Not passing the test means we don’t.

Are we as Christians obligated to continue to seek God and obey Him or can we just rest in His grace and one day spend eternity with Him?

Faith’s Ladder of Virtue

So devote yourselves to lavishly supplementing your faith with goodness,
and to goodness add understanding,
and to understanding add the strength of self-control,
and to self-control add patient endurance,
and to patient endurance add godliness,
and to godliness add mercy toward your brothers and sisters,
and to mercy toward others add unending love.

Since these virtues are already planted deep within, and you possess them in abundant supply,
They will keep you from being inactive or fruitless in your pursuit of knowing Jesus Christ more intimately.
2 Peter 1:5-8 TPT

The Radiant Bride
Who could ever find a wife like this one—
she is a woman of strength and mighty valor!
She’s full of wealth and wisdom.
The price paid for her was greater than many jewels.

Her husband has entrusted his heart to her,
for she brings him the rich spoils of victory.
All throughout her life she brings him what is good and not evil.

She searches out continually to possess
that which is pure and righteous.
She delights in the work of her hands.
She gives out revelation-truth to feed others.
She is like a trading ship bringing divine supplies
from the merchant.
Even in the night season she arises and sets food on the table
for hungry ones in her house and for others.

She sets her heart upon a nation and takes it as her own,
carrying it within her.
She labors there to plant the living vines.
She wraps herself in strength, might, and power in all her works.
She tastes and experiences a better substance,
and her shining light will not be extinguished,
no matter how dark the night.
She stretches out her hands to help the needy
and she lays hold of the wheels of government.

She is known by her extravagant generosity to the poor,
for she always reaches out her hands to those in need.
She is not afraid of tribulation,
for all her household is covered in the dual garments
of righteousness and grace.

Her clothing is beautifully knit together—
a purple gown of exquisite linen.
Her husband is famous and admired by all,
sitting as the venerable judge of his people.
Even her works of righteousness
she does for the benefit of her enemies.
Bold power and glorious majesty are wrapped around her
as she laughs with joy over the latter days.
Her teachings are filled with wisdom and kindness
as loving instruction pours from her lips.
She watches over the ways of her household
and meets every need they have.
Her sons and daughters arise in one accord to extol her virtues,
and her husband arises to speak of her in glowing terms.
“There are many valiant and noble ones,
but you have ascended above them all!”
Charm can be misleading,
and beauty is vain and so quickly fades,
but this virtuous woman lives in the wonder, awe,
and fear of the Lord.
She will be praised throughout eternity.
So go ahead and give her the credit that is due,
for she has become a radiant woman,
and all her loving works of righteousness deserve to be admired
at the gateways of every city! Proverbs 31 TPT

If you want to know more there are many blogs here at CapturingSunrise.com that will help you discover the truth.
2019 Elaine Costin – Capturing Sunrise / Blog