Men are formed in character not only by their past and present, but also by their futures. Man inwardly grows the higher his ideals are. So also in spiritual life, hope and sanctification belong together. “And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 Jn 3:3). Thus Christ suffered on Golgotha with His eye kept on “the joy that was set before Him” (Heb 12:2)…This attitude of heart must be ours too. When you suffer shame for the sake of your testimony, rejoice over the future crown of glory. “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven” (Mt 10:32)…If you sacrifice money or goods for the sake of the spread of the gospel, be assured that God is no man’s debtor. Everything which we take out of our earthly account for His sake is paid into our heavenly account. “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account” (Phil 4:17). All such expense is in reality income. — E.Sauer