Entries for July 2014

PREPARED TO PERSEVERE

"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come."II Timothy 3:1

Notice these attention getting words written by the apostle Paul to pastor Timothy in the early formation of the Christian church. His reference to 'the last days' informed the young pastor to be aware of the times in which he ministered.

As long as the Church remains in this world, those who love God will experience perilous times. The term 'last days' extends from the birth of the church at Pentecost (Acts 2) to the end of the church age when Jesus comes again. Challenges will continue as persecution and violence increases against the Church.

Even now in our own perilous times be prepared to persevere. Remember the courage and devotion of saints in earlier times who would not recant their faith. God gave them grace and He will help you.

BE AWARE. When you experience opposition because of your faith. do not be intimidated, be resolute. You have been warned that these last days would be difficult and could be dangerous.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, your Word alerts me to expect dangerous opposition when I dare to stand up for you. Help me to not be ashamed nor taken by surprise when persecuted. Give me strength to be faithful, not fearful. You faced opposition with humility and courage. May the Holy Spirit give me courage. In Jesus' name. Amen

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TO TELL THE TRUTH

"You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32

Independence Day is a celebration of liberty found in truth. Our forefathers declared, ".....we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal...." Today, United States of America enjoys freedom because fifty-six honest men who signed The Declaration of Independence had the courage to tell the truth.

Our national daily conversation is full of opinions and perspectives. In all the talk, we listen, starved for truth. The constant repetition of half-truths, untruths and no truth dulls our ability to recognize truth when we hear it. We can become cynical critics, educated to not expect or accept truth. We learn to question the accuracy of what we hear. It becomes awkward to claim anything to be the truth.

Not so with Jesus. He identified Himself as The Truth, honest through and through. Truth poured out of Him, in word and in deed. What He said was what He was and who He is and will be forever.

The ring of truth in the words we speak is not heard unless our thoughts and desires harmonize with what we say. Tell the truth and enjoy the liberty of being honest.

LET'S BE HONEST: with ourselves, with others, and with God. Tell the truth, not an opinion or a perspective. As Jesus said, "The truth shall set you free."

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I want to be a true witness. Let my talk and walk be consistent and honest. I know it is the way for others to know you are The Way and The Truth. Amen

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