Day 60
2 Tim 4:1-8 NIV
1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge:2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction.3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Preach the Word, desire the Word!
Today we have an interesting section of scripture as Paul writes some of his final instruction to Timothy. Paul charges Timothy to preach the word and then goes on to say that a time will come when men will not desire to hear the truth of God's Word but will gather under those willing to compromise the gospel and preach what the audience wants to hear. This passage then becomes a command to both preacher and listener; preach the word and desire to hear God's Word. We know that it is the truth of God's Word that will make us free so then the distorting of that Word must bring about bondage. He says that teachers who compromise will amass large audiences who have turned aside from the truth.
Paul then gives Timothy some advice:
1. "keep your head in all situations"
2. "endure hardship"
3. "do the work of an evangelist"
4. "discharge all the duties of your ministry"
We can draw some conclusions from this advice. Timothy is going to be tested, he is going to face hardships as he stays true to the truth, he will need to be a ready evangelist to save some, and he will need to continue diligently completing all the duties of ministry in spite of the hardships and tests he will endure.
Paul's Good Fight of Faith -
Paul closes the section making Timothy aware of the struggles he had endured. "I have fought the good fight", I am being poured out like a drink offering", "the time has come for my departure". Paul is beginning his goodbye to his son in the faith and leaving behind a reminder of what is required of a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul continue to remind Timothy to stay on task and be prepared for the opposition he will surely face. Paul concludes with the promise; "there is in store for me a crown of righteousness" he says the Lord "will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing." Keep fighting Timothy, believers of every generation because once this life is over there is an award waiting greater than we can anticipate or imagine.
If you're a teacher/preacher are you preaching the Word?
Believer are you still desirous of the whole truth of God's Word?
Are you on task?
Are you fighting the good fight of faith?
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Daily Reading March 6 2010 from 1 Timothy 6:11-21 NIV
Day 55
1 Timothy 6:11-21 NIV
11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,15 which God will bring about in his own time–God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. 17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge,21 which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith.
Grace be with you.
Grace Be With You!
Today we conclude the book of 1 Timothy and prepare to move on to 2 Timothy another letter from Paul to "his son in the faith" Timothy. I decided to begin today with the end of the reading, "grace be with you" what a great statement from a man who truly understood God's grace. Paul had committed enough atrocities against God that he knew the truth of God's grace from experience. The older I get the more I want people to know and understand the grace of God. This great "amazing" grace so completely displays the love of God. No man can accurately describe it but we all can live it. We don't know the heighth, depth, or breadth of this loving grace. At times we think we have seen it all and then God does some other miraculous act on behalf of his undeserving creation and we are once again amazed by this grace. I don't write like this today to discount judgment because judgment will come just as certainly as Jesus came but this amazing grace has made a way for all to escape our deserved judgment simply by calling on a Savior and turning from our wicked ways. When I begin to think this way I just want to praise HIM for His love and grace, in fact even as I write tonight I am overwhelmed with His holy presence and again lost in His love.
Fight the Good Fight!
Now on to our text for today. "Man of God" this is the description Paul uses for Timothy, "man of God". As you know by now Paul doesn't loosely throw out complements he obviously had observed behavior in this young man that provoked him to draw such a conclusion. Paul proceeds "flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith." Pursue, fight, flee, take hold? These are words of action not simply sitting back and enjoying the fact that you have achieved eternal life. Paul reminds us that we are to continue in our pursuits until we no longer have breath to breathe. I was reminded lately that once God pursued me with His love but now I pursue Him by seeking His face and gaining more and more intimate knowledge of Him. We can and should pursue God and righteousness. We can and should flee from unrighteous behaviors. We can and should continue fighting against the lies of the enemy by declaring God's Word and reminding the enemy of his fate. This isn't a relationship we just sit back and relax in after we have turned to God but rather an active faith walk that we should pursue daily. David said "early will I seek thee" and I believe it is vital that we begin every day with the pursuit and praise of a holy God. Paul says that Timothy made his good confession in front of many witnesses and he should keep that confession until Jesus comes again. Are you keeping your confession? Sure you will mess up from time to time but are you quickly going to God when you stumble and keeping that relationship intimate? God desires communion with His people and I am so glad that He does. I love to talk to Him and even more when He talks to me.
Take Action!
Right now, take action. Pursue God and an intimate relationship with Him. You don't have to feel dry and alone God wants to be with you right now. He is constantly reaching out to us and when we listen we hear Him and He takes time to demonstrate His love and care for His most precious creation. Praise God! I challenge you to pursue Him with all your mind, heart and strength and see if He doesn't transform your walk with Him.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
1 Timothy 6:11-21 NIV
11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,15 which God will bring about in his own time–God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. 17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge,21 which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith.
Grace be with you.
Grace Be With You!
Today we conclude the book of 1 Timothy and prepare to move on to 2 Timothy another letter from Paul to "his son in the faith" Timothy. I decided to begin today with the end of the reading, "grace be with you" what a great statement from a man who truly understood God's grace. Paul had committed enough atrocities against God that he knew the truth of God's grace from experience. The older I get the more I want people to know and understand the grace of God. This great "amazing" grace so completely displays the love of God. No man can accurately describe it but we all can live it. We don't know the heighth, depth, or breadth of this loving grace. At times we think we have seen it all and then God does some other miraculous act on behalf of his undeserving creation and we are once again amazed by this grace. I don't write like this today to discount judgment because judgment will come just as certainly as Jesus came but this amazing grace has made a way for all to escape our deserved judgment simply by calling on a Savior and turning from our wicked ways. When I begin to think this way I just want to praise HIM for His love and grace, in fact even as I write tonight I am overwhelmed with His holy presence and again lost in His love.
Fight the Good Fight!
Now on to our text for today. "Man of God" this is the description Paul uses for Timothy, "man of God". As you know by now Paul doesn't loosely throw out complements he obviously had observed behavior in this young man that provoked him to draw such a conclusion. Paul proceeds "flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith." Pursue, fight, flee, take hold? These are words of action not simply sitting back and enjoying the fact that you have achieved eternal life. Paul reminds us that we are to continue in our pursuits until we no longer have breath to breathe. I was reminded lately that once God pursued me with His love but now I pursue Him by seeking His face and gaining more and more intimate knowledge of Him. We can and should pursue God and righteousness. We can and should flee from unrighteous behaviors. We can and should continue fighting against the lies of the enemy by declaring God's Word and reminding the enemy of his fate. This isn't a relationship we just sit back and relax in after we have turned to God but rather an active faith walk that we should pursue daily. David said "early will I seek thee" and I believe it is vital that we begin every day with the pursuit and praise of a holy God. Paul says that Timothy made his good confession in front of many witnesses and he should keep that confession until Jesus comes again. Are you keeping your confession? Sure you will mess up from time to time but are you quickly going to God when you stumble and keeping that relationship intimate? God desires communion with His people and I am so glad that He does. I love to talk to Him and even more when He talks to me.
Take Action!
Right now, take action. Pursue God and an intimate relationship with Him. You don't have to feel dry and alone God wants to be with you right now. He is constantly reaching out to us and when we listen we hear Him and He takes time to demonstrate His love and care for His most precious creation. Praise God! I challenge you to pursue Him with all your mind, heart and strength and see if He doesn't transform your walk with Him.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Daily Reading February 20 2010 from 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 NIV
Day 41
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
1 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.5 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self‑controlled.7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self‑controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.10 He died for us so that, whether
we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Sons of the Light!
Paul begins this section by writing about the timing of the coming of the Lord. We know from other scripture that no man knows the day or the hour though many have tried to predict the exact date. Most recently we have been hearing the date 2012 used as a possible date and time. Years ago it was 1988 when a man named Edgar Whisenant wrote of the 88 reasons why Jesus would return for the church in 1988. Later after his prediction didn't come true he gave 89 reasons why He would return in 1989, needless to say Whisenant found many less eager ears in 1989 after bring proven wrong in 1988. Since just shortly after Jesus ascended to heaven there has been talk of his return with many predictions as to when. While we cannot know the exact date and time we can understand the times. As Paul writes here we shouldn't be surprised by the coming of the Lord, in other words we should have an understanding of the nearness of His coming. We are not in darkness but rather we are children of light, of the day. Paul says in verse 6 "let us be alert and self-controlled" we belong to the day so we should be self-controlled. Paul goes on in verse 8 "let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and hope of salvation as a helmet. Are you living in hope, faith, and love? Are you trusting God? Are you walking in love? Are you renewing your mind on a daily basis? We have this great hope because Jesus came, overcame, died and arose. We can take courage because He lived the perfect life and became the sacrifice for our sins. Our challenge today is to stay in the light. Many circumstances can bring us down and cause us to doubt, lose hope, or waiver in our faith. But when we choose to walk in the love of Christ He will cause us to prevail even in the most difficult of times. Take courage God is in control.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
1 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.5 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self‑controlled.7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self‑controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.10 He died for us so that, whether
we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Sons of the Light!
Paul begins this section by writing about the timing of the coming of the Lord. We know from other scripture that no man knows the day or the hour though many have tried to predict the exact date. Most recently we have been hearing the date 2012 used as a possible date and time. Years ago it was 1988 when a man named Edgar Whisenant wrote of the 88 reasons why Jesus would return for the church in 1988. Later after his prediction didn't come true he gave 89 reasons why He would return in 1989, needless to say Whisenant found many less eager ears in 1989 after bring proven wrong in 1988. Since just shortly after Jesus ascended to heaven there has been talk of his return with many predictions as to when. While we cannot know the exact date and time we can understand the times. As Paul writes here we shouldn't be surprised by the coming of the Lord, in other words we should have an understanding of the nearness of His coming. We are not in darkness but rather we are children of light, of the day. Paul says in verse 6 "let us be alert and self-controlled" we belong to the day so we should be self-controlled. Paul goes on in verse 8 "let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and hope of salvation as a helmet. Are you living in hope, faith, and love? Are you trusting God? Are you walking in love? Are you renewing your mind on a daily basis? We have this great hope because Jesus came, overcame, died and arose. We can take courage because He lived the perfect life and became the sacrifice for our sins. Our challenge today is to stay in the light. Many circumstances can bring us down and cause us to doubt, lose hope, or waiver in our faith. But when we choose to walk in the love of Christ He will cause us to prevail even in the most difficult of times. Take courage God is in control.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Daily Reading February 4 2010 from Philippians 4:10-23 NIV
Day 25
Philippians 4:10-23 NIV
10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.17 Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 21 Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. 22 All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
I have learned to be content!
I wish I could say what the Apostle writes here, I struggle with being content. I need to learn the secret the Apostle had learned, the secret of contentment. Paul is again rejoicing in the Lord. We all know God is our provider, we all know He is our healer, protector, savior, and on and on. However, when we get in the midst of a battle we quickly see our faith tested. Paul was saying he had fought enough battles and was now able to rest in the Lord. I have met people with that remarkable ability and I am striving toward that mark myself. Lord help us all to learn to trust in you in all things regardless of our circumstances or the evidence to the contrary. Paul continues with one of those great quotable verses "I can do all things through Christ" or in this version "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." This again takes us back to trust and faith. When we're in faith and in agreement with God's Word we can do all things! ALLl THINGS! Why? Because when we are in faith and agreement with God's word we are in the perfect will of God.
Paul next begins to speak of their precious giving to him for his ministry journeys. Paul is thankful for their faith and support and then gives them a promise "and my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." What a promise and it remains true today. Paul was letting these people know that because of their obedience and sowing of a seed to the ministry God would also bless them and take care of every need they have. Aren't you glad that we can say we know "Jehovah Jireh" the Lord my Provider. God truly does meet our needs as we remain faithful to His will and the calling He has placed upon us. Many times I have been bailed out at the last minute by an on time God. To God be the glory! Put your trust in Him be faithful in service and giving and you too will see that the righteous are never forsaken.
Are you content in Christ Jesus? Are you able to trust in difficult times as well as victorious ones? Put your hope in God, He never disappoints.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Philippians 4:10-23 NIV
10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.17 Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 21 Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. 22 All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
I have learned to be content!
I wish I could say what the Apostle writes here, I struggle with being content. I need to learn the secret the Apostle had learned, the secret of contentment. Paul is again rejoicing in the Lord. We all know God is our provider, we all know He is our healer, protector, savior, and on and on. However, when we get in the midst of a battle we quickly see our faith tested. Paul was saying he had fought enough battles and was now able to rest in the Lord. I have met people with that remarkable ability and I am striving toward that mark myself. Lord help us all to learn to trust in you in all things regardless of our circumstances or the evidence to the contrary. Paul continues with one of those great quotable verses "I can do all things through Christ" or in this version "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." This again takes us back to trust and faith. When we're in faith and in agreement with God's Word we can do all things! ALLl THINGS! Why? Because when we are in faith and agreement with God's word we are in the perfect will of God.
Paul next begins to speak of their precious giving to him for his ministry journeys. Paul is thankful for their faith and support and then gives them a promise "and my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." What a promise and it remains true today. Paul was letting these people know that because of their obedience and sowing of a seed to the ministry God would also bless them and take care of every need they have. Aren't you glad that we can say we know "Jehovah Jireh" the Lord my Provider. God truly does meet our needs as we remain faithful to His will and the calling He has placed upon us. Many times I have been bailed out at the last minute by an on time God. To God be the glory! Put your trust in Him be faithful in service and giving and you too will see that the righteous are never forsaken.
Are you content in Christ Jesus? Are you able to trust in difficult times as well as victorious ones? Put your hope in God, He never disappoints.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Daily Reading January 28 2010 from Philippians 1:19-30 NIV
Day 18
Philippians 1:19-30 NIV
19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. 27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved–and that by God.29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,
30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
Today we are reading Paul's famous discourse "to live is Christ and to die is gain". Paul describes his desire to be with Christ but then declares he cannot go at present time because he is needed. Paul is stating that he hasn't finished the work he has been called to do. He is also declaring that his desire is no matter what to do the will of the Father.
The final few verses of this passage are Words of encouragement. Paul encourages the believers to stay in Christ and operate in faith and not fear. He says that when believers stand firm in the faith it reminds our enemies of our victory and their imminent defeat. We are victorious in Christ and we have a promise of eternal life because of His grace. Praise God for the promise!
Today I am thankful for my mentors who have spoken words of encouragement into my life. It seems just in time when I need it most someone speaks a word of encouragement and propels me on to the next victory. I praise God for obedient friends who pray over me and keep me moving forward toward the goal. Paul was this kind of friend and we can still read his words today and take courage.
Pray for your Brothers and Sisters and look for opportunity to pour into someone's life!
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Philippians 1:19-30 NIV
19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. 27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved–and that by God.29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,
30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
Today we are reading Paul's famous discourse "to live is Christ and to die is gain". Paul describes his desire to be with Christ but then declares he cannot go at present time because he is needed. Paul is stating that he hasn't finished the work he has been called to do. He is also declaring that his desire is no matter what to do the will of the Father.
The final few verses of this passage are Words of encouragement. Paul encourages the believers to stay in Christ and operate in faith and not fear. He says that when believers stand firm in the faith it reminds our enemies of our victory and their imminent defeat. We are victorious in Christ and we have a promise of eternal life because of His grace. Praise God for the promise!
Today I am thankful for my mentors who have spoken words of encouragement into my life. It seems just in time when I need it most someone speaks a word of encouragement and propels me on to the next victory. I praise God for obedient friends who pray over me and keep me moving forward toward the goal. Paul was this kind of friend and we can still read his words today and take courage.
Pray for your Brothers and Sisters and look for opportunity to pour into someone's life!
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Thursday, January 28, 2010
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