Daily Bread 5-20-16

Romans 11:1-5

1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession against Israel saying,

3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.

4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Ba'al.

5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

ref. - Ps 94:14 - For the Lord will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.

Ph 3:5 - Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

Ro 8:29 - For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate, to be confirmed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn of many brethren.

1K 19:10 - And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

Ro 9:27 - Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:

We read today about a man who felt alone and defeated. His people were failing God and dropping off left and right. Others wanted him dead because of his beliefs. This man needed encouragement from God that he was on the right track and that he was within God's will. And encouragement was given to him when God said that he was not alone, seven thousand others from the same background and same upbringing would be saved as well! Sometimes when we are serving God it feels very much this same way. As God begins to work in us there is an inner change that is unexplainable by man. Even though it is the best change a man could experience, it causes fear in those who don't understand it or do not believe. We are going to face rejection of sometimes our whole families and there will be people trying to confuse us with endless debates and misuse of the scripture. But stay strong on Christ, my brethren! We were not saved by our works but we were saved through the grace that is in Jesus Christ. Others will not understand how such a great change has occurred in us without using the methods that the world has to offer. It will seem sometimes that we are maybe going in the wrong direction a s we see so many others turning back into the world and it's ways but remain string, my brethren! God has confirmed through this word today that we are to stay in Jesus Christ and not be moved! The more dedicated and faithful we become to God through his Son Jesus Christ the more he will show us others who may not share the same bloodline as us but do share the same beliefs and faith. Even so, through our examples, many who come from the same background as us that have never known Christ will come to him. We can be a part of this remnant! Through blood some of us are chosen but through grace all of us are offered this opportunity! So, when we see others falling away and we have to face many fighting what we are doing by serving God, remember, there is a whole community of others that God has called to be our brothers and sisters, to be our mothers and fathers, and to be our family! Don't despair, my Brothers, Christ is gathering up a great army of soldiers who will not bow to any other Gods and we are supposed to be a part of this great family!! So remain faithful, pray for courage and understanding, and let's get to work!!! By faith we are forgiven and by grace we are saved!!! Have a great day!!!