Daily Bread 1-9-17

Acts 20:20-24

20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit into Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

24 But none of these things move me, neither I count my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

ref. - Ac 18:5 - And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ

Luk 24:47 - And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Ac 19:21 - After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

Ac 9:16 - For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

Ro 8:35 - Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

1Cor 9:24-27 - Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So, run that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly, so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it under subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

2Tim 4:7 - I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Tit 1:3 - But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed to me according to the commandment of God our Saviour.

Isn't it nice to know that there are some who put this Gospel in front of all other things so that we may receive it ? The Apostle Paul was one of them. No matter what the circumstance, no matter what the cost, when the spirit pressed him to go and spread the gospel, off he went. You see, Paul understood his race and he also understood that temporary persecution from the world and it's unbelievers was a small thing as compared to eternity. The great thing was that the message did not change no matter what the circumstance he was in. This was what he had been called to and he was determined to finish his race. Did he ever stumble? Did he ever need to be lifted back up? Yes. But he did it in a way that was an example to this around him. He didn't let failures get in the way of his success. He did what he needed to do to rise up, and continue on his path. He spoke the truth and preached the truth and many did not like it, but his message remained the same as it was a message given to him from Jesus Christ himself. So, through all of the things that Paul went through he was more than just an instructor, he was an example. As lucky as we are to have these examples to read about and witness God's majesty through we must also become the people who persevere. As the world gets more worldly we must not fall into it's trap. We must stay focused and not only spread this gospel but use it as well in our daily lives. Repentance, forgiveness, temperance, sanctification, Holy Ghost, all things that we need to obtain through the mercy of God and the grace in Jesus Christ. If we are caught up in a fault, we must humble ourselves just as anyone else and repent. We must not only be the giver of the word of God, but the first partaker as well. In order to finish our course and end this race, we must endure to the end, not putting what god has given us down, but always lifting it up and carrying it. Jesus Christ himself said that the yoke was easy and the burden was light, and we must believe it. Not as the world sees us, they will only see the physical and emotional struggles that we go through. But as a Spiritual person sees it, as a great opportunity to work hard past all obstacles of this world and get ready to let our souls pass on to a greater dwelling. One that cannot be seen with our eyes, or heard with our ears, or touched with our hands, or tasted with our tongues. Something so great that it surpasses all worldly understanding and takes us into eternity. This, my friends is what lies awaiting those who not only hear the Gospel but become partakers of it as well, just as Paul did. We must stay on the path, we must keep our testimony clean and share it with others not only with our mouths but with our examples as well. We must carry on in what God has called us to, the greatest gift the world has ever been given, Jesus Christ. But Christ has not been given to the world, he has been given to you in that you believe and receive what he has for you, eternal life!!! Have a great day!!!!