Daily Bread 4-17-17

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

4 An we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do an will to do the things which we command you.

5 And the Lord direct your hearts in the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

ref. - Prov 3:6 - In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Matt 22:37 - Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

We are in a great place with a great Lord and a great salvation. So, what is holding us back? Do we believe in what we are being taught? Is what we are being taught righteousness in Jesus Christ? How do we treat the minister of God when the message chastises us or convicts us? Are we glad for the correction or do we become angry at the word of God for finding our faults? Most are spoiled little children only wanting what is in it for them right now and nothing for eternity. You see, there are millions of people that wear the cross around their neck but have never truly picked it up. They show a resemblance or have an appearance of holiness but the truth is not in them. They will not accept the truth but would like a smoke screen and fantasy put in front of them. Why? Were they not called of God? Yes, of course they were, but when correction came , they would not accept the truth. Instead of praying for their minister to give them the truth they prayed against him. Everyone took what they could get and left the men of God standing alone with nothing. Today, this is how people see it as well. As long as there is something coming to them and they are receiving the blessing it doesn't matter who is feeding them. They will starve one and move on to another if things do not go their way. Even though they are being led righteously and through the Gospel they will not cross the line of family and friends and worldly tradition. This is what is not only causing a decrease in ministers of the Gospel and also a clouded, blinded, worldly vision of salvation as it ought to be. It is time to start praying for those who have been chosen to feed us, that whether easy or tough, soft or hard, the Gospel will be given to us freely and without fear or shame. We are not supposed to be those who are lacking in faith, we are they who are seeking for more daily. We need to be corrected and sharpened as we were not called to a salvation of faith without works but a salvation of faith by our works. God will never leave you nor forsake you if you are marching within the bounds of the salvation he has put you in. And he will also never forget that day when, instead of saying me, me, me, you got on your knees and prayed for they who have been chosen to feed you. You will never be the popular one on earth for standing by this Gospel but it is promised that you will be blessed and highly favored by your creator. If you want to draw closer to God, you can't determine how you are going to do it, you must call on God and allow him to show you how to do it. He will not sugar coat or try to mask the truth to suit your tender feelings or your idea of Christianity. He will choose someone who will give it to you straight. That is what is being taught and that is what is being lived by many, and they will be the ones who reap the benefits. Others will perish due to their lack of obedience, their ignorance of the truth, and their lack of love towards their brothers and sisters. The real question is..........which one are you? Only God can change the direction of our hearts and he is waiting and willing in Jesus Christ to help us all. We have great leadership, we have a great savior, and we have a precious salvation. Let's pray for our leadership that God will keep them telling us the truth. Even when we throw tantrums and give threats of leaving, they will remain honest and in the Gospel for us so that we, someday, can make heaven our homes. Have a great day!!!!