Daily Bread 4-24-17
Hebrews 4:9-12
9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
ref. - Jer. 23:29 - Is not my word like a fire? Saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
Rev. 1:16 - And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
1Cor 14:24,25 - But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
Our job is far from over Brothers and Sisters. Through this life we are going to have to see many things, but the truth still remains, our job is not over yet. We still have many good deeds and many fruitful works ahead of us. We are still here for a reason. That main reason is to be an example to the unbeliever that God supplies our needs in whatever circumstance that we are in. Even though others are already done with their work, God's purpose for each of us is still alive. God has a time for everyone and it has been written since before any of us breathed a breathe of air. Today, it is not our time, therefore we must remain diligent and sober in our service to the Lord. One day, this work will be over, but until that day, we must stay faithful and let God do a work in us. The warning is clear and so is the promise. We mustn't let him find us sleeping when he comes for us. We must find the courage and strength to hold on until the end when we, too, will enter into our own rest. Too many times we face trials, tribulations, loss of loved ones, and may things that make us want to just throw our hands up in the air and quit, but let the word of God be an encourager today, Brothers and Sisters, it isn't over yet! The promise of eternal rest, no more work, no more pain, no more hardships, is promise enough to keep us putting one foot in front of the other until he sets us free from the bonds of this body and this world. When we want to go to a revival, we work and work extra hours and do not quit until we have the time off and the money to go, and then we go. But many times, and most of the time, we must work until the very minute that it is time to go, and then we must drive hundreds if not thousands of miles to get there, sometimes through the night. And when we arrive? We hear the word of God and are blessed! This is just a small thing that is an example of diligence and working towards a goal that brings us into the presence of our Lord. What is most important today is to know this; our Brothers and Sisters that passed before us didn't know the exact time or date that it would happen, but many were still serving the Lord and we expect as according to the promise of God that they have reached their mark. Those who were not serving the Lord, also have a promise to themselves, and that is eternal damnation. Even if it was for a minute that they walked away and the time came, they were found with no oil in their lamps and asleep and they had no more time to make it right. You see, once our hearts stop beating and our lungs cease to fill with air, we have no more time for repentance, the books will be opened. So today, Brothers and Sisters, be encouraged and faithful that no matter what obstacle is in your way today, God is also faithful and a rewarder of those who diligently seek him! Somehow God chose us to continue on and be an example to those who have little or no faith! We are overcomes and we are more than conquerors in Jesus Christ! Pray to him for answer today, pray to him for strength, pry to him for courage, comfort, patience, love, all the things that will allow us to continue on. let us pray for these things and also pray one for another that God's will be done and that we can remain in it! The reward is going to be eternal!!! Have a great day!!