Daily Bread 7-4-17
2 Timothy 1:11,12
11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
12 For the which I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
ref. - 1P 4:19 - Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful creator.
What is your testimony today? Not last week, or not last year, but what is it today? Have you committed such an offense that it is not forgivable before God's eyes? The answer is no. Today, if your testimony is clouded or non existent, it is highly urged that you repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand! Many times we suffer not because we are following God, but because we have turned away or been turned away. Whether we have turned away or been turned away, the reward is the same, everlasting damnation. The Apostle Paul had a clean conscience before God and could honestly say that the things the world and it's pawns were throwing at him was because of the cause of Christ. He was not with a heavy heart or conscience because he knew that no matter what the world threw his way, he would be carried by God in the final day. Do you have this testimony today? The only way to have this hope and this faith is to be cleansed from unrighteousness by the blood of Jesus Christ. We sometimes drag our own selves through the trenches and when we are there we sometimes forget how to get out. But your escape from the evils of this world are only a prayer away. To say that you will not face hardship, loss, heartache, pain, would be a lie. But to have a clean heart to God while facing these things is what will carry you through. Paul did not make it through because he thought the suffering on this earth would end. He knew that earthly suffering would continue and even probably get worse because of his decision to follow Christ. But his consolation did not come from the world, it came from God. It was in a promise that was and still has been given to us when Jesus Christ died on that cross. He made it possible through his example for Paul, and for us, to know that even though the world has it's ways of trying to break us, we will not be broken! For there will come a day, when this world and all of its pawns will pass away and our souls will continue on into eternity! So let us suffer, as the world would call it, but let us remain with clean conscience before God from this day forward. Let us pray for his divine intervention in our souls to be put on the straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life. And when going gets tough, look toward the heavens and receive our strength and our consolation! There is a greater day ahead for those who seek and diligently follow him!! Oh, Lord, Oh, Lord, please let it be me!!! Have a great day!!!