ENDURING TO THE END

We are not saved because we endure, but we endure because we are saved. The grace of God that saves us, secures us, and sustains us. Even though Revelation 14 speaks specifically of those who will come to faith in a future time of tribulation, it also applies generally to saints of all the ages, and their “patience,” that is, their perseverance, (v. 12-13).  Those who are blood-washed and born again belong to Christ and endure to the end.

We note their RIGHTEOUSNESS,  “here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” (v. 12b).  Because we are kept by the grace of God, we are governed by God and keep His commands. As has been said, “Faith alone saves, but saving faith is never alone.”  Faith in Christ is the root of our salvation, but obedience is the fruit of it.

Further, we find their REST,  “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write: ‘ “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” ’  ‘ “Yes,” ‘ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors,’ “ (v. 13a). The righteous who are faithful unto death need not fear death when it comes. If we are “in the Lord,” having a genuine relationship with Him, then we die in the Lord’s arms, as He rocks us to sleep, and carries us home.

Then comes their REWARD, “ ‘and their works follow them,’ ” (v. 13b).  The all-knowing God is documenting every deed done in His name and for His glory. Others may not take notice. We may never get recognition here, but we are assured of reward hereafter!  This reality is echoed in Hebrews 6:10,  “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

So, servant of God—press on!  Do not think about quitting!  So long as God keeps you here, keep true to Him, and He will keep you by His grace to endure to the end!

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 27

God Is Not Slow

“Dear friends, don’t overlook this one fact: With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:8-9‬ ‭CSB‬‬

It’s hard to endure in evangelism. We have friends and family members we have been praying for and sharing the gospel with for years, and there is not the slightest nudge of spiritual interest, let alone conversion. Sharing the gospel can be discouraging, but God’s timing is not like ours. God is patient, and He does not desire anyone to perish. Keep laboring in faith knowing you serve a God who is not slow, but is patient with you and with those you are sharing with, including your one.

Pray God would strengthen your spiritual muscles to endure in prayer for the salvation of your one. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

BECOMING A MAN OF GOD

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.  ‎Fight the good fight of faith….  (1 Timothy 6:11-12a)

One day the church doors are going to open and your casket will be rolled down the aisle.  Family will stand there grieving and friends will file by to pay their last respects.  What will they say about you?  When people gaze upon my still form, the one thing I want most for them to say is, “He was a man of God.”  I can think of no greater title.  No better legacy could be left to our children, men, than that.  Whatever else we leave behind, if those who know us best can say, “He was a man of God,” then we have lived a life worth living.  Paul tells us how in 1 Timothy 6.

The man of God knows what to FLEE (v.11a).  The expression “these things” are those discussed in verses 1-10.  There are some things that we must steer clear of or they will ruin our testimony.  What must we flee?

We flee a lazy aptitude (v.1-2).  The man of God is a man of industry and integrity on his job.  He gives a day’s work for a day’s wage.  Men of God are certainly faithful to worship at the church on Sunday, but they are likewise faithful to work at the job on Monday.  Scripture exhorts that whatever we do to do all to the glory of God!

We flee a lofty attitude (v.3-5). The man of God cannot be arrogant and egotistical—full of devilish pride.  Such a spirit is marked by ignorance (v.3-4a), intolerance (v.4b), and impurity (v.5).

We flee a lustful appetite (v.5-10).  As stated earlier we have a responsibility to be effective and excellent employees.  Yet, we dare not become workaholics or idolaters.   You can’t worship God and mammon.  Real success is found in verse 6.

The man of God also knows what to FOLLOW (v.11b).  It isn’t enough to be noted as to what you are against, but what you are for.

The man of God pursues “righteousness.”  He is right with God through faith in Christ and right with others through forgiveness.

He pursues “godliness.”  We reflect the character of God.  People see Jesus in us.  

He pursues “faith.”e HH  The man of God is a man of faith.  Faith comes from the Word and is expressed in prayer.  Are you a man of the Word and prayer?

He pursues “love.”  Love is the preeminent virtue.  It is the great commandment—loving God with all our being and our neighbor as ourselves.

He pursues “patience.”  There is no magic pill to take to become a man of God.  We must also display patience with others.

He pursues “gentleness.”  We recognize that people are delicate—that they have sensitive feelings.  We don’t run over people.

The man of God knows when to FIGHT (v.12).  God has issued a call to arms.

We need to acknowledge the reality of the conflict.  Some of us don’t realize there is a war.  Satan is on the rampage because he knows his time is short.  Our faith, our freedom, and our family are under assault.  Wake up!  Get up!  Stand up!

We will then attain the reward of the conquest.  There is a victor’s crown.  Scripture promises a reward to the overcomer.

Many years ago I made a commitment to be a man of God.  Today I renew that goal.  Will you join me?  Ladies, will you pray for the men?

THE STEPS OF GOD’S MAN

 

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD,

And He delights in his way.  (Psalm 37:23)

Our business is to seek by the grace of God to show the goodness of God in our walk, and the business of God is to provide His guidance in our way.  The good man or woman is godly—and the Lord finds pleasure in establishing our path.  This road is ever a good road, but is not always an easy road.  The beloved old hymn puts it like this:

In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,
God leads His dear children along;
Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,
God leads His dear children along.

Refrain

Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long.

Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright,
God leads His dear children along;
Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night,
God leads His dear children along.

Refrain

Though sorrows befall us and evils oppose,
God leads His dear children along;
Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes,
God leads His dear children along.

Refrain

Away from the mire, and away from the clay,
God leads His dear children along;
Away up in glory, eternity’s day,
God leads His dear children along.

Refrain  (George A. Young)

Joseph is a classic case.  His serene stroll through flowering fields on mission for his father, in search of his brothers, suddenly turned to trouble.  It took him into a pit, sold as a property, facing a sinful peril, forgotten in a prison—but, then elevated to a palace!  God was ordering that good man’s steps, but, surely, he must have wondered at times.  I know I do.

God knows what we do not.  We live life forward, but understand it backward—how the way of difficulties faced is the way of dreams fulfilled.  This is the providence of God, that calls for patience that we might ultimately see the promises realized.  “But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.”  (Romans 8:25)  By patience we possess the promises.  Disappointments are His appointments, if we are His.  Never forget that delays are not denials—journey on in faith.  Spurgeon said it well, “By patience the snail reached the ark!”  The way of the good man is the way of the cross—but, the way of the cross leads home!

It is an old cliché: “Haste makes waste.”  Most often it is true.  “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.  For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise”  (Hebrews 10:35-36).  We are too quick to discard our confidence as being worthless, when had we persevered we would have been richly rewarded.

Lord,

I can be so impatient!  That is sin.  I am sorry that I have sometimes been so quick to quit when the path became dark, steep, just creeping along, and even brought to a standstill.  Had I continued on, what blessing I might have known!  You know I chafe at the unexpected traffic jam on the highway of life, or the detour that I think diverts me from my destination, when it is directed by You to take me to my goal.  I do not know what this day will bring.  Remind me that its events are in Your sovereign hands.  What is in my hands is to pursue being a good man, and then I will be a guided man and a graced man.  You have promised to direct and delight in one who desires the Highway of Holiness.  Best of all, You will walk with me!  What more could I want?

In the Name of the Good Shepherd, Jesus,

Amen!

CROWNED WITH HOPE—HIS SERVICE: David’s Preparation and Equipping

One of the chief purposes that God has in making us wait is to teach us.  This is an essential time to prepare us for what God in His time will accomplish in and by us.  Something has to be done to us, before something can be done through us.

·        A SHEPHERD—Preparation for His Work.

And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?” Then he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here.”  So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!”  Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah. (1 Samuel 16:11-13)

David would shepherd God’s people someday and so there was no better way to equip him than to literally care for a flock.  Too often we are looking for the big opportunity rather than being faithful in the place God has us—not understanding that He is getting us ready for more.  The Biblical principle is that if we are faithful in little things, we can be entrusted with larger things.

·        A SINGER—Preparation for His Worship.

So Saul said to his servants, “Provide me now a man who can play well, and bring him to me.”  Then one of the servants answered and said, “Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the LORD is with him.”  Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse, and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.”  And Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and a young goat, and sent them by his son David to Saul.  So David came to Saul and stood before him. And he loved him greatly, and he became his armorbearer.  Then Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Please let David stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight.”  And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him. (1 Samuel 16:17-23) 

David would not only someday lead Israel into war, he would lead them into worship!  How many Psalms would this man write!  The worship of God would be a keynote of his life—this man after God’s own heart.  To love God with all our being is priority.  Our intimacy with Him must precede being an instrument for Him.  Time spent in communion with God is never wasted—but to try to bear fruit apart from this connection with the True Vine is impossible!

·        A SOLDIER—Preparation for His Warfare.

Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine.   So the Philistine came, and began drawing near to David, and the man who bore the shield went before him.  ‎And when the Philistine looked about and saw David, he disdained him; for he was only a youth, ruddy and good-looking.  ‎So the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.  ‎And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!”   Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.  ‎This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.  ‎Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.”   So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.   Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth.  ‎So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David.  ‎Therefore David ran and stood over the Philistine, took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it. And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.  (1 Samuel 17:40-51) 

Old Goliath had defied the armies of God and mocked the Lord.  David wouldn’t let that go.  It has been said, it is not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog!  Boot camp is never a fun part of a soldier’s preparation, but it is indispensable.  If a warrior isn’t disciplined there then the odds of returning safely and successfully from the battlefield are slim.  After time spent as Saul’s armor-bearer and then a young champion downing Goliath, David was ready to lead the troops himself.  God may have you in basic training!  That’s tough—but it will toughen you up, and you’ll need that for where God is sending you is into a world that isn’t a playground, but a battleground!

CROWNED WITH HOPE

And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?” Then he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here.”  So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!”  Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah. (1 Samuel 16:11-13)

 

 

But, we don’t like to wait do we?  Yet, Scripture says that is through patience that we inherit the promises of God (Heb.6:12).  God doesn’t make his saints in a microwave, but a crock pot!

There has been a pattern established throughout the Old Testament portraits of hope that we have seen studied—God gives a vision, there is the death of the vision, and then God resurrects it.

Adam and Eve were created for hope, but that hope was shattered as a paradise became a place of death because of sin.  God would resurrect that hope through the Last Adam—Jesus Christ who came to reverse the curse.

Abraham was called to hope.  God summoned him with a promise that he would be the father of many nations although he and his wife Sarah were old and childless at the time.  The biological clock ticked down and years later when it was impossible for the aged couple to have a child, God brought a miracle baby named Isaac into their lives.

Joseph showed the conquest of hope.  He had a dream that he related to his brothers that they would one day bow to him.  His brothers sought to destroy that dream.  They sold him into slavery, and he wound up in a prison in Egypt.  But God brought him out, placed him as second to Pharaoh in Egypt and one day his brothers did bow before him!  Hope had conquered.

Moses displayed the confidence of hope.  He was birthed for a special purpose—to be the deliverer of his people from slavery.  But, he prematurely took matters into his own hands in an abortive attempt and because of that failure had to flee for his life.  There would follow forty years of desert discipline getting him ready for his task.  Then God called his name and dispatched him to do his duty.  Reading the story should fill us with a confident hope in God’s faithfulness despite our fears, failings and frailties.

Now, we come to David.  He will be crowned with hope.  The same pattern of the birth, death and resurrection of a vision will be seen in him.  David had to wait, but God was at work.