Devotionals

I view very little of what this world offers me as something dependable; supply may be here today and gone tomorrow, so I place my hope and trust in God. I love and pray for this country, but I don’t place my trust in it. This country’s stability and economy is only as stable as the people governing are righteous…and that is a scary thought as we face inflation, rising interest rates, record high cost for groceries for less product, crime and theft tolerated and dismissed, and let us not forget we are sinking deeper and deeper into federal debt. I pray for those who are just barely getting by and seek to help those in my care who are financially struggling. How is this going to end well when, as a nation, we keep dismissing, dishonoring, and deposing God and his wise guidance for living?

I am sure grateful God’s economy—his distribution of grace to the faithful and obedient—is a sure thing. God alone is trustworthy; he is Truth. In our passage today, the psalmist reminds Israel, the fear of the Lord—adoration and obedient respect to his Word—is what brings good things to a nation. Think about it, God’s Word still sustains creation and people who honor the Lord dwell in his presence as he watches over all who live by his counsel (Ps 32:8). Trust is easy when you have Someone who truly loves and cares for you.

Today, we continue our 10 Days of Prayer; to pray for salvation and peace to come to Israel and the Middle East (Homs, Syria). Syria has struggled with great civil war and children have paid a terrible price. As well, we pray for our country to find itself “under” God.

Psalm 33:12-22 NLT
12
What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord,
    whose people he has chosen as his inheritance.
13 
The Lord looks down from heaven
    and sees the whole human race.
14 
From his throne he observes
    all who live on the earth.
15 
He made their hearts,
    so he understands everything they do.
16 
The best-equipped army cannot save a king,
    nor is great strength enough to save a warrior.
17 
Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory—
    for all its strength, it cannot save you.
18 
But the Lord watches over those who fear him,
    those who rely on his unfailing love.
19 
He rescues them from death
    and keeps them alive in times of famine.
20 
We put our hope in the Lord.
    He is our help and our shield.
21 
In him our hearts rejoice,
    for we trust in his holy name.
22 
Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord,
    for our hope is in you alone.

Prayer: Lord, we adore and worship you; there is no one like you in all the earth. You extend love and mercy to every human being and you call for us to love you wholeheartedly and love our neighbors like we love ourselves. This is such a selfish world. Please forgive us as a nation and help us, Holy Spirit, turn to your righteous guidance. We pray for Israel and Homs, Syria, as they deal with the remnants of civil war. Send your Spirit to wake us all up in Jesus’ name. Amen.

I love fresh fruit and/or vegetable salads of all kinds. When I was a child, we either had a small garden, a family member had a big garden, or we would stop at roadside stands where people sold their crops; we were always able to get fresh produce. Although they are very convenient, I have noticed bagged or prepackaged salads perish very quickly. In fact, the ones I have purchased from the grocery store rarely make it to their “best used by” date without signs of spoilage.

We may try to forget this little fact, but these physical bodies of ours are also prone to decay or “spoilage.” It is part of being human with natural bodies that are subject to sin and death (1 Cor 15:53). But, Jesus came to bring us eternal life not just natural life (Jo 3:16). In fact, these decaying bodies are not the believer’s end result; our hope in Christ is not limited to this life.

Jesus came to bring us spiritual life; he preceded us in death and resurrection. Christ is the first of a great harvest of all who have died (1 Cor 15:20). Unless Christ returns before we die, our earthly bodies will return to the ground, but one day will be resurrected into transformed immortal spiritual bodies (1 Cor 15:44). Our natural bodies will be sown into the ground, but will be raised in glory! Do you ever wonder what our spiritual bodies will be like?

According to Scripture, our spiritual and glorious bodies will never be susceptible to sickness, disease, or death. In fact, our new bodies will be perfect for serving and worshiping God; no longer hindered by natural law. Our resurrected bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God, so we need a body that is basically suited for heaven.

Think about Jesus after his resurrection and how he appeared to the disciples; his wounds were still visible, and his disciples could touch his physical form, yet He was able to travel effortlessly and appear and disappear at will. He could go through walls and doors yet could also eat and drink and sit and talk. Our spiritual bodies will be the perfect host—fully alive—with the Spirit of God. No more hindering or grieving, just honor and yielding.

1 Corinthians 15:42-49 NLT 42 It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. 43 Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. 44 They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies.

45 The Scriptures tell us, “The first man, Adam, became a living person.”[ But the last Adam—that is, Christ—is a life-giving Spirit. 46 What comes first is the natural body, then the spiritual body comes later. 47 Adam, the first man, was made from the dust of the earth, while Christ, the second man, came from heaven. 48 Earthly people are like the earthly man, and heavenly people are like the heavenly man. 49 Just as we are now like the earthly man, we will someday be like the heavenly man.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for not only these physical bodies you have designed for us, but thank you for the promise of a future perfectly transformed body. No more weakness, just glorious strength and power in the Spirit to live righteously for eternity. What a glorious hope for your children! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Are you surprised by the division we are experiencing in the world? Although it makes me sad, I know division is the result of human sin. Therefore, division is purposeful to further the gospel. If human beings want peace in the world, we must first make peace with God. Then, we will all have the power of God to live in a greater measure of unity under God’s authority. After all, we have the Spirit who leads us to unity in Christ!

In our passage today, Jesus is looking at his imminent death; it is time for him to lay down his life for the sins of the world. He knows there will be a resurrection, but the disciples cannot comprehend how death or a resurrection could result in something good. So, because they do not understand God’s plan, Jesus tells his disciples the Father will send the Holy Spirit who will prepare them for what is yet to come. Jesus goes on to describe a huge dichotomy or division in perspective between the believing disciples vs. the unbelieving world regarding his death.

Earlier, Jesus announced his purpose for coming to earth was to bring division; those who received the love and mercy of God found in Christ would be spiritually divided from those who did not (Luke 12:51). Because of God’s Word, we know this sinful world rejoiced at the death of Jesus, because Satan, the ruler of the world, thought he had won the battle for humanity’s allegiance. But, truth keeps marching on! May we join in one voice to declare the world’s need for Oneness with the Lord!

Today, we continue our 10 Days of Prayer; to pray for salvation and peace to come to Israel and the Middle East (Mosul, Iraq). May believers in Israel and Iraq be filled with courage and power as they witness to the world’s need for salvation and unity in Christ. Every nation shows the wounds of hatred and division; only God can bring healing and wholeness.

John 16:16-24 NLT Sadness Will Be Turned to Joy
16 “In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.”

17 Some of the disciples asked each other, “What does he mean when he says, ‘In a little while you won’t see me, but then you will see me,’ and ‘I am going to the Father’? 18 And what does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand.”

19 Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, “Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won’t see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. 20 I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. 21 It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. 22 So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. 23 At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. 24 You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.

Prayer: Lord, we pray for your spiritual family to remain in your joy as we take a stand and pray for the world’s redemption. May the Spirit lead a movement that multiplies your followers. Help us to remember your purpose for coming, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

A great temptation for humanity is to try and make God in our human image; rather, than God’s actual purpose to redeem and restore us in his image. This perspective is not unusual for non-believers who may use human reasoning, cultural standards, or selfish desires to evaluate a supernatural and holy God. Fortunately, God does not see things the way we do; although, I believe he loves and understands us.

Salvation is God’s priority and purpose; it is always about the goodness of God responding to our faith. Faith is about trusting when we cannot see or understand; we walk by faith not by sight (2 Cor 5:7). In fact, by faith, we must believe God exists and he rewards those who seek him (Heb 11:6). The Spirit leads the way in God’s redemptive purposes and he is a perfect Guide!

Today, as we step into Day 5 of 10 Days of Prayer, we continue praying salvation for the Middle East (Baghdad, Iraq) and Israel. May God bring them an awareness of his presence and may the Spirit, who helps us trust the Lord, lead them toward the Kingdom of Righteousness, Peace and Joy (Ro 14:17). God will bless those who have a proper attitude about him; those who fear the Lord (come by faith in adoration and devotion) and call upon the name of the Lord. Jesus proclaimed to Israel, “For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

In our passage today, the psalmist reminds Israel to trust in the Lord and believe God’s desire to draw them into a protected place of provision and blessing. Israel will need to accept the Messiah who came to heal and redeem them. When Israel and other unbelievers receive salvation by grace through faith, they will gain a whole new perspective of the God they have claimed to serve. God will open their eyes to his beautiful majestic glory.

Psalm 115:9-16 NLT
9 
O Israel, trust the Lord!
    He is your helper and your shield.
10 
O priests, descendants of Aaron, trust the Lord!
    He is your helper and your shield.
11 
All you who fear the Lord, trust the Lord!
    He is your helper and your shield.
12 
The Lord remembers us and will bless us.
    He will bless the people of Israel
    and bless the priests, the descendants of Aaron.
13 
He will bless those who fear the Lord,
    both great and lowly.
14 
May the Lord richly bless
    both you and your children.
15 
May you be blessed by the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.
16 
The heavens belong to the Lord,
    but he has given the earth to all humanity.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the indwelling Spirit who brings us a righteous perspective of you. May we grow in our adoration and trust in you. We ask for a mighty redeeming work to be done in Israel and Iraq. Overshadow them with your grace and goodness; help them see through the eyes of faith the truth of your deep love for them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Apostle Paul was imprisoned in Rome around the year 62, and it was from there that he wrote to the church in Philippi. As the founder of the church in Philippi, the Holy Spirit was stirring within Paul to write to his brothers and sisters of faith whom he had partnered with in sharing the Gospel message of Christ Jesus. Paul allowed the Holy Spirit to work through him in this letter as he sought to be an encourager of their faith.

Friends, as brothers and sisters of faith, you and I must call on the Holy Spirit for wisdom as we read Paul’s letter. Just as our brothers and sisters from the church in Philippi whom Paul initially wrote to, you and I are a part of the same Church (Christ’s Body) and we too can receive holy guidance from the Holy Spirit; we just simply need to ask for growing knowledge and understanding (or for God’s wisdom).

Paul’s message aligns with Pastor Mary’s message from yesterday’s sermon: we are one united Body or Church through our salvation in Christ Jesus, we are called to share the Gospel message of Jesus’s love, and we must love one another by the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23) no matter what. Please don’t miss that we need to be prepared for Christ Jesus’s return. Paul mentions Jesus’s return twice within today’s passage, and we need to be ready.

Philippians 1:3-11 (NLT)

Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer

3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

7 So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. 8 God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.

9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for Paul’s letter. Holy Spirit, we need Your guiding wisdom to operate in and through us. Help us to be carriers of the Gospel message and to share and spread the love of Jesus. Grow in us Your: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Let us see people how You see them, Jesus. Allow our hearts to soften so that we can experience loving others as You love them. We want to be ready for Your return, and we want to bring more hearts to know You. Use us today to grow Your Kingdom, Lord Jesus. We ask all of this in Your Name, Jesus. Amen.

Certainly, the enemy desires to shake the faith of believers; he puts in long hours over time to do so. Destroying genuine faith is Satan’s goal, because faith is our shield from evil’s fiery darts (Eph. 6:16). Satan knows our active faith is the only way to please Father God, adequately appropriate and balance the powerful gift of grace, and serve in the love of God as his representatives to a fallen world (Heb 11:6).

Never forget this fallen world is Satan’s playground and the human mind is the site of the greatest spiritual battles to be won or lost. Remember, humanity chose to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Decisions and choices of both good or evil shape our future. We need divine Wisdom, Jesus!

The world’s hatred for the Christ should not surprise us; it began shortly after Jesus was born when [fulfilling Scripture] Herod ordered the killing of all male babies two years old and under in his attempt to eliminate Jesus (Jer. 31:15; Mat 2:16). It is why Joseph and Mary took Jesus to Egypt during this time. Hatred for Israel and Christ’s followers was prophesied by the Lord (John 15:18-19). This hatred for Jews and Christians is ongoing and, according to Scripture, it will be ramping up. We need righteous Authority, Jesus!

In our passage today, Jesus seeks to prepare his disciples for the hatred they will face as his followers. As well, he wants them to know the Father is sending the Holy Spirit to help them and future generations. Jesus is coming back to receive his holy Bride (Church) and to judge Satan and his evil followers. While we wait for the return of Christ, we have the Spirit of God with us; we are not alone. We need the Holy Spirit, Jesus!

Today, in our 10 Days of Prayer, we are focused on Cairo, Egypt as we pray for the spread of the gospel and the advancement of God’s Kingdom in the midst of great hatred. But, we also pray the same for this country, because this rampant hatred must bow to Jesus. May the Spirit break down barriers and lead people to the Truth!

John 16:4-11 NLT
4 Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning. I didn’t tell you earlier because I was going to be with you for a while longer.

The Work of the Holy Spirit
5 “But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. 6 Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you. 7 But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate [Encourager, Comforter, Counselor] won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. 9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. 10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. 11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.

Prayer: Father, we thank you for the work of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit. We pray for the Spirit to convict the world of sin and the need for repentance. We pray for the gospel of Christ to multiply exponentially and spread over Israel and the Middle East. We pray for your righteousness to be revealed across the globe, Jesus. We pray for the United States to turn from hatred and evil and hunger for your righteousness; may believers across America boldly rise up to proclaim your name. We know Satan will face a final judgement and we ask for courage and endurance while we wait for your return. This battle is yours, Lord, so we yield to your will and ways while we praise and worship you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Some moments in our lives, those we share interacting with someone we love, can truly become unforgettable; the experiences are etched in our memories like a beautiful treasure. These shared moments and conversations are the easiest to remember and certain days, times, songs, or places trigger and recapture those unforgettable moments and bring them front and center in our thoughts. I can only imagine how many of these moments the disciples treasured in their memories during the three years of physically walking through life with Jesus while he was on earth; they witnessed so many miracles.

Today is celebrated as Ascension Day: commemorating the 40th day following Easter when Jesus ascended to Heaven. This is the day believers celebrate Jesus’ victory over death, the salvation he offers to all who believe, and the power of the ministry we each now share in Christ’s Spirit. We are witnesses and representatives of the Good News—because of Jesus there is life with God!

In our passage today, Jesus wants his disciples to remember his Word and commands. These early believers have watched Jesus perform many miracles, but they do not yet fully understand the fulfillment of Scripture, the Spirit of the Law, the totality of Christ’s mission, the power of the Spirit, and how it all connects by grace through faith in God’s love. In fact, although Jesus commissions them to go and make more disciples—telling others about turning from sin by turning to God—he instructs them to wait for the Holy Spirit or Helper. Ministry in human power may be religious in action; ministry in Spirit and Truth actually reveals the motives of the heart, grows Christlike relationships, and empowers our witness in the world. Big, big difference!

Remember to read the Introduction to Ten Days of Prayer to Pentecost, today. If you did not pick your daily prayer cards up at C2C last Sunday, you can find them at 10days.net. We are praying in one accord for the salvation of Israel and the Middle East, as well as the revival of believers across the globe! May the Spirit bring a consuming fire for our souls!

Luke 24:44-53 Expanded Bible
44 He said to them, “·Remember [This is what I said….] when I was with you before? I said that everything written about me must ·happen [be fulfilled]—everything in the law of Moses, the books of the prophets, and the Psalms [a way of referring to the whole Old Testament].”

45 Then Jesus opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He said to them, “It is written that the ·Christ [Messiah] would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day 47 and that ·a change of hearts and lives and [repentance for the] forgiveness of sins would be preached in his name to all nations, starting at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 [And look/behold] I will send you what my Father has promised, but you must stay in ·Jerusalem [the city] until you ·have received [are clothed with] that power from ·heaven [on high].”

Jesus Goes Back to Heaven
50 Jesus led his followers as far as Bethany, and he raised his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he ·was separated [parted] from them and ·carried [taken up] into heaven. 52 They worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem ·very happy [with great joy]. 53 They ·stayed in the Temple all the time [were continually in the Temple], praising God.

Prayer: Lord, we remember the many ways you have loved and cared for us. From the moment you came into our hearts, we have been storing up the Truth and precious memories in the Spirit. Help us to cling to your strength and power rather than rest in our own, because human strength is inadequate to sustain our witness. Holy Spirit, fills us with love and fiery passion to witness about the Lord to others. The world needs to know and we need to proclaim. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

After his resurrection and just prior to the Lord’s ascension into heaven, he gave his disciples the commission to preach the good news [he’s alive] to all creation (Mark 16:16). Jesus knew some people would believe and receive salvation in his divine love, but not all (Mark 16:17). Some people would reject the Truth, and prefer to live in the darkness of evil and hatred. Believers would be living in a world with unbelievers.

The Lord prepared his disciples, because he knew what they would be facing. He would no longer be with them physically; he would soon be dwelling with the Father in heaven as King. However, by the work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus promises he will always be with his disciples spiritually which, in time, they learn makes them multiply in power as they witness. Christ performs powerful miracles through them to bring revelation of his life.

The first disciples—like us—received salvation by grace [G.R.A.C.E.= God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense] accepted through active faith in the love of Jesus. Now, every disciple is to continue to live by those same gifts as we go about witnessing to others the message of God’s love found in the Christ. Believers are given Christ’s righteous and loving power, so our lives testify to his presence within.

Let’s remember, Jesus was born as the holy and eternal living Word made human flesh; now, believers are human flesh being made holy by the living Word…one obedient step at a time! As a believer, you are a loving, faithful, and miracle carrying disciple being made in the image of Christ the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Take that knowledge with you, today, and share it with someone who needs to know their potential!

Mark 16:19-20 NLT
19 When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 20 And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your miraculous love and the revelation of Truth we carry within. Please continue to shape us as we walk in obedience to your holy Word. We know as our character grows more Christlike, you will do even more miraculous works through us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This morning, it’s important we refresh our focus on agape [God’s binding and selfless love], because it is so easy to lose track of just how unconditional and self-giving God’s love is for us. God is always focused on the well-being [wholeness] of his children. According to 1 Corinthians 13, God’s love is “patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices when the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” (vv. 4-7).

“Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.” C.S. Lewis

Agape is the pivot point for balancing God’s amazing gifts of grace and faith to his children. Everything rests on divine love, because it never fails. Without receiving God’s love through Jesus, we don’t have grace (Ro 6:11). Without using faith, it is impossible to receive the love of God or please him (Heb 11:6). The need for obedience to God’s commands of love fill the Old Testament, but does the gift of grace with faith in Christ change the believer’s need to continue in obedience to God’s love commands?

In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus sums up his Ten Commandments in this way: Love God wholeheartedly and love your neighbor like you love yourself (22:37-39). So, obedience to love is still our command. Grace—the power for living—is provided by Christ. He taught his disciples, “If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth” (John 14:15-17). Therefore, we must put our faith into motion by believing in Christ’s love for us and the Spirit’s desire to help us.

Remember today, love is always the pivot point upon which to balance grace and faith. When we become irritable with difficult people, act rudely, prideful, or keep a score sheet for every wrong thing done to us, we diminish God’s love, as well as his gifts of grace and faith operating in our lives. When we choose to walk in love and refuse to allow ourselves to react unkindly, we defeat the enemy. Let’s win the battle, today!

1 John 5:1-6 NLT Faith in the Son of God
1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ [Messiah] has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. 2 We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. 3 Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for reminding us about your pure love and how you are teaching us all the time through the Spirit to walk in it. Thank you for your love, grace, and faith. We need your strength and your wisdom to be victorious. So, please fill us with love today, Lord, and help us win the battle against evil. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Apostle Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus are believed to be the last letters that he either wrote himself or used scribes to compose prior to his death. Paul’s letters, to both of these men, are referred to as pastoral Epistles. This classification is due to the fact that these letters were from one pastor or shepherd of God’s people, being Paul, to another pastor or shepherd of God’s people, being Timothy and Titus. Prior to these letters, both men had been important missionary companions of Paul as they assisted him at different times of his ministry and while he wrote letters to many of the other churches.

In today’s passage we are looking at a portion of Paul’s closing remarks to Timothy in the last chapter of 1 Timothy. Paul is instructing Timothy to run away from sin so he can live a godly life, to fight the good fight of faith, and to hold on tightly to eternal life. This message was not only for Timothy, or for him to share with the Church at Ephesus that he was leading at the time…no, it was, is, and will be for the entire Church of Christ, which includes you, me, and ALL believers.

Paul understood, just as you and I understand, how sin messes with our souls, it seeks to ruin our relationships, circumstances, life, and ultimately, Satan, tempts us with sin, 24/7, and his intension is to pull us away from Jesus and our godly way of living in connection to Him. Paul reminded the Church in Corinth, as well as he reminds you, me, and ALL believers, that “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (1 Cor 10:13)

Paul also understood, just as you and I understand, that we must finish our earthly life connected to the One Who offers us eternal life, Jesus, no matter what hell on earth comes against us. In order to do that our faith must be rooted in Jesus, and we need to be feeding our souls (our minds, wills, and emotions) His Word daily, because it is the ONLY Truth and light in this dark world. Remember what Paul wrote, and keep in mind this is just before his life would be martyred for Jesus, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for ALL who eagerly look forward to His appearing.” (2 Tim 4:7-8)

Finally, Paul cautions ALL believers to hold on tightly to the gift of eternal life in Jesus. Friends, we need to remember what Jesus, Himself, tells us about eternal life, “I tell you the truth, those who listen to My message and believer in God Who sent Me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” (John 5:24) In this life, you and I will hold tightly to A LOT of people, things, positions, places, maybe our earthly lives, etc. But absolutely, NOTHING should compare or even come close to us holding tightly to JESUS, the ONLY ONE WHO OFFERS US ETERNAL LIFE!!!

1 Timothy 6:11-12 (NLT)

Paul’s Final Instructions

11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for ministering through the Apostle Paul to us. Thank You for eternal life with You! Holy Spriit, please continue to help each one of us with being quick to flee from sin. We want to live godly lives that are pleasing to the Father. Guide us with Your holy wisdom and shield us with protection from Satan as we stand on Jesus, the Word of God, and fight the good fight of faith. We look forward to eternity with You, Jesus. We ask all of this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.