Sold Out For Jesus daily devotion online
G. John White's first devotional Sold out for Jesus covers 12 vital themes of Christianity.
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September Topic: Perseverance |
The Word says "To him who overcomes..." The Christian walk is NOT easy, so we need to be people of determination, knowing that in the end, WE WILL WIN! This month we will discover some words of comfort and encouragement to help us on our pilgrimage. |
Hebrews 12:3
ENDURED THE CROSS, SCORNING ITS SHAME
If you know the joy, you are more able to endure the shame and pain.
The greater the joy, the greater the pain you can endure. But you need to know the joy! The depth of Jesus' suffering tells us, to some measure, the joy that He was looking forward to. 'Without a vision the people cast off restraint.' Olympic athletes will not succeed unless they are prepared to endure training, discipline of eating habits, living habits and sleeping habits. They have to be totally single focused - that's why there are so few! They have to deny themselves, they have to push themselves through the pain threshold or they will never compete on the day, let alone win.
For most us the joy of Olympic Gold is not enough! Or we would 'go for it'. We prefer the simple things in life and sit watching our TV instead. Is that how we treat Jesus, too?
Oh, its O.K. for the missionaries, the folk in mission societies, the elders, deacons, pastors and cell group leaders to be committed and focussed - but its not for me! I can't be bothered to put myself out for that - its too difficult.
Just as well, Jesus didn't look at it that way, isn't it! He was in perfect relationship with God. Jesus didn't 'need' to go to the cross. He could have 'flagged it away'. He could have called 10,000 angels to rescue Him. But hey, He didn't!
His be the Victor's Name, who fought OUR FIGHT alone;
Triumphant saints no honour claim - Their conquest was His own.
Through weakness like defeat, He won the meed and crown;
Trod ALL OUR FOES beneath His feet by being trodden down.
He Hell in Hell laid low; Made sin, He sin o'erthrew;
Bowed to the grave, destroyed it so, and death, by dying, slew.
Bless, bless the Conqueror slain! Slain by divine decree!
Who lived, Who died, Who lives again, For thee my soul for thee!
For the joy that is set before you - what will you endure? Inconvenience, humiliation, rejection, shame, poverty, pain, suffering, brokenness, betrayal, misunderstanding? Or do you want an easy ride?
Remember the joy, my friend - remember the joy, and your small trials now will seem totally insignificant.
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