When we abide in Christ Jesus, we are filled with His love and strength. There is peace, for His power is with us wherever we go. This is because we are no longer alone in this life but have God with us to help us. He has sent forth the Holy Spirit to dwell with us always, that we may know the way in this wicked world that we live in. This helps us dramatically as we are able to walk apart from sin and in the light of the Lord with its help. We aren’t fearful of what the day brings, for whatever God has prepared, we will face it with Him by our side. This is because the presence of God is with us and His Words are in our hearts. As Paul said, 1“for God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.” This is what God called us to, to be partakers of every affliction the world wants to throw at us because of our faith in Jesus. Because the Spirit does not allow us to fear in what we believe in, hold Your faith up, even when persecution comes our way. Always remember that God 1“hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” This knowledge will help you when trials come, for you will know that no matter what happens to you, you are in God’s hands.
We know that after this life is all set and done that we will be with Jesus in heaven. Death comes to everyone, but those that loved the Lord will be with Him forever. Therefore, we read God’s Word daily and pray often. This helps us have direction and not fear what happens in life. Now, as long as we live a life that is worthy for Christ and do His will, we will be welcomed in come judgement day. Paul also helps us understand this when he said that with 1“the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ,” He 1“hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” Therefore, remember that Jesus is the only way to salvation. As we put our trust in Him each day of our lives, we will never be alone. Our faith will be secure and founded upon a rock that will never crumble. I know that each of you have done things that you wish you hadn’t, but this can all be put in the past with God’s forgiveness. The Lord’s mercy is for everyone that calls upon His Name. How amazing it truly is when we can go on in life with a clean slate. This is what Jesus did when He died for our sins on the cross. Always remember His sacrifice and continue to seek Him every hour. Lastly, do as Paul directed when he said, 1“hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.” Our life is secure when we put our trust in the Lord, even until the end.
Let us pray:
Lord God, I pray that our desires will be for You each day. Fill us with Your counsel, that we may know what is right and what wrong. And point us to always choose to do Your will and run from any form of ungodliness and sin. Give us wisdom and direct us in the ways that we ought to go. Be with us always, that we may not fall victim to the sins of this world. I know that I am stronger with Your presence in my life. As we have faith in You, Lord, may it be a shield to fight against Satan and his temptations. I know the shame that comes from the bondage of sin and I am so grateful to have You lifted it off of my shoulders. I was once in darkness and You have come and raised me into Your light. Where I was once alone in this world, You have given unto me the gift of the Holy Spirit. Now my soul is comforted and I have eyes to see. All the fear that was in me is gone. That is because You have done a mighty work inside of me. What a wonderful time it is to be in Your presence and to learn of You each day. As I come unto You, I want more and more of You and less of me. May You always abide in my heart, that I might walk worthily in Your sight. It is my greatest desire to do Your will above all else, for Your ways lead to life eternal. Your gospel is truly sweet to my ears and I can never learn enough, when it comes to Your ways. May my eyes and ears always be open to learn more each day. I love You Lord. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
12 Timothy 1 (KJV)
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
12 For the which cause 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.
13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
17 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
18 The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.