Reflections

 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.”   2 Tim 1:12.

We often hear Christians say, “What would I do without the Lord?”   That is a good question!!   Human emotions are up and down.  Life has it’s up’s and down’s.   Our physical conditions are up and down.  Aren’t you glad that our Savior is ever faithful?  Aren’t you glad that your salvation is secure in HIm?  That security is not in my good deeds, not in another religious human, but in Christ and in Christ alone.  Paul says he KNOWS in whom he has believed and that he will keep Him until the day he is in heaven.   God is truly our anchor!  I think  one of the key words  in the verse above is KNOW.  Paul knew because he personally had experienced the presence and the comfort of God.  You and I  have the same promise from the Word of God.  Amidst the cares of this life, and its “up’s” and “down’s”, we can rejoice the more in the Lord.  And, may the Lord help us to be ever-abiding, ever-relying on Him!  Truly, He can give a peace that passes all understanding!

“ Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;  who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.  For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.” 2 Cor:1:3-5

All the trials that befall God’s people!  The passage above tells me that God comforts me in my tribulation, but it also tells me a little of why the trial has befallen me—that we may comfort others.  How many times I have pointed out that the Christian life is anything but a bed of roses.  Praise God, we are blessed beyond measure when we consider the whole picture, but there are days that it is hard “to get one foot after the other.”  Never the less, we continue on, with our eyes on Jesus and our hearts fixed on heaven.  So when we find ourselves in tribulation, it proves that God’s Word is true, for the Bible says through much tribulation we shall enter into heaven. We are also reminded that we are God’s children, because He told us trials would come.   It also makes us long for home, for in heaven there will be no more tribulation.   And, our tribulation times serve as training so we can be of encouragement to others going through trials.  There might be someone that is just waiting for a word of encouragement from you!  So, let’s keep on, looking unto Jesus!  God bless you this week as you serve the Lord!

“Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:8,9

Dear Christian, are you glad that you have the Lord Jesus as your Lord and Savior?  I am so glad that we are secure in Him.  The cares of this life often make us to forget of the blessings we have in the Lord. Our problems and conflicts take our attention off our spiritual blessings.  The passage above reminds us of the blessed truth that once we are saved, God is not going to “throw us away”!   Verse 8 says that He will confirm me to the end . . . blameless . . .!  How could that be talking about me?  Sometimes, I’m a “hot-mess”!   Our salvation is guaranteed by the one who bought us with His blood!  He will/shall confirm us unto the end!  Rejoice that your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life!  If you are reading this and you’ve never been changed by the grace of God, then repent and place all your faith and trust in His shed blood.  You also can be included in the promise above.  Sometimes church-goers can be the most mean and hateful people.  This just shows you re still lost in your sin.  Repent before it is too late, and God will give you a reason to have joy and love for the church and for the brethren and most of all, for HIM!