TWC – The Word Connects: Connecting you to God and to one another … Tuesday 17 Jun 2014
When we serve the Lord and speak boldly for His Name, there are all kinds of dangers, troubles, problems and crises we may encounter from time to time. Some of these are from factors external to the church, others are from within the church – it’s called in-fighting and politics. The Apostle Paul suffered many such troubles but the Lord rescued him from them all. That’s how good the Lord is. He saves us from our sins, gives us the privilege and honor to serve Him and His Kingdom purposes, He empowers us for the work, His Spirit accompanies and helps us to do what we cannot do ordinarily, He protects us and best of all, He uses us to bless others, to transform lives. What an honor it is to love, trust and serve the Lord! Though there may be occasions when bad things happen to godly people, but we know that God is still on the throne and He never fails. As theologian Steve Estes once said, “sometimes God permits what He hates to accomplish what He loves”. Paul tells us in Rom.8:17, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Many quote and like the first half of this verse but not the second half. In fact, I once heard a preacher speak passionately about the first part of the verse and conveniently left out the latter part! It is such preachers who “encourage” ignorant Christians to think of Christianity as a religion of receiving blessing only. As you walk with God today, be encouraged and know that when you suffer for the Lord because it is necessary to do so in your situation as you serve Him, the Lord will rescue you and let you share in his glory! Be bold and be strong, for the Lord your God is with you! Have a great day!
Today’s Bible text: “10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings-what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2Tim.3:10-15)
Pastor Barnabas Chong
Aldersgate Methodist Church
revbarnz@gmail.com
Today’s recommended video: You rescued me … Click here for YouTube link
twcdaily.com 