Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living from Wordaction of The Global Church of the Nazarene Publishing House in Kansas City, Missouri, United States "Christ's Power Enables" by Harold Wedel for Monday, 18 July 2016 with Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11
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"Christ Power Enables" by Harold Wedel
Scripture: Revelation 2:8 “To the angel of the Messianic Community in Smyrna, write: ‘Here is the message from the First and the Last, who died and came alive again: 9 “I know how you are suffering and how poor you are (though in fact you are rich!), and I know the insults of those who call themselves Jews but aren’t — on the contrary, they are a synagogue of the Adversary. 10 Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Look, the Adversary is going to have some of you thrown in prison, in order to put you to the test; and you will face an ordeal for ten days. Remain faithful, even to the point of death; and I will give you life as your crown. 11 Those who have ears, let them hear what the Spirit is saying to the Messianic communities. He who wins the victory will not be hurt at all by the second death.”’
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Suffering is difficult. Just saying the word can invoke feelings of distress, misery or emotional pain. Our world is always on a collision course between righteousness and evil, suffering is inevitable. Jesus told all his disciples, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33b).
The Apostle Paul suffered more than most for the cause of Christ and always considered it a blessing. He never complained. He confidently proclaimed, “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). He realized his inner strength to overcome any adversity came from Jesus and that His internal power was greater than any external force.
What can the Christian count on in times of suffering or persecution? Today's Scripture reminds us: Jesus knows our afflictions; Jesus knows our poverty; Jesus knows any lies about us; and Jesus knows about our sufferings.
Because He knows, we can count on His promise: "Remain faithful, even in the threat of death and He will give us life, in fact, yjr victor's crown" (author's paraphrase). Christ doesn’t exempt us from suffering; He enables us to face it victoriously.
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Hymn for Today: "Jesus will Walk with Me" by Haldor Lillenas copyright 1922, renewed 1950 by Lillenas Publishing Company, all rights reserved.
1. Jesus will walk with me down thro’ the valley;
Jesus will walk with me over the plain.
When in the shadow or when in the sunshine,
If He goes with me I shall not complain.
Refrain:
Jesus will walk with me.
He will talk with me; He will walk with me.
In joy or sorrow, today or tomorrow,
I know He will walk with me.
2. Jesus will walk with me when I am tempted,
Giving me strength as my need may demand;
When in affliction His presence is near me,
I am upheld by His almighty hand.
Refrain:
Jesus will walk with me.
He will talk with me; He will walk with me.
In joy or sorrow, today or tomorrow,
I know He will walk with me.
3. Jesus will walk with me, guarding me ever,
Giving me victory thru storm and thru strife;
He is my Comforter, Counselor, Leader,
Over the uneven journey of life.
Refrain:
Jesus will walk with me.
He will talk with me; He will walk with me.
In joy or sorrow, today or tomorrow,
I know He will walk with me.
4. Jesus will walk with me in life’s fair morning,
And when the shadows of evening must come;
Living or dying, He will not forsake me.
Jesus will walk with me all the way home.
Refrain:
Jesus will walk with me.
He will talk with me; He will walk with me.
In joy or sorrow, today or tomorrow,
I know He will walk with me.
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Thought of the Day: Psalm 149:4 for Adonai takes delight in his people,
he crowns the humble with salvation.
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Please Pray: For Faculty and Students as they prepare for full-time Christian ministry in Mozambique.
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