A Crown of Life
"Blessed is the man that endure temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life , which the Lord have promised to them that love Him. " (James 1:12)
Someone recently told me that it is easier to accept Christ than to stay in Him. That is very true and even His disciples would agree. David would agree. Jesus NEVER promised a trouble-free life, He never said that all storms will cease. In fact, what He said is quite the opposite that His followers will suffer; from persecution to even death. Suffering is part of the deal. What He promised is that we will "overcome these things" because He too overcame them.That is why our faith should not be built on any other foundation, but in the Lord Jesus Christ.
He told us don't be afraid of these things and that the peace He leaves us is nothing like what the world gives. Its a peace that guard our heart and mind - the areas where worry and fear are birthed. He promised comfort in that area. How do we overcome? Jesus told us exactly in 1 John 5:5, "Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" Your faith is what makes you over come because "greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world".
Therefore children of God, it is important to remember always that the reward that awaits you far exceeds the suffering you endure for the sake of God's Kingdom.
Therefore children of God, it is important to remember always that the reward that awaits you far exceeds the suffering you endure for the sake of God's Kingdom.
Jesus said, "Fear none of these things which ye shall suffer: behold, the devil will cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithul unto death, and I will give you a crown of life". (Rev. 2: 10).
Moreover, Jesus promised that "He that overcomes, the same will be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels". (Rev. 3:5).
"May the love of God and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all".
G'mar chatimah tovah (may you be sealed in the book of live for good)
Too many people are looking for comfortable Christianity. There is no biblical basis for that idea. The good news is that, compared to our reward in heaven, the present sufferings of this life are but light afflictions.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right, Frank.
ReplyDeleteBlessings