GOD’S WORD FOR AUGUST 12

We are reading from a daily devotional  called “Running To Win” written by Erwin Lutzer  and the late, great D.L. Moody.   Erwin Lutzer is a light in our day as D.L. Moody was in his.  Besides his many ministries, and many books, Pastor Lutzer was Senior Pastor at Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years and now serves as Pastor Emeritus there.  He is  Chancelor and a former professor at Moody Bible Institute, where he taught Theology and Ministry, and now has numerous radio teachings.

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POWER UNTO LIFE

Romans 1:16

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”

D.L. MOODY

I remember some meetings being held in a locality where the tide did not rise very quickly, and bitter and reproachful things were being said about the work. But one day, one of the most prominent men in the place rose and said:  “I want it to be known that I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, and if there is ay odium to be cast on this cause, I am prepared to take to share of it.”

It went through the meeting like an electric current, and a blessing came at once to his own soul and to the souls of others.

ERWIN LUTZER

Moody lived long before the internet gave people the ability to say hurtful and harmful things about one another in a public forum.  In Moody’s day, if “harmful and reproachful” things were said about God’s servants, it would have stayed within the local community.  In our day, needless dirt is often thrown on the bride of Christ and spread globally.  Of course, skeptics use the same outlets to heap scorn on Christianity.

Even in today’s culture, Paul’s words cut like a knife to the heart of our Christian witness.  We should not be ashamed of the gospel; we dare not pull back, hide, or be silent in the midst of our confused world.  We must stand for Christ and consider criticism as a badge of honor.

As for shame, we can be glad that Christ “shamed shame” on our behalf.  We should be “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who, or the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right and of the throne of God.

How can we possibly be ashamed to be identified wit Jesus?  Though we risk criticism let us stand with our Savior and, as best we can, represent Him in a confused world.

PRAYER

Father, thank You for saving me.  May I never be ashamed of Your gospel.

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Hebrews 12:2-3

looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.   For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

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Galatians 5:1

    “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

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Ephesians 6:13-14

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

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1 Corinthians 16:13

    “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”

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Romans 1:16

    “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”

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Mark 16:15

    “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’”

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Isaiah 41:10

    “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”

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Joshua 1:9

    “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

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