GOD’S WORD FOR OCTOBER 21

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.

*** ***

STANDING FIRM IN SUFFERING

“Trust in him at all times, O people.”   Psalm 62:8

D.L. MOODY

There are a good many who trust God when they see all is light and clear before them, but not in the dark. They will trust when everything is fair and bright—no opposition, no persecution or bitterness, but all smooth sailing. Well, that is walking by sight, and not by faith. We are to trust in the Lord at all times. The Lord will not have one who cannot be tried. If you are starting out in the Lord’s work, you are going to be tempted. St. Augustine said that God has had one Son without sin, but no son without trials.

ERWIN LUTZER

Suffering of any kind seems to count against God’s love for us. Whether an unexpected health crisis, injustice, abuse, or opposition because of our stand for Christ—we are easily deceived into thinking that God cannot be trusted. But it was Jesus who gave us a promise we don’t particularly like, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). That tribulation can take many different forms, but if we suffer for His name, Jesus also said, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11–12).

Suffering has a purpose; it forces us to look beyond the present world to the future world; it reminds us that life here is temporary and eternity is forever. Suffering fuels anticipation; it tests our faith, so that it will be found to be “more precious than gold” (1 Peter 1:7). Paul put it clearly, “we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance” (Romans 5:3).

PRAYER

Father, help me to trust, even when I do not understand.

*** ***

Ps 4:8

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;

For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

** *

Proverbs 15:13

A heart full of joy and goodness makes a cheerful face,

But when a heart is full of sadness the spirit is crushed.

** *

Mt 10:38

And he who does not take his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me] is not worthy of Me.   (Also in Mt 16:24)

** *

Romans 6:11– Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

** *

Phil 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

** *

Is 26:3–You will keep him in perfect peace,  whose mind is stayed on You,   because he trusts in You.

** *

Ephes 6:16

above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

** *

Heb 12:2

looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

** *

Ps 1:1-2

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, ,,,But his delight is in the Word of the LORD, and in His Word  he meditates day and night.

Published by liveinthelightofourlord

View all posts by liveinthelightofourlord