I'm Following Jesus – Page 3268 – Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Saturday, December 24, 2016
Chapters: The Book of II Timothy
Message: As Christians

Hello My Friend,

The Book of II Timothy was written by Paul to Timothy approximately 66AD, which he wrote from prison fearing he would soon be executed. The purpose of the letter was to encourage Timothy to assume the responsibility of the ministry which the apostle was handing over to him. What we are to learn from the book is that each person who lives for Christ will suffer persecution, but Christ gives them the power to endure and be a witness. “Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” – II Timothy 2:10.

As Christians, it is important that we be the godly example that the next generation needs to know Christ. We must be aware that if we are living a life that is pleasing to God, we are going to face some affliction and even wrongful persecution in our walk with Him. What are we to do? Walk in the power of Christ. Paul wrote this letter to Timothy about a year after he had given them instructions on how to get the church at Ephesus in order. While still sitting in a Roman prison, he knew his time was coming to an end, he praises Timothy for being a godly leader, encourages him not to fear what is happening to him, and the purpose was behind the affliction.

“Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:” – II Timothy 1:6-10.

“but according to his own purpose and grace,” God has a purpose and reason for each and every thing we go through, if we face affliction just for being faithful to Him and even if it is by being unfaithful, it is all used to glorify Him. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28.

As Christians, we must understand that just knowing Christ means we are at war, a spiritual war, most of the world is controlled by Satan and he will stop at nothing to cause as much havoc as he can until Jesus returns. There is nothing that we will ever go through in this life that the power of Christ cannot break. Paul encourages Timothy not to give up, and be strong as a good soldier of Christ.

“No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” – II Timothy 2:4-10.

“yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” There is no merit in striving for things if it is done deceitfully, but if we seek the will of God and follow His ways in obtaining the things we need and desire, He will gladly help us get them. While Christ can make anything happen and certainly does not need us to keep Him alive in the world, He entrusts us with His Gospel to teach to the next generation. It is not going to get easier in the world, in fact, things are going to get much worse, Paul warns us of what is to come before Christ returns.

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” – II Timothy 3:1-7.

“Having a form of godliness,” Many appear to be godly, but do not even believe in God. As we near the return of Christ people are going to be self centered, arrogant, and wicked that they will stoop to any means to get the things they want. Many of the things listed here are happening today. You know, when Paul wrote all these letters to the churches things were do bad that he swore Christ would be returning rather quickly. Now, if things were pretty bad for him to think this back then, and every generation does, can you imagine what it is like now? We are definitely getting close to perilous times, people are smarter than ever, they make self driven cars, land a rocket in the middle of space, but cannot and will not comprehend the simplicity or need of Christ. All I have to say is, be ready for the sound of the trumpets. “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” – Matthew 24:30-31.

Listen Christians, do you know how many churches gather together, worshiping God, but do not know Christ? Thousands. We who know the truth have to live it and preach it because we are all they have to hear it, I know it seems unfair that we have to carry such a burden, but if we do not boldly proclaim Christ the next generation will not know Him, and will be lost and die in hell. We have to show people that there is life beyond this life, one that has no fear, burdens, shame, sin, or sickness, one where we will see Jesus face to face. Paul was ready to meet Jesus, he knew he would see Him soon, and he did not want anyone to feel sorry for him for the afflictions he faced. As much as Paul went through, the one thing he never doubted was that Christ was right there.

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” – II Timothy 4:6-8,16-18.

“Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me,” Jesus is always with us, especially during afflictions, it may not seem like it sometimes, but He never leaves nor forsakes us, and we will come out better than we were because we will have that crown of righteousness laid before us. The crown of righteousness by the way is given to all who received Christ as their Saviour. Instead of feeling defeated when affliction comes, rejoice knowing that your faith is not in vain, that you have the victory already because you get to enjoy living with Christ in His Kingdom, and you will have the victory as you discover Christ’s strength in you. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” – Philippians 4:13.

Jesus Christ Magnified: “But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:” – II Timothy 1:10.

Today’s Prayer: God, We do not have to be a Christian to know that something is seriously going wrong in the world. Not only are we subject to constant immorality, idolatry, and false religions everywhere, we are being pushed into forsaking You or face the consequences. I for one, am tired of people telling me not to talk about You or to bow down to their beliefs, I want to be free to worship You, and live the way You want me to live. I know I am going to face affliction for choosing You, but I rather be hurt doing right than wrong. Please God, put Your hedge of protection around us, keep us safe from immediate danger, and give us the words to speak Your truths to this lost and dying world. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you, Merry Christmas.

Christina

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