Happy Thursday! It’s April 11, 2024. Ever think you’re good at something until you see someone that’s REALLY good? Then you realize that you’re just a legend … in your own mind. You recognize that you’re still an infant, a novice, and a beginner! It’s humbling, but it helps set the record straight. Likewise, we might think we’re really committed to Jesus until we meet Paul. He didn’t live a convenient faith. We realize we have a long way to go compared to his devotion! Slowly read the verses below to appreciate those who have gone before us. Read on …
Today's Reading:
1 Samuel 11,12; 1 Chronicles 1; 2 Corinthians 11
Scripture
“I have … been in prison more frequently, flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 5 times I received from the Jews the 40 lashes minus one. 3 times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, 3 times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea… in danger from rivers, bandits, my fellow Jews, from Gentiles - in danger in the city, in the country, at sea; and from false believers. I have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).
Observation
Paul makes us all look like infants in pre-school when it comes to serving Jesus. He sets the bar and recalibrates how we measure our walk with Christ.
Application
Sometimes I think that I’m suffering for Jesus … that is, until I am exposed to the life of someone like Paul and the others who have gone before us. We have an amazing “grandstand of saints” or witnesses from the past cheering us on. Hebrews 12:1 says it well:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…”
They motivate me to keep a sincere devotion to Christ. Even though we might suffer from time to time, it is nothing compared to what our forefathers and matrons of the faith endured. I have caught myself wanting a convenient faith, but in the end, that is no faith at all. I am asking God today for the strength they had so that we, in these last days, will finish the race, fight the good fight, and keep the faith!
Prayer
Dear Father, I ask for the strength that was afforded the men and women of old. The Church seems to be slipping into a convenient faith, but today, please instill in us the faith of our fathers!
Faith of our fathers, living still, In spite of dungeon, fire and sword, O how our hearts beat high with joy, Whene’er we hear that glorious word! Faith of our fathers! holy faith! We will be true to thee till death!
(From the hymn: Faith of our Fathers, Living Still)
Sign up to receive Pastor Wayne's devotions daily
