Jesus secret is open and available to us.
Fight the (1 Timothy 6:12) good fight. What does that mean? It means self-discipline and we know that, because (2 Timothy 2:3-6) Paul refers to soldiers, athletes and farmers. Everyone knows that self-discipline is huge in the lives of these individuals. They are never lazy and they refuse to be distracted from the task at hand. I learned from Pastor Simons that in the ancient games competitors had to sign a sworn oath that they had gone through 10 months of vigorous training – no cheating and no cutting corners. Every part of their lives was geared and strictly disciplined for the hope of the laurel crown. How do we get understanding of these practices for the Christian life? By meditation (2 Timothy 2:7) a mind-set, a focus for God-given insight. Paul reminds us (2 Timothy 2:8) to remember Jesus Christ. So many times in Psalms 119there are references to loving God’s word, meditating on it and obeying it. The Bible has the answer to every question so it is essential for us to seek the Holy Spirit’s teaching. We rob ourselves if we don’t care to own the endless treasures waiting to be unfolded to us. They are (Psalms 119:72, Psalms 119:127, Psalms 119:162) more valuable than great wealth of gold and silver.
Let’s do what Paul advised and remember Jesus. Put ourselves right there with Him - - following where He went through the villages so that we can watch, listen and learn. Did He give up because people heard His power-filled teaching and saw amazing miracles, which had never been done before. They saw the O.T. Scriptures fulfilled before their eyes but many (Luke 22:67, John 1:11) would not believe. Did He despair because of the devilish charges (Luke 11:15) hurled at Him in response to His miracles? Did he get distracted by verbal abuse and (John 8:19, John 8:41) vile insinuations? No, He did not fail (Isaiah 42:4) or become discouraged. How could He be steadfastly so self-disciplined amid all the abuse and negative forces? Because He knew something that was greater and more powerful than all of it. His secret is open and available to us. He was totally dedicated to doing (John 8:29) what His Father had sent Him to do. He knew that God’s plan and purposes could not fail and He allowed no distractions – either painful or pleasant. Are we listening? This is vital truth for us because we are constantly bombarded by hopeless voices, peddlers of fear, temptations, inclinations to depression, etc. The onslaughts can be overwhelming if we allow them to become our focus.
What is God’s Message to us at this time of the COVID-19 pandemic with its frightening variants, natural disasters happening more violently and in wider expanse than ever before and in places where they have never happened before; plus, travel and economic difficulties? O.K. Here is the message. Great peace have they who love Your Word (Psalms 119:165) and nothing shall offend them or cause them to stumble. The effect of righteousness (Isaiah 32:17) shall be peace, quietness and assurance forever. If your way seems long and hard keep your focus on the goal; remember why you are in training and listen to this from ---
Dr. M. Youssef –“An olive tree grows best in hard, rocky ground and its roots go down to find nourishment and moisture in deeper soil. It bears no fruit for 7 years but those olive berries are not very good. An olive tree must be in the ground 10 to 15 years before it produces top quality olive berries.” Maybe we can learn a valuable lesson from the olive tree.
Our part is to trust steadfastly, obey and (Psalms 91:1-8, Isaiah 54:17) fear nothing. Like the olive tree, our future perfection is a certified cheque which will be cashed (1 John 3:2) when we see Jesus. We will never (Hebrews 10:35) cast away our confidence because we know that (Psalms 138:8) the Lord will perfect that which concerns us.
Many of us are aware that the shocking events which are happening during this present time are the warning bells of God’s alarm clocks, which are sounding all over the world. We also know that these same things are significant signs of the near Coming of the Lord Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18) to Rapture His Church. So, share the comfort of His promises.
In the meantime, what is God’s instruction for us? Occupy (Luke 19:13) ‘till I come. We have the treasure (2 Corinthians 4:7) of Incarnate Deity within our earthly bodies. Therefore, as long as we live on earth, we are equipped to live on earth the Life (1 John 5:7-8) which is produced in heaven.