THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
It was his first Sunday as new pastor of the church. A Sunday School teacher for the 5th grade boys class was ill. So the pastor was asked to "fill in" for the teacher.
When he finally got the class settled down, he asked, "Boys, who was it that stole Laban's images?"
There was silence. No one said a word.
That afternoon, there was a deacon's meeting. The pastor spoke up and said, "Gentlemen, we have a problem. This morning I asked the 5th grade boys class who stole Laban's images. None of them could tell me."
There was silence. No one said a word.
One old deacon, who had been through many spiritual battles, was obviously a peacemaker finally spoke up. He said, "Pastor, I know all those boys in that class. If they say they didn't do it, then I believe them. So why don't we just take some money out of the benevolence fund and take care of the problem?"
<><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Rom 15:4
4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
KJV
<><><><><><><><><><><><><>
The end goal of studying Scriptures is to find the hope God has placed there for our benefit. That ultimate hope is eternal life through Jesus Christ. After having received salvation through surrender to Christ, then the Scriptures give us hope for living each day.
The Scriptures were written by God through men who had experienced and endured hardship and suffering. What we learn about God working in their lives brings us comfort.
Let's just think about three examples.
It is comforting to know that though Moses was once a murderer, God used him to deliver Israel from slavery and bring them to the "promised land."
It is comforting to know that though David was an adulterer and murderer, God used him to build a tremendous kingdom.
It is comforting to know that though Peter denied Christ, cursing and swearing, God restored him and used him to lead many lost souls to salvation.
What Moses, David and Peter endured was for our benefit. If God can work in the lives of men like Moses, David and Peter, He can also work in MY life and YOURS!
The Bible teaches us that difficulties bring patience, patience brings experience, experience brings hope, and hope makes us unashamed to tell how God works in our lives (Romans 6:3-5).
What difficulties are you facing today? Be comforted, knowing that God is with you. Experience them in patience knowing that God will bring you through them. And let the experience work hope in you so that you may share with others and give them hope.
Love ya,
Bruce
mcge3582@bellsouth.net
http://www.linktojesus.org
Let us be an example to others of patience, comfort and hope.