SOME THINGS ARE WORTH IT!

SOME THINGS ARE WORTH IT!

Rom 8:18

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

John 16:21

21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.

          Some things are just worth it! The mother giving birth stares for the first time into the face of a new life that represents her love. Her makeup is gone and her hair is askew but she smiles for the cameras because it was worth it.

          Life is like a rollercoaster ride that takes you up only to plunge you to the ground twisting and jerking all the way. It takes your breath away and gives you a headache but at the end of the line you quickly find your place in line again because it was worth it.

          Paul listed the price of his ministry. He had been arrested more times than he could count. He had been beaten and shipwrecked but he concluded that it was nothing in comparison to the glory which he would enjoy in heaven.

          As a youngster we used to sing a very old chorus which reminded us that heaven will be worth it.

It will be worth it all

When we see Jesus!

Life’s trials will seem so small

When we see Christ.

One glimpse of His dear face

All sorrows will erase.

So bravely run the race

‘Till we see Him.

Dear Lord, I’ve learned that the sufferings of this present time are simply not worthy to be compared to what you have in store for us. Let me run the race bravely. AMEN

HE KNOWS!

HE KNOWS!

Isa_63:9. "In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His presence saved them; in His love and in His pity He redeemed them: and He bare them, and carried them all the days of old."

This group was originally made up of members of Calvary Baptist Church in Bowie, Texas for the purpose of alerting them electronically regarding prayer requests. That is still its primary purpose although, with the addition of these daily devotionals, we have welcomed friends and guests. Most of what we pray for is either sickness or affliction within our church family. The scripture portion for today lets us know that Our loving God feels all our affliction.

He knows the misery and pain of illness!

Beyond the physical pain of the illness itself, there is the fact that we must temporarily assign our duties to others or else leave them undone. There is the sleepless nights and the inactivity and loneliness of the long days while our bodies recover. We become needy and fear that we are a burden to others. We become concerned that important things will not fare well without our personal attention. We feel helpless and weak. This is illness and we have all felt it from time to time.

He knows what it is like to be poor!

The pain of unemployment or “underemployment” has brought some to difficult circumstances. He knows what it is like to have nowhere to lay His head. He knows what it is like to draw coins from the fishes’ mouth, to scrape the bottom of the barrel for meal and to drain the cruse of oil of its last drop. He knows when the rent is due and the faces of our children show the pinch of deprivation. He feels it too!

He knows the pain of unfriendly friends!

He knows what it is like to see a multitude of followers dwindle to a handful. He has asked “Will ye also go away?” He knows what it is like to stand upon principles and lose companions because of it – or simply to have those leave your company who expected a product you were not manufacturing. He knows what it is like to be “unfriended.”

He knows the struggle of temptation!

He has felt the pang of hunger and desire and declared that man shall not live by bread alone. He was in all points tempted like we are – yet without sin.

Dear Jesus, I can face the afflictions of this day at least knowing that you know. Thank you for being my companion in trials and the abundant provision of my need. Come quickly to help when we need you. AMEN

I AM FULL!

I AM FULL!

Phil 4:12

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Phil 4:18

18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

          Paul had experienced both adequacy and deficiency. He knew how to respond to both conditions with grace and thanksgiving. The word “abased,” in verse 12 is literally humiliation and the word “abound” literally means “to cram full.” He had visited both extremes and found God residing at each place.

          Christmas is coming and there is almost an urgent need to have a need. I feel the pressure of it. I take pen in hand to write out my wish list and am suddenly afflicted with writer’s block! I can’t think of anything I need and I can’t decide upon anything I want. I am full and abound.

          I’ve reached the age that values those things which can’t be wrapped in pretty paper and tied up with a bow. I cherish the love of friends and kin. I never quite get enough of that. I’ll put that at the top of my list. Next will be time. Time is that soft and unhurried space without appointments or disappointments. Yes, this belongs on my list. I long for a gathering of scattered family with laughter. I can’t find a box or bow adequate for these things.

Phil 4:19

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Dear Lord, I am full of the gifts you have provided. Let me share with those who have little. AMEN