Page 2 - Good News November 2010 paper

n our journey as Christians, it is near your computer screen.
vital that we fill our hearts daily Thank God twice daily for each of
Iwith the encouragement of these 10 things as you begin your
God's Word. And though God has day and before you go to bed. Say
given us, in His Word, everything out loud: "Lord, I thank you for…"
we need to overcome all discou- Every time you think of something
ragements, weaknesses, sin, critical, replace it with a thanks-
obstacles, and Satan's attacks giving item from the list. Make
along the way, we ourselves must sure that you do not mention any
take the responsibility to apply of the negative things you are
them. Like the car we drive, we struggling with. Our mind auto-
must keep filling our tank by matically dwells on negative
following each instruction; other- things, blows small problems out person, I encourage you to
wise, we will not be able to survive of proportion and finds some- embrace the word "endurance".
emotionally and spiritually in the thing critical in even the good that Paul wrote to his young disciple
long run. Let us look at two of is happening. That is why we need Timothy, "You therefore must
these important instructions. to have our list ready, so that we endure hardship as a good soldier
can immediately replace each dis- of Jesus Christ " (2 Timothy 2:3).
1. GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUM- couraging thought with a thankful In other words, "Although endu-
STANCES. one. ring hardship is difficult, hold
1 Thessalonians 5:18 contains Continue to practice your giving onto it, because through this you
one of the most powerful instruc- of thanks for 21 days until it will grow and improve on the
tions for staying alive in our becomes a habit. You will find that inside."
spiritual journey amidst adverse incredible changes will take place The best years of my life in terms
circumstances: "In everything in your heart and your life as a of developing as a leader, and the
give thanks; for this is the will of result! most valuable lessons I learned,
God in Christ Jesus for you." happened when I worked with a
A Christian counsellor helped his 2. RUN THE RACE WITH ENDU- mission organization in northern
clients apply this Scripture to RANCE. India. One of my leaders was next
their difficult situations. And in The writer of Hebrews said, "Let to impossible to deal with. No
each case, the positive changes us run with endurance the race matter what I did, he found fault
were amazing! It is worth follow- that is set before us" (Hebrews with it. It was not easy at all to
ing his application: 12:1). He was very much aware endure. I felt like I died a thousand
Take a 3 x 5 card and write down that we are enlisted in a marathon deaths. But somehow my up-
10 things you are grateful for in race that can only be won if we bringing and my instruction about
your difficulties - perhaps in your have sufficient stamina to last the discipleship called for staying on
workplace where your boss treats entire long distance. and not giving up.
you unfairly; your service in a As Westerners, we suffer from IMAGINE THE MOMENT WHEN
ministry or church where you are lack of endurance. Our society is YOU CROSS THE FINISH LINE!
not given the important position very fluid - people move frequent- I encourage you to think often
you wanted; your marriage part- ly and surveys show that 50 about how it's all going to end in
ner who has deeply hurt or percent of engaged couples think 15, 20 or 50 years from now, when
disappointed you; the son or at least once that if their marriage your race is over. You should be
daughter who gives you so much does not work out, they will have a able to say, "I ran the race well."
trouble; etc. chance on a second one. Is it possible? Yes, it is! We have
Even if you find it difficult, try It is much easier for us to change plenty of examples of those who
hard. For example: I am grateful in our feelings, walk away, close endured to the end. Whatever
that I have a job; I am grateful that I our hearts, become bitter or give discouragements and difficulties
have the privilege to serve the up instead of enduring for the we face right now, these are not
Lord in at least a small fashion long haul. the end of the world. They are just
and help win souls for His King- It is an uncommon thing to find - in temporary afflictions. And God
dom; I am grateful that my spouse our society and in the Church - the already has given us His grace to
did not walk away from our "stickability", permanency, endu- win the victory. Don't stop; keep
marriage; I am grateful that my rance and commitment in the face running the race!
son is not on drugs; etc. of difficulty that the Bible talks [KP Yohannan - Founder and
Put this card somewhere visible - about when it comes to following President of Gospel for Asia,
in your Bible or your shirt pocket, Jesus. SEND! Volume 30, number 3,
on the dashboard of your car or Especially if you are a young 2010].

THE DUTY TO FIGHT

FOR GOD'S TRUTH

ear friends, remember what the apostles doubt. Save some by snatching them as from the
of our Lord Jesus Christ told you, that in very flames of hell itself. And as for others, help
Dthe last times [days] there would come them find the Lord by being kind to them, but be
these scoffers whose whole purpose in life is to careful that you yourselves aren't pulled along
enjoy themselves in every evil way imaginable. into their sins. Hate every trace of their sin while
They stir up arguments; they love the evil things being merciful to them as sinners.
of the world; they do not have the Holy Spirit And now - all glory to Him Who alone is God, Who
living in them. saves us through Jesus Christ our Lord; yes,
But you, dear friends, must build up your lives splendour and majesty, all power and authority
ever more strongly upon the foundation of our are His from the beginning; His they are and His
holy faith, learning to pray in the power and they evermore shall be. And He is able to keep
strength of the Holy Spirit. you from slipping and falling away, and to bring
Stay always within the boundaries where God's you, sinless and perfect, into His glorious
love can reach and bless you. Wait patiently for Presence with mighty shouts of everlasting joy.
the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in His Amen.
mercy is going to give you. Try to help those who [Jude 1:17-25, Life Application Bible, Tyndale
argue against you. Be merciful to those who House Publishers, 1988].