Good day dear friends.
Yesterday we reached sermon eight in this series about Discipleship. We studied the mark of being perseverant, that is never giving up, staying committed to our purpose to Christ Jesus in spite of obstacles or discouragement. Our text yesterday was from Luke 18:1-8, the Parable of the Unjust Judge and how we are encouraged to "pray always and not to lose heart." (v.1) Given the week we had in the life of the church family, it was most fitting. God never tires of hearing from us and we should never believe we tire God by our constant praying. Persevering is staying the course, keeping the faith and trusting God every step of the way.
Here is our study guide for today:
Monday: Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9. This is “The Shema” the declaration of faith for the people of God (Jews). How does it tie into perseverence? The part about teaching your children, does it not stress the need to teach them to persevere?
Here is that text in King James Version:
6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
Perseverance is tied into our attitude about life. Some folks naturally get up and keep going after getting knocked down. Some folks get knocked down and they stay down, hoping that someone might see them and help them up. Those who are prone to do the latter but who learn about having faith, know that God can pick us up even when life knocks us down. And so with that attitude of hope they face whatever may come their way and know they're not alone.
The Shema was a teaching, simple in form, but powerful in content so that the people of Israel could have that attitude in all they were about to face as they formed their nation. Notice what it teaches: love is important. Loving God is of the utmost importance. Notice how we are to love God: With every aspect of our life. No area of our life is to be left out of that love we should have for God. In fact, it goes on, the love of God should be what fills your heart and your heart should be so full that you naturally will teach it to your children.
Yesterday in my sermon I talked about the concert our youngest was "forced" to attend because Mom and Dad did. Our three oldest are, because of birth and upbringing, Beatles fans. Dad became one in 1964 and has owned recordings of theirs in almost every format possible, yes even eight-track (for you younger reader, please Google 'eight tracks' and see if the internet can explain that device that I was sure was going to catch on and stay in all US-made cars. As our girls grew up and asked questions about this British group, Dad would excitedly tell them what he knew about the group and the song in question. If they paid attention they know a lot about the Fab Four. Can you imagine how much your kids would know if you hold excitement and love for God as well?
Loving God is the essence of perseverence. It's involved in your talking, walking, laying down (resting) and waking up. It should envelope you and define you. And with that type of faith you will never give up no matter what obstacles or discouragement you face.
PRAYER: Gracious God, constant is Your love for us, may that love be that which completely fills my heart and envelopes my whole life. Let every part of my being be about You and how much You love me. Let me stay the course of this life journey with You regardless of the obstacles or discouragements I may feel. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
