Those who come to know the Lord best are those who are called upon to walk in the difficult paths—that is, if we learn to walk in those paths with the Lord. I remember one day being in a relative’s home where there was a little “Bread of Life” stand on their dining room table. Standing in it were a number of little cards with a Scripture verse on one side and a verse from a hymn on the other. I don’t remember the Scripture, but the verse from the hymn presented me with a question: “Must I be carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease, while others fought to win the prize and sailed through bloody seas?”

Although I’ve never really suffered for the cause of Christ’s Kingdom, there has always been the idea with me that one day that will not be so. Whatever the case, the Lord has been teaching me what it will require if I should happen to remain in this life till that time of trouble comes, that time of which the Prophet Daniel told in 12:1, to which we’ve already made reference in this little book. Oh, but it is for all of us to learn the required lessons. At least, we are to give ourselves to His Spirit for the needed lessons.

The Apostle Paul presents us with great lessons in his Prison Epistles. Following is a passage from one of them. We are to become children of God’s Kingdom with qualities of that Kingdom wrought into our beings. Thus equipped, we can live in triumph through the time of trouble.

We are to put on tender mercy and kindness
as if they were our clothes.

Colossians 3:13-17¾Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
(MSG) So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

 

FATHER, my need for Your mercy continues. Thank You for all You have done for me that I really have not deserved. My cry today is for You to help me become a more merciful person. In this way I believe I can live as a child of Your Kingdom.

 

A Powerful Passage that Gives Exceeding Instruction and Hope—Psalm 18:25-36

 

 

 

 

 

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