FASTING, PRAYING, STUDYING, AND LIVING FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD OCTOBER 21, 2021

 From: paul gage

pauljg_64055@yahoo.com

FASTING, PRAYING, STUDYING AND LIVING FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD

OCTOBER 21, 2021

 

Greetings to the Dear Saints Around the World,

 

As 2021, or any year, rolls along, we find ourselves dealing with the daily struggles of life as well as the many things in our environment that have an effect on and in our lives. These struggles are not unique to us today, though, of course, circumstances differ from one generation to the next.

 

In the "One Hundred Days of Daily Devotions," from the Conference of Restoration Elders, the scripture for today is Joshua 24 where Joshua was reminding the House of Israel of God's past blessings and guidance and challenging them to be faithful to God's Word and directions. They of course assured Joshua they would be faithful. We know the continuing saga of the Israelites in the Old World and the New, ancient times and current times. The hymn for today, is
O Jesus I Have Promised."

 

This hymn was written by John E. Bode in 1866, originally beginning, "O Jesus, we have promised," for the confirmation of his daughter and two sons in the Church of England. At that time Bode told his children, "I have written a hymn containing all the important truths I want you to remember." The hymn not only reminds us of the promises that we have made to Jesus, but it also asks Jesus to protect us from the dangers and temptations posed by the world—and it reminds us that Jesus has made promises too—that Jesus promised that we will live with him in glory if we comply with His commandments and law.

 

The text is based on a verse in John 12 following Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and his travel to Bethsaida of Galilee just before his impending passion when he shares with his disciples: “...The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor” (John 12:23-26, IV).

 

In our daily lives, may we remain true to the covenant we made with God knowing that full well, God will be true to His promises. God bless you in your daily walk to the Kingdom with Jesus.

 

Paul Gage