Walking in Spirit, Perseverance

Are you in it to win it?

Who said this?

"Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do."

Edson Arantes do Nascimento. Who? Pelé, who is widely regarded as the greatest Soccer Player of all time. What does he mean? Perseverance? Never give up. Never give in. Never forget the Prize. Never waver. Be always striving to be the Best. To Win.

When you read the Word, you will see this word, Perseverance, translated Steadfastness, Patience, and Endurance. Paul writes this in his letter to the Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians 9:23-25

"And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible."

Salvation and the Glory of God is not a cushy, floating around, not a care in the World, reality. It can be incredibly hard. Jesus tells us,,,

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." {Matthew 7:13-14}

This is one of those Passages in The Word that scares people. Scares people so much they do not read it often, dwell on it. Think about it. Many of our Churches do not even teach it. Like this one, so is this, Jesus said...

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." {Matthew 7:21-23}

That is a scary thought. Wait, what? You mean I may go to Heaven, thinking I am Saved, and be told I am a worker of iniquity and Jesus Himself will cast me out of Heaven? Yup. More people than you think. Jesus tells us this..

This is why it is so very important that you DO have a One on One relationship with Jesus. Why it is SO VERY important to be doing the things Jesus tells us to do. Why it is so VERY important to read God's Word and understand God's Way.

Oh you are going to have some, uh, issues? You are going to have some Trials and Tribulations. Jesus told us that just because we love Him and are now Adopted into the Family of God, we will, we WILL, no doubt, we WILL be Hated of the World. Jesus said this in Matthew 24:9-14

"Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."

Mark records Jesus telling us about the end of days this way in Mark 13:14-23

"But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house: And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment. But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.

For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days. And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things."

Jesus tells us "take heed." Other Translations say "be on your guard," "you must watch!," "Be careful," "pay attention." Why? Because these things WILL happen. Jesus was telling us, "Hey, this is coming, get ready. Not may. Not Possibly. This WILL happen. You can also find this depicted in Luke 21

Peter writes this in 1 Peter 1:3-6

"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness"

James said this about Patience in James 1:4

"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

Again, Perseverance, Steadfastness, Patience, and Endurance. all these things depict a long journey. Not just say a quickie Prayer and float through Life without a care in the World. Oh you will have some GREAT Times. Times of Rejoicing and Celebrations. But you will also have Trials and Tribulations. Just always remember,,

"But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord..