DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT WEDNESDAY - THE FOUNDATION OF FAITHFULNESS. Part 2.

This was how Susannah Wesley defined "sin" to her young son, John Wesley: "If you would judge of the lawfulness or the unlawfulness of pleasure, then take this simple rule: Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, and takes off the relish of spiritual things--that to you is sin." - Resource.

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. - Heb 10:19 -25. (ESV)

Although George Whitefield disagreed with John Wesley on some theological matters, he was careful not to create problems in public that could be used to hinder the preaching of the gospel. When someone asked Whitefield if he thought he would see Wesley in heaven, Whitefield replied, "I fear not, for he will be so near the eternal throne and we at such a distance, we shall hardly get sight of him." - W. Wiersbe.

Yesterday in Part 1, we saw how our God is faithful, and we know we are not as good at faithfulness, as we would want to be. We studied the first of the principles, that will help us to achieve this... ‘SINCE WE HAVE CONFIDENCE WE CAN DRAW NEAR.’ We now study the second principle, that can be used to build our Foundation Of Faithfulness...

WE DO NOT WAVER IN THE FACE OF CONFLICT

As we draw near to God, the Apostle Paul instructs us that we should hold fast to our confession of faith, whilst it is being tested, or by the opposite opinions of our enemies. We are encouraged by this, to stay strong in our walk with Christ! Never doubt the promises of Jesus, or His teachings, or His love, or His power! Hallelujah! What an awesome God we serve!

Christ has provided a way for us, and as we draw near to God, the devil is pushed aside... Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. - James 4:7-8.

Whenever we sin, we confess it, and repent, and His precious blood washes away all sin! Whilst we are in sin, we become double-minded, not knowing who or what to believe, but when we are yielding to God, we are not yielding to the enemy! We are purified by the blood of Jesus! Hallelujah, what a provision, what a Lord and Saviour!

Harold Sherman wrote a book entitled ‘How To Turn Failure Into Success.’ In it he gives a "Code of Persistence." If you give up too easily, write this down and read it daily.
1. I will never give up so long as I know I am right.
2. I will believe that all things will work out for me if I hang on until the end.
3. I will be courageous and undismayed in the face of odds.
4. I will not permit anyone to intimidate me or deter me from my goals.
5. I will fight to overcome all physical handicaps and setbacks.
6. I will try again and again and yet again to accomplish what I desire.
7. I will take new faith and resolution from the knowledge that all successful men and women had to fight defeat and adversity.
8. I will never surrender to discouragement or despair no matter what seeming obstacles may confront me.

We do not waver, because He is faithful... No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. - 1 Cor. 10:13.

Our God is not only wise, but faithful as well, and He will measure our temptations according to our strengths. He knows what we can bear, and He will provide a way to escape; He will deliver either from the trial itself, or at least the trouble of it. He gives us full encouragement to run from sin, and to be faithful to Him.

An elderly preacher was rebuked by one of his deacons one Sunday morning before the service. "Pastor," said the man, "something must be wrong with your preaching and your work. There's been only one person added to the church in a whole year, and he's just a boy." The minister listened, his eyes moistening and his thin hand trembling. "I feel it all," he replied, "but God knows I've tried to do my duty."

On that day the minister's heart was heavy as he stood before his flock. As he finished the message, he felt a strong inclination to resign. After everyone else had left, that one boy came to him and asked, "Do you think if I worked hard for an education, I could become a preacher--perhaps a missionary?" Again tears welled up in the minister's eyes. "Ah, this heals the ache I feel," he said. "Robert, I see the Divine hand now. May God bless you, my boy. Yes, I think you will become a preacher."

Many years later an aged missionary returned to London from Africa. His name was spoken with reverence. Nobles invited him to their homes. He had added many souls to the church of Jesus Christ, reaching even some of Africa's most savage chiefs. His name was Robert Moffat, the same Robert who years before had spoken to the pastor that Sunday morning in the old Scottish kirk. Lord, help us to be faithful. Then give us the grace to leave the results to you. - Source Unknown.

LET US NOT WAVER IN THE FACE OF CONFLICT!

Loving Father, I thank you for my Lord and Saviour Jesus, and for the confidence that He gives me to draw near to you. Help me by the power of the Holy Spirit, to hold fast to the confession of my faith, in the face of conflict. I ask this in the wonderful name of Jesus. Amen.

Be encouraged!
GBYAY