These words are not an exaggeration. The only reason they may not be true of us who call ourselves ministers of the gospel is not that Paul forgot or misunderstood the exact truth of them, but that we are too cautious and concerned about our own desires to allow ourselves to become the refuse or “filth of the world.” “Fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ . . .” (Colossians 1:24) is not the result of the holiness of sanctification, but the evidence of consecration-being “separated to the gospel of God . . .” (Romans 1:1).“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you . . .” (1 Peter 4:12). If we do think the things we encounter are strange, it is because we are fearful and cowardly. We pay such close attention to our own interests and desires that we stay out of the mire and say, “I won’t submit; I won’t bow or bend.” And you don’t have to— you can be saved by the “skin of your teeth” if you like. You can refuse to let God count you as one who is “separated to the gospel . . . .” Or you can say, “I don’t care if I am treated like ’the filth of the world’ as long as the gospel is proclaimed.” A true servant of Jesus Christ is one who is willing to experience martyrdom for the reality of the gospel of God. When a moral person is confronted with contempt, immorality, disloyalty, or dishonesty, he is so repulsed by the offense that he turns away and in despair closes his heart to the offender. But the miracle of the redemptive reality of God is that the worst and the vilest offender can never exhaust the depths of His love. Paul did not say that God separated him to show what a wonderful man He could make of him, but “to reveal His Son in me. . .” (Galatians 1:16).

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February 3, 2014

Lord please help me live out this song…whatever will come my way….I won’t be shaken.  When circumstances seem to be too much, I seem to only be able to see the circumstances, and wonder about my position with You. I mean if I am Your son, a man after your own heart, how can I be placed in these circumstances so often?  How can I find myself struggling over and over with the same trials with relationships, tent making, and my walk with You? I would think by now I would have achieved a certain position that would not allow me to be shaken by circumstances or difficulties.

 

And God says…”All things work for the good of those that love God and are called according to His purpose. All things work for your good…everything that occurs in your life; all the circumstances, all the difficulties, all the victories, all your achievements and failures to achieve work for your good.”

“It may not appear to be that way, when your life and daily living does not turn out the way you think it should or would like it to.  But consider that I know what is good for you, in the very long run, not just this life but the everlasting next life as well.  I know what will help make you a man after My own heart.  If I would not spare My own Son how would I withhold any good thing from you?  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own devices, and I will make your paths straight. Simply be connected to Jesus, and trust Me to work out and provide all that you need in this world.”