Weekly Newsletter
Pastor David’s Weekly Devotional
Christians are called by God to persevere in Christ. Jesus said, “the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt.10:22; 24:13). Incredibly, Christians are also enabled by God to persevere in Christ. In the final verses of the book of Jude we read these encouraging words: “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen” (vs.24-25). God not only calls Christians to persevere, He also graciously empowers all Christians to persevere. What an amazing and vital truth!
A few years ago, Keith and Kristyn Getty remade an old hymn, “He Will Hold Me Fast.” This song powerfully expresses both our dependence on Christ for perseverance, and the faithfulness of Christ in our perseverance. Let me encourage you to read the words of this hymn slowly and prayerfully:
Perseverance is ultimately a gift and work of God, and yet we must earnestly strive to persevere. To be sure, there is tremendous mystery in this truth (see Rom.8:29-30; Phil.2:12-13; Col.1:28-29). God graciously enables us to persevere in Christ and calls us to strive for and live out that perseverance in Christ. In the end, God has ensured that we (His children) will persevere, and that He will receive all the glory for our perseverance. Be encouraged, if you are a true believer in Christ, He will hold you fast!
Together in and for Christ,
Pastor David
Scripture Readings for the Week (Monday – Sunday ~ Week #26):
Leviticus 7-9; 1 Kings 19-22; Psalms 75-77; Proverbs 7; Ezekiel 13-18; Luke 15-16; Philippians 1-2
Recommended Reading:
“Day By Day With J.C. Ryle: A New daily devotional of Ryle's writings” ed. by Eric Russell
Christians are called by God to persevere in Christ. Jesus said, “the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt.10:22; 24:13). Incredibly, Christians are also enabled by God to persevere in Christ. In the final verses of the book of Jude we read these encouraging words: “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen” (vs.24-25). God not only calls Christians to persevere, He also graciously empowers all Christians to persevere. What an amazing and vital truth!
A few years ago, Keith and Kristyn Getty remade an old hymn, “He Will Hold Me Fast.” This song powerfully expresses both our dependence on Christ for perseverance, and the faithfulness of Christ in our perseverance. Let me encourage you to read the words of this hymn slowly and prayerfully:
When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast;
When the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast;
I could never keep my hold, Through life’s fearful path;
For my love is often cold, He must hold me fast.
Chorus: He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;
For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast.
Those He saves are His delight, Christ will hold me fast;
Precious in His holy sight, He will hold me fast;
He’ll not let my soul be lost, His promises shall last;
Bought by Him at such a cost, He will hold me fast.
Chorus: He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;
For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast.
For my life He bled and died, Christ will hold me fast;
Justice has been satisfied, He will hold me fast;
Raised with Him to endless life, He will hold me fast;
Till our faith is turned to sight, When He comes at last.
Chorus: He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;
For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast.
— Original Words vv 1-2 by Ada Habershon New Words and Music by Matt Merker
©2013 Getty Music Publishing (BMI) / Matt Merker Music (BMI) (admin by MusicServices.org)
Perseverance is ultimately a gift and work of God, and yet we must earnestly strive to persevere. To be sure, there is tremendous mystery in this truth (see Rom.8:29-30; Phil.2:12-13; Col.1:28-29). God graciously enables us to persevere in Christ and calls us to strive for and live out that perseverance in Christ. In the end, God has ensured that we (His children) will persevere, and that He will receive all the glory for our perseverance. Be encouraged, if you are a true believer in Christ, He will hold you fast!
Together in and for Christ,
Pastor David
Scripture Readings for the Week (Monday – Sunday ~ Week #26):
Leviticus 7-9; 1 Kings 19-22; Psalms 75-77; Proverbs 7; Ezekiel 13-18; Luke 15-16; Philippians 1-2
Recommended Reading:
“Day By Day With J.C. Ryle: A New daily devotional of Ryle's writings” ed. by Eric Russell
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1 Comment
I love this! Such a promise! Ever since some of our studies of Paul's writings, I have felt like we need to encourage each other to stand fast. Keep the faith! Thank you for the reminder! Love your messages!