Power to Overcome:
Standing Firm – Part 1
Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:9-14
Key Verse: Matthew 24:12-13
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
In our passage of scripture for today Jesus is preparing His followers for the last days of this earthly existence. Jesus makes it clear that many will lose their passionate love for God, falling back into wickedness. The longer this earth exists the tougher it is going to be for believers to continue fully loving God with all their heart!
This is one category of believers that will be saved: Those who stand firm to the end! I want to be found in that group of believers. How about you? When the final hour of trials and temptations has been experienced, I want to still be standing. I want my heart to be as passionate for God as ever. I want to be faithfully working for God, helping, serving and reaching out to those far from God.
If we are going to stay on solid ground until the very end, we must check the “soil” beneath out spiritual feet occasionally. We must be willing to face honest questions about our personal journey with God, answering with judgment day honesty. Each of us needs to realize how easy it is to go easy on ourselves. It is natural to ignore signs of trouble in our journey with God. The reason the “love of most will grow cold” is it is the path of least resistance. Therefore, standing firm demands daily disciplines that keep us strong. (Continued)
Father, I will give myself to the work of standing firm in you. Thank you for your help and strength to keep me from the evil one. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.